Dark Secrets

Time to Speak Part 21

Lucas watched as Tori returned from her morning run. Her father had gone on the run with her as had Ken. He couldn't help but feel nervous and even a little sick to his stomach. Tori had told him that she was calling the Tribunal back and planned to tell them everything. At first he'd been shocked and been against it but hearing her reasons he understood. Lucas understood why she was doing it and in truth agreed with her. His only concern was if they turned on her? What if they suddenly said no? What would he do?

Hearing a knock on his office door he called, "Come in." The door opened and he sensed Justin and Ryker enter the room.

"Everyone is here. They plan to start in twenty minutes," Ryker informed him.

"Good thing Tori is quick she just got back from her run," Lucas commented.

"We saw her," Justin told him. "She seems to be quick with everything except calming down." Lucas nodded in agreement but his attention turned back outside. Justin glanced over at Ryker and knew they were both equally concerned. Tori and Lucas' future was on the line.

"I know she has to do this but... it's such a risk," Lucas told them.

"They like Tori," Justin reminded him. "They may be upset but they've always known something happened. At least they suspected it."

"There is a good chance doing this will cause them to respect her and fully trust her," Ryker suggested. "No royal has ever done this before."

"You're right," Lucas said and turned back to face his enforcers. "The royal families have always hidden things and never admitted to anything. Tori's right, it has to stop. Let's go."

"Highness?" Justin said unsure of his intention.

"I should've called the tribunal. Tori and I have said we would rule together equally." The two men nodded. "I think that should start now. I'm going in with her."

"Highness that will make you subject to questioning," Ryker warned.

"Yes it will," Lucas agreed. "Tori and I are doing this together." Neither of the men argued and followed the future king from the room. Silently they both felt a sense of pride towards their charge. Lucas would definitely be a different king than those of the past.

The three men walked through the halls of the castle until the doors to the Council chambers and Tori came into view.

Lucas noticed Tori's surprise at seeing him right away. He approached her and gently took her hands in his. "You're right, but we do this together. Our rule will be together and we will start standing together now."

"Are you sure about being here?" Tori asked.

"As certain as you are."

Tori laughed at him then. "Guess we'll sink or swim together." Lucas nodded. "What if they change their..."

Lucas put a finger on her lips silencing her. Gently he leaned down and kissed her. "I'm marrying you one way or another." Tori looked at him questioningly. "I'm not ruling this kingdom without you."

"Lucas..."

"No Tori. You or no one." Before Tori could respond the doors opened and Lucas put her arm through his and they entered the room together.

As they entered the room they couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. The Council princes' were all once again seated behind a crescent moon shaped table with them standing before them as if they were facing judgement.

"Prince Lucas," Pierre said having not expected to see him.

"Tori and I are united in this," Lucas stated. "She would however like to speak first." Lucas looked over at his bride and gave her a nod.