The Queen of Luania

Chapter 5- Suspect

Yazmin's POV
"I swear, I didn't do it!" I shout at the man in front of me. He is Sir Edward Loche, the Inquisitor. His job is to gather evidence to conduct a trial. I've watched lots of trials before, but not one with my life on the line. An attempt on the Queen's life is treason and punishable by death.

"I'm not asking whether or not you did it. I'm asking where you were that night," he says calmly.

"I told you, I talked to Arabella and then I went back to my quarters. What else is there to tell?" I cry.

"Can you give the exact times of when you went to your room?" He questions.

"I hid in Arabella's room when she went to see the prisoner. That was around 2 PM. Then she took a while to get back, but at around 2:45 I heard her. I jumped out at her, and we talked for a few more minutes. At 3 ish, I went back to my room. My maids can confirm that," I tell him.

"Thank you Miss Yazmin. That was all I asked for. Now, if you will excuse me, I must gather more evidence," he bows. I pull a stiff curtsey. Once I hear the click of the door closing behind him, I start crying.

Why do they think I did it? There are lots of maids that can confirm I was in my quarters when Ari was poisoned. I have gone to her room before and nothing bad happened. Why me?

I need answers. And right now, there is only one person I can go to. I change into a light grey chiffon dress, with gold clasps at the shoulders to gather the fabric. I love the slight v-neck of this dress, and I clasp a gold necklace on my neck. Quickly, I throw my curly hair up into a half-up half-down style.

I need to see Doctor Williams. He can get me the answers I need.

When I walk out the door, a guard grabs my arm. "Sorry miss, we can't let you out of your room without an escort," he says.

I roll my eyes. Of course they can't. I am suspected of treason, after all. Whatever. "Fine then. I wish to see Doctor Williams," I inform the guard.

"May I ask why?" He inquires.

"I want to find answers about the poison that almost took our Queen Arabella's life."

"Sir Loche is finding evidence. Your research is not necessary," he drags me back to my room.

"I don't want research, per se, more I want to calm myself down. I haven't been getting sleep, and you wouldn't take away a lady's beauty rest, would you?" I ask using those puppy eyes that get me everything from boys. It worked.

"Of course, my apologies. I will take you to see Doctor Williams," he turns and walks down the hall. I follow.

I love Ari's castle. The stone bricks are so elaborately carved, the fit together perfectly. The west windows face the ocean, and the north windows face the mountains. The curtains are red with gold tassels on the edge. I run my hand along an indoor shrubbery. All the plants here remind me of Rothsburn. Back home, we have great mountains as far as the eye could see. Florals decorated the castle walls, and birds were free to fly inside the halls. Once, we had Lord Fallik over for dinner to discuss trade or something. A bird swooped over the table, sat on the chandelier, and pooped on Lord Fallik's dinner. He deserved it. I chuckle at the memory. I wanted to spend the rest of my life there, or at least my unmarried life. But when Uncle Horatio adopted me, I had to move to the Royal Castle with him. I should go and visit once the trial and Autumn Ball are over.

My daydream is broken by the guard knocking on a door. We are outside the infirmary.

"Yes?" A voice asks.

"Yazmin, Lady of Rothsburn, wishes to speak with you," the guard replies. I run my hands down my dress to straighten it after walking.

"Come in," the voice says. The guard open the door. I walk in.