Investigation II
855 Words
Exactly 8pm, Ruth and I entered the knights' meeting room. My brothers, Tristan, and Leon were already seated.
"Jemima, Ruth, we can handle this ourselves," Samuel said, his tone firm.
Ruth's smile was unwavering. "We are also knights, my lord."
"We're not leaving," I added, our voices chiming in unison as we took our seats.
Samuel's rigid demeanor softened, his eyes betraying a hint of warmth. Ruth's presence had that effect on him. Though she doubted his feelings, I knew Samuel's heart. Their unspoken dynamic intrigued me.
Tristan unfolded a sheet of paper, his hands moving swiftly as he sketched. "Discretion is crucial to catching the culprit."
I glanced at the adjacent paper, Jacob's autopsy report revealing Julian's tragic fate. I realized Jacob had shared the truth about Julian's death. His earlier 24-hour delay had been a cautious move, shielding the information from potential eavesdroppers in the ballroom.
"Julian was poisoned and suffered a severe head wound," Tristan said, his voice laced with gravity. "The murderer ensured her demise."
He paused, collecting his thoughts. "We need to identify who accompanied Julian to the party."
Ruth responded promptly. "Sophia, they're inseparable best friends."
Sharon spoke up, "Sophia is a kitchen maid."
I wondered how Sharon knew so many maids.
Simeon added, "They had finished cooking and were on break. Most maids joined the party."
I turned to Ruth, recalling Sophia with Lord Tobias.
"Which Sophia?" I asked, knowing there are two kitchen maids who bears the name.
"The redhead," Ruth replied.
Samuel asked, "Are we certain Sophia and Julian attended together?"
Ruth nodded. "Sophia and Julian are inseparable, like lady J and I . She wouldn't attend without Julian, nor leave without her. They're best friends."
Tristan's eyes narrowed. "That rings a bell."
Leon's voice was laced with suspicion. "Very suspicious indeed. We must question Sophia and ideally, everyone in that ballroom."
The investigation was gaining momentum.
"I think offering a reward would be wise," Tristan suggested. "Whoever provides information wins a substantial amount. Just to get them all to speak”
Simeon chuckled. "The villagers will have plenty to share."
Tristan nodded. "First, we need to question Sophia."
Samuel assured, "I'll ensure she's at the palace by tomorrow morning."
He continued, "Simeon, create posters announcing the reward for information on Julian's killer. Sharon, inform the knights that training is suspended until further notice. All knights will patrol the kingdom day and night to prevent escape."
Ruth and I leaned in, eager to receive our assignments. However, Samuel's next words disappointed us.
"Ruth, Jemima, you should rest and remain in your rooms for now."
Our faces fell, denied the chance to contribute actively. I frowned, noticing Sharon's knowing chuckle as his eyes met mine.
Samuel's voice cut through the tension. "We are dismissed."
Ruth and I stood, hands intertwined, and walked out together, our determination unspoken. We wouldn't rest until Julian's killer was brought to justice.
As we departed, Samuel called out, "Tristan, a moment."
We left them reconvening, their hushed discussion fading into the distance.
It’s been such a long dramatic day.
*****
Ruth gently tapped me awake. "We need to train!" she whispered, her breath tickling my ear.
I opened my eyes to darkness. "What time is it?"
"6am. Come on, before everyone else wakes," Ruth urged, already standing.
I smiled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "You'll forever motivate me!"
Ruth chuckled. "Get dressed, princess! Need my help?"
I laughed. "I'm not those sluggish princesses."
We donned our knight training suits, grabbed our swords, and sneaked to the castle rooftop, tiptoeing to avoid detection.
Clashing swords echoed through the morning silence, interspersed with our giggles.
"Easy on your princess," I teased.
Ruth grinned mischievously. "Oh, I'm sorry, my lady. But wait till I become Queen!"
"Now, you've let Mother's words get to you," I teased, laughing.
Ruth swiftly countered, knocking my sword aside. I surrendered, hands raised.
My mother's desire for Ruth to marry Samuel lingered, unspoken. Everything was in favor of their relationship, but only them couldn’t see—or only Samuel.
I reclaimed my sword. "You mentioned you had a lot to share yesterday?" Ruth reminded me.
"Yes," I said, hesitating. "Firstly, I found Elena on Sharon's bed."
Ruth's eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious?"
I nodded, unease creeping in. "I don't know how long this has been going on. Sharon's flirtation was obvious, but why would Elena trust him?"
Ruth's expression turned skeptical. "He is a prince."
"Doesn't matter!" I exclaimed. "I think Elena's just desperate."
Ruth smiled knowingly. "Jemima, don't judge when you've not fallen in love yourself."
I felt a flutter at the unspoken mention of Tristan.
"Or have you?" Ruth teased, chuckling. "I see the way you stare at that new Sire, Tristan."
My face warmed. "Ruth, please!"
Ruth's grin lingered before turning serious. "What's next?"
"I saw Prince Tobias with Sophia yesterday," I said. "They were intimate. Are the maids usually that forward? I'm sure they just met."
Ruth dropped her sword, her expression urgent.
"Julian's death requires careful examination," she said. "We must visit Sophia before anyone else does."
Ruth's determination sparked my curiosity.
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