The detective lifted his gaze from the book he was reading as we stepped into the library. The guards I hadn't noticed before, began to close the door as Prince Marcus ushered me into the room. My frustration from dealing with Celine and her clique was washed away as curiosity filled its fading place.
Sitting in a nearby seat I rested my tired limbs.
"Greetings to his royal highness, Prince Marcus Kingsley, and her royal highness Princess Rebekah Northwest." Detective Adam awkwardly said with a clumsy bow. His hands were stiff at his sides as he glanced around the room.
"You may rise, detective." Prince Marcus lightly said.
"Forgive my clumsiness your majesties, but I'm not a man well versed in royal etiquette." He stated as he placed the book in his hand back on the shelf.
"No need for formalities, detective. You may speak freely in our presence." I said with a small smile.
His shoulders relaxed. "Be that as it may, your highness, I hope you do mind my sudden visit during such a happy time in our kingdom. I wish you both a happy and bright future ahead as you lead us into a new era."
His words brought were that of a simple man oblivious of the kingdom's current situation. The approval and disapproval of the citizens were still equally matched at fifty-fifty.
"Not to be rude, detective but what business do you have here at the palace? Is there a new lead in my sister's case?" I inquired. My patience for small talk is nonexistent.
"There is a small lead in the case. But that is not the only reason I am here. I'm here to ask your highness a few questions about your whereabouts the night Lady Lizzy went missing. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to meet with you until now." He replied with a glance in Prince Marcus's direction.
"And what circumstances could have prevented him from carrying out his duties? Is there something I should know?" I tilted my head to look at Prince Marcus. He sat quietly at my side.
"You needed time to grieve and come to terms with your loss. I felt it necessary to keep the detective away until I knew you were ready to meet him so that there wouldn't be any need for you to worry over the things that are out of your control."
"And having this discussion the night we get engaged seemed a more appropriate time to have this talk?" I whispered, uncomfortable with discussing our concerns in front of the detective.
"No, it is not. However, I was not the one that called him here. It seems he found an object at the crime scene that he would like you to see. That is why he's taken this opportunity to meet with you." He explained.
Tiredly sighing I turned my attention to the man patiently waiting for us to end our discussion.
"Please have seat detective. I will answer any questions you may have." I gestured to the vacant seat.
Taking a few pieces of paper laying around and a discarded pen, detective Adams scrunched his brows together in focus as he said, "We have reports from eyewitnesses at the Northwest manor that you were there on the afternoon of November 17th and you had met with the victim as well as the madam of the manor and Lady Scarlet. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Can you please state why you visited the manor and if the victim was alive before and after your visit."
"On the mentioned date I was escorted to the Northwest manor -to meet my mother- who had requested to see me. She wanted to spend some quality time with her children and make amends after the recent events following the last failed ball." I lied. My mouth was unwilling to utter the truth.
"And my sister was alive when I had arrived and as well as after I had left."
He scribbled on the paper in his hand before moving on to his next question. His eyes stared into mine as if looking into my soul. "Would you say that your visit that day was a pleasant one? Or was there any misunderstanding between you and the victim?"
"No there was none."
"I see. Then can you explain why the victim was asked to leave the room you were reportedly having your family gathering and left alone in the empty halls of the manor?" Taken aback at the accuracy of his question I furrow my brows together. It felt as if he knew I was lying.
Digging my nails into the palm of my hand I replied, "Our mother had asked her to leave the room. But I do not know the reason. And Lizzy was unharmed and alive during that time."
I felt a hand prying open the tight fist I had made. I tried to remember if one of the maids had been around when I was with my mother and Scarlet. Or if someone else was present. But I could not remember anyone besides us being there.
So, who had given him this piece of information?
And much did they know?
Humming in response I tried to remain calm as he moved on to the next question on his mental list.
"What time did you return to the palace? And did you meet the victim before you left?"
"After meeting with Scarlet and my mother I had immediately left the manor and returned to the palace between six and seven in the evening. I did not meet with Lizzy before I left. At the said time I was more focused on returning to the palace." I sincerely said, recalling the night I clutched my throbbing cheek with a dazed look in my eyes as I quickly made my way back to my room -where I would later spend the following days locked away. A time I wished I had done things differently.
"And you're certain you did not make any detours on your journey back to the palace and only traveled from the Northwest manor to the palace?"
"Yes, I'm certain I returned to the palace and did not make any unnecessary stops along the way. You can confirm this information with the driver who was tasked with taking me to the Northwest manor, to begin with." I replied in frustration.
"There is no need for that. Your story matches that of what I already know, your majesty. If you do not mind, there is one other statement we received that I would like you to provide me with some clarity." He said with a serious tone.
I nodded, unable to trust my voice right now. Hoping that it would be over soon.
"We received an anonymous message saying that you had returned to the palace that night with a red, swollen cheek while muttering to yourself -this isn't real. It can't be true. It's not my fault- while wandering the halls. This brings forth a few questions. How did you get injured? What had you done that night to force you to reassure yourself that it was not real? Why did you lock yourself away until after the body was found? Did you play a role in the death of your sister? Did you help kill her?" He demanded. His voice went higher with each word. Like a madman driven to find the truth, he disregarded status and rank.
His accusatory tone startled me as I downed my head to conceal the surprised look on my face. Prince Marcus wrapped his arms around me and buried my face into his chest. Trying to protect the frail woman he thought I was
"What are you doing? Is this an interrogation? Are you implying that Rebekah would kill her sister? Do have any solid evidence- other than an unknown messenger- to support such an accusation? Keep in mind I allowed you to visit the palace and ask your questions without interference but now I suggest you get to the point. Your blunt disregard for my fiancée's situation is not welcomed in my palace. Choose your words wisely to not upset her again." Prince Marcus angrily growled as held me closer. His chest rumbled with each word he spoke.
"Forgive me, your majesty. I meant no disrespect. I was simply following the only lead I have." He curtly said, bowing his head.
Inhaling Prince Marcus's musky scent I pressed my hand against his chest trying to get him to release me. Reluctantly letting me go I said, "It seems you have been fed, false information detective. I did not return with any marks, nor did I say such silly words upon my return. What reason could I have to kill someone in such a cruel way? Much less my sister. And to answer the other part of your question I simply could not cope with the responsibilities of becoming the new queen candidate and had chosen to resolve my issues by isolating myself in my room to recover. It was a mere coincidence that I had been convinced to leave my room around the same time Lizzy was found." I lied once more.
The fact that I was lying to keep the truth a secret was almost laughable. Yet I couldn't bring myself to tell I stranger what had happened.
"Thank you, your highness. This information has provided me with some clarity on the case. It seems we were following a lead that was created to harm you. I sincerely apologize to you if I have brought up any unpleasant memories and for wrongfully accusing you. I believe it is time I take my leave." Detective Adams said as he rose from his seat. Doubt swimming in the pools of his eyes. He didn't believe a word I had said.
And if not for Prince Marcus's warning he may have kept pushing on the matter until he got the answer he desired. Hoping that I would be the one to lead him to our mystery killer.
"Before I leave, do you know who this belongs to? It was found near your sister's body. We almost didn't notice it since it was covered in mud." He took a small object wrapped in paper out of the pocket of his pants. unwrapping it he held it up for me to see.
Keeping my voice steady and an apologetic smile on my face, I stared at the white pearl earring dangling from his hand. The brilliant white with gold wires shaped into a flower was the favorite pear of earrings of one woman in the entire kingdom. These belonged to her and her alone. it being the only pair in Awa.
The sparkling jewelry mocked me as I said, "No I do not know who it belongs to."
Nodding he left the library as I released a shaky breath, whispering one sentence under my breath.
"That earring belongs to my mother."