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A/n: Hey guys, in the recent chapters, I've referred to our MC as "Qaya" because of the significance of her being her original self in Porto Jamon. But for clarity's sake, she'll be referred to as "Mahalia" henceforth—unless the situation calls for otherwise.
The atmosphere in the King's council hall was tense; the air practically screamed with intensity as the room's occupants sat with bated breath.
News of the future Queen's kidnapping—and subsequent rescue—had taken them all by surprise. Even as they gathered, no one quite knew what to expect.
Each council member eyed his opposing faction with contempt and hungry desperation. They were confused about why the King had summoned them just at dawn—but everyone knew this new development could be used to their advantage.
The King's council room reflected the grandeur of Easteford. The purple velvet walls complemented the golden hexagonal table at its center. Around it were 25 chairs—24 of them wrapped in purple velvet with golden mahogany frames. The one at the head of the table stood out—elevated slightly, and adorned with golden wolves at the edges of both armrests.
Mahalia sat at the far end of the room, detached from the table, flanked by her mother, Jaslin; Rivan; Zachary; and Lord Ceria, Rivan's father and the Marquez of Ceria.
She glanced at Lord Ceria. Rivan really was a splitting image of the man—it was like looking at a 50-year-old Rivan.
But more than the Ceria family's strong genes, what bothered her was what was about to happen. Awin had to be planning something. He'd messed up by labeling them traitors—she expected him to bury the matter quietly. Yet here they were, summoned publicly. That could only mean he had a scheme in play. And when had she ever liked any of Awin's plans?
To make matters worse, she, Jaslin, Zachary, and Rivan—being central to the incident—were placed under the "virtue of silence," a right granted to victims and witnesses, meaning they were not required to defend themselves.
Awin hadn't offered that right to protect them; she knew that. He'd done it to keep them from revealing the truth.
"What are you thinking?" she muttered.
Speak of the devil—Awin walked in, dressed in navy blue and red ceremonial robes, his hair longer than when Mahalia last saw him in Easteford.
The proceedings began with Bernard stepping forward to address the room.
"The future queen was kidnapped by a band of thugs who sought to harm our great nation. But five days ago, our King—alongside some capable men—rescued her. This meeting was arranged because King Awin deeply values your input on this serious matter."
Mahalia exchanged confused glances with her companions—they were just as lost as she was.
Bernard continued, "The most pressing issue is that the queen was kidnapped due to the incompetence of those around her."
Mahalia scoffed. So this is your game, Awin? He was trying to corner her family—blame them for his own actions.
Marie stood. "Permit me to say—my daughter had gone to Porto Jamon for a vacation when she was suddenly labeled a traitor alongside the other subjects. It wasn't our incompetence that led to her kidnapping. Mahalia eluded our protection because she had become a fugitive."
Whispers broke out among the council members—if anyone had been labeled a traitor, they would've heard. What was going on?
Awin shifted in his seat. Mahalia could practically hear him curse under his breath. He knew he'd made a mistake.
"I have no knowledge of what you're talking about. No one was labeled a traitor." He rubbed the space between his eyes. "Bernard, what is this nonsense?"
"Your Highness, this must be a ploy by the kidnappers," Bernard replied smoothly.
Awin scoffed. "Can you hear yourself? Marie Heris, how could you be so gullible? You were in Easteford—did you hear anything like that, even through rumors?"
Marie bit her lip. Of course, she hadn't heard anything. Part of her wanted to believe the King had buried the news to protect Mahalia's name, as she was to be his queen. But she also knew—deep down—he was using it as an excuse to pull Mahalia out of Porto Jamon.
Still, what could she have done? It was a losing game either way.
Qaya raised her hand.
"What is it?" Awin asked.
"I'd like to comment on something."
"You are under the virtue of silence. You know the terms."
"I'm aware, Your Highness. But I must bring something important to the council's attention—it concerns the image of this great nation."
Awin threw her a frustrated look that said, You just won't let this go.
"Go on, speak," he sighed, waving his hand dismissively.
"The people who labeled us traitors in Porto were wearing Easteford's uniforms. They bore the King's seal. They moved with the confidence of men backed by royal authority. If you claim they weren't acting under your orders, then I am deeply perturbed that common thugs, as your assistant called them, were able to pull something like this off."
"This is quite the development," murmured a council member from the Righteous Faction—those who opposed the King's corruption.
Others began to nod and murmur in agreement.
"They must have had backing from someone inside Easteford."
"And someone powerful enough to bypass scrutiny."
The room buzzed with speculation. Mahalia smiled to herself. Awin might still win this battle, but at least she'd planted doubt.
Even if no one dared say it aloud, everyone here likely knew—Awin had been behind the soldiers who branded her and her companions as traitors.
"Moving on," Bernard said loudly, trying to redirect the discussion.
Qaya snickered audibly, earning a sharp glare from Awin.
"The virtue of silence is rescinded for Zachary Blaineswort," Bernard announced. "He must explain why he was in Porto Jamon for the fake soldiers to accuse him of treason. Perhaps it will help us uncover more."
Zachary rose and bowed slightly.
"I left Easteford at my sick father's request. Upon meeting him, he asked me to take the title of Crown Prince—I couldn't refuse a dying man. It was during one of my first assignments as Crown Prince that I traveled to Porto Jamon."
"Well, that explains quite a bit," Awin said with a smile. "The thugs must have caught wind of the Crown Prince of the Occident Coast serving as an assistant to another king. It's rather absurd—and no wonder they suspected treason. Even I find it suspicious. Perhaps you were a spy all along."
The implication was clear.
"Respectfully, Your Highness, nothing of the sort happened. You met me when I was a teenager, a pauper fleeing execution. It would be absurdly foolish to think I was a spy."
Awin's eyebrow twitched—Zachary had called him foolish outright.
"And beyond that, Easteford dwarfs my homeland. It would be even more foolish to provoke you. And if, in some twisted scenario, I were a spy, I enjoy immunity from the Southern continent coalition as a crown Prince and Easteford being a member of that coalition cannot treat me with contempt"
Awin forced a smile. "That is true. I suppose the matter is settled. I'll have to ask you to excuse us now."
Zachary's eyebrow twitched this time.
"As you said, you are the protected prince of another nation. It wouldn't be appropriate to have you privy to Easteford's internal matters."
Zachary nodded. "Understood. I'll take my leave."
As he turned to go, he gave Mahalia a reassuring look. She met his gaze with a small smile—she wasn't too worried.
Awin noticed the exchange and had to remind himself of Zachary's status, or else he might've gouged out his eyes on the spot.
Once Zachary left, Awin stood.
"Now, for the final and most pressing matter—we must discuss the punishment of the Heris-Mariale household."
"What?" Mahalia burst out, forgetting the ban placed by the virtue of silence.
"Their negligence is tantamount to treason. They must be punished."
Mahalia shook her head and placed it in her hands. The punishment would likely be exile—or, worse, imprisonment and the stripping of titles.
"Your Highness, please reconsider," Lord Sungham spoke. "They are her family. It would not do to dishonor the Queen's household."
Several members nodded in agreement.
Awin went quiet, then looked down, as if deep in thought.
"Fine," he said at last, "I will pardon them—but only on one condition."
"And that is?"
"Our marriage ceremony will be expedited. Three days from now."
Mahalia scoffed and threw her head back. Wow, these are really my choices—marry the devil or watch my family fall.
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The King's Drawing Room
"Your Highness, you requested my presence?" Zachary asked as he stepped in.
"Ah, yes, Zachary. My dear friend—have a seat." Awin gestured to the sofa opposite him, as Bernard poured them whiskey.
"So, I take it the days of 'Zachary the King's Lymer' are behind us," Awin said, a sardonic smile on his lips.
Zachary returned the smile. It seemed genuine—as though he fondly remembered those times. They were dark days, working with Awin. But good ones, too. Though, all the fond memories had one thing in common...
He snapped out of his thoughts to meet Awin's sharp gaze—accusatory, as if he'd read his mind.
Zachary cleared his throat "I'm grateful to you. You helped me for years. I say thank you."
"Oh, don't say that. You've repaid your debt."
Zachary smiled. That much, he knew. In fact, he might have given Awin more than he owed. But that wasn't his concern anymore.
"So, what are you planning to do?" Zachary asked, taking a sip of whiskey.
"Well, as you said, I am an outsider. I plan on leaving for Occident Coast tomorrow morning."
"Oh, don't do that," Awin declared, setting his glass aside. "Wait till after the wedding."
Zachary scrunched his nose in confusion.
"It's just three days from now. There's no need to worry. You can attend as a diplomat too—you have to be a representative for Occident Coast, after all."
Zachary clenched his fists. The reality was sinking in. Mahalia was to be Awin's wife. The realization felt like being doused with freezing water. The time they had spent together had clouded his reasoning. His mind went to Mahalia—how did she take the news? She was practically being forced to marry her worst enemy. Was she throwing a tantrum? Or devising a plan? Either way, even though he knew she was an incredibly strong woman, he still worried about her.
"Okay, Your Highness. I will leave after your wedding."
"Good. That's all I wanted to tell you. You may go and attend to your own matters."
Zachary gave him a surgical smile and curtly bowed.
Awin sneered as he watched Zachary leave. Yes, get that into your thick skull. Qaya is mine.
Bernard walked in as Zachary exited. "Your Highness, someone from Yellow Jay is here to see you."
Awin immediately grew serious. "Let him in."
Gaston walked in and bowed to the king. His normally brash appearance was a thing of the past—his long hair was slicked back, and he was dressed in such opulence that it both amused and annoyed Awin.
"So, what do you have for me?"
"Well, Yellow Jay recently underwent a serious power shift. Because of this, we have a new grandmaster," Gaston began.
"I thought as much, when you came to me with the plan that involved wiping out De Gei Jaune."
"Yes. It was the will of our new master. He sends me with two messages for you. Firstly, you will have to make a repayment—this time in gold—because the bank note you gave us was lost to the fire."
"What fire?" Awin asked.
"Well, our new master went ahead and burned all of De Gei Jaune's dens to erase their existence."
Even as Gaston said this, he feared for his life. He was lying to a man as ruthless as Awin, but it was the new master's command—and Gaston saw the logic. If Awin heard that Mahalia and her posse had infiltrated and destroyed their base, he'd stop trusting them. Better this way.
Awin looked at Gaston for a long while, his piercing gaze uncomfortable. "I take it you wouldn't dare lie to me. Because if you cashed out that bank note, what I'll do to you will make what happened to De Gei Jaune look like child's play."
Gaston shook his head. "I promise you, our master is a man of honour. He would never think to defraud you. It was my mistake—I had kept the bank note in the den, and our master, having no knowledge of this, ordered it burned."
"Okay. I'll settle you. What is the second message?"
"Our master has deployed me to you. He said I will be a valuable asset and that I may answer directly to you—though you will pay my wages to him."
Awin smiled. What a shrewd businessman. He presented Awin with something he liked—something he couldn't refuse. He liked the new owner of Yellow Jay.
"I appreciate that. Especially with my Lymer backstabbing me, I'll need a replacement."
Gaston nodded enthusiastically. The heavens were smiling at him—from a good-for-nothing thug to working for one of the most powerful kings.
"Gatsby, since you now answer to me, I guess I can punish you myself."
"Pardon?"
"When I arrived, my queen was bruised and unconscious. Obviously, I can't let such a slight go unpunished."
Gaston immediately fell to his knees. "Your Highness, I had no hand in it. It was one of those stupid De Gei Jaune members. I personally ensured he was sent to the dungeons, so you can mete out the kind of punishment you deem fit."
Awin scoffed. He had to admit—he was impressed.
"Good for you. For taking initiative."
---
There were two days left until the royal wedding. Invitations had gone out, announcements made. Awin sat at his desk, going through documents. So many things required approval: the wedding clothes, the food, the dowry.
Bernard came in with a trolley of congratulatory letters—this was the third batch that day.
"Take that garbage away. Who are they to write me letters? Imbeciles."
"Yes, Your Highness," Bernard muttered. "However, this letter came separately."
He placed the letter on the table. It didn't have an envelope, and Awin could tell it was written in cryptic code.
It translated to:
"You have bought my ware; Prepare to pay the fare. Promises must be kept."
"What does this mean?" Bernard asked, turning to Awin—who looked like he understood everything.
"Melinda. She's asking me to keep my promise."
"Should I send a letter refusing her? After all, it wasn't her clue that helped us capture them."
Awin shook his head. "No. Let me indulge her. And besides—it was her who told us they were with the Jamons. That tells me two things: one, she has a very intricate network, and that will prove valuable; and two, it was our soldiers appearing at the ball that forced them to leave Lady Jamon's protection. So she did help, in a way."
Bernard nodded in understanding.
"Write to her. Let her know that I am king. My word is true—it is law. I will fulfil my promise."
Bernard nodded and left. Awin stood and poured himself a glass of wine. He was in a celebratory mood.
He walked over to the east wall of his office, where pictures of his father and ancestors stared back at him.
He could feel his victory coming. It tasted as sweet as the wine he drank. He would be the one to fulfil his family's legacy.
"One that you wanted to tarnish, Father," he muttered, staring at the picture of the man who—even in death—looked dignified. Anyone who saw that portrait knew this man was powerful. Awin had once looked up to him. He adored his father. Even now, he still felt that adoration—but he didn't feel he had the right.
How could you think fondly of someone you killed with your own hands?
Then again, his father deserved it. He was about to tarnish the great legacy of the Easteford royal family. He had betrayed Awin. And the only price for betrayal... was death.
"Father, I will succeed where you failed."
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To be continued
In-universe info.
Section 21 subsection A(i-iv) of the Courts law and Procedures enactments: The virtue of silence
A. In a situation where a person of concern is deemed to be at a disadvantage in a case or any matter that requires settling, he can be granted the virtue of silence.
I. The virtue of silence entails not needing to answer to queries and the privilege to be exempted from perusal
II. The virtue ofsilence can be requested by the person of interest subject to approval from the king or unilaterally granted by the king.
—By Virtue of this, the king can unilaterally rescind itor demand that the virtue be momentarily suspended, if circumstances demand it.
III. Once under the virtue of silence, one must not utter a word unless the king permits it or ratifys it.
IV. The grounds for virtue of silence include victims of rape, kidnap and any individual that is deemed to be incapable of defending himself.