Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 39: On the nib of Trust

The day dragged on with a weight that felt unbearable. I could sense the anger brewing within the walls of Kingsley's Estate, a tension that clung to the air like a thick fog. The news of Henry's suicide had only fanned the flames of hatred directed toward Meredith. I felt the turmoil rising within me as I stood by the window, watching the soldiers marching in formation, their expressions grim and determined.

Each passing hour deepened my despair. I knew they were searching for my sister, and the thought made my heart ache.

Meredith, who once radiated laughter and warmth, was now a hunted woman. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was terrified, hiding somewhere in the shadows, alone and frightened, with nowhere to turn. Nikolai was locked away, awaiting his grim fate, and our family was fraying at the edges.

I desperately wanted to believe that Meredith wasn't involved in the assassination, but doubt gnawed at me. The change in her demeanor before everything happened whispered that she was hiding something. I loved her deeply, yet I couldn't bear the thought of her being publicly executed, her name dragged through the mud.

If only she could disappear, slip away from this cruel reality until the true culprit was exposed. My heart was heavy with the weight of my wishes, even as the reality of our situation crushed me.

Then came the news that shattered my already fragile state. Mr. Ralph told me that they found her sightings. The teacup slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor as I dashed down the stairs, my pulse racing. I needed to find Lord Darius.

I rushed through the hallways, ignoring the stares of servants who whispered behind their hands, their expressions twisted with contempt for Meredith.

The anger and hatred were suffocating, wrapping around me like a noose. I finally reached the study, where Lord Darius was deep in conversation with his soldiers, strategizing on how to capture my sister.

My heart pounded as I burst through the door, breathless and panicked. "My lord!" I exclaimed, catching their attention.

Lord Darius turned, his brow furrowed in concern. "Scarlett, what's wrong?"

I could feel the tension in the room, the soldiers' eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"They've found her?" I asked, my voice trembling with anxiety.

"Yes," he replied, his tone measured but resolute. "And this time, I intend to capture her."

"I need to speak with you, my lord," I insisted, my heart racing. He glanced back at his soldiers, who silently acknowledged my plea and exited the room, leaving us alone.

With the door closed, I looked up at Lord Darius. His gaze pierced through me, as if he understood the weight of my presence and was daring me to voice the unspoken truths that lingered in the air. I knew what I had to ask him, despite the heaviness of the moment.

"I will come with you," I declared, meeting his questioning look with determination.

"To find Meredith," I added, my resolve firm as I stood before him.

"We've already discussed this, Scarlett," he said, his voice taut with frustration.

"Until now, I've turned a blind eye to your mistakes. I understand she's your sister, but you can't forget that she has pleaded guilty, which implicates her in the assassination of my family. Don't question the justice system simply because she's your sister."

His words felt like a dagger, each one piercing through the hope I had clung to.

"No, I want to come with you because I can't accept that she really committed this crime," I insisted, my voice trembling with emotion. "Please, I understand your anger, but I need to confront this myself. If I meet her, I think I'll be able to process everything that's been happening. You have to understand my feelings; it's all been too much for me. And I see your pain—I don't want you to suffer any more than you already have. Please, let me handle this."