The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

58. Men never make mistakes

Lord Thessarion Harmonth Darcleé isn't as smart as I thought. And because of that, he is going to die.

I repeat this in my mind several times on my way to the council hall to get used to the thought.

Many people are already there but he is missing and so is Lysander. So it is true.

The Empress is sitting alone along the Mahrani, without husband or son by her side.

Theon is going to die. I can't shake that thought. Many good people died before my eyes. Hara did and Paisa did. And Mairi. And now he is going to die too and my husband will force me to watch once again.

Why did he do something so reckless? Tajir will have another heir; if Lysander makes it out of here alive which isn't a certaint. But besides the fate of Tajir, if he dies the world will be without him and that would be a damn pity because he is... brilliant.

At the same time I know that I will not forgive myself if I don't even try to do something.

Sahib Ramir is stacking some papers looking gloomy.

"My Lord," I say and smile. "Unfortunate events, don't you think?"

"Truly unfortunate. Now his Highness needs to display authority."

Oh yeah, his favourite pass time.

"Indeed. But would it not be again a waste, like with that empty soldier? Even more so."

He nods and it feels like he agrees sincerely.

"Has the heir of Darcleé said anything of note to your Highness while you were working in the library?"

His eyes bear a tiny sparkle. I bet you would like to know something. Preferably very incriminating.

"I have actually only good things to say about him. His lordship is truly very smart. And I have the feeling he is very close to a discovery; that if he didn't make it yet and refused to share it. It would be an unfantomable misfortune if something happens to him precisely now but, alas..."

His eyes squint into slits. Maybe, this time it will work.

The doors open and The Emperor followed by Prince Dair step inside. The prince is cradling his left arm. They didn't heal it so it makes an impression on the crowd; so do also the bruises on his face. How awful and lacking of any type of honor.

"The heir to the throne was gravely injured last night," thunders the Emperor in his authoritarian voice. "He of course valiantly fought the attacker who was in our midst for some time, to gain trust before striking for his life."

"What did I miss?" The voice is familiar and my jaw drops.

I turn to see Lysander; he isn't as neatly dressed as usual and also looks as if he didn't sleep. Understandable.

"Where is Theon? How is he?"

And why are you here? You should flee. I know my husband and you are not safe.

"Upset. Maybe sleeping around. This tendency lays unfortunately in the family. Our father sent us a nasty letter. He wants Theon to go back and Theon is angry because he isn't nearly done here..."

"So he..." Is not in danger to die.

And my question gets clarified when the doors open and Olmos is brought in, gagged and in chains.

I am dumbfounded. I was so, so wrong. And what happened is different but also not very logical.

Olmos has been Prince Dair's guard and companion since forever. Was he always a traitor? Then why wait for so much time. Then again Fera also waited for five star circles to attack me.