Raithion entered the palace but did not go to find Soriel first. He went to the commandery offices and found Haedor having a meeting with the team of legion inspectors responsible for investigating the case in the palace.
“Your Highness,” Haedor said in greeting. The legion inspectors all saluted Raithion when he entered the large office.
“At ease,” Raithion said and moved to take the chair behind the desk. “Give me an update.”
“Two days ago, Princess Soriel found a dead palace maid in her closet,” Haedor said. “She was fast in her thinking. She sealed her room and called Lord Maenaer. It allowed us to take over the scene and the body.”
“What have you found?” Raithion asked, his fists clenched into fists at the thought of the shock Soriel had faced.
“The palace maid died of poisoning,” Haedor said. “Lieutenant Volker followed up with the coroner at the palace morgue. The poison used was belladonna.”
“Belladonna is a forbidden herb within the palace walls,” Raithion said.
“Yes,” Haedor agreed. “Someone must have smuggled it in.”
Raithion shook his head and sat back, staring at his legion officers.
“Where was the palace maid assigned to work?” Raithion asked.
“She is not on any roster,” Volker said. “We have combed through the month’s list ledgers and cannot find her usual post.”
“Every attendant in the palace has a task to complete. Otherwise, they are not meant to be in the palace,” Raithion said, holding Volker’s gaze. “It is not that she is not on the list ledger. It is that the list she is on is missing. Find the missing ledger.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Volker said, tapping his partner on the shoulder. They left the office to complete the task.
“What else?” Raithion asked.
“The girl’s family has scattered,” Haedor said. “I have two legion officers on the task, but we may need more.”
“The poison could have originated from their residence,” Raithion said. “Add in four more.”
Haedor pointed to four legion officers who got up and left after a swift salute.
“Where is Kailu?” Raithion asked.
“He is working on the inside of the palace,” Haedor said. “I had him join Princess Soriel’s guard. Your father gave him a token from Basileus Dio that allows him to move around the palace without restriction. He will reach out if he discovers something new.”
Raithion nodded, satisfied that most of the work was half done.
“I want to see this girl,” Raithion said, standing up. “Then I’ll visit Soriel.”
“I’ll take you to the morgue,” Haedor said, leaving the commandery office. “Did you succeed?”
“Yes,” Raithion said as they walked along the vast corridors of the palace, headed to the back buildings where the morgue was located. “It wasn’t easy, but he is safe.”
“For now,” Haedor said.
“Yes,” Raithion nodded. “I’ve set safeguards to help protect him in case of trouble.”
“What happened to him was a tragedy,” Haedor said.
“No, it was a betrayal orchestrated by my father,” Raithion said, self-loathing filling his heart. “I was unable to do anything for him. I owe him for a broken promise.”
Haedor sighed and did not comment.
They stepped outside and found themselves in the back gardens of the palace. The palace morgue was built in the farthest corner of the vast imperial property. They needed horses to get there. Haedor’s assistant met them with a pair of horses. The ride to the morgue was fast.
The head coroner received them with a solemn face. He saluted Raithion, acknowledging his new status in the palace.
“Report your findings to His Highness,” Haedor said when they stood before the dead girl’s corpse. She was wrapped in a white shroud and lying on a slab of ice. Her body was clean and ready for burial as soon as Raithion ended the investigation.
“We have meticulously documented everything we found on her. I’ll state the obvious first,” the head coroner said. “She died of poisoning. The contents of her stomach include a peach blossom cake. Our poison tests show that this peach blossom cake is the source of the poison.”
“How long have you worked in the palace?” Raithion asked the coroner. He looked older, already in his fifties.
“Fifteen years,” the head coroner answered.
“Do you recognize her?” Raithion asked.
“No,” the head coroner said. “But that is not unusual. My place of work is not auspicious. I run into palace maids who work in the outer wings of the palace or in the kitchen where we get our meals.”
“So, would you say she is someone who works in the inner palace?” Haedor asked.
“Yes,” the head coroner said, touching her folded uniform. “The fabric of this uniform is the answer. Expensive silk and embroidery accents are found on palace maids working in the inner palace.”
“She is not on any roster,” Haedor said.
“Then, she works for someone with enough authority to make her existence disappear,” Raithion guessed.
“Don’t burden me with such information, I like my head on my shoulders,” the coroner said. “Let me finish my report.”
Raithion hid a smile at the head coroner’s will to survive. He spent most of his morning hours listening to updates from the head coroner, who documented all the palace maid’s injuries before and after death.
***
Raithion visited Soriel in the afternoon. He needed to change and dress in a formal uniform to enter the inner palace and meet with the soon-to-be Basilinna. The process allowed him to clear his thoughts. The case facing them was simple yet complex.
On the surface, a girl was poisoned with belladonna, and her body was hidden in Soriel’s chambers. The palace guard commandery should solve the crime and bring the culprit to face justice.
Hidden, in this case, was the girl’s true identity. Her clothes belonged to the inner palace, which meant she was under the control of the Dowager Basilinna Olneth, Dio’s mother. He doubted Dio’s grandmother and aunt would want to harm Dio’s bride. Still, perhaps someone in their households worked for Olneth.
Why Olneth? Raithion frowned.
His father had evidence that the Dowager Basilinna wanted the power to control the throne. Which meant taking control of the newest Basilinna. She had tried to get Gesi Ajai’s daughter in place, but since that failed, she wanted a way to control Soriel by placing Soriel in the middle of a murder case.
Raithion smirked. Let’s see you try to control a Maenaer.
An attendant led Raithion to Rose Hall, Soriel’s residence when he was ready. He was not surprised to find Dio waiting with Soriel when he arrived.
Soriel looked beautiful in a long gold dress, the skirts shimmering in the sunlight. Her hair was brushed to perfection and restrained by golden leaves in the form of a crown. She looked lovely in her royal clothes. She sat in an armchair, her hands resting on her lap.
Raithion noted how hard she had to work at not running to hug him. She visibly clenched her hands on her lap and smiled at him.
“Your Highness,” she said with a demure tone, her gaze shifting to Dio before she smiled at Raithion. “You have returned.”
“Yes, and I received your message,” Raithion said. “Are you alright?”
“Of course she’s alright,” Dio said, getting up from the couch to stand next to Soriel. “Why wouldn’t she be?”
Raithion held his sister’s gaze, ignoring Dio’s comment.
Soriel’s brown eyes were filled with mischief. Her lips twitched, fighting a smile as she held his gaze and he sighed in relief. At least they had not broken his sister’s spirit. It would be a tragedy if Soriel turned into an uppity highborn lady.
“How long are you going to keep pretending?” Raithion asked.
Soriel scowled at him, then to Dio’s surprise, she bolted out of the chair and raced to hug Raithion. Jumping on him with her usual energy, she kissed his left cheek and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Raithion held her tight, hugging her back.
“What took you so long? Lord Haedor would not tell me where you were,” Soriel complained. “Everyone in this place wants me to start calling you Your Highness. Even Pa keeps repeating the same things. It’s been so difficult. Are you really a Commandery Prince?”
“I will always be Raith to you, Little Bird,” Raithion said.
“Oh, thank the fates,” Soriel said with relief. She held on for a moment longer, then let go and he set her on her feet. “Where did you go?”
“To fulfill a promise,” Raithion said, adjusting Soriel’s crown on her head. It was askew. “I like your crown, Basilinna Soriel.”
Soriel turned to glance at Dio who had taken her seat. She shrugged and looked at Raithion.
“He’s a good man,” Soriel said, her voice low. “I like him and want him to be my husband. Will you accept him the way you took in Nori’s Hujan?”
“I think he has to take us in,” Raithion said, pressing his index finger into her right cheek. “He’s the Basileus.”
“What a powerless position,” Soriel said, shaking her head. “He’s in trouble in this place. Someone dared to plot against us with a dead girl. It’s disgusting. He helped me escape the worst.”
“Did he?” Raithion’s brow rose in surprise and glanced at Dio, who watched them with avid interest.
“Yes,” Soriel said, taking his right hand. She squeezed it and smiled at him. “He sent his aunt to neutralize the Dowager Basilinna’s lecture. She saved me from an investigation.”
Soriel tugged at his hand, her expression full of expectation and pleading. She was talking for her new husband and it irked him.
Raithion fought a scowl and tightened his hold on Soriel’s hand. He led her to the couch and made her sit next to him.
“Raith,” Soriel started.
“I’ve heard it,” Raithion said, squeezing her hand. “Now, it’s my turn. There’s more to agree on before I commit.”
Soriel nodded and remained obediently next to him.
Satisfied with Soriel’s response, Raithion met Dio’s gaze and felt a wide chasm of anger and frustration open up inside him.
“I’m angry with you, Basileus Dio. I can’t explain what your machinations with my father cost me,” Raithion said. “You’ve made me break a promise to someone important, and now I have no way to restore the break.”
Soriel squeezed his left arm, but he ignored her.
Raithion met Dio’s gaze. “I always keep my word, and you made me break it.”
“Is this about the Sura?” Dio asked, his tone solemn to match.
Raithion clenched his jaw, his hands in fists on his knees.
“They did not deserve such a betrayal,” Raithion gritted out.
“I agree,” Dio said. “I feel the same guilt you do, Raithion. But I have no power to protect them.”
“You’re the Basileus.”
“One with fractured wings,” Dio said. “I wish I could spread them and envelope everyone in my kingdom with protection, but I can’t. I have constraints placed upon me by court ministers with more power than I. I would save the Sura if I could. It pains me to have no power to change this truth.”
“If you cannot protect others, how do you plan to protect Soriel?” Raithion asked.
Dio fell silent and it was his turn to clench his fists on his lap.
“No harm will come to her on my watch,” Dio said.
“You can’t make that promise,” Raithion shook his head. “A dead body in her chambers is already enough of a threat. It could have been her.”
Soriel gasped beside him, and Raithion sighed as he realized she had not thought of it.
Dio’s gaze remained on Soriel for another minute, then he stared at the floor, his jaw clenched.
Soriel squeezed Raithion’s left arm, she moved, getting up and walking over to Dio’s side. Raithion frowned when she turned and faced him, turning them into a unit. His little sister had grown up and dared to love a powerless Basileus.
Raithion sighed.
“Raithion,” Dio said. “I will do my best to protect Soriel. I will do everything to ensure nothing happens to her in my palace, including moving into Rose Hall. I’m begging for your support.”
Raithion frowned at the plea.
“No need to beg, little bird is by your side,” Raithion said, meeting Soriel’s hopeful gaze. “I have no choice but to give you support to make sure she survives. But, before I agree to help, I need a promise.”
“Raith,” Soriel started to protest.
“No,” Dio said, taking Soriel’s hand. “I will give the promise.”
“You don’t know what kind of promise,” Soriel said.
“It will be reasonable,” Dio said, smiling at Raithion. “Go ahead.”
“The Sura Clan,” Raithion said. “I want to protect them. I also want the chance to clear their reputation when the time comes.”
“Why?” Dio asked.
“That is my business,” Raithion said. “But if you must know, count it as helping me fulfill the promise you made me break.”
Dio held Raithion’s gaze for a moment longer, then nodded.
“You’ll have full rights over the forged silver coin case when it is time. The Sura Clan is your burden.”
“Good,” Raithion said, standing up, eager to leave. “I’ll take control of their manor in the capital and hold it under the Commandery Prince’s authority.”
Dio nodded without protest.
“What about the belladonna poisoned palace maid? ” Dio asked.
“You received the reports from the morgue,” Raithion said, standing in the middle of the room. His gaze was on Soriel. “How many enemies can you have in this palace, Basileus Dio? The one you had to defend my sister from is the culprit.”
Dio scoffed.
“Of course, you would know the truth with one glance. I have to say the Maenaer family is not easy to manage. What do you plan to do? My aunt placed the work of bringing this case to court on your shoulders.”
“Well, since we all know the culprit, we’ll have to play the entertaining drama she has planned. Don’t worry. I will make sure no one ever thinks of framing my sister with poison again.”
“Somehow, hearing you say that relieves me,” Dio said with a grin.
“I have to go,” Raithion said, turning to leave.
“Raith,” Soriel said, drawing his attention.
Raithion paused, turning to look at her. She still stood next to Dio.
They made an interesting picture.
Soriel with her sweet beauty, jet black hair long to her waist, and a royal gold dress that shimmered in the afternoon light. Dio dressed in a long white royal coat with gold embroidery sat in an armchair facing Raithion. They looked perfect together, but their union was weak. Dio needed more strength to protect his new wife.
“Visit us often,” Soriel said. “I missed you these last few days.”
“I’ll try,” Raithion said, winked at her then left.
He was in a rush to seal the home Marius Doriel used to call home. He Raithion watched Haedor seal the gates of the Doriel Manor. His trusted legion officers had searched it thoroughly, making sure no one was inside. They left everything untouched, even the food was as just as Azula’s family had left it. Haedor supervised the officers nailing the gates shut and then painted the new Draeya Commandery Prince seal on the gates. A white lion’s head with the name Maener under it. Raithion stared at it with mixed feelings.
The first time his father told him about the title, he hated it, but if it allowed him to protect Azula’s family, then he would use it to the fullest. Soft gasps from the spectators walking by caught his attention, though he did not turn to see who watched. Instead, he stood still, arms crossed, facing Haedor and the two legion officers as they worked on the door. Four legion officers guarded their horses a few feet away near the fence. The road was free for passersby, and a small crowd had gathered to watch Haedor and the legion officer work. It was only four o’clock in the afternoon.
“Prince Draeya has taken control of the Sura home. I wonder if they found more evidence of the silver forging.”
“I heard a palace maid died in the new Basilinna’s chambers.”
Raithion’s attention focused on this comment. He had only been back hours in the capital. The case in the palace was ongoing, and he had not released any information on it. So, any stories on the streets were hearsay, or…someone wanting to complete their stage.
“The Sura Clan may have tried to retaliate for their misfortune by hurting Her Majesty. She’s related to the Maenaer family after all. No wonder Prince Draeya has taken control of the Sura home.”
Raithion frowned but he made no comment to the gossip. The case of the poisoned palace maid was complicated. Haedor finished with the seal and approached Raithion.
“Should I follow up on these rumors?” Haedor asked.
“No.” Raithion dropped his hands to the sides and turned to take in the curious crowd. He did not see anyone who stood out. “The Dowager Basilinna is trying to create a path for our investigation. Claiming the Sura Clan sent an assassin to retaliate against the Maenaer family for the clan’s betrayal. She’s trying to push the negative impact of the Sura Clan’s betrayal on our family.”
Thinking about Azula’s anger when he last saw him, Raithion could almost agree with the Dowager Basilinna’s plan. However, she was not going to win this fight. Azula was not so vicious. Raithion also understood the young Sura Prince would not be bothered with revenge for the moment. Azula was probably absorbed with finding a way for the clan to survive on Sura Island. After all, all their grain came from the Lyria Kingdom. If the clan could not sail to the mainland to trade, they needed a new supplier for their grain.
Shaking his head, Raithion gave the sealed door one last glance, then urged Haedor to their horses. The team of legion officers who now followed Raithion also mounted their horses.
“Where to, Your Highness?” Haedor asked.
“We’ll need to conclude the case of the belladonna-poisoned palace maid fast. I need to control the inner palace to protect Little Bird. Get everyone working, through the night if we have to,” Raithion said.
***
Back in the commandery offices, Raithion looked around the large rectangular office and at his massive desk, which left no place for anyone to sit. He motioned to Haedor, and they got to work rearranging furniture. The massive desk was taken out and replaced with a long worktable that Raithion placed against a wall near the windows. He left the large chair in place and added a smaller desk where he could work on reports. A secondary table was moved in, along with six chairs and a bench, which was placed at the large worktable.
Satisfied with the office, Raithion began reviewing the reports already waiting for him. The Commandery operated under the Palace Military Office. Raithion called in the owners of the reports and listened to multiple briefings on cases in Genad City. Some small and straightforward, others larger and tied to influential people in the capital.
Raithion frowned. It looked like his father had placed him in an intelligence hub. The Palace Military Office was more powerful than the minister of defense’s office. It had information about everything that happened within the capital.
It looked like Dio had prepared himself in the fight against his court officials. Unfortunately, without a powerful ally and force to back him, he could not execute his ideas without turning into a tyrant. His luck was good as he had then met Thanir Maenaer, delivered with convenience by the old Basileus. Yet, Raithion could only think that his father had quite a keen fighting spirit.
His father was truly cunning, Raithion decided.
“Your Highness.”
Raithion looked up from the last report to find Lieutenant Volker from this morning standing at the door. Raithion urged him into the room with a nod.
Volker came in, followed by three of his colleagues. They had three people in custody. Two women, one young in her teens and the other older in her sixties; the third person was a man dressed in palace guard uniform.
“Continue,” Raithion said to Volker, who urged the three people to stand before Raithion’s desk.
“The girl and her mother are relatives of the girl who died,” Volker said, and Raithion noticed the young girl wince and the mother bite back a sob. The palace guard placed a comforting arm on the older woman, his jaw gritted as though enduring the worst.
“What is the girl’s name?” Raithion asked, nodding to a scribe, who was sorting out reports at the worktable, to move closer with a pen and start a new report.
“The palace maid’s name is Eden Kata. She is the daughter of Deni and Lois Kata. The older lady is Lois. Her husband, Deni, died seven years ago. Eden is the older sister of Cherry Kata. The girl is Cherry.” Volker turned to the palace guard. “Eden was engaged to Palace Guard Fidias Pallas. Eden entered the palace four days ago. Cherry, you tell His Highness what you told me.”
The girl held on to her mother’s hand as she faced Raithion and spoke in a trembling voice.
“Eden was training to be a lady-in-waiting for Lady Naeri Ajai. The Dowager Basilinna even had her learn all of Lady Naeri’s favorite foods. Eden said that the Dowager Basilinna thought Lady Naeri would be the next Basilinna,” Cherry said. “Eden was disappointed when Lady Naeri was said to be marrying into the Commandery Prince’s household. Four days ago, she entered the palace to report to the Dowager Basilinna. She hoped to be allowed to leave the palace and return home.”
“Why?” Raithion asked. “Just because she trained for Lady Naeri doesn’t mean she couldn’t serve Princess Soriel.”
Cherry glanced at her mother, then at Fidias.
Fidias dropped to his knees before the desk. Raithion sighed and urged Volker to help him up, but Fidias refused.
“Your Highness, Eden and I were promised to marry. She was twenty and had agreed to marry me and start a family. We planned to leave the capital in a month and live on my plot in Naga State, where my family grows rice. She died before we had the chance. Your Highness, please help us seek justice.”
Raithion nodded and signaled Volker to help Fidias stand. “We are working on it. Now, what time did she enter the palace?”
“In the morning, the day before Princess Soriel moved into Rose Hall,” Fidias said. “She was to meet the Head of the Palace Maids to get her state registration and a release from palace employ. We planned to meet in the afternoon, but I was called to guard Princess Soriel at the Maenaer Manor. I left Eden a message at the gate. Princess Soriel moved into the palace the next day.”
Fidias thought for a moment, then continued. “I went to her mother’s place after work to plan our move to Naga State. We didn’t know it was Eden who died until the Commandery legion officers came looking for a missing palace maid.”
Raithion nodded and looked up to see Haedor returning. “Ask someone to bring the Head of the Palace Maids. I have questions for her,” Raithion said to Haedor, who left the office.
“Mr. Pallas, did you check with the palace gates if Eden received your message?” Raithion asked.
“No,” Fidias said. “I left the Maenaer Manor and went home. Today, Lieutenant Volker brought us in a hurry. I did not stop to ask at the palace gates.”
“Volker, go see if the message is still there,” Raithion said.
Volker hurried out. Raithion invited Eden’s family to sit at the table with six chairs, and a scribe brought them cups of water. Thirty minutes later, Volker returned with Fidias’s message still sealed in its envelope.
“Should we open it?” the scribe asked.
“No,” Raithion said. “Keep it sealed and record the officer who handed it to Volker.”
Haedor returned with the Head of the Palace Maids soon after. She was a tall woman, dressed in a deep blue uniform of long skirts and a fitted bodice with intricate silver embroidery on the wrists and collar. A leather belt was tied at her waist, where a round silver medallion hung identifying her station. She nodded her head in greeting when she stood before Raithion.
“Palace Head Chalia greets Commandery Prince Draeya,” she said, her tone full of authority.
“Did you meet Eden in the morning two days before she was discovered dead?” Raithion asked, studying her expression.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Chalia said.
“What did you discuss?”
“She wanted to leave the palace and gain a withdrawal from her contract,” Chalia answered.
“Did you grant her the withdrawal?” Raithion asked.
Chalia clasped her hands tight and took a small step back. She bit her lip, and Raithion narrowed his gaze.
“Did you allow her to withdraw?” Raithion asked again.
“Y-yes, Your Highness,” Chalia said, the anxiety in her voice unmistakable.
Haedor led a team of palace scribes into the commandery office. They each held a pile of ledgers with lists of the palace maids. They got to work arranging the ledgers on the worktable and sorting them with unparalleled efficiency.
“Lady Chalia,” Raithion said evenly, “I will warn you once. Lying to me is the same as helping the culprit. Eden was murdered with belladonna. If you killed her or helped the person who did, I’ll arrest you regardless of whom you serve in the inner palace.”
Chalia gasped and took two steps back. Volker stopped her with a hand on her shoulder and pushed her into a chair as the scribes combed through the records. Finally, one found the ledger recording withdrawals and the issuance of certificates of leave and settlements for service.
“Your Highness, there is a record of Eden being issued a certificate of leave,” the scribe reported, bringing the ledger to Raithion. The scribe arranged the ledger on the table and pointed at the column with the date. It was written the day after Soriel found Eden in her chambers. The last column was signed “Chalia Leas, Head of the Palace Maids.”
Raithion thanked the scribe and placed the ledger with the letter from the gate.
“Lady Chalia, why would you sign the certificate of leave two days after Eden had died?” Raithion asked, finding Chalia watching him warily.
“Because…” Chalia began, then stopped. “I—I thought I’d get in trouble for refusing her leave until the end of the year. So… I—”
“Why would you refuse to give Eden her leave until the end of the year?” Raithion asked, noting Fidias’s angry expression at the side table.
“You seem to have no answers for me,” Raithion said, as he lifted the ledger on the table. “There was no reason to sign this ledger if you wanted to wait until the end of the year.”
Raithion looked at Haedor. “Find Kailu in the inner palace. Search Lady Chalia’s quarters. Bring everything you think is of interest in her quarters. Have Kailu detain anyone who works close with Lady Chalia.”
Haedor left, and in minutes, his team started bringing in items from Chalia’s quarters. Soon, the scribes needed to move the ledgers away as the worktable filled with boxes from Chalia’s quarters.
Raithion got up from his chair, noting Chalia’s wary gaze as he walked by her and started perusing the items on the table.
He paused by three sturdy wooden boxes. He opened them, one by one, and found a considerable stash of gold denaris. He lifted one gold denari and studied the imperial stamp on its surface before he turned to look at Chalia.
“Quite a fortune for a palace maid, even one so high-ranked,” the recording scribe murmured beside him. “Strange, but these denari are only given to palace staff who have left service. Why so many?”
Raithion smirked as he held on to one gold denari and sealed the three boxes. He asked the scribe to move them to his desk, next to the ledger and Fidias’s letter. He kept walking down and found a box filled with a wide collection of jewelry, including an array of hairpins with decorative flowers.
Raithion turned to look at Chalia again. She wore her palace uniform, but her dark hair was held in a secure ponytail, and a pink hairpin with an elaborate array of flowers. She looked like she enjoyed decorative hairpins.
“Fidias, bring Cherry closer,” Raithion said, turning to Eden’s family. He opened the box with jewelry wide and stepped away, as Fidias, Cherry, and Eden’s mother came to stand by the worktable. “Look at these and tell me if you recognize anything.”
Raithion studied Chalia, who was wringing her hands on her lap. She sat with her shoulders squared; save for the wringing of her hands, there was no other outward indication that this moment was bothering her.
A soft gasp from Cherry was all he needed to confirm his suspicion. He turned to find Cherry holding a hairpin.
“This belongs to my big sister. She wore it the morning she left home,” Cherry said, tears filling her eyes.
“Are you sure?” Raithion asked. “There could be duplicates, and she might have bought a similar one in the market.”
“I can’t mistake it,” Cherry said, offering the hairpin with both hands. “The pin has my sister’s name engraved on the back. I saw it when I helped her put it on that day.”
Raithion nodded and took the hairpin and studied it. Sure enough, Cherry was right. Eden’s name was engraved on the inner side of the bronze pin.
“You were never going to let Eden leave, were you, Chalia?” Raithion asked, turning to the Head of the Palace Maids. Clasping his hands behind his back, he glanced at the boxes with gold on his desk. “In fact, I’m afraid all the maids who wanted a certificate of leave have ended up the same way as Eden.”
“Your Highness, I don’t understand why you want to frame me,” Chalia spoke up, her eyes filled with anger.
“Oh,” Raithion said with a soft chuckle. “We’ll see. Haedor, call the doctor from the healing clinic in the palace, the coroner, and…” Raithion studied Chalia, who was now watching him with wary eyes. “The baker in the palace. The one who makes pastry for the inner palace. Meet us in the main court. Tell Kailu to take the ones close to Chalia there too.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Haedor said, and left to complete the task.
“Lieutenant Volker, I have a task for you. It involves meeting the Basileus. Can you do it?” Raithion asked.
Volker swallowed hard and then saluted with determination.
“Yes, sir.”
“Good man. Ask the Basileus to call a court meeting in the Imperial Hall. Invite the Dowager Basilinna and Princess Sanan, as well as the heads of all ministries.”
Volker nodded and turned to leave.
Raithion smiled at Chalia.
“I only have one more question for you,” Raithion said. “What happens to you when the palace ushers in a new Basilinna?”
Chalia shivered, and her fingers tightened on her lap. She would not meet Raithion’s gaze, so he turned to the scribe, who stepped forward to answer the question.
“The appointment of a new Basilinna brings a change in the Palace Maid Office,” the scribe said. “The Basilinna is expected to audit and reshuffle staff according to performance. The only exceptions are the two palace maids under the Dowager Basilinna and the Grand Dowager Basilinna. Everyone else rotates or moves to new imperial residences. Some may even leave palace service.”
“So, Lady Chalia was likely to lose her position,” Raithion said.
“Perhaps,” the scribe replied. “The palace runs on merit. Anyone who performs well is rewarded.”
“Of course.” Raithion nodded. “Thank you. Have your team move all the evidence on the worktable to the main court hall.”
***
Gesi Ajai entered the Imperial Hall with a yawn. It was almost nine o’clock at night. He had no idea what madness had seized Basileus Dio to summon the court so late. He walked down the aisle formed by tables and chairs arranged for the ministers, passed the Ministry of Agriculture’s position, and took the empty table where the Minister of Finance used to sit, at the front right of the hall.
Gesi sat, his gaze landing on Raithion Maenaer, Commandery Prince Draeya, who sat on the chairs reserved for the Palace Military Office at the very front, near the throne dais. Raithion wore a long dark coat; his dark trousers disappeared into heavy boots. His dark shirt bore silver and gold embroidery at the collar. Raithion shifted, and Gesi froze when he caught sight of the cuffs of the long dark coat. The cuffs were encircled with an intricate white lion embroidery, the new seal granted to the Draeya Prince.
Gesi was caught between awe and jealousy. His house had no crest or title. Yet, the Maenaer family now had a Basilinna and a prince who would later take on his father’s marquis title. No, he frowned. Thanir Maenaer would be made a duke when his daughter married Dio. Shaking his head, Gesi let out a soft sigh. Some people woke up with the sun shining straight into their eyes, no struggle needed.
Behind Raithion stood a tall, bulky man with an intimidating aura. Gesi wondered if Raithion collected such men to appear formidable.
The table before Raithion was laden with items, including ledgers and wooden boxes.
Gesi wondered what the new Commandery Prince was doing in the imperial court in the middle of the night, just hours after arriving in the city. It was telling that the room was filled with ministers; no one had refused the Basileus’s summons.
Soon, the hall’s administrative scribes called for order. Gesi was shocked when Dio entered with Princess Soriel beside him, followed by Dio’s grandmother and Princess Sanan, with Dowager Basilinna Olneth behind them.
Raithion stood, a fluid movement without a wasted gesture, as he greeted Dio with respect. His right hand pressed to his chest. The scribes waited for Dio and his family to settle, then turned to Raithion with varying levels of acknowledgment.
Dio stood and smiled briefly at Raithion, then addressed the ministers.
“We have called this meeting at the request of Commandery Prince Draeya. Proceed,” Dio said, and settled in his chair.
Beside him, Princess Soriel sat with all the grace of a noblewoman, though her gaze watched her brother with interest.
“Draeya Prince, why call a court meeting so late in the evening?” Firo Briale, the Imperial Tutor, asked, irritably.
Raithion rose and, ignoring Briale, turned to Princess Sanan. “Two days ago, Princess Sanan asked General Haedor to find who murdered the palace maid found in Princess Soriel’s chambers. You asked me to bring answers to the court, and I have,” he said, his tone quiet and authoritative.
“Draeya Prince is as efficient as the stories claim,” Princess Sanan said softly. “If you have answers, please share them with the court so we may be at ease.”
Raithion thanked her with a nod and stepped away from his table.
“Before we begin, I would like to ask one of the officers working in the treasury office to approach the dais,” Raithion said.
Gesi tried not to frown as panic hit him. Was this about the counterfeit silver? He glanced at Dio, but the Basileus was focused on Soriel’s right hand. Dio had laced their fingers, smiling as he squeezed her hand.
A finance officer hurried down the aisle to Raithion.
Raithion handed him a gold denari. “What are you holding?”
“A denari crafted by the Treasury,” the man said.
“Are they available to the general public?”
“No,” the officer said. “These are special gold denari given to those who leave the palace after their service. They can be kept at home or exchanged at the bureau. Small ones like this exchange for five hundred common gold denari. There is a larger size worth one thousand.”
Raithion whistled and took the coin back. “So, they’re very valuable.”
“Yes. Everyone who works in the palace hopes to receive a settlement in these for years of service.”
“And years of service determine how many you get?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the finance officer said. “The longer you work, the more you get.”
“Very good.” Raithion shook the officer’s hand. “Thank you. Scribes, record that information. I hope everyone remembers it.”
Raithion asked the finance officer to sit at his chair, which surprised the man. The finance officer tried to decline, but the bulky man who had been guarding Raithion pushed him into the chair.
Gesi Ajai hid his amusement and returned his attention to Raithion.
Raithion faced the court. “Two days ago, Princess Soriel found a dead palace maid in her chambers, hidden in the closet. Rose Hall lost confidence in palace security. I’m here to restore it, with Basileus Dio’s permission.”
“Continue,” Dio said.
Raithion nodded. “We have identified the palace maid despite an orchestrated effort to conceal her origin.”
He raised his right hand to beckon someone at the main door.
Gesi Ajai turned in his seat to see who the Draeya Prince was inviting. He had to hide his surprise when he saw Eden’s mother and sister. He had been looking for Eden to join Naeri’s entourage as she prepared to enter Raithion’s house.
What the hell were they doing here? Oh no, was Eden the dead palace maid? Unable to hide his frown, Gesi Ajai shifted his attention to Olneth, who sat next to the Grand Dowager undisturbed.
Gesi looked at Raithion and cursed under his breath when he saw Raithion watching him.
***
Raithion noted Gesi Ajai’s small movements but had no time to dwell on them. Eden’s family reached the front. They were nervous, especially Cherry, who clung to her mother’s hand and avoided looking at Basileus Dio.
“The deceased palace maid’s name is Eden Kata,” Raithion said. “She is the daughter of Deni and Lois Kata. She was sister to Cherry Kata. Eden was engaged to Palace Guard Fidias Pallas.”
Raithion bowed his head to the family. “We are sorry for your loss.”
To his surprise, Soriel also stood and bowed her head. Because she did, Dio did as well. Chairs scraped as the ministers echoed, “We are sorry for your loss.”
When the room settled, Raithion continued, noting Lois weeping into her handkerchief as Fidias wrapped an arm around her shoulders. So, he continued, giving her time to calm down.
“Eden Kata died of belladonna poisoning delivered in a peach blossom pastry and a cup of tea,” Raithion said.
“Who fed her this poison?” Dio asked, leaning forward.
“The Head of the Palace Maid Office, Chalia,” Raithion said, silencing the room. “I will provide the evidence that has led to this conclusion now.”
“Five days ago, Eden left Minister Gesi Ajai’s home, where she was training under Lady Ajai on how to run a household,” Raithion said, ignoring Gesi’s pointed look at the mention of his house.
Raithion moved to lift a book from the table where the finance officer sat. It had come with items collected by Lieutenant Volker from Eden’s quarters in her mother’s home. He held the book up for the court to see.
“This book contains Eden’s careful notes on how to make various soaps and sauces. It is signed by Lady Ajai to mark Eden’s completion of her training. I submit this to the court as evidence.”
Dio nodded to his scribes in the hall to take on the task. Raithion gave the book to one of them, who moved it to Dio’s large desk.
“Eden returned home, met her sister and mother, and stayed with them. Palace Guard Fidias Pallas visited and gave her a hairpin with peonies to propose marriage and a move to Naga State. She accepted.”
Soriel gasped next to Dio and shook her head at Eden’s misfortune.
Raithion turned to Fidias.
“Mr. Pallas, I would ask you to pick out the pin you gifted to Eden from the jewelry box on the table.”
Fidias nodded and walked to the jewelry box on Raithion’s table. He pulled out the hairpin with peony flowers and held it up for the court to see. It was not expensive, but it was elaborate. The crafter of the pin had made the pink peony in full bloom mounted on a bronze metal hairpin.
“Can you tell the court any other features that might be on this pin?” Raithion asked.
“I asked the jeweler who made it to engrave Eden’s name on the inner side of the pin,” Fidias said.
“Thank you. I submit this hairpin, as well as the jewelry box it was found in, to the court as evidence,” Raithion said.
Dio nodded in agreement, and a scribe carried the jewelry box to his table.
“What else did you plan with Eden, Mr. Pallas?” Raithion asked.
Fidias swallowed hard and said, “Since we both work for the palace, she said she would ask for a withdrawal first. She would then arrange for the family to move as I worked on my withdrawal from the palace guard office. She promised to ask for a certificate of leave from the head of the palace maids the next morning.”
Raithion nodded.
“The next morning Eden wore her engagement pin and entered the palace. According to her fiancé and family, she intended to apply for a certificate of withdrawal from the Head of the Palace Maids. So, she made her way into the inner palace. The palace guards at each entrance have her signing in.” Raithion walked to his table and got the ledger records the scribes had found for him. “I submit the two signatures Eden left at the outer palace entrance and the inner palace entrance on these ledgers into evidence.”
Dio’s scribes took custody of the ledgers and placed them on his desk.
“At this point we establish that Eden entered the inner palace to meet the Head of the Palace Maids,” Raithion said. “Mr. Pallas, did you see Eden after she entered the palace?”
“No, Your Highness,” Fidias said, voice shaking slightly. “I was assigned to a shift at the Maenaer Manor to guard Princess Soriel before her move into the palace. I left a message for Eden at the outer gate so she wouldn’t wait for me.”
Raithion moved to his desk and lifted the envelope Volker had retrieved. “Is this the letter?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Fidias said with a nod.
“Is it open?” Raithion asked, handing the envelope to Fidias.
“No, Your Highness,” Fidias said.
“Thank you.” Raithion took the unopened envelope and held it up. “This is evidence that Eden did not leave the inner palace. There is no record of her signing out, and since all palace staff leave through one gate, the gate where Fidias Pallas left a letter for his fiancée, a letter that is still intact, it is safe to say that Eden Kata did not leave the palace. I submit this envelope as evidence to the court.”
Raithion handed the envelope to Dio’s scribe. Then he urged Fidias and his family to sit on chairs arranged behind his desk by Haedor.
“At this point, I’d like to bring Lady Chalia Leas to court,” Raithion said.
“Permission granted,” Dio said.
Haedor left the hall and returned minutes later with Lieutenant Volker. They led Lady Chalia into the hall. She was still in her palace uniform, and they had not made an attempt to arrest her, so her hands were free. The expression on her face was filled with pride, as though Raithion had only called her for a simple inquiry.
The doors stayed open, and Raithion smiled when he saw his best friend, Kailu, lead three palace maids in blue uniform, the baker, the coroner, and the healer into the room. Kailu was dressed in a neat long burgundy coat, a white shirt, and dark trousers that disappeared into shiny black boots. His brown hair was in a tight ponytail, and he had a handsome, dandy face. The sword hanging on his left hip was decorative, as he had come from the inner palace, but Raithion knew Kailu was as skilled as he was with a sword.
“Basileus Dio,” Kailu said at the dais, hand to chest.
“Kailu,” Dio said with a small smile. “At ease.”
“Thank you,” Kailu said, then grinned at Raithion. “Your Highness.”
Raithion winced at the title but nodded.
“Lady Chalia,” Raithion said, nodding to the woman who now stood before Basileus Dio. “Do you know Eden Kata?”
“Yes,” Chalia said. “She was a palace maid working under the Dowager Basilinna Olneth.”
Murmurs rose in the court, and Raithion moved to his table, where he retrieved two ledgers.
“Lady Chalia, I am accusing you of murdering Eden Kata,” Raithion said. “I will provide evidence. You will have the chance to prove your innocence in the Justice Ministry.”
“Prince Draeya, I still don’t understand why you want to frame me for Eden’s death,” Chalia said.
Raithion ignored her protest and instead asked, “Lady Chalia, are you in charge of all the palace maids in the palace?”
“I manage the palace maids in the inner palace,” Chalia said. “The outer palace has its own office.”
“So, Eden Kata and all her colleagues in the inner palace refer to you in all matters.”
“Yes.”
“Did you write in these ledgers?” Raithion asked, handing Chalia the two red ledgers he held.
“Yes,” Chalia said after she looked through the two red books with neatly printed words. “These are all active maids, and this one has a list of all those who have left the palace.”
“Good,” Raithion nodded to Dio’s scribe. “I submit these ledgers as evidence of Chalia’s crime.”
Chalia frowned as the scribe took the ledgers to Dio’s table. Raithion was not surprised when Dio picked up the ledgers to read them.
“Why are they evidence?” Dio asked as he went through the lists of young women who worked in the palace.
“We’ll get to that in a moment. I would like to ask the inner palace baker a few questions.” Raithion nodded to Kailu, who urged the baker, still dressed in his white tunic and trousers with a white apron tied around his hips.
“What’s your name?” Raithion asked the baker.
“Hagas Jodan. I’m the inner palace baker.”
“Do you work closely with Lady Chalia?”
“Yes,” Hagas said. “She brings requests made by the ladies living in the inner palace. We plan meals and seasonal pastries.”
“Anything else?” Raithion asked.
Hagas frowned, then nodded. “Once in a while, Lady Chalia asks to use the kitchen for special requests from the inner palace.”
“What kind of requests?”
“Her specialty is fruit cakes,” Hagas said. “She’s the best at making fruit cakes in shapes. The most popular is the peach blossom pastry. So, the ladies in the inner palace often ask her for special fruit cakes. I take the hours off as she’s working to get more ingredients or complete unfinished tasks around the bakery.”
“When was the last time this special request happened?” Raithion asked.
Hagas counted on his fingers, then raised his right index finger. “Four days ago.”
“Four days ago,” Raithion repeated. “Princess Soriel found Eden dead two days ago. Eden entered the palace two days prior. So, the morning Eden came to the palace, Lady Chalia used the bakery to make peach blossom pastries. What time?”
“In the morning. I had to visit the market to get a fresh bushel of apples to make apple pie for Basileus Dio’s midday meal. Peach blossom pastries are baked in two hours; by the time I returned, she was done. She took them to the inner palace in a box, as usual,” Hagas said.
“Thank you,” Raithion said, inviting the baker to sit with Eden’s family.
He met the coroner’s gaze and nodded. “Now, the coroner who examined Eden, Dain Liarel, will tell us how she died.”
Dain stepped forward, neatly dressed in a black tunic, trousers, and boots, with a brown coat fastened by three silver buttons. His hair was cut short to his shoulders and brushed. He looked quite presentable as he faced Basileus Dio.
Dain nodded to Basileus Dio in respect before he started speaking.
“Eden Kata died of poisoning. She ate a peach blossom cake laced with belladonna. The contents of her stomach showed that the belladonna was ingested through the cake and the tea she drank.”
“Could she have died any other way?” Raithion asked.
“No,” Dain said. “There were scratches on the backs of her legs and heels, indicating she was dragged after she was poisoned. Bruises around the upper chest, under the arms, and on the back show she was tied with a rope and either lifted or dangled. These injuries occurred after death. I assume they were incurred as she was placed in Princess Soriel’s closet.”
A sob filled the room. Eden’s mother cried, and Lieutenant Volker helped her out through a side entrance.
“Thank you, Dain,” Raithion said.
Dain produced the coroner’s report from an inner pocket in his jacket and handed it to Dio’s scribe, then sat next to Eden’s little sister.
Three palace maids who worked closely with Chalia were brought forward. Kailu positioned them beside Chalia and met Raithion’s gaze, nodding.
Raithion crossed the room and lifted one of the wooden boxes filled with Treasury gold denari and placed it on Dio’s table. He opened the box and gasps rippled through the court. Raithion aligned the three boxes next to each other, placing the precious gold denaris on display.
“Whoa, so many,” Soriel said, her eyes wide.
Raithion met Soriel’s gaze and winked and she sat up with anticipation. Dio did the same, and it suddenly felt like he was staring at two eager puppies. Raithion shook his head and turned to the officer he had given his seat. He beckoned the man to Dio’s table.
“I need you to verify these gold denaris,” Raithion said.
The finance officer nodded and checked on the coins at the top in each wooden box. He then turned to Dio.
“These are all authentic gold denaris issued by the palace treasury,” the officer said. “It is rare to see so many in boxes like this.”
“Thank you,” Raithion invited the man to sit, and the officer hurried back to his seat at the table.
“Lady Chalia, as you’ve heard, these gold denaris are very precious,” Raithion said. “The Commandery legion officers found these boxes hidden in a hole beneath a tile in your chambers. How did you accumulate so many?”
“They came from maids who wanted to thank me for taking care of them in the palace,” Chalia said. “They were kind as they left and shared their severance.”
“Really.” Raithion moved back to Dio’s table and overturned the jewelry box with Eden’s pin beside the gold. “Do these all belong to you?”
“Y-yes,” Chalia said.
“Including this one?” He held up Eden’s hairpin.
“No,” Chalia said, shaking her head. “Eden gave it to me because she was leaving. It was a gift of friendship.”
Murmurs started again in the hall, and Raithion let them simmer for a moment, before he lifted the pin again.
“Do you know what this pin meant to Eden?” Raithion asked.
Chalia stared at him with wide eyes.
“This hairpin was a betrothal gift from Palace Guard Pallas. Mr. Pallas even had the artisan engrave her name on the pin. Do you believe she would give away something so precious? I don’t think she gave it to you. You must have taken it from her.”
“No!” Chalia screamed, startling the room. “Eden gave it to me!”
Finally, a crack in the mask, Raithion chuckled and nodded. His gaze shifted to the three maids standing beside Chalia.
“Lord Kailu, have someone search the chambers where these ladies live. I bet they have a stash of gold denaris disbursed by the treasury hidden. Bring anything else you find that is useful,” Raithion said.
“Raithion,” Dio said softly. “What are you getting at?”
“I need one more clue to close the net and everything will make sense,” Raithion said, as Kailu ran from the court.
“Your Highness,” one of the girls began, but Raithion shook his head. “We’ll wait.”
Gesi Ajai leaned forward. “Draeya Prince, you’ve painted an interesting picture this evening. Are you suggesting Lady Chalia murdered Eden Kata for a specific reason other than greed?”
“Whatever the reason,” Raithion said, pacing around Chalia and her three accomplices, “my goal is to ensure this never happens again. Do you know what is most frightening when you rely on others for your meals?”
“An assassin?” Gesi asked.
“No, a trusted friend’s betrayal,” Raithion said, thinking of Azula holding a dagger in the middle of a street, asking him if his people could trust him. Suddenly, Azula’s passionate voice filled his head.
“Twelve families are mourning the loss of a breadwinner in their homes. The pain of this loss hurts us all. So, when you walk onto our ship and promise to protect, we’ll take your word seriously. That’s who we are. The Sura takes the promise of protection with solemn belief. If you won’t be able to meet us on the same level, then it will be better if you walk away.”
At the same time, the memory of Azula dressed in white robes, his hair an odd dirty black color, clutching his father’s ashes in his arms, tears tracking down his face pushed through, chasing the happier memories away.
“Get lost!” Azula shouted at him as he stood at the entrance into his father’s house. “You broke your promises. I thought you were going to protect us, but instead…instead—”
The sight of Azula’s tears sliding down his handsome face had torn him up inside, still did even now. “Those blades I gave you, consider them blades of doom. Draeya General, you wield nothing but blades of ashes. I never want to see you again. Get lost!”
Raithion swallowed the bitterness that filled his mouth at the memory of Azula’s pain. All that pain was caused by the man now daring to ask him questions. He turned away from Gesi Ajai and faced the ministers of the court.
“It is very painful when you trust someone with your family, their lives, their well-being, and then they stab you in the back and bring disaster,” Raithion said, barely able to hide his anger. “There’s no cure for such a wound.”
Gesi stared at Raithion for a full minute, then turned to look at Olneth.
“Draeya Prince are you saying there are friends who would betray Basileus Dio in the palace?” the prime minister asked.
“Oh, did I say that?” Raithion asked lightly. “I’m pointing out how the ‘friendship’ between Eden and Chalia brought us here.”
When Kailu returned, it was thirty minutes later, and he looked shaken to the core. The scribes following him carried three bags filled with gold denaris.
“The gold was found in holes under their beds, similar to Lady Chalia’s hiding spot,” Kailu said, glaring at the young girls standing next to Chalia. “There is more. We searched the compound where their house is and found an enclosed yard hidden in tall trees. It looked overgrown, but when we followed a small path, we found a sealed well. There are bones in the well. I invite the coroner to visit there.”
Dain got up and excused himself, leaving with one of the legion officers.
Kailu handed one of the gold bags to Raithion. Raithion moved to upend the contents on Dio’s table. Next to the gold, belladonna flowers fell out.
“Stop.” The healer hurried up the steps to stop Raithion from touching them. “Those are poisonous. They are belladonna flowers, mixed with dried berries. It’s very poisonous, Draeya Prince. Don’t touch.”
The healer took a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully returned the belladonna to the bags with the gold, securing the cloth bags so that no one else would make a mistake.
“The poison is found,” Raithion said, glancing at the girls next to Chalia. He suspected they were suspicious of each other. One of them had placed the poison in the gold to keep others from stealing.
“You are indeed responsible for Eden’s death,” Raithion said, looking at the girls and Chalia.
The three maids fell to their knees, shaking their heads. Chalia remained standing, her fingers bunched her skirts tight.
“Which of you will gain leniency for the crime?” Raithion asked, standing in front of the girls. He watched them for a moment, then crouched before the one who trembled most.
“Why did you kill Eden Kata?” he asked, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
“Because she was l-leaving the palace,” the girl said. “Lady Chalia said no one would miss her. She was getting so much money from her certificate of leave. Chalia promised to share her payout. We were just waiting for when the investigation ended.”
“Have you done this before?” Raithion asked, then narrowed his gaze at her. “Don’t lie. We’re already at this point. If you want to help yourself, you need to tell the truth. What is your name?”
“Viessa Beidi. I entered the palace two years ago. I only started working for Lady Chalia six moons ago. She assigned me to her team when Kena, the girl who was to leave six months ago, applied for her leave. It wasn’t until later that I understood what happens to any of the maids who ask for leave. Especially those without family waiting for them.”
“What happens to the girls without family?” Raithion asked.
“They die,” Viessa said with a sob. “I heard it started when one of the girls died of an illness. Lady Chalia was given her severance money to disburse to her next of kin, but when she found out the girl had no family, she discovered she could keep the gold denaris with her. From then on, any one of us who dies without a clear next of kin, she took the severance pay. For the ones who want to leave, but have no visible ties, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She grows belladonna in a patch hidden in the thick forest in the closed off part of the compound where we stay. She bakes it into the peach blossom pastries. Our job is to make sure the girls disappear and are not found. It’s just that, it’s just that, Eden… Lady Chalia said that she had to die. She knew too much.”
“Liar,” Chalia said, turning to slap Viessa before Kailu could stop her. “You’re making things up.”
“I’m not making it up,” Viessa said, hysterical as she held on to her right cheek. “You said it was best to get rid of Princess Soriel by putting Eden’s body in her chambers. That way we would still have control of the inner palace. You said…”
Raithion straightened up and met Chalia’s gaze. “Did you do this for the gold or under someone’s order?” Raithion asked Chalia.
She stared at him, then scoffed, shaking her head. “You know I can’t say who asked me to put Eden in the Princess’s closet.”
“I don’t need you to,” Raithion said with a small smile, holding her gaze until she gasped and fell to her knees.
Raithion turned to Dio and Soriel.
“You asked me why the list of palace maids is evidence,” Raithion said. “If you look at the last entry on the list of leaving maids, what does it say?”
Dio opened the ledger, and Raithion hid a smile as Soriel looked at it with him. She pointed to where Chalia had signed her name.
“It says ‘Eden Kata’ granted certificate of withdrawal,” Dio said. “The date is the day after Soriel discovered Eden in her closet. Chalia signed her name at the end. But… there is a red dot after the signature.”
Raithion nodded and glanced at Chalia. “Can you count how many red dots are on that ledger?”
Dio remained silent as he read the ledger, then Soriel started counting next to him. Her eyes widened when they reached close to fifty red dots.
“So many,” Soriel said with a shocked whisper, her horrified gaze shifting to Olneth. “But… how could it go unnoticed?”
Raithion nodded and looked at Chalia.
“Someone kept you in place to clean up,” Raithion said, meeting Chalia’s wary gaze. “You worried that with Princess Soriel’s entry into the palace, your usefulness would end. You would no longer be able to collect your bounty as usual.”
“I wasn’t wrong,” Chalia said, sounding tired as she let out a soft scoff. “Look, with this one discovery, you’ll clean out the palace service in one go. I doubt any of the old staff will survive the coming purge. I will say that you’ve really played a good one, Draeya Prince. Wiping us out in one big wave, you’ve really opened the stage for your sister.”
“So, it seems,” Raithion said, hoping this would be enough of a painful lesson for the Dowager Basilinna. He turned to face Princess Sanan. “Princess Sanan, have I answered your question?”
“Yes, Draeya Prince,” Sanan said, with a wide smile. “You’ve lit a bright, wide path for us to clean out the inner palace. I am very grateful to you.”
“The case is laid out, and the culprit is accused,” Raithion said. “Basileus Dio, I seek justice for the Kata family and Eden’s fiancé.”
“Certainly,” Dio said. “Chalia is under arrest for the murder of Eden Kata, along with Viessa and the two ladies next to her. Chalia and the three implicated maids are remanded to the Justice Ministry for arraignment at first light on charges including murder, conspiracy, and theft of palace treasury settlements. As of this moment, all the palace maids working in the palace are under the direct care of Princess Soriel. The new Basilinna will take charge, and all will answer to her without question.”
Raithion brought his hand to his chest.
“Draeya Prince,” Dio said. “The commandery office shall make sure that all the palace maids who have suffered under Chalia and her accomplices receive their honors and commendations, including Eden Kata and her family. I trust that you will make sure all the orders of redress to these families are carried out. Make sure the families affected receive the deceased’s effects, see to the rites, and restore dignity to the victims. My office will fund all Eden Kata’s funeral rites.”
“I will make sure it is done, Your Majesty,” Raithion said.
Dio took in a deep breath and stood up, facing the room. “Let every court official know, the crown shall remember, and repair injustice rendered. No servant of this court is disposable, and no crime within and outside these imperial halls is beyond the reach of light. Let it be known. Court is adjourned.”
****
Two days later, Raithion stood with Soriel at the palace gates as they watched an elegant hearse drive out, heading to Eden’s home. Cherry and Fidias stopped before Raithion.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Fidias said to Raithion with a solemn nod. He was dressed all in white, just like Cherry, whose eyes were swollen from crying too much. “We would never have known what happened to her without your help.”
“Here,” Raithion said, handing Fidias a small wooden box with Eden’s hairpin. “This should be returned to you.”
“Thank you,” Fidias said.
“These too.” Soriel handed Cherry a box filled with Eden’s severance pay from the treasury office. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m sure your sister would want you to live a good life. Take care of your mother, and if you ever need anything, you’ll find a small token inside that will help you come find me.”
Cherry swallowed her tears back and nodded, unable to speak. The hearse was a distance away, so Raithion waved the carriage they had given to the family for their journey closer.
“Alright, go so that you don’t delay the funeral,” Raithion said when the carriage stopped a few feet away.
Lois was already inside the carriage, so Fidias helped Cherry into the carriage before he followed her in. Raithion closed the door for them and stepped back to stand next to Soriel. They watched the carriage leave in silence, then, when it was a distance away, Soriel gripped Raithion’s right arm.
“How do you think Dio has managed to live in such a dangerous place for so long?” Soriel asked quietly, turning to look at the large white-stone palace, with its extensive gardens, arched entrances, and opulent furniture. “This is a nest filled with vipers.”
“Are you afraid?” Raithion asked, patting her hand.
“No,” Soriel said with a smirk. “You’ve always called me Little Bird. Days ago, I discovered that Dio’s Adertha Family uses a griffin as a crest. A legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. So, if he is the lion, I will be the eagle. Eagles attack vipers. Raith, do you think I can peck the eyes out of the vipers in this palace?”
“I think you can,” Raithion said with a small chuckle.
“Then, support me as I do it,” Soriel said. “I have started cleaning out the palace maids. The ladies Mom assigned to me have taken control of the important parts: the kitchen, the warehouses with food, and housekeeping. At least we don’t have to worry about poison.”
“Next is the administration office,” Raithion said. “The dowager will want to control the information you receive. Come on, I’ll show you something.”
Raithion took her to the commandery office compound. At the back, where there were training grounds, Raithion stopped by a group of ten women in dark uniform. They turned and saluted when they saw him.
“Meira, Vanya,” Raithion said, and two of the women stepped forward. “Greet your new master.”
Soriel grinned as the two soldiers moved before her and lowered their heads.
“Meira and Vanya run this unit,” Raithion said, handing Soriel a small whistle shaped like a bird. “The team will stay hidden and help you carry out any sensitive tasks. Don’t scare Dio with them. He is still the Basileus and may be wary of a Basilinna with a small army.”
“I know what to do,” Soriel said, taking the whistle.
“Meira will stay in the open, while Vanya in the shadows,” Raithion said. “They know how to reach me if you need me in an emergency.”
“Okay,” Soriel grinned and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “You’re the best brother a girl could ask for.”
Raithion hugged her for a moment, then let go and dismissed the team. Meira remained by Soriel’s side. She would be Soriel’s bodyguard from now on. He was about to head to the office when Haedor came running.
“Lord Raith,” Haedor said, looking panicked. “Lady Maenaer says that if you don’t show up at the manor in the next hour, she will submit a protest to Basileus Dio.”
Raithion frowned. “What will she be protesting about?”
“Your wedding, Lord Raith. You forgot that you’re getting married to Lady Naeri. You’re supposed to get the bride,” Haedor said, reaching for Raithion’s left arm. “Excuse me, Princess Soriel, I have to get him back home.”
“I’m not going,” Raithion said, refusing to move even when Haedor pulled on his arm. “She can deliver herself to the manor. Why do I have to act like I’m eager for her to enter my house?”
“Your mother was sure that was what you would say,” Haedor said, scowling at him. “So, I’ll repeat what she said verbatim: ‘Raith, a groom should at least show up for the ceremony in their own house. If you embarrass me in front of our guests, I will make you kneel in the ancestral hall for ten days. See if I’m scared of a Basileus for keeping you away from your duties.’”
Soriel laughed, and Raithion scowled at her.
“Don’t scowl. It’s a happy day.” Soriel held his right hand and started leading him back to the palace exit. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home, big brother. My sister-in-law is coming to our Maenaer house. If you won’t collect her, we should at least meet her at the family hall for the ceremony.”
Raithion grumbled and allowed his sister to lead him out of the palace. Haedor looked too relieved for his comfort. In a daze, Raithion soon found himself back at the manor. After an afternoon filled with unbearable preparation activities, the next morning dawned, and his wedding day arrived.
His residence at the manor was separate from the main house, set directly behind it. It had already been arranged by his butler, Daron, and the two housekeepers, Aryn and her sister, Sira, with Sharia, Daron’s son, acting as a butler’s assistant. His mother pushed them into getting Raithion ready for his wedding. Since he had refused to collect the bride from Gesi Ajai’s home, he was to wait in the main hall and greet guests as they arrived.
In a blink, Raithion stood in the main hall of the manor wearing a knee-length, fitted formal coat in the finest black brocade, featuring gold metallic embroidery at the shoulders and cuffs that caught the light with every shift. A stand collar framed his jaw, and ornamental front closures finished the coat. It was worn with tailored white trousers and matching boots with gold embroidery. His hair was brushed and left to fall down his back. Kailu and Haedor stood on each side of Raithion. They were witnesses to the marriage, but Raithion looked at them as wardens. His mother was afraid he would bolt from the hall, and she had placed his strongest legion officers next to him to keep him in check.
Shaking his head, he tried not to sigh, but when the bride appeared at the entrance of the main hall, he took a step back, only to be stopped by Kailu and Haedor, who each placed a hand on his shoulders.
Naeri’s family had gone all out. She was dressed in an embroidered two-piece red gown with a matching sheer veil; the full skirt and bodice worked in gold thread. Her wrists were decorated with gold bangles, and she walked slowly under the weight of her dress.
Naeri made a beautiful bride, and when she smiled it was difficult to look away, but Raithion only felt a chain wrapping tightly around his heart when she looked at him. With each vow he made before the audience, the chain wound tighter.
By the time Dio stood in the large hall to toast his wedding, Raithion was ready to drown his future in the taste of the most potent wine he could find. His thoughts were firmly focused on a Sura clan prince named Azula, whom he had never even gotten to kiss.
***
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