“They have arrived in the city and approach the palace as we speak,” Cassius announced. “Shall I wait to greet them outside or shall I wait with you, my queen?”

“Go, greet them,” Cara ordered. “Xerath will keep me company.”

“As you wish.” Cassius seemed to sing. Walking from the room, he closed the doors behind him.

Xerath had just entered the room on the opposite side and made his way over to her. Bending down to her level, he kissed her gently on the lips.

“Are you sure about this?” Xerath asked for the hundredth time. “From what you have told me, he won’t approve, even if it is to save his life. And that is no guarantee either.”

“I have to do something. My brother trusts Rayman like a father. I will trust my brother.” Cara said softly. “He will understand.”

“I hope so,” Xerath said gently. “I will support your decision then.” he smiled at her.

“Thank you, husband.” Cara smiled back. “I will need you for what is to come.”

“And I will be by your side every step of the way.” Xerath offered. “Have you thought of what he might tell Erik?”

“Of course.” Cara frowned. “Though I don’t like the possible outcomes, my mind is made up. If all else fails, then I will tell Erik myself.”

Xerath took a deep breath and sat in his chair next to her. His face was contorted in thought.

“Forgive me.” Cara reached for his hand. “I have been selfish. You want to tell Kyburn don’t you?”

“He deserves to know.” Xerath breathed. “Him more than I. He was the one who talked me out of it and he didn’t even know. His heart and moral compass is far straighter than mine will ever be. He’s taken the war a lot harder than I have. He never had anyone to lean on as I did.” Xerath met her eyes. “He’s never truly recovered from what happened.”

“You are right, of course. Kyburn does deserve to know.” Cara furrowed her eyebrows. “But you mustn’t torment yourself, Xerath. No one knew. Not even your father. You did what you thought was right at the time.”

“Please.” Xerath sighed. “I know when I am wrong. In this… I was terribly mistaken.”

“I do not wish for you to burden yourself with this.” Cara teared up. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“I know, dear,” Xerath said simply. “It is why you stayed silent for all these years. To protect me. To protect everyone.”

Warm tears slipped down Cara’s cheeks. Seeing her husband in this state was the very reason she wished to never tell him of her past.

“I understand, fully now, the burden you have carried on your shoulders.” Xerath met her gaze. “I will share it with you now.”

“Thank you.” Cara squeezed his hand gently. “I love-”

The door in front of them pushed open, the room echoing from the hinges squealing. A moment later, Cassius emerged, behind him, Rayman.

Rayman was alone but she caught a glimpse of several guards huddled around what she thought was Jebbin in chains. They were in view for only a moment.

“Sir, Rayman,” Cassius announced him.

The Vulkirian man stalked down the long room toward them. His boots echoing off the walls. Ten paces away, he stopped abruptly.

“Your majesties.” Rayman bowed before them. “I have come here as you requested.”

He looked tired and troubled but he kept his voice even and steady. Cara gave him credit for keeping his temper in check as he obviously looked annoyed.

“Welcome, sir Rayman.” Cara started. “I have heard much about you from my brother. I thank you for coming here on such an unusual request.”

“The pleasure is mine.” Rayman lied.

“We would like to see him,” Xerath spoke for the first time.

Rayman’s eye twitched but turned and gestured to his men to bring Jebbin.

“Of course,” Rayman said, his tone unwavering but his eyes gave away his slight anger.

Jebbin was pulled inside, bound by chains and surrounded by five guards. He looked dirty and a slight stench could be smelled from her chair. Cara kept herself from reacting poorly to his appearance but Xerath’s hand reached for hers, which calmed her.

“You said you have proof that Jebbin was not a traitor to his country,” Rayman stated, getting straight to the point. “I’d like the evidence now if you please. We’ve come quite a long way.”

“Indeed,” Cara said. “Please have Jebbin cleaned and cared for… properly.” her gaze shot to Rayman.

He waved his hand to Kevin for them to release Jebbin into the Xerian's custody, waiting patiently for an explanation.

“I know I have… forced your hand to come here and you may wish to keep us out of any issues involving your own people but I do have something that you will want to hear.” Cara watched as Jebbin was led away. “If you please,” she gestured to a door to her left. “Somewhere private for us to speak.”

“My king still considers you a part of Vulkira. Through his will, I too see you as a fellow Vulkirian. You have stakes in our affairs yes, but not authority. You’d best not forget that.” Rayman made himself clear as to where he stood. “I trust, if I do not find your proof to be sufficient, you will return Jebbin into my custody, immediately.”

“Calm yourself.” Xerath stood tall. “That is my wife you speak to. You’d best not forget that.”

It was obvious what Xerath meant, he held the power here, not Rayman. If it were any other man, he would lash out in anger but Rayman held his temper.

“Please.” Cara cut in, standing next to her husband. “I apologize for your discomfort. I do not wish to start a fight or cause unrest.” Cara placed a gentle hand on Xerath’s chest. “Jebbin will be released to you if that is your wish. But… hear me out first.”

“By all means.” Rayman smiled wryly. “I’m all ears.”

Xerath took her hand from his chest and lightly pulled her out of her throne. Rayman sighed heavily and walked for the door, closely followed by Cassius who kept on his heels. Leading the way, Xerath led them all to a small room, where he gently pushed the door open.

Rayman stepped in after them and Cassius made a move to follow but Cara put up her hand, “Cassius. Wait outside please.”

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

He bowed, but she saw a flicker of disappointment before he retreated.

Sitting down next to Xerath again, Rayman remained standing.

“Please, have a seat.” Cara gestured to the chair across from them.

He hesitated a moment then relented, slipping into the comfortable chair offered to him. His body was on edge, however, a mixture of nervousness along with annoyance. Not only that, he looked exhausted from travel.

“Why have you called me here?” Rayman asked. “You can understand my impatience. I don’t like being summoned.”

“I do understand. And I thank you for coming. I imagine you too would like to see Jebbin cleared of charges.” Cara smiled. “I’m not quite sure where to begin though. It is… a long story.”

“How about from the start?” Rayman said, his impatience obvious.

“As you know. I all but raised Erik as my mother and father neglected us entirely.” Cara said. “We had to fend for ourselves as they did nothing to further our education or raise us properly. You know how my mother was, you were there, though you did not have the position you have now.”

“Only rumors... but I expect they were true if you are mentioning them now,” Rayman responded.

“Indeed.” Cara frowned. “They were in the middle of negotiations with King Elzzor trying to marry me off to Xerath when I discovered something. Jebbin had been a thorn in their sides for some time. He also had discovered a plot that would ruin them. My mother and father… planned to have him killed. When I discovered this, I warned him but he wouldn’t leave to save himself.”

“It was my understanding that Jebbin was the one trying to have your parents murdered, not the other way around,” Rayman said bluntly. “I have a reliable source, though no evidence, Jebbin assassinated Halden and Astrid.”

“Who?” Cara asked. “Torstein?”

Rayman shifted in his seat, taken aback that she guessed so quickly.

“I assure you, Torstein doesn’t know what he saw. The lies my parents told him still haunt him to this day doesn’t it? He believes Jebbin is guilty, even when I vouched for him.” Cara continued. “He too was manipulated.”

“That’s funny.” Rayman scoffed. “He most definitely believed he was being manipulated… by Jebbin. That is why he told them of his treason.”

Cara couldn’t hide the shock of his statement. The revelation that Torstein was the one who betrayed them was painful. But understandably, Torstein remained loyal to the crown. She didn’t blame him. He did what he thought was best.

“You seem surprised.” Rayman squinted. “You didn’t know Torstein informed on him?”

“No,” Cara admitted. “I knew it was someone in the court but I didn’t realize Torstein felt so cornered he felt he had to betray Jebbin. I was to speak to him that night. But it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Betray?” Rayman raised an eyebrow. “What you call betrayal, I call loyalty.”

“Yes. You are right.” Cara smiled faintly. “Though you don’t know the whole story.”

“Then, by all means, enlighten me.” Rayman leaned forward.

“I was spying for him.” Cara shifted in her chair. “Jebbin had come to me with the truth of my parents. I was shocked at first, but over time I realized he was right and… spied for him from then on. Leaking information to him when I could.”

Cara paused and Xerath looked at her, his gentle gaze and touch encouraged her to continue. Taking a sip of wine that had been prepared earlier, she shifted in her chair once again, feeling extremely nervous.

Rayman was almost glaring at her. She had just admitted she was spying on her own parents. Cara hoped he would keep his head and listen till the end.

“Before my wife continues.” Xerath butted in. “I need your word that this conversation will never leave this room.”

“I can’t and won’t promise that.” Rayman frowned. “I am honor-bound to reveal any relevant information to Erik.”

“Then only Erik, you will tell,” Xerath said firmly. “No one else. Swear it.”

Rayman stalled, his mind racing, his gaze fierce but determined. After a long pause, he sighed deeply, “Very well. I swear I will speak of this to no one… except if I deem it necessary to share with my king.”

Xerath nodded in approval then squeezed Cara’s hand, indicating for her to continue.

“My parents were involved in a conspiracy to kill King Armin. I don’t know their reasoning but they started the war with Kligira, not the other way around.” Cara said slowly. “Halden and Astrid desired something Armin had in Kligira and they were willing to kill for it.”

“Vulkira?” Rayman said, confused. “Vulkira started the war? Not Kligira? How do you know this? What proof do you have?”

“I overheard them as they beat the life out of Jebbin,” she said bluntly. “Later, after my parents died, Jebbin obtained all the proof he needed, stored away in a secret room. One of many my parents kept secret from the public. Their future plans. Their desires to rule the world. All of it.” Cara answered. “My parents started it all and made it look as if Kligira was in the wrong when in fact they had orchestrated the whole thing. Armin was just fighting back in self-defense.”

“You’re trying to tell me… the entire war that killed thousands, caused seventeen years of unrest, and brought about the annihilation of the Kligirian royal line, was all based on a lie?” Rayman frowned. “If that is true, why did you kill Queen Brinna and Prince Zegren if they were innocent. The war was over at that point.”

“I did that,” Xerath admitted. “Though, at the time I had no idea. We were led to believe Kligira were warmongers and out for blood and territory. I did what I thought was right.”

Xerath paused, a look of anguish littered his face.

“My father had given me charge of the war but no one knew the facts… obviously. In any other circumstance eliminating any and all threats to your own kingdom is wise. I carried out their sentences because I knew if I let them live they would rise up against me later. Halden and Astrid did their job well in painting them as villains.”

“That is… hard to swallow.” Rayman squinted his eyes. “I find it hard to believe my king and queen had such dark intentions.”

“You do not have to believe her.” Xerath interrupted. “Only listen. Very few know of these facts and Jebbin is one of them.”

Rayman paused, waiting for Cara to speak, “You said your parents had future plans? Like what?”

“As you know. I was to be married off to Xerath. I was to bear a son and hold the love of the people.” Cara started. “After which, my parents would assassinate Xerath, making me sole ruler of the Xerian kingdom. My son would inherit the Xerian thrown and through me, also secede Vulkira, making one nation.”

Rayman tapped his fingers and narrowed his eyes.

“Kligira would stay weakened from the war, my parents would make sure of that.” Cara sneered at the memory. “Taking their lands would be a simple enough task. All that would remain would be Tykin. Tykin would not be able to resist three kingdoms. Three armies. I don’t have to tell you much more than that. My parents desired to have their legacy be an empire that would rule for millennia. They wished to revive the Zata Empire once again.”

“What you say is insanity.” Rayman scoffed again. “You truly expect me to believe such a thing?”

“Believe it or don’t,” Cara said plainly. “But my words are true. My story is true. This is what Halden and Astrid desired for the future of all Isulia.”

“If what you say is true.” Rayman frowned. “If. How does this relate to Jebbin’s treachery? Where is your proof? Everything you have said is hearsay. Only your word.”

Xerath looked as if he would respond to defend his wife’s honor but stopped as Cara looked at him. She gently brushed his fingers with hers and continued.

“Fourteen years ago, I overheard my parents speaking of killing Jebbin which was to be soon. I now know it was Torstein who informed them of his plans for a coup. I met with Jebbin that night and pleaded for him to flee or he was certainly going to die. He refused. Do you know why he refused to leave?” Cara asked Rayman.

“Why? He asked with a skeptical roll of the eye.

“He told me he wouldn’t leave me and Erik to fend for ourselves and abandon Vulkira.” Cara gazed into Rayman’s eyes. “Risking his life for ours, Jebbin was inevitably caught by my parents, while he was trying to convince the council of alderman and general Torstein to his side. But… Torstein made sure the coup failed and imprisoned him in our dungeons. There they tortured him for information. To this day, I cannot fully remember the events that transpired that night.”

“It’s all still,” Cara paused for a long moment, her face contorting, reliving the memories. “It’s all still just a nightmare to me.”

“What happened?” Rayman asked, his curiosity obviously getting the better of him.

“Upon Jebbin’s capture, my personal guard…” she hesitated, a look of sorrow flickering across her face. “Jebbin had it planned that if something happened to him, Ulfrick would secret me and Erik away to safety. Instead, I stayed behind and went after Jebbin, to free him. Once Jebbin was free, he took the blame for my parents' deaths. The rumor only grew, so he took it upon himself to make those rumors focus on himself. To protect me.”

“Then Jebbin wasn’t the one who poisoned the king and queen?” Rayman asked.

“No,” Cara said slowly. “Nor were they poisoned.”

Rayman’s own face was conflicted.

“In doing so, he had cleared the way for Erik, free from scrutiny. Free from doubt and hate. A fresh and peaceful start.”

Rayman’s face told Cara he too realized that fact.

“Who then?” Rayman asked, his face grim. “Who killed them if Jebbin didn’t?”

Cara frowned, her heart nearly bursting from anxiety. “I did. I was the one who killed my father and mother.”