The high chancellor dismissed the class as soon as he heard the news about the prince. Markus didn't take his eyes from Ivalyn for more than a second and her face showed no emotion. No surprise nor content.
Lady Cecilia went to her to express her sorrow regarding the prince. "Oh, Lady Ivalyn, what terrible news. How could that happen?"
To Markus' annoyance, the girl dared to fake sadness and worry. "It is indeed terrible. I just hope it is something that can be remediated."
"We shouldn't think of the worst, of course," added Allan, joining the girls, his light blue eyes showing no hint of worry. "I mean, he is the prince of this kingdom. His highness has all the resources he needs to find a cure to anything."
Cecilia stared at him before answering. "Even if he had all the world in the palm of his hand, it doesn't mean it is less tragic."
Allan made a half reverence. "Of course not, my lady. I just wanted to give my ladies hope that our beloved prince will come unscattered from this as he did from the war. Is it not so, Lord Daemon?"
The look on Daemon's face was far from pleased, frowning at the questioner. "The two are slightly different. But I don't think now is the time to wonder about such things," he continued looking at his audience, taking more to stare at Ivalyn before continuing, "we should return to our places. News will surely reach us soon."
Markus only observed the conversation, analysing the one he thought was guilty, never leaving her out of his gaze. Yet no gesture betrayed Ivalyn. Until she was at the door.
Just before leaving the room, she might have thought she was safe because one thing could Markus clearly see. Relief.
In that moment, he abruptly stood and went after her with long heavy steps, almost pushing Allan out of his way, without stopping to hear his complaints.
He could hear her voice even before reaching the door. "Dara, we have to return." Her voice sounded sickly sweet.
"Of course, my lady," the maid paused, probably gaining courage to ask a more pressuring question. "Is it true? About the…? I beg your pardon, sir! What do you think you're doing to my lady?"
Markuse had grabbed Ivalyn's arm so hard she had to turn her whole body towards him. Her eyes widened with surprise, yet she didn't utter a word, just staring in defiance.
The maid's revolted voice echoed in the almost empty hall. Only them and another dark-haired, dark-eyed maid were there.
And the revolt should have been appropriate if the lady was any other gentle raise woman. But she was not. Markus knew that too well. From the very first time he saw that woman he felt in his stomach that she was the exact replica of her father.
"It was you, wasn't it? You evil woman. That was your plan last night, sneaking around the prince, trying to catch his attention, and hoping everyone would think you wanted to seduce him."
Ivalyn smiled. The damn woman smiled before answering him. "It is better to let go, my lord."
Her word flew by him while he continued his blaming. "Everyone at the ball thought you were after the prince to try to marry him. That was your reason for the overly sensual dress which made every man lose their mind. You, you…"
He wanted to say more to hurt her in a way, but her eyes were piercing his soul. Her full eyelashes fluttered and her smile deepened, knowing the effect she had on other people but that would not move him.
"Were you one of those men?" She inquired and Markus had no idea what she meant before she added. "Did you lose your mind last evening, upon seeing that sensual dress?"
"Why you, you.."
He was about to burst, not able to control his fury and he pulled her closer, making the maid muffling a scream with her hand. If he could shoot fire from his eyes, he was sure he could burn her right there and then.
"My lord, it might be better to let go now. We have an audience."
When Markus turned to where Ivalyn nodded, he saw three figures standing by the door to the library. One of them came closer and grabbed his hand which was still tightly clinging to the woman's arm.
"That's enough, Markus," Daemon warned him. "You shouldn't accuse someone without proof."
"Proof? What more proof do you need? You know who she is!" He continued with the accusations. "There is no need for proof."
"Markus," Daemon warned him and he felt his force on his wrist.
Looking at the man, it came to Markus that the lord of the east was a great warrior, on par with the crown prince, both of whom were accredited with stopping the 20 years old war with the mariasi in the north. Challenging him was a bad idea. Especially considering that Markus looked at him as a comrade.
He finally let go of her.
"I'm sorry for my friend, Lady Ivalyn. The sorrow of hearing the news about the crown prince might have agitated him too much." Daemon found an excuse for him, while Markus just continued to frown his eyes.
The lady just nodded before turning around and leaving without a word leaving them in place for a few seconds before any of them reacted.
"That was an overreaction, Markus," Allan told him while coming nearer. "Even if you think, no, even if you know that the lady is the culprit, without solid evidence there is nothing you can do. And knowing her, she most likely never leaves any evidence."
"Evidence? Why is it that all men blame Lady Ivalyn for every bad thing? Cecilia approached with clenched fists, her eyes burning them with accusation. "During all these weeks, she had never been the person you two accuse her of. What did she ever do to receive such hate? Even the High Chancellor…"
She stopped before adding anything wrong about the chancellor and in concordance about the royal family whom he served. Like the other lady earlier, she turned around and left without saying a word, the black-haired maid following after her.
The men were left shocked by what just happened. They all knew Lady Cecilia was a kind soul who would take the side of those who receive injustice, but the Everglow girl was far from the weak person not capable of protecting themselves.
"Come Markus, we can discuss this in your study. Have a good day, my lord," Daemon said his goodbyes to Allan leaving him in the hallway with pulling the hot-headed man after him.