DANIEL SAT SILENTLY AS HE READ THROUGH THE DOCUMENTS. Paula waited for him patiently while fidgeting with her dress. She had wanted to tell her nephew everything for a long time, but she knew he would need concrete evidence to believe it.
After she had received word from Henry about Magnolia's plans and what happened between her and Daniel, she decided to step forward with the information she had.
Her heart ached that he had to find out about the past like this, especially while going through his recent loss, but he needed to know where his loyalty should be.
"And you have interrogated this man yourself?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, he was the only survivor, it took a long time to locate him" Paula said. "Everyone else involved in your parents' accident is dead. It appears this man fled before the king's men could reach him."
"You have put yourself through great danger to get this information, Aunt Paula." Daniel clenched his jaw.
"I don't regret anything, he needs to pay for his crimes," Paula said with a firm voice, not leaving room for any doubt.
Daniel felt guilty for dismissing her when she tried to tell him a few months ago. She could have gotten hurt while gathering this evidence, or worse. He quickly brushed off the thought.
"And these are the documents related to the Gottanlichs?" He pointed to the other pile of papers.
"Yes," Paula answered. "The Van Konigls and the Gottanlichs have been allies and friends for centuries. Since they both opposed the king's second marriage, they were both targeted." She pulled one of the papers and placed it on top. "Of course, the Gottanlichs suffered the most since the first queen was one of them."
Daniel read through the paper before crumpling the edge in his hand.
"So, it was the late Baron Saknas."
"Under King Titus' orders." Paula wore a sympathetic expression. "The king approves all their moves."
The thought of Magnolia's brother calling the king a murderer came to his mind.
"So, Geoffrey's…" Daniel could not even bring himself to finish the sentence.
Paula did not answer either. There was no need for words really, everything was as clear as day.
"I am sorry, Aunt Paula, but I would like to be alone for a bit."
"Of course, this is a lot to process." She pushed to her feet. "Just know that I am here for you, Daniel. Anything you need."
"Thank you."
The office was suddenly as silent as a tomb. Daniel's eyes roamed around the documents on his desk.
'How could I be so blind?'
He held his forehead in his hands and closed his eyes. He stayed like that for a long time, immobile, with thousands of thoughts torturing him.
Rage started brewing inside him, but his mind was clear. He knew exactly what he needed to do. He pushed to his feet and stormed out of his office.
"Your Grace." The butler was the first to cross paths with.
"Jasper, have them prepare a carriage. I am leaving for the capital." Daniel ordered. "And call Henry and Laya."
"Right away, Your Grace."
"You are traveling to the capital, right now?" Paula approached her nephew with fast steps.
"Yes, I think matters cannot wait."
"Daniel, you are not one to rush to things unprepared." Paula's face was pale and worry was painted all over it.
After everything Daniel had just learned, she feared what he might do once he met the king.
"Why don't you take a few days to think things through?"
"Don't worry, Aunt Paula, I won't do anything hasty." Daniel cupped her face gently. "I just want to speak with him, ask him a few questions and see what he has to say."
Paula sighed. "Please be careful." She placed her hand on his.
"Are you seriously traveling to the capital in the middle of the night?" Henry asked as he approached the duke, Laya was on his heels.
"Yes, so you take care of things here," Daniel said. "I hope you don't mind accompanying me, Laya."
"Of course–"
"Like I would let you go without me," Henry snapped.
"Henry, how many nights have you spent at your house after your wedding?" Daniel asked.
"One," Laya answered quickly, earning her a glare from Henry. She just shrugged it off.
"I will go to the capital with you, Daniel." Henry insisted.
They all knew that he was planning on meeting the king. After seeing the evidence that Paula brought with her, it was only a matter of time until Daniel went to confront him.
The duke sighed. "Fine. Let's leave as soon as the preparations are done. Inform Victor as well, a dozen knights should be enough."
"Barely enough if you are going to confront the king," Laya said.
"On the contrary, I don't want him to feel threatened. I am only going to speak with him," Daniel clarified.
Henry and Laya exchange a look, but they did not say anything. Even Paula knew that the speaking might turn into swords clashing at any moment, depending on how the king reacted.
"The carriage is ready, Your Grace," the butler announced.
"I'm sorry I'm leaving as soon as you have arrived." Daniel threw his aunt an apologetic look.
"It's alright, just come back safely." He nodded at her before leaving. "May the Gods protect you," she uttered.
'May the Gods protect us all.'