The Oreans

Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Eries

"That Wilmore is lying!" Miel declared vehemently, standing abruptly. "Those ministers are fools to take him at his word!"

Alen agreed inwardly. It was indeed hard to believe Wilmore's words. It was no wonder that the king tried to divert their attention from the subject for the last week. Perhaps he himself was trying to find flaws in Wilmore's statement. Lord Melvil, a traitor? It made Alen's head ache even to consider it a possibility. Lord Melvil, the real mind behind all those schemes against Princess Roseana! How could it be true when he was a known champion of the Florean royalty?

"Calm down, young lady," rebuked Viscount Ovireo, who was now among the king's courtiers. "Remember that you are in the presence of His Majesty."

Miel bowed in apology and sat back, pink-faced. As he reached out a hand to pat her arm, Alen saw the king glanced reproachfully at the viscount, who hastily stepped back into the shadows to his left, and then to Princess Reishina, who was sitting still with an unintelligible expression to his right. Like him and Miel, it was also only then that she learned of Wilmore's testimony. Like them, she must be as taken aback by it.

"I understand how you feel, Lady Mieline," said the king sympathetically, amicable as ever in spite of his regal array. "If I were you, I would also find it hard to take a slight on my father."

"It is indeed hard to accept," said Lord Shemil, who was standing on the king's right. "I myself can attest to your father's devotion to the former king. He succeeded where nobody else had when he recaptured Rainus and brought him to justice."

Alen glanced sideways at the princess, who gripped her forehead in obvious confusion. She addressed her brother.

"He was the one who guided us, you and me, out of the palace that night many years ago, remember? He was Father's most trusted after Lord Shem. He kept on protecting Seana. Wasn't for that that he was nearly killed in that ambush last year? Why, I just arrived in time to help him! Are you saying all these were just for show? That they were just part of his plans?"

"I still have my doubts, too, Rei," admitted the king. "That's why it is in secret that I am sending the grandmaster and selected Oreans to search through the camp and his house—"

Miel started, turning deathly pale.

"Forgive me, Lady Mieline, but it is really of importance. Since he is not around to answer our questions, we have come up with this unpleasant decision. Forgive me, too, if the evidence should point to your father's guilt. I sincerely hope it will not."

"Be assured that the investigation is being done in utmost discretion and with fairness," Lord Shemil added. "I hold no grudge against the commander so whatever the outcome will be the bare truth."

Tears appeared on Miel's eyes, but she wiped them away.

"I can't really believe it," she murmured.

"If it turns out that Wilmore is lying again," the king said, "you can expect our full apology for doubting your father."

"You can also stay here with us, no matter what," the princess said decisively.

Miel looked at her in surprise.

"A child should neither bear a parent's guilt nor pay the price."

"The princess is right," the king affirmed, his eyes fleeted towards his sister. "We believe you are a good girl. We trust you."

Alen nodded at Miel reassuringly, but neither words nor sympathetic looks seemed able to bolster her up.

"Do you mind if I excuse myself now, Sire, Princess?" she murmured in a broken voice.