In Another Era

Chapter 27: Shackles

Chapter 27: Shackles

"—the necklace was gifted to Mary by her great-grandmother. It has been in her family for over a century and has become a tradition to pass it down to the eldest daughter," Frederic said. "She is terribly upset right now and I can do nothing to comfort her."

"I am sure the guards will find it in their search soon, even if they have to turn the entire castle upside down." Kenric kept a hand on his brother's shoulder to console him. "I cannot remember the last time there was a theft here. I assure you that I will personally deal with the bastard who dared to steal from under my roof."

"I just hope that they find it quickly and—"

The brothers were in the throne room and were interrupted by the doors opening. Sir Christian walked inside, causing both the princes to pause their conversation as they looked at the knight.

"Your Highnesses," Sir Christian got on a knee and bowed his head at the princes.

"Rise, Sir Christian," Kenric said. "What is it?"

"I apologize for disturbing you, sires, but I wanted to inform you that Lady Mary's necklace has been found," the knight said.

"Thank heavens," Frederic kept a hand on his chest as he exhaled in relief.

"Wonderful." Kenric nodded his head in approval. "I hope the perpetrator has been arrested and is behind bars?"

"About that..." Sir Christian looked at the ground in hesitation, not knowing how to break the news to Prince Kenric. "We have arrested the...the thief but...sire..."

"What is the matter?" Kenric furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. It was unlike one of the bravest knights in the kingdom to stall. "Speak up."

"It's...uh, sire...we found the stolen necklace in the stables," Sir Christian said.

"In the stables?" Kenric questioned. "Which stable hand was it?"

"It was...it was Archie," Sir Christian answered, finally looking up at the prince, who was staring back at him as if the knight had grown two heads.

"Impossible!" Kenric exclaimed. "Archie would never steal!"

"We found the necklace in his room, hidden in his chest with his other belongings," Sir Christian explained, causing Kenric to scoff.

"Archie is innocent. I do not doubt that for a moment. Somebody has framed him and there can be no other justification for it," Kenric stated.

"I refuse to believe that Archie would steal from us," Frederic added. "It is not in his nature to do something like this."

"I cannot accept that Archie was the thief either but the terrible fact is that the stolen jewelry was retrieved from his room," Sir Christian paused. "And now it will be upon King Godric to pass his judgment."

Fuck, Kenric thought.

Godric has not been happy with Kenric lately, especially when it came to Archie. And even though he said he would not interfere in Kenric's business anymore...if he was still bitter or concerned about Kenric's affection towards Archie then this would give Godric the perfect opportunity to do something about it.

"I will not let an innocent man be arrested for a crime he did not commit," Kenric stated. "Where is Archie? He has to be released this instant—"

"I do not think that is wise, Kenric," Frederic interrupted. "None of us want to see Archie in shackles but Sir Christian is right. It is up to King Godric to judge Archie's innocence, not us, we do not hold that authority. If we free Archie without the King's permission then it will only harm his case."