CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: VENUS

It's been two days since that night, and I've been without food and water. I'm really concerned because I've never gone this long without them. However, what's bothering me even more is that I can't remember anything that happened after Mustache started hitting me to teach me a lesson. When I try to recall what happened after I passed out, my mind goes blank, and it's making me really worried.

When I woke up, it was late in the night, and I found myself lying on the floor. Some of my wounds were partially healed, but both Mustache and Pansy were nowhere to be seen. I assumed they had left after I passed out, but something deep within me is telling me that might not be the case. So I hope over the course of this week, my forgotten memories may start to come back.

As I was lost in my thoughts, Xavier came rushing into the room with some other guards, and to my dismay, Simon was standing beside him with a stupid grin on his face. I couldn't stand him one bit.

"Have you heard of knocking? Even if you lack other basic manners, you should at least know how to knock," I said, wrapping the blanket over my nightgown.

"I see you still haven't learned your lesson and are still running that mouth of yours," Michael said, his frown deepening. "But that's not why I'm here."

"So what brings you to my room? Are you satisfied with my punishment and want to release me so I can be fed?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"No, you still need to learn, so your punishment isn't over," Michael answered sternly.

"I see. So why are you here, Michael?" I inquired, curious about his unexpected visit.

"I'm here to ask you if you have anything to do with Trevor and James' disappearance?" he said, his expression serious.

"Mustache and Pansy are missing? Hmm, but why are you asking me? I was locked in here for a whole two days, so how do you think I have anything to do with their disappearance?" I replied, trying to recall any relevant memories, but my mind remained foggy. I was certain they both left after they finished beating me up, or did they?

"First, who are Mustache and Pansy?" Michael inquired.

"Oh, silly me! That's what I call Trevor and James," I explained, trying to lighten the mood. "Trevor is Mustache because of his prominent mustache, and James is Pansy because he can be a bit of a wimp," I added, glancing at Michael, who didn't seem amused.

"You think this is a joke? Two people are missing," Michael said seriously.

"I understand the seriousness of the situation, but I have no connection to them, so why should I be concerned about their disappearance?" I replied, unsure why Michael suspects me in the first place, I was locked in here for the past two days 

"It should concern you because you're the prime suspect. You were the last person seen with them, as they dropped you off in your room," Michael said, annoyance evident in his gaze.

"I assure you, I had nothing to do with their disappearance," I replied firmly.

"Then you'll have no problem going in front of the wolf council to prove your innocence," he replied, a devious smile forming on his face. I couldn't help but wonder why he was so insistent on this, especially when I knew I was innocent. What could he possibly gain from me doing this?

"I am innocent, and I won't hesitate to confront anyone to prove it, Michael," I asserted.

"Good, now get dressed. The council is waiting," Michael replied firmly.

"Right now?" I questioned.

"Yes, immediately," he insisted.

"I need some privacy to get dressed properly. Please leave, and I'll join you shortly," I requested.

"No! Get out of bed and get dressed now!" Michael demanded.

Feeling irritated by their lack of respect for my privacy, I created a wall of fire between Michael, the guards, and me, giving myself some privacy to get dressed. After a few minutes, I was ready, and I dismissed the wall of fire. 

I found myself facing an angry Michael, who was glaring disapprovingly at me. When I took a step towards him, he suddenly slapped me across the face, leaving me shocked and lost for words for a short moment. 

"Why did you do that?" I asked, seething with anger as I remembered that my fire couldn't harm him. I could only shoot him a furious glare, fully aware that his backup would prevent me from retaliating.

"You keep disrespecting me at every turn, and I've had enough. You're not even worth it, and I wonder why father insists it has to be you," Michael said, his anger evident.

Feeling utterly bewildered, I couldn't help but ask, "What on earth are you talking about?" His face briefly showed surprise before quickly turning back to anger.

"Don't question me! Start walking," Michael ordered, pushing me forward, causing me to stumble.

"Be careful, you overgrown oaf," I shouted, steadying myself as I moved forward, flanked by the guards and followed by Michael.

"You should pray this trial works out for you," Michael snickered.

"It will, because I'm innocent," I replied confidently.

"We'll see," he retorted.

"You know, Michael, one day I'll repay every hit, insult, and inhumane treatment you've given me. Just wait."

"That day will never come," Michael arrogantly replied.

"Don't be so sure, karma has a way of catching up," I said, grinning, which seemed to irritate him further.

"Enough chit-chat, keep moving," Michael ordered, pushing me forward. After a few minutes, we arrived at the grand throne room where my life would change forever

As I entered, murmurs filled the room, and everyone gazed at me with judgmental eyes, assuming guilt even though I was innocent. Mustache and Pansy should be the ones standing here, as they were the ones who assaulted me that night.

"Welcome, Princess Venus. Do you know why you're here?" the king asked from his throne

"I stand accused of being involved in the disappearance of Mustache and Pansy," I replied, trying to maintain my composure.

"Mustache and Pansy?" the king inquired with a curious tone as he turned to face Michael.

"You don't want to know, father," Michael replied, his expression serious.

"You don't seem to be taking this seriously, when you're the only suspect we have," the king remarked, concerned.

"Well, why would I, when I wasn't responsible?" I shrugged, taking the opportunity to scan the room. The nobles present seemed judgmental, and it was evident they weren't on my side. 

I feared they wouldn't even bat an eyelash before punishing me if there was even a slight chance I was guilty.

"Let the council decide. Allow me to introduce Frinton James, a person reputed for his ability to discern if someone is lying. You may begin asking your questions Frinton we are ready for you," the king instructed, turning towards a man who appeared no older than me. However, I couldn't help but wonder if a human could truly possess such a remarkable skill?.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Frinton Adams said with a bow as he turned  to face me "Princess Venus, I'll be asking you a series of straightforward questions, and you may answer with a simple yes or no."

"Whatever," I responded, eyeing Frinton intently. Besides his peculiar ability, his aura is quite suspicious. I can't help but wonder if he's a witch or a werewolf, as I've only heard of witches possessing such power.

"Princess Venus," Frinton Adams began with a serious tone, "did you have any interaction with the royal guards Trevor and James after they took you to your room?"

"Yes," I replied firmly, recalling the encounter.

"Please clarify?" Frinton urged, leaning in attentively.

"They started beating me up after they took me to my room because they assumed I had not learned my lesson," I explained, trying to suppress the unpleasant emotions  the memories  of that brought.

"I see," Frinton nodded. "Did their actions make you hold any grudge against the victim or have any reason to harm them?"

"No," I responded, my tone unwavering, "Though I may have felt anger in the moment because they were physically harming me, but I would never have gone beyond the harm I had already caused. The initial attack was an act of self-defense, not fueled by malicious intent."

Frinton glanced at the king, seeking his approval to continue the questioning. "Can anyone vouch for your whereabouts during the time of the crime?"

"No, I was unconscious in my room due to the pain from the whipping and beatings inflicted by the victims," I explained.

"Is she speaking the truth, Frinton?" the king inquired.

"Yes, Your Majesty, she is telling the truth," Frinton confirmed, turning to the king.

"But she was the last person seen with them," Michael interjected, eyeing me suspiciously.

"I assure you, my king, she is not lying," Frinton replied, exchanging a peculiar glance with me.

"If she's not responsible, then who is?" the king pressed on, his expression becoming more intense.

"I will continue to question her, Your Majesty," Frinton responded

"Perhaps she has an accomplice," the king suggested, eager to get to the bottom of the matter, or maybe he was trying to shift blame onto me – I couldn't help but suspect the latter.

"I have no friends here, Mr. Frinton, so how could I have an accomplice?" I retorted. However, before Frinton could continue his questioning, a strange light appeared on the ceiling of the throne room, and something dropped from it, leaving the room in shock as it fell to the ground with a loud thud.