Haymond sighed deeply, the weight of responsibility as a lord of the kingdom evident in his every gesture, be it the theater master. “I’ve just received further news that Kinghaven is on lockdown. No one is permitted to leave the city or enter it until further notice.”

“You’ll have to stay here for the night,” Haymond continued, his voice softer now. “The estate has ample room, and I’ll ensure you’re both well taken care of. Lucian, come to the office when you wake tomorrow.”

Haymond gestured to a servant waiting by the door. “Show them to their rooms. Make sure they have everything they need.”

The servant, a young woman with a composed demeanor, nodded and motioned for Lucian and Aric to follow her. They trailed her through the silent corridors of the estate, the grandeur of the place lost on them in the midst of their concerns. Eventually, they reached a pair of adjacent rooms, each as elegant as the next, with plush bedding and designer furnishings.

Lucian stepped into his room, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with him. He sank into the soft mattress, his mind racing with thoughts of Maia.

Aric lingered in the doorway, a troubled look on his face. “Get some rest, Lucian. Worry will not help now.”

“You too,” Lucian replied, managing a faint smile.

With a nod, Aric stepped back into his own room, closing the door behind him. Lucian lay back, staring at the carved ceiling.

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Morning light filtered through the grand windows of Haymond’s estate, casting a golden hue across the polished floors. Lucian made his way to Haymond’s office. He knocked gently, and the door swung open to reveal Haymond seated behind his desk, already deep in thought.

“Come in, Lucian,” Haymond said, his voice tired. “We have much to discuss.”

Lucian entered, taking a seat across from Haymond.

“Let’s talk about Maia,” Haymond began, leaning back in his chair. “You deserve to know it.”

Lucian sat across his desk.

“It was hard, but I was able to pull a few strings and get some information inside the castles,” Haymond said. “What I am about to tell you, never tell to Aric, you understand?”

Lucian, confused, but wanting to hear on, agreed.

“Prince Leonardo was killed around yesterday afternoon.” Haymond’s forehead creased as he struggled to get the next words out.

Finally, he finished with, “he was last seen with Maia.”

What!? He can’t mean …

The tone that Haymond spoke with and the mannerisms with his hands, constantly moving about from chin to the armrest confirmed Lucian’s suspicions.

“She killed him?” Lucian asked.

“No! She would never!” Haymond bolted up and shouted. “She truly loved Prince Leonardo. She would never.”

“So what did happen?”

Haymond shrugged. He said he did not know that much, but he knew that the news of her trial would be made public soon, and that would be the end of any future she had. She will be found guilty most likely, and be hanged.

Small tears broke apart as they rolled down his cheeks. Lucian could see how much he cared for her.

“A friend knows more than me, and he agreed to speak with me. We can find out more. Do you want to come?”

“Yes.” Lucian needed to know.

“Remember to not tell Aric.”

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Lucian and Haymond made their way to the castle of Marquess Johan, an estate located on the outskirts of Kinghaven. The morning air was crisp, the sky a clear blue overhead. Haymond had managed to secure a meeting with Johan, who had been very close to Prince Leonardo.

As they approached the grand gates, they were met by a pair of guards who, upon seeing Haymond’s insignia, promptly allowed them through.

Lucian followed Haymond through a series of corridors until they reached a large oak door. A servant opened it for them, and they stepped into a spacious study.

Marquess Johan stood by the window, his hands clasped behind his back. He turned as they entered, his expression stern but curious. Johan was a tall man with graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He wore a simple morning robe.

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“Haymond,” Johan greeted, his voice deep. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Marquess,” Haymond replied. “This is Lucian, my fighter for the tournament.”

Johan nodded in acknowledgment, his sharp eyes studying Lucian briefly before returning to Haymond. “I heard about the tragic news of Prince Leonardo. A great loss.”

“Yes, it is,” Haymond said, choosing his words carefully. “We are here because we believe there is more to the story of his death, and we need your help to uncover the truth.”

Johan’s expression hardened. “What are you suggesting?”

“Maia is being accused of the prince’s murder,” Haymond said plainly. “We need to understand what really happened. You were close to Leonardo. Any insights you can provide would be invaluable.”

The marquess’s eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—sorrow, anger, and perhaps a hint of suspicion. He walked over to a large desk and motioned for them to sit.

“I knew Leonardo well,” Johan began, his voice heavy with emotion. “He was like another son to me. To think that Maia, of all people, could be responsible... it doesn’t make sense.”

“Do you have any idea who might want to harm him?” Lucian asked, leaning forward.

Johan sighed, shaking his head. “Leonardo was well-loved, but the politics of the court are treacherous. He had his share of rivals. There were always whispers and whatnot, but nothing ever seemed serious.”

Haymond nodded. “What can you tell us about the day he died?”

Johan closed his eyes briefly as if replaying the memory. “Leonardo was meeting with several nobles in the afternoon. It was a routine matter. He finished and visited Maia. Maia was seen leaving his chambers shortly before he was found. The flames... that’s what confounds me. Leonardo was an accomplished swordsman and a magician, not easily bested.”

“Could someone have framed Maia?” Lucian asked.

“It’s possible,” Johan admitted. “But the evidence is damning. Witnesses saw Maia, and the manner of death points to her magic. Yet, I can’t bring myself to believe she did it. She loved him.”

“Is there anyone in the court who might have a motive to frame her?” Haymond inquired.

Johan was silent for a moment, deep in thought. “There are always factions within the court. Those who seek power, those who harbor grudges. Leonardo’s progressive ideas weren’t welcomed by all. Some might see his death as an opportunity.”

“Anything else?” Haymond hounded softly.

“She did say that she saw someone suspicious, hooded, around the halls that day. That’s all.”

Haymond fell silent and spoke again. “Can we do anything about that?”

Johan laughed, one filled with sadness. “No … and about the conspiracy on the nobles, they are too protected. You know that Haymond. You of all people …,”

“So it is done then? She will be on trial and hung for it?” He asked again.

“She will hang.”

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Haymond and Lucian left Marquess Johan's estate with urgency in their steps. As they made their way through the bustling streets of Kinghaven towards the main castle, Lucian couldn’t shake off his confusion. Why were they heading directly to the castle?

"Lord Haymond, why are we going straight to the castle?" Lucian asked, glancing at him.

Haymond’s expression was resolute. "Because it’s time we took direct action," he replied. "I never fully believed in your chances of finding Maia and winning the tournament. Not at first. But your determination has earned my respect."

Lucian was taken aback. Haymond had always been somewhat aloof, his encouragements often sounding like mere formalities. Hearing this acknowledgment now, in the midst of their urgent mission, filled him with a mix of pride and anxiety.

“You’ve shown tenacity, Lucian, a quality I greatly admire,” Haymond continued, his tone softening. “You’ve come a long way since we first met. And now, you have a chance to do something truly remarkable.”

They moved quickly through the cobblestone streets, the looming silhouette of the castle growing larger. Lucian’s thoughts raced.

“This is your opportunity to repay Abenor for saving your life,” Haymond said, his voice steady and earnest. “You owe him a great debt, remember, and this is your chance to make good on it.”

“What are you talking about, Lord Haymond?” Lucian questioned.

“You know,” he replied.

Deep inside, he did know. He just did not want to accept that it was what was being proposed.

“But–”

“Remember, you came. You were the one who wanted to meet her. You wanted to help her, right?” Haymond’s face was sweating, and he was speaking fast, and stumbling over words.

Lucian could see his desperation.

“And, and, and … they said that she saw someone weird, and the prince was killed by burns. You can use fire, can’t you?” he asked.

“How do you know?” Lucian wondered.

“That’s beside the point, do what is right Lucian.”

Lucian understood it all now. He would never allow him to get off the carriage, and leave.

What’s right, huh? Why should I take her place? It wasn’t me.

A deep self-consciousness within him spoke against his voice. Don’t forget why you’re even here Lucian. Abenor sacrificed himself for you! The least you can do is repay him back and help his daughter!

His own voice fought against it. But why would I let myself die and be blamed for something I didn’t do? Why can I not be selfish? Is it even selfish?

The other voice replied back, You don’t matter to anyone here at all. Think about it. Who cared about you before you made it to this world? No one right? If you had died, do you think anyone would mourn you there? Do you think it makes a difference here? If Maia dies, you’ve failed your mission. Haymond will be sad. She already lost her father. Do you want her to lose her own life too? Her future will be gone, just like that.

What about my future? Remember, it said I was ‘worthy’ that morning when the blade pierced me? Lucian asked it.

Who said you ever had a future? You ever thought that meant you needed to make it till here. Maybe this was the destiny. The voice was relentless and unyielding. It never lied, no matter how harsh it sounded.

“Lucian, have you decided?” Haymond quietly whispered.

“Do I have a choice,” he sneered. “What do I have to do?”