Royal Flower

Chapter Thirteen

Aster sat in the council room, staring at an empty parchment. His mother had written her will and declared her two successors. At the rate Crow was killing, he wanted to declare his two successors too in case he failed to bring justice on Crow.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Aster called, not looking up.

The door opened and Saige walked in nervously.

"Saige," Aster greeted, a little confused. He wasn't expecting her. He stood up to level himself. "What can I do for you?"

Saige took a deep breath before saying, "I have some news on Crow, your Majesty."

Aster laughed nervously. "Saige, I thought I made it clear years ago that you're free to call me 'Aster'."

Saige nodded, already knowing that. "I-I know but, I have something to say." Aster frowned, picking up on Saige's nervous tone. He nodded for her to continue. Saige closed her eyes and exhaled again. She finally opened her eyes and said, "Crow approached me a week ago, after you stopped by."

Aster's eyes widened. He didn't know what to say at first. He was still in disbelief. Aster fumbled for words. "Why didn't you call the guards?"

Saige hurriedly explained. "He had an icicle impaled in his shoulder, but he still had a lot of strength. H-He stumbled in and t-threatened me. Of course I was hesitant, but he said if I healed him and let him go, then he wouldn't kill me. He would have killed me if I called the guards too. I-I was afraid of what I should do, and I ended up healing him. I'm so sorry, Aster!" She bowed her head, her face almost touching her knees.

Saige bit her lip. She knew that she had promised Lily that she wouldn't bring up what had happened that night, but she would be responsible if Crow killed again. She merely decided to tweak the story a little bit. Aster didn't need to know that Lily brought him in. Lily was a sweet girl who put others before herself, and Saige refused to drag Lily down with her.

Aster stared at Saige's shaking form. "Why didn't you say anything before?" he asked, putting a hand to his head.

"You had your crowning and your mother's f-funeral," Saige defended. "I thought it would better to tell you after things settled a little."

Aster sighed in frustration. He finally raised his voice. "Do you realize that you helped the very person who killed my mother?"

Saige replied, "Yes, I will take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment deemed necessary. I was selfish and was only thinking of myself at the time." Her voice was firm, but it was obvious she was trying to hide her fear.

Aster ordered, "Raise your head." Saige obediently did so, staring into Aster's hard eyes. For a moment neither one of them said anything. Finally, Aster looked at the parchment on the table and said softly, "You are forgiven."

"W-What?" Saige widened her eyes in disbelief. She had come here fully prepared to be exiled or even worse executed for treason.

"We've been friends for a long time, Saige. I'm angry that you went against me, but I can understand why you did what you did. I have faith that we will find Crow," Aster replied, still not looking at her. Despite what he said, he still seemed very disappointed with Saige that he couldn't bear to look at her. "Besides, you're the best physician around. Your death would have been on my hands as well as Crow's if he killed you."

Gratefulness rushed through Saige. She felt so relieved that Aster granted her mercy when she obviously didn't deserve it. It made her feel more guilty for putting Aster in such a position, but she was glad she came clean.