Whispers in The Castle

How it is

Lord Ervin Alexander

I am in my chamber, perusing some documents laid out on my desk. The knock upon the door catches my attention, and I look up with a slight frown, wondering who it could be.

"Come in," I call out, my voice still carrying its usual authoritative tone, despite the curiosity.

The door opened and Ervin's cousin Analea runs inside. "Ervin! Cousin!" I lift my head in surprise to see Analea, my eyes widening for a moment before I regain my composure.

"Analea," I say, my voice laced with surprise, as I push back my chair and stand up. "What is it, cousin? You seem in a hurry." "I was getting my new dress at the tailors and overheard the citizens whispering of something terrible that happened! I can't say if it's true so I asked for a messenger to go find the source at once." She explains.

My brow furrows at her rushed words, the hint of panic in her voice. I walk to the window, my mind already racing with thoughts of what this terrible thing could be.

"Calm down," I say firmly, my tone steady. "What did you hear the citizens say?" "Something happened to the prince. Prince Saito." She answers.

Prince Saito...

I feel a pang of alarm at her words. I know exactly who she's talking about, and dread begins to pool in my stomach.

I turn towards her, my voice hard and urgent. "What did they say happened to him?" "They say he was ravaged by a group of men.. that he was injured after they had their way with him... but that can't be true.. can it?. The Saito kingdom doesn't even allow men to be with men."

My heart clenches in my chest as I listen to her words. To think that such a thing could happen to Kyo... it's horrific. I feel a mix of anger, disgust, and helplessness rising in me.

"Where did you hear this?" I demand, my voice tense. "How do you know it's not just some foul rumor?"

"I don't know. It would take two days to sail to house Saito. So I don't know. It was the citizens of our kingdom. They said they heard it from a few visitors and they heard it from others. So it could be a rumor.." she answers.

I let out a curse under my breath, my mind racing through the possibilities. If this is indeed true, Kyo is suffering... and he's all alone.

"We need to find out the truth," I say firmly, my voice taking on a grim determination. "Two days to sail to Saito... can we cut that time shorter?" I let out a frustrated huff as Analea shakes her head, my mind working overtime to think of a plan.

"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, my hands clenching and unclenching. "Is there any way we can confirm the rumors without sailing to Saito?" "I'm not sure.."

My jaw clenches in irritation. Knowing that Kyo could be going through hell right now while I'm here, powerless... it's maddening.

I look at Analea, my gaze intense. "Keep an ear out for any more news," I say urgently. "Any whisper, rumor, or scrap of information. Bring it to me. We need to know for sure what's happening with Kyo..." "As Lady, I have duties to attend. But you as Lord.. Take some of the knights and go gather information yourself. See if you can find out if it's true. And go see Kyo."

I stare a moment. Go see Kyo? I'd love nothing more, but, "What about my duties here?" I ask. My cousin smirks, "The kingdom will manage without you for a few days.. You care about Kyo.. Go see him."

I nod, my mind set. "You're right," I agree, my voice brisk. "I'll take a small group of knights and sail to Saito. If there's even a chance the rumor is true..."