Chapter 8 THE EYE WITNESS
Before Adrian could speak, Athalia stepped smoothly between them.
“Prince Eric, this is not the time for suspicion,” she said gently. “Your father needs your support and not fear. Therefore, we must remain united."
Her gentle words carried a certain weight enough to make Eric pause.
Princess Emelia placed a hand on her husband’s arm.
“She’s right,” she whispered. “Let us focus on father first.”
Adrian felt a small wave of relief wash over him. Yet something dark and cold settled in the room.
This attack had changed everything.Hours passed and the night deepened.
Guards searched the palace while healers worked tirelessly.
Arrandelle held its breath, hoping for the king’s recovery.
The queens maid, Lena, held a tray to serve the depressed queen. But when she got to the entrance of the queens chamber, she heard voices. She leaned closer.
"You couldnt even complete a simple task. Why did you harm the King?". the Queen said in fury.
"Im sorry, your grace." he said with voice sharp and dreadful. "I didnt harm him, i did my part but it seems someone wanted him gone."
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously.
"I did as you commanded me. But, i really do not know how the king was harmed. It seems the King has enemies." he said.
"But what will they benefit from hurting the King?". the Queen asked.
She exhaled slowly. "It might seem someone wants the kingdom."
"Some how, its a win for you, your majesty." the Stranger said.
"Meaning?" she asked
"If the prince really killed the King, then nothing can stop Prince Adrain from succeeding the throne. Unless...."
"Unless..?" the Queen asked curiously.
"...the conspirator wants to take out the entire Royal family. But for now we can focus on Prince Adrain."
"Ugh...Did she...?" she muttered abit loud.
The stranger's words kept Lena standing at the door for a moment.
Then the Queen opened the door.
"I thought i heard you!" She said.
Lena who was shocked, nodded and entered. She looked around but saw no one.
"Are you looking for something, Lena ?" The Queen asked.
"No, your grace" she said and left.
Adrian remained outside the healer’s chamber, sitting on a stone bench with his thoughts spiraling.
Who wanted to attack Eric?
How would they benefit from it?
And why would Father protect Eric with his life?
Athalia approached quietly.
“You should rest,” she said softly.
“I can’t,” Adrian whispered. “Not until I know he’s safe.”
Athalia sat beside him.
“You care for him deeply,” she said.
“He’s my father,” Adrian replied. “I never imagined harm would come to him.”
A breeze drifted through the hallway and chilled the air. But Athalia’s gaze stayed fixed on Adrian’s troubled expression.
“Adrian,” she asked slowly, “do you remember what the king said earlier?”
Adrian frowned. “About what?”
"About Eric playing a key role in the future of the kingdom."
Adrian flinched and remembered all too well.
Athalia continued quietly, “Your father’s trust in him, the people’s loyalty and the council’s admiration… all of that puts you at risk.”
“Not now,” Adrian said weakly. “Not tonight.”
But Athalia leaned closer, her voice sharper.
“Tonight proves exactly what I warned you about. If someone is willing to kill for power, then your place is far from safe.”
Adrian turned to her as his eyes narrowed.
“You think this attack was political?”
Athalia folded her hands calmly.
“I think someone wanted Eric gone and your father stepped in. Whoever did this know that if Eric falls, you either rise… or fall with him.”
Adrian’s breath caught. He didn’t want to think like that.
But the seed Athalia had planted was already taking root.
A guard rushed toward them.
“Your Highness, the chief advisor requests your presence in the council hall immediately.”
Adrian stood at once.
“Is Father getting worse?”
“No, my prince,” the guard said. “But we found something.”
Athalia’s eyes sharpened.
“What did you find?” she asked.
The guard hesitated, glancing between them.
“It is better discussed with the advisers.”
The council hall was small but heavy with tension.
The Chief advisor stood near the king’s throne, gripping a broken dagger.
Prince Eric had also been summoned.
Adrian’s eyes widened.
“What is that?” Adrain asked. “What are you doing with that?”.
“A guard found it ,” the chief advisor said. “It is the weapon used on your father.
Adrian stepped closer.
The blade was bent, chipped, and stained with drying blood.
“This dagger is part of the royal armory,” Adrian said quietly.
“It came from inside the palace.” the chief advisor said.
A chill ran down his spine.
“Does that mean…?”
“It means,” the advisor said slowly, “the attacker was not an outsider. They were inside the palace and they had access to the Royal Armory”
Athalia who was standing at the doorway, stiffened slightly.
Queen Elizabeth whispered, trembling, “You mean someone inside these walls tried to kill my husband?”
Adrian looked at Eric.
His brother’s eyes were sharp… but unreadable.
“Where were you when your father and brother were attacked?” the chief advisor asked.
Adrian inhaled sharply at the accusation.
“You suspect me?”
“Yes!
“I suspect everyone,” the chief advisor replied. “That is my duty.”
“I was with Athalia,” Adrian said firmly.
Athalia stepped forward gracefully.
“Yes. Adrian was with me on the balcony. The guard who informed us can confirm it.”
The chief advisor watched them both carefully.
Suddenly, a guard burst into the room.
“Your Majesties! We have captured someone! A man was found hiding near the abandoned stables. He tried to flee and may be the one we seek!” He spoke
“Bring him in,” the chief advisor ordered.
Two guards dragged a man inside. His clothes were worn and his face bruised.
“State your name,” Queen Elizabeth demanded.
The prisoner glared.
“I owe you nothing.” He spoke
A guard struck him across the back and forced him to kneel.
“Speak!” The guard ordered.
The prisoner spat blood and laughed weakly.
“You think beating me will make me talk?”
Athalia stepped forward, her eyes cold.
“Tell us why you attacked Prince Eric.”
“I didn’t touch him,” the man snapped.
“And the king?” the Queen asked.
“I am no criminal,” he muttered.
“Then why run?” she pressed.
“Because I know what happens in palaces,” he said bitterly. “People like me disappear.”
The chief advisor slammed the table.
“Did you attack them or not?” He shouted.
Fear flickered in the prisoner’s eyes.
“I… I didn’t,” he whispered. “But I saw who stabbed the king.”
Everyone froze.
“He…” the prisoner continued.
“You mean a man?” the adviser asked, surprised.
“I was on watch,” the prisoner said. “Then I saw him walk toward the king. They looked like they were talking or arguing.”
He swallowed hard.
“I looked away for a moment. Then I heard something fall, it was the king’s goblet. When I turned back… I saw…”
He stopped and trembled.
“What did you see?” the Queen asked urgently.