I've been getting fan mails (email) asking me questions about the king's position between the Nepalese and the Chatilots. To be clear, the late king's role in this story is like the Prince of Verona from Romeo and Juliet who also intervenes and declares that further breach of the peace will be punishable by death. 

Again, he also plays the role of Lord Schuyler's half brother. Although being a half brother to him is not mentioned in the story, he'd refer to him as "the brother who isn't a brother to him". So, while he kept the peace as much as he could, he still couldn't trust Schuyler and put his trust in Alexander's father who was from the Nepalese House who also wants to keep the peace. Lord Schuyler is a half brother of a neutral king and a Chatilot mother, and he disagreed with the peacemaking his half brother was doing. He sides and is from the Chatilot House because he is enemies with Alexander's father based on politics. 

Ch23

Alexander finds himself in a dark room surrounded by men he is not acquainted with. He looks at the bars and learns that they must be in prison. And so is he...

He could feel someone's hands mending his wounds. He thought he was dreaming about Eliza's hands mending to his wounds.

Prisoner 1: Can you hear me?

Prisoner 2: He sure refuses to die. Walking between life and death every step of the way.

"Life" and "death". The very two words that got him thinking of how he got there. The last thing he remembers is Eliza standing with the Schuyler family. That led to the times he and Eliza had shared together. What infuriates him more is the presence of his EX brother in arms passing by the bars that are in front of him. Alexander could not help but overhear Tilghman speak of the hour of his and other convicts' execution taking place. 

All these memories burned Alexander's trust for anyone around him. He recalls last night not caring for how long he screamed to Tilghman to get back here to face him himself. He regrets not responding to John Church's pleas that night. Staring into the distance, he could hear the cries of other prisoners, demanding the guards to let go. 

The execution in the morrows was drawing near. And Tilghman and Charles were present in the dungeons to take Alexander out. 

He heard Charles order the guards to get him out, and Alexander was not sure if he should live or accept death. The other prisoners are also being out for execution. The guards grabbed Alexander by the arms and brought him outside the bars. 

The only thing that seemed to matter most was pouring his anger out to Tilghman the moment Sir Tilghman stepped in the prison to witness this moment. 

The closer they got to the morrow, the closer was his death. People who came to witness the execution were yelling at the guards for making this happen. 

Alexander could recognize the masked executioner with his weapon used to behead the criminals. Later on, he was the only one remaining. 

It was before when he witnessed the murdurer of his father and his allies approaching to witness the execution happening, saving Alexander's head for last. 

The guards forced him to get up and put him in the middle of the stage. All he could do is keep staring at a distance and hear the audience gossip. 

Suddenly, a voice cried out a halt to the action. Alexander heard footsteps approaching. It was none other than the Prince of Wales (now king) himself.

King Edward came along with Lord Schuyler and his allies. On the other side of the execution site stood the king's other uncle, Angelica, John Church, and Washington to halt Lord Schuyler from allowing the action to proceed. 

"Washington, what are you doing here?" Eliza's father sternly "asked". 

"Your Majesty, I have a matter of great importance to discuss," Washington implored for the young king to listen. 

"Well then, keep us not in suspense, Washington," Lord Schuyler sarcastically said. 

WASHINGTON: It is a matter that concerns the king.

SCHUYLER: I have a man who is now the archbishop, statesman, and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. And I'm the King's uncle and family member; What concerns the king [me], concerns me [the king]." 

WASHINGTON: Now is not the time, Lord Schuyler. Great Majesty, innocent people are still being slaughtered outside this palace. I humbly solicit you to put an end to this obloquy! And that you announce Alexander Hamilton's innocence to our populace."

SCHUYLER: Innocence?!

WASHNGTON: What evidence led you to incriminate them, Lord Schuyler?

SCHUYLER: That is something for the late Lord Hamilton to answer up there. Was he not he same man who exploited the confidence the former king blessed him with...to influence the King's decisions?

WASHINGTON: Don't you know that anyone accused of treason has the right to undergo a trial where the truth will be ascertained?" 

SCHUYLER: I already announced to His Majesty that the urgency of the situation forced me to behead the ringleader of this treasonous complot. So don't try to meddle with such asinine arguments!

WASHINGTON: Are you going to execute my brother (who supported Lord Hamilton) as well then?

SCHUYLER: How dare yo.... 

The King said, "Lord Schuyler" neutrally. Everyone was silenced by the surprise of the king speaking up after a long time. Even Princess Angelica who hasn't heard from her brother since their house arrest ordered by the lord. Even the king's voice caught Alexander's attention to stop looking at the ground and look at the king who finally spoke up. 

The king looked so innocent, and there was sadness in his eyes. But the daggers in his eyes were as sharp as ever. 

"Yes, Sire." Schuyler bowed his head to the young king, awaiting his response. 

After looking into the distance, and the people in the audience, King Edward looked back up to his tyrannous uncle. "My hesitation caused all this bloodshed. Stop the executions immediately." 

"Sire..." Lord Schuyler was at loss for words. 

KING EDWARD: Washington's arguments are legitimate. We must follow due protocol and subject them to trial before any punishment."

SCHUYLER: Why would we need to resort to that?" 

KING EDWARD: I am not deliberating with my uncle, but issuing an order to the lord, as king of England.(!) 

This sight was amusing for Angelica, as she was proud of her younger brother. She wanted to see Alexander's reaction to such good news, but this hope faltered for a moment when she noticed how dead Alexander's eyes looked. Alexander was unsure whether to be happy or disapointed. The fact that he's still alive after all the trauma gives him questions. 

....

Later that day, it was noon and yet Eliza, her family, and lady in waiting were still where they were in the morning. Eliza was in a grieving state. Her hair strands were falling from were well-combed hair from sweat, her hands and face showing sweat glands. Her lips so dry. Her eyes marked with dark circles beneath them. 

Eventually, Lady Schuyler--concerned for her daughter's well being-- finally walked down the stairs to be there for her. As she sat down to Eliza's eye level, she could see her daughter's body swaying back and forth as if Eliza was trying to move her back a little after staying still for a long time. 

"Take that blade, and slit my throat first. You merciless little..." Lady Schuyler spoke. 

Then, everyone's attention turned towards Lord Schuyler who returned from the palace.  

He stared at her for a moment, remembering her words, "the moment you behead that man, I won't hesitate to join him!" Those words echoed in his mind as he saw what a terrible state Eliza was in.

Fortunately, Eliza has not gone all the way through her neck. But, she has been sitting, which felt like hours. Her body was becoming sore from holding the sword to her neck, but she didn't stop. 

LORD: I long new you were just as stubborn as I am.... but I never imagined you'd manage to stop me. 

Eliza said nothing back. She was weary, but still kept her sword to her neck nonstop. Noticing she won't respond until she knows Alexander's state, he sighed heavily through his nostrils. 

LORD: Alexander Hamilton was spared.

Eliza's response changed from being stone-faced to a relieved feeling. Her eyes lit up as she sighed with relief by the very word "spared" she craved to hear. 

LORD: However, he will be exiled in the morn.                                                                                        *a term for morning 

ELIZA: Do you mean that?

LORD: I did fulfill your wish today. But do this again, you won't be forgiven. 

He said nothing more and left their side into their mansion. Worried, her brother Jemmy and sister Peggy ran towards their elder sister. Jemmy took the sword off Eliza's hands and Eliza almost collapsed from weariness, but relief. 

Her mother told Rose to take her to her quarters, and Eliza's siblings helped her get up. 

...

Night fell, and Eliza remained tireless. Her eyes as dark as night but with no light reflection in her eyes. She was overcome by what has happened these past couple of days. Not even Rose giving her medication for the injury on her neck and massaging her legs and back could heal her mental health. 

Rose asked her if her body still hurts, but Eliza was not in her right mind. Her dry lips were quivering by the thought of Alexander who will be exiled in the morning. 

She got up and was about to exit her quarters, but Rose held her arm to stop her.

"Where are you going at this hour? To the dungeons? Don't go. You really think he'd be pleased to see you? You'll only risk bringing harm upon yourself," Rose asked as much questions she could to stop her from meeting him. 

Eliza turned to face Rose who was shaking her head. 

"I'm sorry, Rose. But I've been craving to see Alexander all this time. To tell him I'm sorry, that I love him, and that I'll be there for him despite what he thinks and says to me."  

The night grew dark, but like a ghost she walked towards the entrance to the dungeons. Eliza noticed that she's been wearing dark-colored, simple clothes for a while now. And the guards didn't recognize her until Rose announced her name to them. 

After they allowed her in, Eliza walked down the steps slowly as she thought to herself. 

How will the conversation go? What will happen between me and Alexander now? But she had to be alone so she asked Rose to stay here. Rose obeyed and stayed behind to wait for her. 

The room grew darker the further Eliza entered the dungeons slowly. She could hear rats scurrying somewhere in the dark. The stench of the rooms growing stronger. 

One by one, she slowly approached every jail cell to search for Alexander. Until she noticed his eyelids, nose, and then his face. Eliza wanted to say something, but her words ended up being stuck in her throat. Deep down, she was frightened for what is to come now that she's face to face with him. No longer seen as the maid named "Betsey", but as the daughter of his arch enemy. 

The crickets filled the silence, but it was not enough to silence the mood. As scared as she was, she had to remain strong. Alexander finally turned his head when he noticed a color of her skirt brighter than anything in the dungeon. 

Gradually slow, he looked up as he processed who was before him. His eyes looked up to her face, and he was shook by her coming here. Eliza stood still, feeling bad about herself for what she has done to him. 

His mouth is bruised a bit, and his hair looked coarse. His eyes speak everything. She saw him take a few deep breaths but they were cut off because Alexander didn't know what to say. 

Alexander got up on his feel and slowly approached her behind the cells. As he walked, his face didn't leave Eliza's eyes, as if he was processing who she really was before him. 

Eliza held back her tears by closing her eyes. He didn't say anything, but looked up and down when he saw a light gash on her neck. A while later, she opened her eyes. 

He immediately put his hands around her neck. Taken by surprise, Eliza kept her balance when she put her hand on the cell bar. 

She could feel his anguish when he placed his thumb on the front side of her neck to choke her. He glared at her mercilessly as if she was his arch enemy. 

Alexander had so many questions but all he could think of doing is harming her as tears welled up in his eyes.