The doctor stood up, he looked nervous around the people watching this whole drama.
"I'm sorry but the count is dead and it seems that he was poisoned."
The whole world was spinning in front of my eyes, I had to grab something stable in order not to fall, so I leaned against a wall.
Poisoned? Lorcan was poisoned?! Why?! How?! I instinctively looked at the prince. Was that his doing? Has he stolen another person from me? I walked on shaky legs. I wanted to kneel next to Lorcan as well yet I didn't want to add to the drama. I need to hold back.
"What do you mean poison?" Jay said it out loud. Then he looked at prince Moreta.
"The last thing my father drank was the wine the prince offered to him." Jay stood up. Lady Ashling started to sob and Tod was trying to comfort her.
"That is a ridiculous assumption." The prince answered and everyone could see how angry he was.
"Assumption, your offer, your majesty has just been rejected and you were threatening our father with consequences." Tod almost shouted while kneeling next to his sobbing mother.
"I won't let that offence slide, no matter how shocked you are. I will not allow my name to be tarnished. You have no evidence." The prince raised his voice as well.
I could hear all the people whispering behind my back, some of them looked with contempt at the prince.
"Then let God decide about justice." Tod stood up and approached the prince. "I Tod Wermonth challenge you to a duel. A duel to the death."
No, was all I could think. That Moreta monster was experienced in combat. Tod had zero chances to win against him.
"You want to fight in a combat against me?" The price smirked. " I don't want to add to your mother's misery, boy."
"Are you afraid, your highness?" Tod's voice was firm and unmoved.
"Fine boy. Tomorrow at noon. Make time to say goodbye to your family." The prince turned around and left accompanied by two servants and his cousin.
Lorcan's servants came as well, they covered the body and carried him away from the ballroom.
Count Krolack announced the ending of the party and expressed his deepest sympathy to Lorcan's family. I was still standing at the wall not sure what I should do now.
"Kian, come with me." Tod grabbed my arm and I followed him out. I wasn't fit for any conversation, everything seemed to be blurred. Tod helped me to get into the carriage and we moved. He was sitting next to me and I could feel his strong arm holding mine.
"I'm sorry for your loss." I finally managed to say.
"Thank you, Kian. Rest."
He held me and I suddenly felt tears rolling down my cheek. I was crying without making a single sound, my body was shaking slightly and Tod was patting my back.
The carriage stopped and we walked out.
"Where did they take him?" I asked Tod.
"He is here, in a small chapel."
"Can I see him?" I looked at Tod and he nodded in agreement. I could see his pained expression.
The chapel was very small indeed, some candles were already burning and Lorcan with pale face and bluish lips was lying on a table in the middle of this small room.
It all looked so unreal. I touched his cold hand, the same one that was hugging me warmly and giving me a spanking. I gently brushed my fingertips along his lips. I couldn't believe that this strong man, who just hours ago made love to me, kissed me and threatened me not to look at any other man, was now dead.
My heart was full of emotions, I hated that man, I feared him, I loved him and now I missed him. I couldn't believe what happened. From one minute to another Lorcan was gone. Just like that, just like my whole family all because of that monster. I couldn't hold it in anymore. I wasn't sobbing, I was crying loudly and I couldn't stop. Everything that ever mattered to me was taken away by that damn prince. The tears and my uncontrolled noises were filling the small room. On the verge of my consciousness I heard two men talking.
"Tod, let him grieve. He needs that. They spent a few years together. Kian needs a moment." It was Jay talking to Tod who was standing with a gloomy expression. I heard their steps and I was left alone.
All the memories I made with Lorcan flooded my head. From the very first ride on his horse along the bridge, to our first night. The happy moments when I felt cherished to the very ones that I hated to recall. All his punishments, acts of jealousy and threats. Our relationship has never been simple. He never told me he loved me, I was precious, I was spoiled, I was given anything I wanted but he never actually said he loved me. But I guess he did. In his very own way. That harsh, tough and sometimes cruel man cared about me. Now he was gone. In all that shit that happened to me after the fall of my kingdom I managed to make a sort of a stable life at his side, now it was gone. I was all alone now.
Right I was still a slave of the Wermonth house, I guess I belonged now to Lorcan's wife. Yet I didn't care. I wanted Lorcan back. I had to admit right now that I wanted him back.
I knew it was impossible. The only thing that was possible was the death of that damn prince. I knew he will kill Tod tomorrow. The prince was like ten years older, he was experienced and probably stronger.
I whipped my tears, I was crying my eyes out and actually maybe this was a chance given to me by god. My chance for justice. All I need to do is kill that prince, no matter what happens to me later I can manage to fulfill my revenge. I need to do it before the duel. I got up, kissed Lorcan's hand and whispered into his ear.
"I will kill Hadrim Moreta and protect your son. Rest well my love."