Chapter 123 The Kings Command
Adrian stood, moving to the window overlooking the training yard. His back was rigid with tension.
"How long will this investigation take?"
"Weeks, possibly. We need to be thorough, discreet. If the culprit suspects we're closing in, they might destroy evidence or flee." Marcus's voice was respectful but firm. "Patience is crucial."
"I've been patient for four years." Adrian's hands gripped the window frame. "My patience is wearing thin."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Adrian was quiet for a long moment. Then: "Is there anything else?"
Keal hesitated. "Your Majesty, there's one more thing. Lady Lila's memory recovery is accelerating. The physical training is working exactly as predicted. She's starting to remember fragments from before."
Adrian's shoulders tensed. "What kind of fragments?"
"Events surrounding Queen Celeste's death." Keal chose his words carefully. "She may have witnessed something important. Something that was buried along with her other memories."
"Which means whoever altered her memories might see her as a threat." Marcus's voice went hard. "If she remembers the wrong thing, if she can identify the killer, she becomes a target."
Adrian turned slowly. His eyes were gold at the edges, his wolf close to the surface.
"Then keep her safe. Both of you. During training, during her duties, whenever she's vulnerable. Assign guards. Subtle ones. And if anyone approaches her with suspicious intent, I want to know immediately."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Keal bowed. "We'll protect her."
"You'll do more than protect her." Adrian's voice dropped to something dangerous. "You'll keep her alive. Because if anything happens to Lila, if she's harmed because I wasn't careful enough, I will burn this entire kingdom to ash. Am I clear?"
The raw emotion in his voice made both men freeze. This wasn't duty speaking. This was something far more personal.
"Crystal clear, Your Majesty." Marcus bowed lower. "We won't fail you."
"See that you don't." Adrian returned to his desk, dismissing them with a gesture. "Keep me informed of any developments. Daily reports. No detail is too small."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
They left, closing the door quietly behind them. In the hallway, they walked in silence until they were far from listening ears.
"He loves her," Marcus said quietly. "The King loves Lady Lila."
"I know." Keal's expression was troubled. "Which makes this even more dangerous. Love makes people reckless. And we can't afford recklessness right now."
"Agreed. So we do our jobs. We investigate. We protect. And we hope we find the killer before they strike again."
They separated, each lost in thought. Neither noticed the figure watching from a shadowed alcove. Gerrit stood motionless, having heard every word through the study's thin door.
His face remained calm, but his hands trembled slightly as he turned and walked away.
They were getting too close. Time was running out.
He needed to act. Soon.
The next morning, Adrian called an official council session. The throne room filled with nobles and advisors, all murmuring about the unusual summons.
Keal and Marcus stood to the right of the throne, expressions neutral. Adrian sat with perfect stillness, his presence commanding absolute attention.
When everyone was assembled, Adrian spoke.
"This kingdom faces threats from multiple sources. Creature attacks in the northern forests. Unexplained illnesses in the outer provinces. Instability that threatens our security." His voice carried to every corner of the vast room. "I am taking action to address these threats directly."
Lord Thorne leaned forward. "What action, Your Majesty?"
"Commander Marcus and Delta Keal will work together officially, combining their resources and authority. Marcus will investigate the creature attacks with full military support. Keal will investigate the plague and its origins with full access to palace records and resources." Adrian's eyes swept the room. "They answer only to me. They have my full confidence and backing. Any interference with their work will be considered treason."
Shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd. Margot sat among the nobles, her face carefully blank, but her hands clenched in her lap.
"Furthermore," Adrian continued, "I am declaring a state of heightened security. All palace visitors will be screened. All shipments will be inspected. Anyone caught withholding information relevant to these investigations will face severe punishment."
"Your Majesty," Councilor Brennan spoke up. "These are extreme measures. Surely…"
"Extreme threats require extreme measures." Adrian's tone left no room for argument. "My decision is final. This session is concluded."
He stood, and everyone immediately bowed. Adrian descended from the throne and walked toward his private chambers. Marcus and Keal fell into step behind him.
Once in the hallway, away from listening ears, Adrian stopped.
"You have full authority to do whatever is necessary. Question anyone, search anywhere, spend whatever resources you need." He turned to face them. "Find who's responsible. I don't care how long it takes or what you have to do. Just find them."
"We will, Your Majesty." Marcus bowed. "You have our word."
Adrian's expression shifted slightly. "There's one more thing. Regarding Lady Lila's training."
Both men straightened, listening carefully.
"Keep her safe." Adrian's voice dropped. "I know I've ordered brutal training. I know I've pushed her past reasonable limits. But keep her safe while doing it. She needs to get stronger, needs to remember, but she also needs to survive long enough for those things to matter."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Keal's voice was gentle. "We understand."
"Do you?" Adrian's eyes flashed gold. "Do you understand that she's..." He stopped himself, jaw clenching. "Just keep her safe. That's an order."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Adrian dismissed them with a wave. As they walked away, Marcus spoke quietly to Keal.
"He almost said it. Almost admitted what she is to him."
"Almost." Keal adjusted his glasses. "But admitting it would mean facing everything he's done to her. The cruelty. The rejection. All of it."
"Do you think she'll forgive him? When she remembers everything?"
"I don't know. That's between them." Keal's expression turned thoughtful. "But I hope so. Because if we're right about this investigation, if someone really did murder the Queen and alter memories, then Adrian and Lila are both victims. They deserve a chance to heal."