Word of Genevieve's discovery spread fast. Princess Seraphina couldn't believe it - her friend Lucius, responsible for her near-death? She wanted answers.
Maximilian brought Genevieve before the council to recount her findings. Ancient texts and samples showed white hellebore, Lucius' family herb, as the toxin. All evidence pointed to him.
That night, Cedric visited Genevieve in secret. "I must catch Lucius myself. Will you help track his movements?" She agreed, wanting the truth exposed.
They reviewed customs logs, tracking a recent trip to the contaminated valley. Hoofprints there matched Lucius' mount. Cedric was certain - but capturing a prince wouldn't be simple.
The next day, Genevieve's information led Cedric and Maximilian's men into the dense forest. After a long search, they discovered a hidden cottage deep in the woods. Was Lucius hiding within... and if so, what sinister secrets would they uncover?
Cedric led the men through the dense forest, following Genevieve's clues. As they neared the hidden cottage, an ominous feeling crept over them.
Peering through the trees, Cedric spotted movement within. "There - it's Lucius. Surround the house, cut off all exits!"
Maximilian pounded on the door. "Lucius, come out peaceably. We only want the truth." But only silence answered.
On Cedric's order, they broke down the door. Inside, Lucius sat calmly beside his herb stores. His smug smile faded when confronted with evidence of his treachery.
"Why have you done this?" Maximilian demanded. Lucius sneered. "I wanted Seraphina for myself. But she chose you over her own kind."
Furious, Cedric grasped Lucius by the cloak. "Admit your poisoning before the council. Take responsibility for your crimes!"
Through clenched teeth, Lucius spat, "Never. I'll die before I bow to your Rule." A struggle ensued - would Cedric and Maximilian extract the full truth, or would the captive prince continue to resist?
Cedric and Maximilian dragged the defiant Lucius back to the castle in chains. At the royal court, Genevieve presented her damning evidence to all in attendance.
When it was Lucius' turn to speak, venom laced his every word. "I would do it all again to take what's mine. Your precious Seraphina will never be queen."
Gasps echoed through the hall at his bold confession. Maximilian declared, "For crimes of treason and assault against the crown, I sentence you to life imprisonment in the dungeon."
But Cedric came forward. "No. His poison nearly killed Seraphina. Only a harsher sentence will satisfy justice." The crowd murmured in agreement.
In a bombshell move, Cedric challenged Lucius to a duel. "If you best me, you go free. But if I win, the ultimate penalty will be carried out."
All eyes were on the combat as the fateful showdown began. Swords clashed in a fierce battle of skills and wills, but only one man would emerge the victor...
The crowd fell silent as Cedric and Lucius faced off in the royal dueling ring. Their swords met in a blur of steel, each man fighting for their lives and what they held most dear.
Lucius fought with a fierce desperation, unwilling to accept defeat. But Cedric's skills were unmatched, his love for Seraphina giving him unmatched resolve. After many long minutes of clashes and parries, Cedric saw an opening.
With a well-placed feint and lunge, Cedric disarmed Lucius. His sword spun through the air and landed pointing right at Lucius' heart. The villain knew he was beaten at last.
"Yield!" Cedric commanded, swordtip to Lucius' throat. Through gritted teeth, Lucius uttered the word. The spectators erupted into cheers for their champion.
Maximilian stepped forward. "By the terms of your challenge, the punishment is death. Any last words?" Lucius only spat at Cedric's feet. With a nod, Cedric withdrew, and Maximilian's men dragged Lucius to the gallows at dawn.
At long last, Seraphina could finally know true peace, having witnessed her tormentor brought to justiced by her valiant protector's hand. Justice and love had both been served this day.