Chapter Nineteen - The Unknown and the Unspoken

Nassandra was accustomed to sitting quietly while her father addressed the council members and Knights in the war room.

She contemplated excusing herself to her own room and staying out of the way, but feared that her absence might cause a panic. However, the longer she stayed, the more she scolded herself for her silence. A faint voice from within cried out to let her voice be known. Unfortunately, that voice was drowned under the weight of doubt and anxiety, crippling her. She wished that she hadn't been dragged into this meeting, even if it was a necessity. A sense of guilt made itself at home in her stomach.

The door behind them burst open and they turned to see Bricen and Fethawi enter the room. Both were carrying stacks of papers, though they projected two different stories as Bricen struggled with his heap, swaying from left and right to keep them balanced. Meanwhile, Fethawi easily brought his papers over with perfect efficiency and placed them on the war table sitting in the middle of the room.

Everyone sat around the table leant forward to get a better look. King Kiros pressed his hands on the mahogany and his eyes flicked over each sheet of paper and the names inscribed on them. ''Is this all of them?''

Fethawi nodded. ''Yes, your majesty. Entry forms for all one hundred and twenty-eight participants in the tournament.'' The wooden servant looked back to Bricen. ''Would you like my assistance, Lord Bricen?''

''No, I do not need your assistance...'' Bricen hissed before he tripped over his own feet and let out a sharp gasp as everyone prepared for the papers to scatter.

In the blink of an eye, Kuval swept in to grab the toppling councilman with one hand and snatched the papers out of the air with the other.

Bricen panted rapidly, failing to realise that he had been rescued until Kuval helped him straighten. ''You should have taken his offer to help.'' The Knight commented.

Adjusting his attire so that it was immaculate like before, Bricen held his tongue. Kuval placed the rest of the forms on the table next to the first pile. He ran his hand over it, spreading them out so that a few more names could be seen.

With everything set, and as many Knights as they could spare in this short hour, Kiros glanced at everyone present. ''I am deeply concerned that two individuals who arrived to take part in the tournament were able to sneak into castle grounds. One of which was close to killing my daughter.''

''Do you think there might be more conspirators?'' A council member in the back inquired.

''That's what we intend to find out,'' Kiros waved his hand towards Cadere. ''Marshal Cadere Helmer has already interrogated the assassin we are keeping imprisoned.''

At the far end of the table, Cadere felt dozens of eyes darting in his direction. He rose from his chair, folded his arms behind his back and altered his posture so that he was standing tall and proud. ''The assassin claims to have worked alone. She doesn't appear to be apart of any organisation, nor have any ties with other participants in the tournament.''

''Is there nothing else you could get out of her?'' Kuval asked.

Cadere shook his head. ''We sent out numerous airmail for reference. Her full name is Jozi Korton. She is Astington-born and even studied at their academy for three years, which would explain her elaborate weapon of choice. Her surviving family, and scholars she studied under at the academy claim to have no knowledge of her actions. They said they could never have imagined her doing such a thing.''

Soon afterwards, another Knight interjected. ''What about the other one we caught? Is she really innocent?''

A spark flickered from Nassandra. Looking up, she saw the hesitant and doubtful faces around her that searched for answers. Surely after everything Ailith did to prove her virtue she wasn't still being blamed for another's actions?

''I think-,'' the princess spoke before she could stop herself. She recoiled at her own action and shrunk in her seat, hoping that no one heard her soft voice.

Now, it was her turn to feel everyone peering at her, each displaying different levels of astonishment. They believed that they would hear a dragon's roar before they would ever hear the princess speak without being addressed first. No one was more pleasantly surprised than the King, gawking at his daughter.

Feeling trapped, Nassandra shook her head and looked down. ''I didn't, I...''

Stumbling over her words, it seemed that the moment had passed. 

Kiros rose from his seat frantically. ''Don't doubt yourself. You can say whatever it is you need to say. If you want, you can sit on my chair. It's more comfortable and makes me feel more confident...'' he saw her flinch at his overenthusiastic response. ''Too much? My apologies.'' He sat back down.

Nassandra fidgeted in her seat. Still uneasy at the prospect of fumbling her chance to defend her saviour, she pushed on, feeling that she might be the only defence Ailith had. ''I think Ailith is telling the truth. When I asked her to drop her weapon, she did so. She saved me when she didn't have to, despite being fatigued by the tournament. I believe her.''

Whispers spread throughout the war room. Cadere kept quiet and locked eyes with the princess, judging her words from afar and stroking his bearded chin.

Close to the nervous princess, Kuval grinned and slowly nodded. ''Is her highness's word not enough?'' His tone was friendly and without the temptation of conflict.

That didn't stop Bricen from shaking his head. ''I am still suspicious.''

''When are you ever not?'' Another councilman taunted. A small chorus of chuckles broke through the ranks, causing Bricen to glare at them with venom in his eye.

Kiros rose from his chair again. Once he had everyone's attention, the King spoke with an eloquent and powerful voice. ''Unfortunately, at this point in time, there are more questions than answers. All we know is that two parties who entered this tournament found their way into the castle. There is a high probability that others may be involved. Perhaps not united directly, but may have some level of contribution. That is why I propose to cancel the tournament effective immediately and question all who participated.''

More murmurs, louder than before, threatened to swallow the war room.

Raising his hand to stop them, Kiros continued. ''Before you ask, there will be border patrol around the perimeters of the outer Kingdom. No one who came to enter this tournament will be leaving until we question them.''

''Your majesty,'' a perplexed councilwoman spoke up. ''We'd essentially be keeping them here like prisoners. What if they don't cooperate?''

''If they have nothing to hide, they have no reason to not cooperate.'' He replied. It wasn't the most persuasive argument and there was a sense that many wanted to dispute their orders. Kiros sighed and turned to Nassandra. ''I almost lost my daughter. I won't stop until we find whoever is responsible.''

The princess smiled at her father shyly.

His eyes shifted to the entry forms scattered on the table. ''Learn those names and recognise the faces. All Knights will play their part. Masters, Commanders and Marshals will lead and split the search accordingly, depending on who we have to use.''

Kuval clenched his fist over his heart and bowed respectfully. ''I will do everything in my power to help, your majesty.''

The other Knights followed suit, standing up and copying Kuval's actions. Although, a few forgot to place their fists over their hearts before they bowed.

Happy with the response, Kiros smiled. ''Dismissed.''

The Knights were the first to depart for the exit. It was typical for the council to remain behind and consult further with the King. Nassandra turned to watch the brave warriors leave. With her back turned, she almost missed Bricen walking closer. ''You really think you'll be an acceptable Queen with a show like that?'' He whispered so faintly, his words reached her and no one else.

Something broke inside the young woman. She turned sharply to face Bricen. He was already marching over to the King, smiling as if the taunt never transpired. Nassandra felt small once again, as the unseen eyes that weighted on her shoulders returned.

Her father locked eyes with her. ''Come, Nassandra.''

Shakily, she rose from her seat and bowed. ''I...I think I'll return to my chambers now.''

It hurt her to see the dejected look on her father's face. However, she considered it less painful than forcing him to endure her uselessness in times like this.

Surprising her, Kuval's voice hummed from behind. ''I'll escort her.''

Knowing Kuval would be with her eased the King's worries. With a nod, Nassandra was permitted to leave and hurried to follow the Knight through the door and down a long corridor.

The journey was quiet for a short while. Nothing could be heard except the echo of their footsteps, bouncing off the stonewalls. ''I should say something to the King about Bricen.'' Kuval finally spoke.

Nassandra gasped. ''No, no, don't.''

''He shouldn't treat you that way...''

''My father has more important matters to deal with. I don't want to get anyone else in trouble.'' She said quietly.

His eyes found hers as they walked on. ''Don't let him belittle you. I know that one day you'll make a great Queen.''

The expectation that had been thrust upon her since birth caused her body to tremble and her heart to ache. ''I've been hearing that for eighteen years. Nothing's changed.''

''There's never a set time for change,'' Kuval said as he turned to stare out of a window they passed. Rain patted and trickled down the glass. ''The seasons change differently than how the animals change. It doesn't mean one way is wrong or superior to the other.''

She swallowed hard. ''I wish I wasn't like this. I wish I could speak and stand up for myself. Like you.''

Kuval offered a warm smile. ''You're speaking to me now. And you stood up for someone today. I know that there's a young woman resting in this castle right now, free from the dungeon because you spoke up for her.''

Nassandra felt her cheeks flare up and her heart stop. She didn't know what came over her in that moment. All she cared about was standing up for Ailith when no one else would. ''I...I just...''

''You gave a voice to someone who had none,'' Kuval finished and stopped so that the princess was focusing on him. ''That, for me, is the sign of a great Queen.''

From there until he escorted her back to her room, the smile never left Nassandra's face until she closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

A/N: Hey, I hope that you all enjoyed this new chapter. It's something a little different, our first chapter without Ailith present. What did you think? Did you still enjoy it? And what are your impressions of Nassandra, Kuval and the others?

I'm still in awe at the new attention this story is receiving. Now it's ranked 355th in the Fantasy genre. I am still in shock. Thank you all so, so much. Until next time, take care.