The return to the castle was marked with an ominous quiet. The once vibrant halls seemed to echo Leorick's racing thoughts. Seraphine had remained composed during their journey back, but he could sense her unease. She hadn't pried, respecting his need to process what had happened. However, the weight of the assassin's curse lingered like a storm cloud, pushing him toward action.
As they dismounted in the courtyard, Nyssa approached with a purposeful stride, her eyes scanning the surroundings before meeting Leorick's gaze.
"Your Majesty," she said in a low voice, "I've followed the leads you instructed. There's a pattern. This isn't an isolated attempt."
Leorick nodded. "In my study. Now." He turned to Seraphine, softening his tone. "Rest for now, my love. I'll join you shortly."
Seraphine hesitated, her eyes searching his for reassurance. "Don't carry this burden alone, Leorick. Remember, I'm here."
"I know," he said, brushing his fingers against hers before walking away.
---
Nyssa laid out several documents and a map on the desk. Red ink marked locations where suspicious activity had been reported over the past few months.
"The assassin was part of a larger network," she explained, pointing to the map. "A few operatives have been spotted in neighboring territories, all connected to your family's banner."
Leorick's jaw tightened. "My family?"
Nyssa nodded grimly. "Specifically, your uncle, Lord Eadric, and his son, Caspian. There are financial records showing large sums being funneled through obscure channels, all linked back to their estates. The assassin's curse aligns with a signature spell their family alchemist is known for."
Leorick gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles white. Eadric had always been ambitious, but this... This was treason. The betrayal burned like acid in his chest.
"What could they possibly gain by killing me?" Leorick muttered, pacing the room.
"Power," Nyssa said simply. "Eadric has always resented your ascension. Perhaps he believes your curse will weaken your claim, making you an easier target to overthrow."
Leorick stopped, his gaze sharp. "They miscalculated. If they think I'll crumble, they'll soon learn otherwise."
Nyssa raised an eyebrow. "What's the plan, Your Majesty?"
Leorick's expression darkened. "I'll confront them, but not recklessly. If they're desperate enough to attempt assassination, they won't hesitate to lie or attack again. Arrange for them to be summoned under the guise of discussing the kingdom's financial matters. I want them cornered."
---
By evening, the castle's tension had thickened. Word of the summons reached Lord Eadric and Caspian quickly, and they arrived at the great hall with feigned courtesy.
"Leorick," Eadric greeted, his voice smooth as silk. "What an unexpected honor to be summoned."
Caspian stood behind his father, his posture stiff and his eyes darting nervously.
Leorick leaned back in his chair at the head of the table, the firelight casting shadows across his face. "The honor is mine, dear uncle. I trust your journey wasn't too burdensome?"
"Not at all," Eadric said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Though I admit, the urgency of your request piqued my curiosity."
Leorick's lips curled into a cold smile. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing, don't you think? It can lead to... unfortunate discoveries."
Eadric's expression faltered, but he recovered quickly. "Indeed. Is there something specific you wish to discuss?"
Leorick stood, his movements deliberate, and placed his hands on the table. "I know about the assassin. I know about the funds. And I know about your alchemist's cursed spell."
The room went deathly silent. Caspian's breath hitched, and Eadric's calm demeanor cracked.
"You dare accuse me?" Eadric snapped, his voice rising. "Your own blood?"
"I dare," Leorick said, his voice a dangerous whisper. "Because it's true. And because I will not let treachery fester in my kingdom."
Eadric laughed bitterly. "Treachery? Your reign has been a disaster since the curse struck you. I only sought to secure the throne for the good of the realm!"
"And by 'good of the realm,' you mean yourself," Leorick countered, stepping closer. "You've underestimated me, Eadric. You thought I wouldn't find out, that I wouldn't fight back. But you've forgotten who I am."
Caspian, pale and trembling, finally spoke. "Please, Your Majesty. I... I didn't want any of this! It was my father's plan-"
"Silence!" Eadric barked, glaring at his son.
Leorick's eyes narrowed. "Enough. Both of you will be held accountable for your actions. Guards!"
At his command, armored soldiers entered the hall, their presence suffocating. Eadric's defiance wavered as the guards approached, but he straightened, his pride unbroken.
"You think this ends here, Leorick?" Eadric hissed as he was dragged away. "You think you've won?"
Leorick watched him go, his face a mask of steel. "This is only the beginning."
---
That night, Leorick sat alone in his chambers, the weight of the day pressing down on him. Seraphine entered quietly, her soft steps a balm to his weary soul.
"Did you confront them?" she asked, sitting beside him.
"I did," he said, his voice heavy. "And I exposed them. But this betrayal cuts deep, Seraphine. It's not just the act-it's the realization that those closest to me would turn against me."
She took his hand in hers, her touch grounding him. "You've taken the first step, Leorick. And you're not alone in this fight."
For the first time that day, he allowed himself to breathe deeply, leaning into her presence. Together, they would face whatever shadows remained.