Heartglass

Heartglass 18: Winter Preparation

AZALEA

I was in deep thoughts while dressing in a light blue dress. After tying the ribbon on my back, Yumi helped me tie my hair into a half up ponytail and put powder on my face. I had a grave expression on my face as I stared back at my own reflection.

Who wanted me to fail? Was it the queen? Was it one of the candidates? Or maybe, all of them? It was hard to determine who my real enemy was. All of them had a fathomable reason to mess with me. I just couldn't jump into conclusions because I might be wrong.

When I left the room, Gabriel was already waiting outside the side of the wooden door with Aaron.

They slightly bowed to me as a form of greeting and respect.

I was relieved that Gabriel had already returned, unscathed. "What happened? Did you catch the man?"

Gabriel straightened his back and shook his head. "Forgive me, my lady. I failed to catch the man. But I can confirm that he is not from Woodcrest. He fled, heading to the neighboring state. Maybe he will return to report to his master. It seems he is just ordered to spy on you."

My eyebrows furrowed. We could no longer chase the man if that was the case. I noticed how worry seeped in Gabriel's black eyes. Maybe he was worried for my safety? Or maybe, he was worried that I would punish him because he failed? I couldn't tell but it was safer to put my bet on the latter.

"It's alright. We caught someone. Maybe he knows something. Lead the way to the dungeon, Aaron," I ordered, exercising my authority.

Aaron led the way. Gabriel followed behind us.

Our footsteps echoed against the thick brick walls as we went deeper in the dungeon, leading to the prison cell of that man who caused an uproar earlier. The rough floor was dusty and lamps were attached on the brick walls which lighted our path. We stopped in front of the prison cell at the end of the hallway.

The man imprisoned looked up at me with dark eyes, full of hatred. He had bruises on the corners of his mouth. Blood smeared on his brown and worn out tunic too. He had his hands and feet chained without mercy. I couldn't imagine what he went through under Dennis' interrogation.

Count Samuel nodded at me to acknowledge my presence. He stepped to the side and made way for me.

When Dennis saw me, he stepped back from the prison cell and stood behind me. Blood was visible on his knuckles. He definitely did his best to extract information from this man. I entered the prison cell.

"Did you get something from him?" I asked. I turned to Dennis with anticipation although I was actually afraid to know the truth.

Dennis shook his head, apologetic and ashamed, with downcast eyes. "He doesn't know the name of the man who hired him. He was tasked to cause problems for my lady. I don't think he is lying. But he didn't come from this place. He came from the neighboring state."

The neighboring state was Southwoods. The state where Lady Jaera was staying. But I didn't think she was ignorant enough to cause a problem like this. Especially when she would become the first suspect when the plan succeeded. But what if someone was just pitting us against each other? To cause strife and doubt. So we would go after each other's throats? I needed concrete evidence before accusing someone.

"What did they offer you?" I asked, confused. I stared down at the man who frowned at me.

"Money. To get through the winter," he answered without hesitation.

"Some towns in the neighboring states are also as poor as Woodcrest but at least, their towns are not considered cursed," Count Samuel added.

"Did you see the face of the person who hired you?" I continued.