The dead creaks and cracks,

as twists of green climb,

and escape the dry, brown tomb,

Vines reach towards sweet, crisp air,

with mouths open wide proclaiming,

They say, 'What new warmth I cherish,

for all time in this flourishing blaze.'

Madeleine went quickly. She found the small divot in the castle wall leading to the stables.

Grasping the crumpled paper in her hand, she wondered if it was too late to add evidence to the trial, since it was scheduled for that evening. Feeling anxiety course through her, she hurried blindly ahead.

In a flash, she slammed into someone and found herself on the ground. Looking around in a daze, she spotted Antoine sitting on his backside beside her in the grass, rubbing the back of his head.

“Oh, Tony, I’m so sorry!”

He chuckled. “I was wondering when I might bump into you again, but this is a little too literal.”

She stood up, taking his outstretched hand and helping him off the ground. “What are you doing out here so early?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing. Why were you so distracted? Are you being chased?” He looked around half jokingly.

“No. Well, not anymore, but…”

“What? Are you okay?” She hesitated. “What is it?”

So much had happened, she felt she could not begin to explain. She glanced at the empty barn then pointed to it. “Let’s talk in there.”

He nodded, following her lead.

The horses turned their heads as they walked past, and the scent of hay calmed Madeleine’s nerves as she breathed in deeply. Grabbing some grooming brushes, she slipped into Faudre’s stall and gestured for the prince to follow suit. Handing him a curry comb and a hard brush, she began working on the stallion’s coat, telling him everything that had happened that morning.

As she talked, Antoine listened quietly while brushing his side of the horse. By the end, they had rubbed all the dirt out of Faudre’s body, and the horse snorted graciously.

“The trial is only in a few hours.” He brought out a different tool to clean the horse’s hooves as he said it. “We’ll need to have everything ready before then.”

“Justin agreed to be a witness if he has to.”

Antoine grunted in agreement. “Yes, I think we should have him present. His contribution could prove crucial.” He leaned against the horse’s side until Faudre picked up his front hoof. Antoine caught it in his hand, and she watched as he cleaned out the dirt from inside. “I am worried there is not enough proof.”

Madeleine grinned, revealing the crumpled paper in her pocket, and showing it to him.

He stared, his eyes scanning over the document. “What is…You didn’t!”

She shrugged, starting to brush through the tangles in Faudre’s mane. “I just did what I thought needed to be done.”

“You’re insane, Madi!” He put the hoof down, now standing with one hand on his hip. “Brilliant, but insane.”

She grinned. “I was honestly so terrified the whole time. I wish you or Courtney had been there with me.”

“Or Adrian.”

Her eyes flitted up at the mention of the king, and her heart sank slightly. She still hadn’t said a word about the rejection. “Tony…” she hesitated. “About the king, I need to tell you something.”

His expression sank slightly, and he set the tools down in a nearby bucket. “He finally proposed, didn’t he?”

She blinked in surprise, returning her brushes as well. “Huh? Why, yes, he did. How’d you know?”

“He told me he would.” He gave her a warm smile. “I must congratulate you two. I’m really happy you were able to find someone that respects your needs and wants.”

She frowned. “Tony, we are not engaged.”

“Huh?”

“We decided not to go through with it.”

The prince spent several seconds opening and closing his mouth with a confused expression. “You told him no?”

She glanced away. “Not exactly. He proposed, but then I told him about what Yvette would do if she found out. After learning that, he decided it was better if we kept our distance from one another.”

He gawked at her. “Wait, wait, so, he proposed to you, then before hearing your answer, rejected you?”

She considered him. “Well, I suppose that’s how it went.”

He closed his eyes, groaning. “What an idiot.”

“I can’t blame him too much,” she said quickly. “He is in a precarious situation right now with the kingdom, and a scandal could be bad for the alliance, especially since my mother is involved in it.”

He considered this. “Well, true, but still…What a terrible outcome.”

“I know.”

“Are you okay?”

She gave a small smile. “Yes. I’m actually much better now that I’ve had time to think about it. It is for the better.”

“But you and him were so close.”

“You’re right, we were, but I was feeling confused about my feelings for him anyway, and maybe it’s better that I didn’t marry him with that unaddressed.”

“You were confused? What do you mean?”

She bit her lip. “Tony, you’re my best friend, so I want to be honest with you.” She set the brushes down, dusting her skirt off self-consciously. “I was confused about my feelings for him, because I also had feelings for another.” He searched her face quickly. “I never responded to your confession because I wasn’t sure how to. I know it must sound very two-faced and inconsistent, but I-I care for you, and not in an entirely platonic way.” His face melted into one of complete surprise. “I cared for Adrian as well, and I suppose that’s why I never told you. I didn’t want to complicate things further, but I’m not sure where to go from here.” She looked down at her hands, sighing. “You still feel the same way about me, don’t you?”

He considered her for a moment before stepping forward and taking both her hands in his. She glanced up. “Yes, I do, but I had given up all hope of that a while ago. It is rather shocking to hear. I’m not sure what to say.”

“I-I know. You don’t need to say anything. Forgive me, Tony.”

“Hey.” He let go of one of her hands to lift her downcast chin with one finger. Green eyes locked onto brown. “Don’t be. I’m glad you told me.”

“I’ve known for a while now that I felt this way about you. Since the ball, I think I knew deep down.”

“Really?”

She nodded. “When we danced, I couldn’t keep my eyes off you.” Her cheeks grew in color. “You’re so wonderful to spend time with. Your laugh, and yes, your royal curls…I do really like them.” She reached out and tucked some stray hair behind his ear.

He grinned, a blush filling his cheeks. “I did say they were irresistible.” She gave a soft giggle. “I really had no idea you felt that way. I had just accepted that you were going to marry my brother.”

“I know. This must be very confusing. Where do we go from here?”

He searched her face, then placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “We could see where it goes, I suppose.”

Her heart fluttered in response. “You mean, you want us to court?”

He hesitated. “I think we can take as much time as we need to figure out what we want to call this.”

“But I am leaving soon.”

“I will visit you in Andveltica if that’s what you want. We can continue spending time together and really, there’s no pressure to rush into anything. After everything, we are best friends after all, so if we only remain friends, I’d be content with that as well. What about you? How do you feel about it?”

She searched his face then smiled. Wrapping her arms around his neck into a hug, she borrowed her nose into his shoulder. His hands slid over her waist in reply. “I’d like to see where it goes too.”

♛♚♛

Vauquelin stood before the king of Nebrasia, his head bowed respectfully. Adrian sat upon his elaborately decorated throne with large red tapestries hanging from the ceiling behind it.

Everyone on the council and many of those visiting Nebrasia under the triple alliance sat on benches that wound around where Vauquelin stood. Madeleine sat nervously at the front on Adrian’s left. Antoine sat on Adrian’s right and Justin stood to the side awkwardly with Courtney’s lady-in-waiting.

“Are you telling me,” Vauquelin growled, “that I am being tried at court for loosely based accusations?”

Adrian had a stern look on his face. “A member of the council has condemned you, Cardinal. This accusation would not be made lightly without proof.”

Madeleine’s face paled as Vauquelin’s angry eyes fell on her. “Let’s see this proof then.”

The crumpled-up paper, now smoothed out, was handed to Vauquelin and he stared at it.

“Do you recognize these signatures?” Adrian asked. “This treacherous document was signed at a hearing in Fernshire by a number of people, though all of the signatures are aliases and have so far protected their signers. It is labeled with today’s date. Will you read the declaration at the top, aloud for everyone to hear?”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Vauquelin said, clearing his throat slightly. “This document marks the beginning of a new era for Les Oiseaux Libres. All wishing for the three great kingdoms of Nebrasia, Andveltica, and Cappeland to be dissolved into one government under the Great Liberator to establish peace and prosperity during these dark times, shall be listed below in support of all this organization does and will do for the people of Elderian.”

His words drew gasps from the crowd.

“I have never seen this before,” he added calmly. “My name is not even affiliated with this document. I might also ask; how could I have been there today when I haven’t once left the castle? You can ask my manservants.”

“I already did,” Adrian retorted, “and others as well. Princess Courtney’s lady-in-waiting admitted to seeing you leave your chamber at nearly three in the morning.”

Madeleine blinked in surprise, unaware of the discovery of this witness.

The cardinal’s fists tightened at his sides. “I found I could not sleep and was making my way to the library.”

“Can you prove this?” Adrian asked.

“Your Highness, if I may.” It was Prince Bryson who spoke. He glared at Madeleine as he did so. “None of these allegations are sufficient to find Cardinal Vauquelin guilty. I suggest we stop wasting the precious time the council has left in Nebrasia with these accusations made by an eighteen-year-old, foolhardy girl.”

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There was a small grunt of agreement from a few of the members.

“I agree,” Duke Bourgeois declared in a husky voice. “While this document is most alarming and needs further investigation, all the names listed are undetectable. I believe there is nothing connecting Vauquelin to it or anything else besides that he likes to read books during the very early hours of the morning.”

There was a small laugh from the crowd.

Queen Nicole stood, and Madeleine could not help but notice Justin squirming on the spot. “The king is not finished with the trial, and I, for one, would like to hear more about this case before dismissing it. Someone is calling themselves the Great Liberator and people within Nebrasia’s borders are signing a document to overthrow King Adrian. This is no laughing matter.”

The room grew quiet, and Adrian nodded at her graciously.

“Another witness called to be present today is Justin Chevalier,” the king continued. “Justin claims he saw Princess Madeleine being chased by men supporting this Great Liberator, and his fellow blacksmiths also bore witness to this. Princess Madeleine reclaimed that document you see while in town from a meeting being held in an abandoned church.”

“As Prince Bryson said, My Lord,” Duke Adam spoke up, “this does not connect these things to the cardinal. While alarming, this information is not condemning to Vauquelin.”

Adrian opened his mouth when Count Alexandre chimed in as well. “Is there any more proof, King Adrian?”

There was a short silence.

“That is everything so far.”

“So far?” Madeleine wanted to throttle her brother when he spoke again. “This is nothing! Why are we even here?”

There was mumbling from many of them, and Madeleine gave Antoine a worried look. The noise quieted down as someone stood up. To everyone’s surprise, it was the king of Cappeland.

King Jean cleared his throat quietly, looking humbly at the ground. “King Adrian.” His voice was soft, but clear. “If I may.” Everyone stared at him in shocked silence. “I am to understand that the document mentions the name, the Great Liberator, correct?”

“Yes.”

“I-I’ve heard this name before.” He glanced at the cardinal. “I hate to speak for too long, but I heard the name when I was in Cappeland a few weeks before departing for Nebrasia. I overheard some of my men outside the throne room, speaking of a famous local leader aliased the Great Liberator. I thought until now that it was just a name given by some of my servants to a man from an unpopular heritage who had spent many years of his life conducting charitable acts for Venwickin refugees.”

“What do you mean ‘an unpopular heritage?’ Who are we talking about?” Adrian asked.

The plump king sighed, shifting his weight between both feet nervously. “Vauquelin was originally born in Venwick.” He had to stop for a moment when there came a small outcry from the crowd, which Adrian quickly silenced. “When he was much younger, Vauquelin came to Cappeland to find work in my castle. I watched as he went from very little to a cardinal of the faith. He has cared deeply for his people, wishing for them to have a better life. I have always admired him very much for his dedication, but he insisted I not reveal his background outside my inner circle, and I felt that I understood, since this information could ruin his reputation. I had no idea the Great Liberator was working against the crown.”

Vauquelin glared daggers at King Jean. “So what if I was born in Venwick?” he spat. “So what if I just wanted equality for my people?” His face had twisted into pure malice.

Madeleine sat frozen in her chair as she looked at a man who she had never once seen lose his temper until that moment.

“Then you admit this nickname is connected to you, Cardinal?” Adrian asked calmly.

“Yes, it is, and I will not rest until this pathetic government is torn down and made anew.” Something clicked and Vauquelin pulled a knife from his belt, rushing the king.

Antoine drew the ceremonial sword always attached to his hip, barely blocking the attack, his green eyes wide with shock. Two guards then seized the Great Liberator by the arms and forced him to his knees before the king of Nebrasia.

“Cardinal and Statesman, Martin Vauquelin,” Adrian boomed, his demeanor terrifying. “You have committed treason against the crown. King Jean,” he addressed the man who was still standing, staring at his statesman in horror. “I will leave it to you to determine this man’s fate.”

King Jean hesitated, clearly overwhelmed by everything that was going on. He swallowed, slowly making his way over to where the cardinal stood.

“Before I determine anything, I must know,” he said hesitantly. “Vauquelin, why did you do this? Why did you betray your country?”

The cardinal sneered. “Cappeland is not my country, and neither is Nebrasia. If that wench had not stolen the document,” he glanced at the princess, “we would have recruited the members we needed. You will suffer for what you did.”

Madeleine blinked nervously in response.

“Vauquelin, why did you betray me?” King Jean asked, some emotion behind his voice.

“You want to know why?” He looked around at everyone as he spoke, meeting shocked expressions in the crowd. “Venwick has been underprivileged since it was first founded. The only wealth that came from it left to form the mid and southern countries. There has always been instability and violent action against my country. When I was only a child, my parents were murdered brutally in front of me by Nebrasian soldiers during a raid on my small village of Ostram. I was left with nothing to live a cursed life. I swore vengeance for my family and for all those who still suffer in Venwick to this day.

“The first Elderians wanted to escape persecution and here we are in a classist society, keeping to the ways of kings and treating the poor like nothing. While Venwick grows weaker and sicker, the people of Nebrasia grow richer and fatter. You all turn a blind eye on people who are perishing. I knew I needed to be in a place of power to make things right for my people, and I have done that.”

King Jean looked away, pain behind his eyes. “What is happening to the citizens of Venwick is truly awful. The innocent should not be caught in all this, and for that I am sorry. However, you are not innocent, I’m afraid. This pains me a great deal, you know. You are a dear friend of mine, Vauquelin. I felt very brave with you by my side, and I always thought perhaps you should have been born a ruler and not me.” The cardinal’s expression softened. “I must admit, when you told me not to vote Madeleine onto the council after you described her as weak and inexperienced, I could only think of myself and my own weakness as a ruler.

“I thought, if a man like me, who, despite my inability to be a leader, was never given up on, then this girl should be given the same treatment.” Her eyes widened. “It turns out however, that you were just using me for my position and power. You never believed in me. I never imagined it would come to this. I’d hoped you would stay by my side as long as I ruled, and I’d always have your support. I have been betrayed by my closest friend.”

“We were never truly friends,” Vauquelin said coldly. “Not while the difference in class exists between us. Do not pretend you know anything about me.”

King Jean searched his face then nodded slowly. He glanced at Adrian, then let out a sigh. “What you’ve done is inexcusable, Vauquelin. You are without a doubt, a traitor, and must suffer the consequences. I apologize that Cappeland brought this man into your kingdom, King Adrian. We are in fact in Nebrasia, and I believe this should be dealt with immediately and by your hand, therefore he is yours to do as you will.” He paused, looking back at the cardinal. “Goodbye, my friend.”

Vauquelin grimaced, and King Jean frowned before turning away.

Adrian nodded seriously. “Cardinal Vauquelin, you are hereby stripped of your title.”

“Venwick has gone hungry for far too long,” the traitor shouted, his voice fiercer than ever as he struggled against the guards. “Even all your well-fed armies combined will not be able to stand against years of pent-up rage and hunger from the Venwickin armies. My people will rain blood upon the face of Elderian, and at long last, Venwick will rise from the ashes as the central and supreme power of everything. We will have justice!”

“Take the cardinal away to be interrogated,” Adrian said quickly, waving his hand and the guards began dragging him away. “You are then hereby sentenced to death, Cardinal, and you will be executed.”

“No, wait!” Madeleine found herself shouting as she abruptly stood. There was a sudden shift from chaos to stunned silence in which everyone stared at her.

Even Vauquelin looked shocked at her outburst, having ceased his struggling to stare at her.

“Please, Your Highness.” She walked over to stand in front of Adrian who looked perplexed. “This man has committed unlawful, treacherous acts, and he should be punished. I will not condone his actions, but please, show mercy upon a troubled soul whose intentions come from a place of tragedy and unresolved justice. His sentiments are reflected in many others, and they surge through many during the unrest in Venwick. At least let him live to see his country one day be lifted out of the ashes. Let him live to see his people fed and taken care of. If anything, killing this man now will make him nothing more than a martyr. I implore you, King Adrian, to show compassion during this time.”

Adrian stared at her, clearly speechless.

“You’re delusional, girl,” Vauquelin spoke in a ragged voice, and she turned to look at him. “There is nothing left for my people unless the current state of things is overturned. Nebrasia in all its wealth will not help an unstable, impoverished country like Venwick. My plan is the only way. You see, this land we live in offers privileges to only some, but not all, no matter what our ancestors wanted. I would rather die than watch a ruler reign over this powerful nation just because he was handed a position through his birthright.” He gestured to Adrian whose face hardened. “You think this boy will lead you all to greatness? He has not earned anything in his life, and yet he has everything. It’s a shame I did not kill him earlier when I had the chance.” He tried to lurch forward but was kept in place.

“You’re really not helping your case here, Cardinal,” Prince Antoine said, finally sheathing his sword.

“King Adrian is the bravest man I know,” Madeleine said, her face turning red with anger. “I would trust his reign in Nebrasia over anyone else’s, especially yours. You have grown bitter, Vauquelin, and you have bitten the hand that feeds you. You have also given up all hope and resorted to complete irrationality. What makes you think placing yourself as a ruler over all of Elderian would make you any different from any other monarch?”

“I’d have made Elderian a better place, mark my words!” He struggled again, but the guards had him in chains now.

“What is your final order, My Lord?” one of the guards asked.

Adrian had a furious look on his face. “Understand, Cardinal, that I would have you executed this instant if it were not for Princess Madeleine's words. I suggest you think on her merciful act while you rot in a Nebrasian cell for the rest of your life. I will do what I can to save your people, but it will be for the good of humanity and not for your sake or your deranged agenda. You are getting off easy, and you only have the princess to thank for that. Guards take him away. That will be all.”

“Yes, Sir.” They dragged Vauquelin, who began shouting threats in Venish. When the doors shut behind him, there was a shocked silence.

“Good riddance to that Venwick scum,” someone from the crowd shouted, and there were grunts of agreement.

Madeleine’s face was pale, her heart pounding.

“Are you okay, Madi?” Antoine approached her, and she searched his calming face.

“Yes. Thank you, Tony.”

“To think that man was on the king’s council all this time,” King Abel spoke from the crowd. “If you had not done what you did, Madeleine,” he looked at his daughter, “we never would have known.” The princess was surprised as he gave her an approving nod.

“The Andveltican princess has saved us,” Count Alexandre exclaimed. “She was clever and brave in the face of danger. She attended a dangerous secret meeting and brought us the proof we needed to condemn that traitor.”

“She is brave just to hold a hearing against a man as influential as Vauquelin in the first place.” Madeleine was surprised to see it was King Jean who was speaking. “It is truly fortunate she uncovered his treachery.”

“Here, here!” King Abel projected loudly.

Other compliments were thrown out, and Madeleine was not sure what to do with herself. To her surprise, Prince Bryson had nothing bad to say about her, and Duke Bourgeois was even nodding slowly in approval.

She glanced at her real father, Justin Chevalier, who was beaming at her with pride. She blushed under all the attention, never once expecting everything to turn out so well. A soft chatter began to buzz through the hall now.

“Madi,” Adrian addressed her in a soft voice, and she took a few steps closer to the throne. “I hope you didn’t mind that I did some investigating of my own before the hearing.”

She shook her head. “Not at all. They should be praising you, not me. I would have made a fool out of myself if it weren’t for your additional efforts.”

“You should give yourself more credit,” Antoine added as he appeared by her side. “You were the one putting yourself in danger.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”

“Of course, I am.”

She made a face at him that made him chuckle.

Adrian looked between them, then snuck her a glance. When she caught his eye, he blinked away to stare at the talkative crowd. Stiffening, she looked at the congregation as well to avoid any further discomfort and that’s when she spotted a murderous gaze in the crowd.

Yvette sat, her arms folded, glaring at her from the crowd. For some reason, Madeleine was not intimidated by the gesture and simply stared back challengingly.

After the chatter had simmered down, King Jean addressed Adrian in a bold voice that once again shocked everyone into silence. “King Adrian, if I may.” Adrian nodded for him to continue, and the chatter died down. “Now may not be the best time, but seeing as though my most trusted advisor has betrayed me and Venwick is more aggressive than we initially thought, the marriage between you and another princess is ever pressing. Please, if you would consider Yvette once more as a potential bride.” Adrian bit his lip. “I implore you to marry within the week to ensure security between Nebrasia and Cappeland in lieu of what has happened.”

“Within the week?” Adrian did not hide the surprise in his voice.

“I know it’s very soon, but you must understand the rush given the current situation.”

“I understand, King Jean.” Madeleine saw Adrian’s chest rise and fall quickly as he ran a hand through his golden hair. “I declare that I will…” He hesitated. “I will have to decline the offer and that is my final word.” His statement was met with confused looks, and Yvette’s face twisted from smugness to horror.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand, King Adrian,” King Jean said, scratching the back of his head. “Do you dislike her that much?”

Something flashed across his face, and he tried quickly to hide it. “I mean no disrespect, Your Highness,” he said quickly. “I simply believe that a marriage right now is not what my country needs, nor will it give Cappeland the stability you desire.”

“I’d have hoped you would finally accept, King Adrian.”

He looked down humbly. “I am in no way making this decision because of some hidden darkness directed at Cappeland. I plan to rule alone until I gain more stability based on my ability and merit as a ruler, and not on a marriage proposal. My subjects must see that I am a capable monarch despite my age and experience.”

King Jean nodded. “I understand, however perhaps you could have said this earlier.” His wife in the background seemed more upset than anyone, her intense scowl murderous. “We’ve been discussing this for months and I really thought things were beginning to look in favor of marriage.”

“I was never keen on the idea,” Adrian said flatly, and Yvette’s face fell. “At the time, I was not able to make a firm decision, which is why I will make one now. Until further notice, the king of Nebrasia is not looking for a partner.”

Madeleine and Antoine exchanged a surprised glance.

“King Adrian, if I may—” Queen Adele began, but her husband raised a hand in silence.

“Adele, please.” The queen was so shocked to be commanded by her husband that she immediately was silent, slowly sitting back down. “King Adrian, we all admire and envy your vigor and youth, and you’ve filled the role of your father so successfully.” Adrian, though his expression was steady and unreadable, sat up straighter on his throne. “I understand your hesitation when it comes to making decisions. I have only recently been able to stand up for myself and speak as a king should, and I’m an old man.” He laughed. “If you’ve already figured it out and you’re young, then I admire you even further. Though Cappeland is saddened by your decision, we will not harness ill will for it. We shall continue our friendly relations with Nebrasia.”

Yvette stood then, and Madeleine felt a wave of anxiety rush over her as she watched the erratic princess. “How can you suggest such a thing, Father!” Her voice was shrill, and everyone looked over at her. “The king is lying! King Adrian will not marry me because he is in love with Princess Madeleine and for no other reason. You all see how he looks at her.”

There was no response from the crowd except looks of shock at her outburst.

“Yvette, be silent at once,” her father hissed. “You are humiliating your entire kingdom with this affront.”

“No!” she shouted, coming to the center of the room. “She’s not even a real princess. Madeleine is the bastard child of the stable hand, Justin Chevalier!”