"I—" Jean began, but her voice faltered.
The king's face was a mask of contemplation, and he nodded. "We will search her chambers. If there is a stranger there, he will be found."
Jean's heart sank, her breath hitching. Salviana looked equally stricken, her hand reaching out to steady Jean.
The court seemed poised to explode, the nobles' whispered theories growing wilder with each passing second.
"I will lead the search," Alaric's voice cut through the chaos like a blade. He stood, his tall frame commanding the room's attention.
His expression was calm, but there was a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes. "I cannot have suspicious individuals lurking in the castle or working for my wife. But mark my words, if Margaretha is lying, she will face the harshest punishment."
The king nodded. "So be it. Third Prince, the search is yours to lead. We expect swift resolution."
Jean and Salviana exchanged a terrified glance as Alaric turned to leave. Lucius was hidden in Jean's quarters, and if he was discovered, the consequences would be disastrous.
Alaric's steady demeanor betrayed no hint of unease, but inwardly, he was calculating.
Whatever this search uncovered, he would find a way to protect them all—and punish those who sought to tear them down.
The grand hall buzzed with restrained anticipation as the necessary figures—nobles, knights, and guards—rose to follow Alaric's lead.
The sound of boots on polished marble echoed ominously as they began their march toward Jean's quarters.
Salviana clutched Alaric's arm, her fingers digging into his sleeve as she cast him a desperate, questioning glance.
Her golden eyes flickered with panic, but her voice was barely audible. "I hope you have a plan."
Alaric's lips curved into a calm, reassuring smile, though his black eyes betrayed none of his inner thoughts. "Of course," he whispered back, leaning slightly toward her. "Hold Jean's arm instead, will you? I need to walk ahead of you all. The crown prince must look decisive."
Salviana sighed, her grip loosening. "Alright." She smiled weakly and turned toward Jean, who looked pale and shaken. Taking Jean's trembling hand, Salviana gave her a soft, steady squeeze.
Jean's heart thundered in her chest, each beat loud and jarring against her ribs. The whispers of the gathered maids and nobles reached her ears, sharp and biting. "What could she be hiding?" "Do you think there's truly a man in her chambers?" "She's finished if it's true."
She swallowed hard, her throat dry. Her eyes darted toward the windows, where the sky gleamed a bright, cruel blue. The sun mocked her with its clarity, offering no place for shadows to hide.
Her mind raced with horrors. Lucius can't escape without being seen. If they find him… She shuddered.
The image of Lucius hanging from the gallows or worse—burned alive as punishment—invaded her thoughts.
The kingdom's justice was harsh, and harboring an outsider within the castle walls was treason.
The maids scurried out of their way, their heads bowed, but Jean could feel their judgmental stares burning into her.
She dared not look at any of them, focusing instead on Salviana's calming presence beside her.
"You'll be fine," Salviana murmured, her voice soft but firm.
Jean forced a small nod, though her knees felt weak. Her quarters loomed ahead, the door a dark monolith against the light-filled corridor.
She tried to steady her breathing, but her thoughts refused to quiet.
They'll search everywhere. There's no way they won't find him.
No secret nook or cranny is enough to hide Lucius. And if they do find him… they'll hang him. Or me. Or both.
She glanced at Alaric, walking confidently ahead of them, his back straight and his presence commanding.
He looked unaffected, but she clung to the faint hope that he had some trick up his sleeve.
As they neared the door, Salviana leaned closer, her tone gentle but firm. "We'll get through this, Alaric has a plan" she said, squeezing Jean's hand.
Jean nodded again, though her lips trembled. The sky might have been bright and clear, but in her heart, a storm raged.
And as the heavy oak door to her quarters creaked open under Alaric's firm grip, she braced herself for the worst.
The group reached Jean's chambers, the weight of anticipation thick in the air.
Alaric stepped forward with an air of authority, his hand resting on the polished brass handle. Turning to the gathered nobles and guards, he raised a brow.
"As a trusted fighter and protector of this court, I will enter first," he declared firmly.
His tone left no room for argument, and the gathered group nodded, granting their consent.
Behind him, Margaretha stood with her arms crossed, her lips curling into a smug smile. Her eyes flicked to Jean and Salviana, whose expressions wavered between nervousness and dread.
Where Jean's heart pounded with fear, Margaretha's fluttered with a different kind of anticipation. If she was right about the hidden man, Jean's fate would be sealed.
Alaric smirked at the crowd's compliance and pushed the heavy door open with ease, stepping inside. The chamber's air, damp and faintly perfumed with lavender, seemed to hold its breath.
Lucius, meanwhile, lounged casually in the dim chamber, a book in his hands. He'd found it lying on Jean's desk and had idly flipped through its pages, a small amusement while waiting for Jean to return.
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the hall outside, growing louder with each passing second. His sharp hearing caught the unmistakable rhythm of several boots—and they were headed straight for the chambers.
He frowned and cocked his head. An unannounced visit? Odd.
Deciding it wasn't worth the effort to investigate, he turned another page, his brows knitting as the scent of Salviana reached him.
It was unmistakable and brought with it a wave of concern. Lucius tossed the book aside and strode toward the door. What is she doing here?
Just as his hand reached the doorknob, he froze. His ears picked up a familiar voice on the other side.
"I'll go in first before the search begins," Alaric announced confidently.
Lucius stiffened. Search?!