IV. The Impact of Her

~ Twenty-Two ~

Once we arrived at the door of the dining hall, Elizabeth stood before me.

She fixed my appearance and said, "Now, remember, you have to be reasonable with your actions. If Benjamin is playing some sort of game, pretend that you know nothing." Elizabeth took one last look at me before she added, "Play along."

I nodded, my lips pressed in a firm line.

Elizabeth returned to my side and the doors were opened as soon as we were announced.

The brightness of the room greeted our sights as we entered. In the middle of the room, James and Mother stood in front of Benjamin. He was bandaged around his head and arm. Minor bruises and cuts were scattered all over his face.

I should feel guilty because of what I did to him. But, I couldn't feel the shame. It brought me happiness to see him in such a state.

He deserved it.

Mother stopped Elizabeth and I before we could proceed any further. "Have you calmed down?" she asked me as she reached us.

"Be assured, Mother," Elizabeth said, "We already talked about this. Robert promised that he will not act rashly this time."

Mother returned to me with a concerned gaze. "Robert, I don't want any more of your previous antics," she lowered her voice as he moved closer. "You almost killed Benjamin."

"Mother, as much as I want to defend myself, I won't," I said after a sigh. "We already wasted too much time. I only want to get to the bottom of everything."

To explain my side of the story wouldn't be of any use. As I could see, Benjamin already earned their sympathy. The only thing that I could do was to go along with what was happening.

Mother stepped aside and I headed towards Benjamin. I stopped just before James.

"Brother," Benjamin greeted.

We stared at each other for a while, only to be interjected by James.

"Would you mind apologising for your hostility?" James remarked as he glared at me. "You almost brought him," he briefly pointed at Benjamin, "To the underworld. And you are acting as if nothing happened?!"

James' voice echoed throughout the room. And silence followed right after.

A thick atmosphere formed around us. Everybody stared daggers at me. I felt it all too well.

From our ruling monarchs to Benjamin's page, everyone was angry at me. In their eyes, I was in the wrong. And Benjamin was the perfect saint.

His act, however, did not work on me.

Amongst everyone in this room, I knew Benjamin more than anyone. I could easily read through his truths and lies. And his current facade was no exception.

If Benjamin was able to deceive everyone in this kingdom, he wouldn't be able to do that with me.

"So, Benjamin, you said you are going to explain yourself," I said as I kept my gaze on Benjamin.

Infuriated, James stepped in front of me. "Robert! How dare you!"

Fast footsteps approached me from behind. "James," Mother said.

"Not even an apology from you?!" James continued on with his screaming towards me.

With a blank stare, I turned to James and replied, "Benjamin hasn't given his apology after he attacked me. So, why should I?" I added, "Also, apologies aren't demanded, James. I never did that to you amidst your shortcomings."

"You–"

"Uncle," Benjamin intervened. We all turned to him and watched as Benjamin slowly stood from his chair. His page supported him and his wounded arm. He then walked up to us and continued, "There is no need to argue about this. I understand why he acted that way. I started it and I owe him an apology."