CASTLE OF JEMIMA

The catch

As dawn broke, the village sprang to life. Villagers began their daily routines, while Knights patrolled the streets, adhering to Samuel's strict orders. Ruth and I had a mission: reach Sophia before anyone else did.

Donning black overalls to conceal our hair, we blended in with the workers. Our anonymity was crucial; I couldn't risk being recognized. We slipped into the workers' castle, moving swiftly and purposefully.

With a swift kick, the door swung open, revealing the interior.

Elena stood beside Sophia, whose tears seemed insincere. I doubted Sophia's involvement in Julian's murder, given her connection to Lord Tobias. However, her whereabouts during the poisoning remained unclear.

"My lady!" Elena and Sophia rose, bowing promptly.

"Elena, why not address Sophia as your lady?" I asked, puzzled by Elena's early presence.

Elena's tears flowed freely. "Forgive me, my lady. I couldn't bear Julian's death alone."

Ruth intervened, her tone sharp. "You find solace with her suspected killer?"

Sophia's expression shifted to fear. "My lady, I swear on my life, I'd never harm Julian! We grew up together, like sisters. Sire Williams orchestrated her murder!" She fell to her knees crying uncontrollably.

I stared at Ruth, then took a few steps closer to Sophia and bent to her level.

"Sire Williams was her betrothed," I reminded.

Sophia explained, trembling in tears. "He probably hit her by mistake. They had issues a day before; he didn't want her coming to the reunion for fear of a prince falling in love with her."

"But she did," Sophia continued, her voice shaking. "Perhaps he got angry."

"My lady," Elena called out in tears, "Sophia wouldn't—"

"Shut up, Elena," I cut her off. "Maybe you did, then." I turned back to Sophia. "I think Elena hanging out a lot with you is the reason she's also sleeping with a prince. I saw you with Prince Tobias." I turned to Ruth. "When was that again?"

"Shortly after you poisoned Julian's drink!" Ruth accused, her voice razor-sharp.

Elena's eyes widened in shock.

Sophia's face crumpled, and she burst into fresh tears. "I didn't, I promise I didn't! I was only with Lord Tobias because he gave me money. I wouldn't hurt my friend!"

I turned to Elena, my tone icy. "Elena, I believe you have my laundry to attend to."

Elena hastened away, her departure a welcome silence.

I stood, my gaze cold and unforgiving. "It won't be long now, Sophia. The knights will arrive soon to take you into custody and ensure you pay for your crimes."

Ruth and I exited the room, leaving Sophia's anguished sobs behind.

As the day brightened, Ruth voiced her concerns. "Honestly, I doubt Sophia poisoned Julian."

I chuckled. "I share your doubts. If guilty, she'd likely flee, thinking she's been caught."

We quickened our pace, curiosity driving us forward. Ahead, a lengthy queue of villagers snaked before the royal castle.

"What's the commotion?" Ruth wondered.

As we drew closer, the murmur of conversations grew louder. Villagers eagerly shared their accounts of the party, driven by the promise of a reward.

Tristan's cunning strategy was paying off. The wise sire had leveraged the price on information to unravel the mystery.

We wove through the crowd, listening to snippets of conversation.

"I saw Sire Williams arguing with Julian!"

"I saw Julian slipping away with Sire Williams!"

Each revelation had Williams in it.

I spotted Tristan alongside Samuel, Simeon, and Leon, intently listening to the villagers' accounts. Tristan’s attentive expression, warm smiles, and nodding demeanor commanded respect.

He would definitely make a good leader!

Ruth nudged me playfully. "Take your eyes off him, girl!"

I grinned. "He's such a fine man."

Ruth laughed. "I know, right?!"

We shared a moment of amused agreement before Ruth's expression turned serious. "Jemima, I have to go. I need to finish crafting swords for the western shipment."

I frowned, reluctant to part ways. "Okay... I'll keep you updated if anything unfolds."

Ruth waved goodbye. "Byeee!"

As she departed, Samuel's gaze followed her, his eyes lingering until she vanished from sight. I caught his gaze and waved, but he pretended not to notice, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Chuckling, I walked past the group, heading toward my room.

As I swung open my chamber door, Elena hastily pushed Sharon away. Their lips parted, and Elena's face flushed with embarrassment.

"I think my eyes have seen enough already," I said dryly. "Why bring this to my room?"

Elena fled, mortified.

Sharon turned to me, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. "You don't seem surprised."

"That's because I saw you two together in your chambers yesterday," I replied matter-of-factly, settling onto my bed.

Sharon's expression transformed, his eyes burning with conviction. "I love Elena."

I'd never seen Sharon so serious.

"Yet, instead of helping our brothers, you're here indulging in secret trysts?" I asked, incredulous.

Just then, the sound of clanging steel and shouting knights echoed from outside.

Sharon and I rushed to the window.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"I think someone tried to escape!" Sharon exclaimed, before sprinting off.

My mind reeling with questions. I chased after Sharon, joining the commotion outside. The knights had apprehended Tom, a well-known bartender from the market square, and Sophia, each attempting to escape through different routes.

"Lock them up!" Samuel commanded.

******

The palace filled with villagers, eager to witness justice unfold. My parents sat upon their thrones, Samuel and Simeon flanking them. I stood among the knights, Ruth by my side.

Before the king was Sophia, Tom, and Sire Williams kneeling, their heads bowed in defeat.

The king's voice boomed, "So, you have been found attempting to flee. The evidence against you is overwhelming. You will now face the consequences of your actions."

Sophia's tears flowed freely, while Tom's face remained resolute. Sire Williams's eyes blazed with unexplainable sorrow.

"What do you have to say for yourselves?" the king asked, his tone stern.

The villagers leaned in, eager to hear their defenses.

"Confess your sins!" Samuel thundered.

Tom crumpled, his words tumbling out in anguish. "I didn't mean to harm Lady Julian. I was drunk, and I wanted to dance with her, but she refused, complaining of a stomach ache. I wouldn't let her go, and in our struggle, her head accidentally hit the wall. She fell, and... and she didn't wake up. Have mercy, my king!"

The villagers' indignation simmered, their whispers escalating into loud murmurs.

"Silence!" my father commanded, his voice echoing through the hall.

The room fell silent, as still as a graveyard.

Samuel's gaze shifted to Sophia. "And you?"

Sophia's voice shattered. "I poisoned her!"

Elena dissolved into tears, burying her face in Ruth's shoulder. Ruth's gentle pats offered what little comfort could be found in that moment.

"Why?" my father asked, his voice firm.

Sophia's tears flowed uncontrollably. "Her life was flawless, and I envied her. I desired Sire Williams, but she had him."

My father rose, his face stern. "Their heads shall be severed and left for the birds! Julian may now be laid to rest in peace."

He departed, leaving the assembly in shock.

Knights dragged Sophia and Tom away, while others comforted Sire Williams, who was visibly traumatized.

Villagers filed out, one by one, as wails echoed from Julian's family. My heart ached.

Why would someone murder a friend out of envy?

Ruth whispered me, her expression somber. "Justice is served, but at what cost?"

I nodded in agreement. "A life lost, and three more forever changed."

As the crowd dispersed, I couldn't shake the feeling that this tragedy would leave scars on our community for a long time.

Little did I know, this was the beginning of what was yet to come.