Chapter 3: The Trap Set for Alaric
The weight of Sir Rowan's revelations lingered over Alaric like a veil. Edwin's private meetings, the creeping erosion of his authority, and now, the murmuring nobles who questioned his fitness to lead—everything was beginning to fall into place. Alaric understood that his cousin was not just after the estate, but for his own reputation. Edwin was a serpent, biding his time, waiting to strike when it would be most damaging. And now, that moment had come.
For days, Alaric kept his cousin under tight watch. Sir Rowan's network of spies, albeit limited in number, were faithful, and their reports began to give a clearer picture of Edwin's actions. Meetings at inns far from the estate, hushed chats with crucial officials in the kingdom's finances, and secret letters exchanged with nobility who had formerly been close allies of Alaric's father. Edwin's network was enormous, and its reach went into places Alaric had not anticipated.
One evening, as Alaric sat in his study, a knock came at the door. It was Sir Rowan, his face furrowed with worry. He went inside, slamming the door firmly behind him.
"My lord, I have troubling news," Sir Rowan replied, his voice low. "It seems Edwin has taken his plan a step further. He is no longer content to undermine you in secret. He's moving against you in the open."
Alaric's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Sir Rowan hesitated, then placed a folded piece of parchment on the desk before him. "This was intercepted by one of my men. It is a copy of a report being prepared for the royal treasury. It accuses you of embezzling cash earmarked for the kingdom's defense."
Alaric's blood ran cold. He scooped up the parchment, his gaze skimming the deadly words. It was a thorough statement of claimed withdrawals taken from the royal treasuries under Alaric's name. The report said that substantial sums of money had gone missing over the preceding several months, all tracked back to him. There were fraudulent signatures, forged documents, and a trail of evidence that had been methodically manufactured to point to Alaric's guilt.
"This is Edwin's doing," Alaric hissed, slamming the parchment down. "He's framing me."
Sir Rowan nodded grimly. "It appears so, my lord. The accusations are severe. If they reach the king's ears before we can prove your innocence..."
Alaric arose abruptly, pacing the room. He had always known Edwin was dangerous, but this? This went above petty jealousy or rivalry. This was a planned attempt to destroy him entirely.
"He wants to ruin me," Alaric muttered, his voice taut with wrath. "If I am accused of stealing from the royal treasury, the Valemont name will be dragged through the mud. I will be stripped of my rank, exiled—if not executed."
Sir Rowan studied him intently. "We must act swiftly. We need proof of Edwin's betrayal, anything that would expose his lies before the king's court."
Alaric clinched his fists, the weight of betrayal pushing down on him. "How long until this report is presented to the court?"
"A matter of days, my lord. We must find a method to delay the proceedings, or better yet, stop them entirely."
Alaric's mind raced. He must not allow Edwin to succeed, but discovering proof of his cousin's plot would not be easy. Edwin was careful, hiding his footprints at every step. The faked documents were impressive, and individuals participating in the plan had presumably been paid well to remain silent.
"We need to confront him," Alaric stated at last. "If we can catch him off guard, he might slip, reveal something that will expose his guilt."
Sir Rowan's brow wrinkled. "It is a risk, my lord. Edwin is cunning. He may have expected such a move."
Alaric knew Rowan was correct, but they had little choice. Time was running short, and the accusations against him were too terrible to ignore. If they waited too long, the harm would be irrevocable.
The next morning, Alaric sought for Edwin in the big hall of the manor. His cousin was, as always, playing the role of the attentive family member, conversing with some of the nobility who had arrived for a conference. As soon as Alaric came, the room fell into an unsettling quiet. All eyes turned to him, knowing the animosity that had been seething between the two cousins for weeks.
"Edwin," Alaric said, his voice firm but tinged with rage. "A word, if you will."
Edwin turned slowly, his face a mask of polite interest. "Of course, cousin. What troubles you?"
Alaric beckoned for him to follow, leading him out into the courtyard where they could converse in privacy. The instant they were alone, Alaric rounded on him, wrath blazing in his eyes.
"I know what you've done," Alaric replied, his voice low but full with menace. "You think you can frame me for theft? You believe the Valemont name will fall because of your lies?"
Edwin blinked, faking innocence. "I'm afraid I don't understand, Alaric. What are you accusing me of?"
"Don't play games with me!" Alaric snapped, coming forward till he was within inches from Edwin. "You've been planting false evidence, spreading lies, and manipulating the court. You want to see me destroyed so you may take my place. Well, I won't allow that happen."
Edwin's smile was slow, controlled. "Cousin, I think you've misunderstood the situation. The evidence speaks for itself. If funds have gone missing, it is not I who will be answering to the crown."
Alaric's hands balled into fists. He wanted to strike Edwin, to wipe that smug smirk from his face, but he held back. Violence would only serve Edwin's objective, exposing Alaric as unstable and incapable to govern.
"You may have fooled others, but you won't fool me," Alaric snarled through tight teeth. "I will find the proof I need to expose you. And when I do, I will personally see you booted out of our family—forever."
Edwin's smile grew. "I wish you the best of luck, cousin. You'll need it."
Without further word, Alaric turned and walked away, his heart throbbing in his chest. He had been right all along—Edwin was a snake, and now, the trap had been set. But Alaric wasn't finished. He would not fall that easily. He would fight, tooth and nail, to safeguard his family's name and legacy.
And Edwin would pay for his treason.