Three days later, Lexzandra and Elara make their way back to the guild after receiving a discreet message from Ethan. The market buzzes with its usual activity, but Lexzandra's mind is focused solely on the forthcoming meeting. She clutches her cloak tightly around her, the anticipation building with each step.
As they enter the familiar jewelry shop, the clerk nods and gestures for them to proceed to the back room. Lexzandra's heart pounds in her chest, a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through her veins. Elara stays close, offering silent support.
Inside the dimly lit room, Ethan waits, leaning against a wooden table scattered with parchments and ledgers. He straightens as they enter, his expression unreadable. "You're here," he begins, acknowledging them with a slight nod. "I've gathered the information you requested."
Lexzandra takes a seat, her eyes fixed on Ethan as he lays out several documents. "What did you find?" she asks, her voice steady but filled with urgency.
Ethan glances at Elara before speaking, "It's more than just mismanagement. Lady Irina has been embezzling funds meant for the princess's palace and diverting them into her own accounts. She's been doing this for years, using a network of loyal servants and falsified records to cover her tracks."
Lexzandra's eyes widen, and she leans forward, examining the documents Ethan presents. "This... this is incredible. I suspected corruption, but not on this scale."
Ethan nods. "She's quite clever. Most of the transactions are small enough to avoid detection but frequent enough to accumulate substantial sums over time. Additionally, she's been selling off palace resources and pocketing the profits."
Elara gasps, her hand covering her mouth. "How could she get away with this for so long?"
Ethan sighs, spreading out the documents on the table. "Lady Irina has been extremely careful, covering her tracks well. She has powerful allies in the palace, people who benefit from her schemes and turn a blind eye to her actions. The money she's been siphoning off hasn't just been lining her own pockets; she's been distributing it to key figures within the palace, ensuring their loyalty and silence."
Lexzandra's eyes narrow as she scans the documents. "Who are these people?"
Ethan points to several names listed in the document. "Here. These are some of the servants and officials who have been receiving payments from Lady Irina. They range from high-ranking advisors to lower-level staff. By keeping them well-paid, she's bought their loyalty and ensured that they cover for her."
Lexzandra's anger flares. "This is unacceptable. These people are supposed to serve the royal family and the kingdom, not their own greed."
Ethan nods. "It's a delicate web she's woven, but with these documents, you have the evidence you need to expose her. Just be prepared for resistance. Those who benefit from her schemes won't go down without a fight."
Lexzandra takes a deep breath, steadying herself. "We have to act swiftly. The longer we wait, the more time she has to cover her tracks or retaliate."
Ethan hands her a leather-bound folder containing the evidence. "These documents should be more than enough to prove her guilt. But remember, bringing this to light will cause a lot of upheaval. Be ready for the fallout."
Lexzandra stands, her resolve firm. "Thank you, Ethan. You've done a great service today."
Ethan nods curtly. "I'm doing this for Elara, and because corruption like this affects everyone in the kingdom. But be careful. If Lady Irina gets wind of this, she'll come after you."
Lexzandra feels a shiver run down her spine but maintains her composure. "We understand. Thank you again."
___
When Lexzandra reaches the princess's palace, a cacophony of voices greets her. Servants are rushing about, looking anxious and uneasy. At the center of the commotion stands Lady Irina, her face flushed with anger and her voice sharp as she berates a group of servants.
"Where is she?" Lady Irina demands, her eyes blazing. "Where is that spoiled brat?"
At that moment, Lady Irina spots Lexzandra entering the courtyard. She turns on her heel, marching towards her with a predatory glare. "And just where do you think you were sneaking off to, Lexzandra?"
Lexzandra stands her ground, her chin lifted defiantly. "I don't need to explain my movements to you, Lady Irina."
Lady Irina's eyes narrow to slits. "You insolent girl! How dare you report lies to the emperor about me? About the ledgers? Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Lexzandra feels a surge of righteous anger. "I told the truth. You've been embezzling funds meant for my palace. The evidence is undeniable."
Lady Irina's face twists with rage. "You dare accuse me? You have no idea what you're talking about. I've been nothing but loyal to this family, unlike you, who have been a constant source of embarrassment."
The argument escalates, their voices rising. Lexzandra stands firm, not backing down despite Lady Irina's fury. "I know exactly what I'm talking about. And I have every right to ensure that the palace is run honestly and justly."
Lady Irina raises her hand, her expression murderous. "You need to be taught a lesson, you insolent wretch!"
But before she can strike, a commanding voice cuts through the chaos. "What is the meaning of this ruckus?"
Everyone falls silent and turns to see King Theodore standing at the entrance to the courtyard. His presence is imposing, his eyes cold and stern as he surveys the scene. The servants quickly bow and step aside, creating a path for him to walk through.
Lady Irina, ever quick to adapt, lowers her hand and adopts a look of feigned distress. She moves towards the king, her voice trembling with false victimhood.
"Your Majesty, I am so glad you are here. Lexzandra has been spreading false accusations about me, trying to undermine my position and cause trouble within the palace."
King Theodore's eyes narrow as he glares at Lexzandra, his expression one of stern disapproval. Lexzandra feels anxious, wondering if he sees her as the one at fault.
Lady Irina, sensing her advantage, lets out a dramatic sigh and allows tears to well in her eyes.
"I have always been loyal to this family," she continues, her voice quivering. "Yet I find myself constantly misjudged and maligned. The ledger that Your Majesty saw is false. I never took any money. Lexzandra is simply trying to tarnish my reputation with these baseless lies."
'What a great actor! She could win the Oscars.'
Lexzandra can no longer hold her tongue. She steps forward, her voice firm. "Father, I cannot stand here and listen to any more of these baseless lies. Is the ledger I provided not enough evidence?"
The king's gaze softens slightly but remains stern. "Lexzandra, while the ledger you provided does raise questions, I cannot punish Lady Irina based solely on that. More concrete evidence is needed."
He signals to his secretary, Master Aldric, who steps forward with a stack of documents. Lady Irina, her tears now flowing freely, continues to protest. "Your Majesty, please, I beg of you. Do not be swayed by her accusations. She has always had a penchant for creating trouble."
Lexzandra's frustration builds as she watches Lady Irina's performance. "Father, I have more evidence. These are documents from trusted sources outside the palace. They detail exactly how Lady Irina has been siphoning funds and deceiving everyone."
She hands over the documents that Ethan provided, watching as King Theodore and Master Aldric examine them closely. The king's eyes widen as he reads, and even Master Aldric looks taken aback.
"This is far more detailed and damning," the king murmurs, his expression darkening. "Lady Irina, these documents show a clear pattern of embezzlement and deceit."
Lady Irina's facade of tears and helplessness crumbles as she realizes how deep in the mud she is.
Her face pales, and she struggles to maintain her composure. "Your Majesty, these documents must have been fabricated. Someone is trying to frame me. It must be Lexzandra. She has always been jealous of my position."
Lexzandra steps forward again, her voice steady. "Your Majesty, these documents were obtained from reliable sources. If you investigate further, you will find that every claim is backed by truth. Lady Irina has been using her influence to divert funds for her own use, leaving the princess's palace underfunded and neglected."
The king's expression is one of deep contemplation. He turns to Master Aldric. "Ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. If what these documents claim is true, then Lady Irina will face the consequences of her actions."
Lady Irina, sensing the walls closing in around her, makes a last desperate attempt to shift the blame. "Your Majesty, please! Lexzandra is manipulating everyone. She's always been rebellious and difficult. She's trying to undermine your trust in me to elevate herself."
Lexzandra shakes her head, her eyes filled with determination. "This is not about rebellion or jealousy. This is about justice and ensuring that those who misuse their power are held accountable. Lady Irina has betrayed the trust placed in her, and she must face the consequences."
The king looks at Lexzandra, a mixture of pride and concern in his eyes. "Very well, Lexzandra. If your claims are substantiated, justice will be served. Master Aldric, commence the investigation immediately."
Master Aldric clears his throat, stepping forward with the stack of documents. "Your Majesty, I have already conducted a preliminary investigation based on the ledgers the princess provided."
The king and Lexzandra both turn their attention to Aldric, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern.
"What did you find, Aldric?" the king asks.
Aldric adjusts his glasses and begins, "The ledgers indicate significant discrepancies in the allocation of funds. Resources meant for the princess's palace were diverted to accounts and properties linked to Lady Irina. Additionally, several transactions were made to entities that do not exist or are fronts for personal enrichment."
Lady Irina gasps, her face draining of color. "This is preposterous! Those documents must be forged!"
Aldric continues, ignoring her outburst. "Moreover, I found that the conditions in the princess's palace are indeed far below the standard expected. The funds allocated for the maintenance and welfare of the princess were grossly misappropriated."
King Theodore's expression hardens. "Lady Irina, the evidence against you is overwhelming. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Lady Irina, her voice quivering with desperation, says, "Your Majesty, I swear, I did not do this. Someone is trying to frame me!"
Lexzandra steps forward, her voice calm but resolute. "Father, this isn't just about the money. It's about the betrayal of trust and the negligence that has affected not just me, but everyone in the palace."
The king nods, his gaze shifting between Lexzandra and Aldric. "Master Aldric, continue your investigation and ensure that every corner is examined. Lady Irina, until this matter is resolved, you are to be confined to your quarters."
Lady Irina's eyes widen in shock and something called indignation. "Your Majesty, you cannot do this!"
The king's voice is final. "I can and I will. You will remain under house arrest until the investigation is complete."
Aldric steps back, nodding to Lexzandra, who feels a sense of relief wash over her. The battle is not yet won, but this is a significant step toward justice.