Once Upon A [Hidden] Time - [Stolen] Series IV

CHAPTER 21

MYRA
19 JUNE 1415

People around me gaped in surprise. I heard a growl coming from Edward's throat. He had understood why I was so keen on Father Alexander taking off his cassock. I wanted to reveal what I suspected, but I didn't doubt it anymore. He was the culprit.

"I fell into the ditch," he mumbled.

"When did it happen?" Edward asked.

"A few days ago, Your Grace." He looked straight at the victims, his eyes firing cannonballs. If I didn't save the boys today, this man would not spare them.

"From what I see, they appear to be quite fresh," I chuckled, meeting Edward's gaze. "As fresh as the boys' scars there." I nodded at the boys.

"What are you implying?" Father Alexander seethed, his voice trembling.

"Your Highness," I addressed Edward, raising my chin higher with confidence. "This man," I pointed towards Father Alexander, "has molested one of the boys there, and the brother tried to save him from this heinous act. While saving his brother, he tried to fight with His Excellency, and his body bears witness to that fact." The crowd's murmur grew louder. "Since the boys fought back against the Archbishop, he found it convenient to charge the children of sodomy."

"Know your limits, Lady Farrow," howled Father Alexander. His face was clenched in rage, his anger trumping the fear he must be feeling. "I am the word of God."

"A man committing a rape crime does not carry the Lord's words," I scowled.

"Your Highness," Father Alexander asked Edward with assertion. "You will take the word of a mere woman over the word of the Lord?"

"She is not a mere woman," Edward answered, glaring at the Archbishop. "She is appointed by the King himself."

"And I am anointed by God," argued Father Alexander.

I scoffed at his words, which made him more frustrated.

"And as I am the appointed Prince Regent. I decide which role holds greater authority."

"Your decisions are clouded with lust, Your Highness," Father Alexander argued.

Edward grabbed his tunic and pulled him closer. "Are you challenging my decision?"

"Your Highness," I placed a hand on Edward's arm to calm him down. He loosened his grip, pushing the man away.

"Do we have a witness against Father Alexander?" announced Edward. "This is your chance to come forward and speak. I will listen to your request." Edward regarded the crowd. "Justice will be served."

I passed a look of encouragement towards the victims. After a long, painful silence, the beaten boy stepped forward.

"Your Highness," he said, pointing in the direction of Father Alexander. "He raped my brother." Edward regarded the boys intently, reading their body language. They weren't lying at all. Anyone could tell. The crowd groaned at his words. "I tried to save my brother, but it was too late."

"Slander," growled Father Alexander. "I am a God-fearing man, and this young man—"

"In the eye of God," Edward interjected, addressing the Archbishop, "tell us how you got the bruises."

Father Alexander sucked in a breath. He knew he had no place to run because Edward had believed the innocent boys. He had read the truth in their eyes.

"Your Highness," Father Alexander pleaded, "this is a mistake."

"Do not teach me what to do," Edward grumbled, anger simmering in his eyes. "Confess, or I will make you confess."