MINE TO HOLD

THE COURT RULES

EPISODE 4

Before she could know the assassin took a fistful of dust and threw it dust on face,Aurora shielded hers eyes but in those stolen seconds the assassin disappeared into the edges,she ran to her brother and gave him warm hugs assuring him that he was okay.

"You saved me Aurora " He said still in panic

" l will always save you till death " She said calmly brushing his hair with her hand.

"Someone wants you dead ...let this stay between us for now" She whispered to him

That night Aurora felt unsure of what to do to protect her brother, she added trusted guards at her brothers chambers,night had deepened but she had to see Lucas and tell him what had transpired, he was the only one she trusted fully.Aurora moved swiftly towards the west wing where prisoners were kept before trial, she was dressed in a fresh blue gown,two guards at the entry straighten when they noticed her,

"You highness...its late.." One of the guard said nervously

"I know...unlock the door l wish to speak to Lucas" she commanded ,he obeyed

The hallway beyond was narrow and cold,at it end Lucas sat at a corner still wearing his guard armor,he noticed her and stood up .

"My princess " He said bowing his head, the princess stepped even more closer and then whispered in his ear.

"Someone tried to kill the Prince today" Lucas jaw tightened

"Is he hurt???Is he okay??"He asked in shock

"No....l was with him...trust me he is very safe" she said acting strong, Lucas knew she was so good with swords.They looked at each other for some moments sharing their fear and rage.

" We are running out of time Lucas, the king is dead and the only remaining heir to the throne is their next target,whoever behind this sees you as a threat and he will do anything to get you out of the way" Aurora explained keenly.

"Then let me out of here l can protect the prince" He said gripping the cell's bars

" I have tried ,they have placed three orders blocking your release ,they have a good plan l must admit,,,if we have to win against them we need to think like them" She said looking in his eyes,he was stunned on how brave she was.

"When ??" He asked with no hope in his voice.

"Soon your first hearing is in the morning ,you should get enough sleep,,,see you in court Lucas" She said looking at him

" You will be there??Then l have already worn" He said looking at her,she blushed and was ready to leave he warned her.

" Be careful ,eyes are everywhere "He said and went back to his corner.

In another place,three figures standing in dark room continued plotting with hoods hiding their faces.

"The princess interferes again...she was never meant to be a threat" A male voice say in a low tone

"A girl in skirts cannot stop us,,if a hero like King Richard could not see it coming, what can she do?A a mere little girl in her twenties?" another male added.

" You underestimate her, tonight she fought like a warrior or rather a trained killer,,,l must admit she is tough like a rock" A young male voice was heard.

"Then we must kill the girl first" one of the men suggested.

"No,....if we kill her ,the court will suspect us" A lady said sharply ,she was the leader of the gang from the authority voice.

"The trial of Lucas must favour us so that we can have a clear lead" She added

"Tomorrow's hearing will convict him and the Prince will be left unattended " One of the voice said

"That crippled Prince is easy to finish" Another young lady added.

" Don't call him crippled he might still be a danger to us" The lady boss said

"Dangerous???He cannot walk without help"A voice was heard again

"He has people's love ,,that alone is danger to us" Madam replied.

"After the fall of the mighty Lucas that's when we strike with our last blow" A man in the shadow said walking towards them.

"Remember two more death and the throne is ours" They said as the dispersed.

In the morning light filtered through the high windows of the court, the air felt tight ,heavy with scent of fear and tension,some sad ,some waiting for the mighty Lucas to fall.Lucas was standing alone at centre of the platform, unshackled but guarded, he was still wearing his armor with his rank stripped,his eyes was unreadable though you could spot weight of loyalty, whispers spread like wildfire

"He has no one to represent him" Someone in the crowd said.

"He will surely be done today" Another added.

Lucas paid no attention though afraid but he stood firm,the council members sat above,the magistrate raised a hand.

"Bring the accused " He ordered, Lucas stepped forward, he was so alone with no one to represent him.

"Where is your lawyer?" The magistrate asked he was a fair man who believed on both sides.

"I ...." Before Lucas could say a word the double door at end of the hall opened.

Every head turned,Aurora entered composed and bravely,she walked with her chin raised high, every step calculated behind her walked three of the kingdom's finest legal minds the council had rarely seen, they looked expensive wearing luxurious robs that seemed to challenge the court.

"Sorry for the delay you honor "One of them said apologetically. They stepped forward placing documents and sealed statements on the table,one of them Mr Gregory lowered his spectacles and said sharply

"The accused shall be represented buy us" A murmur rolled down the hall in shock and disbelief. Lucas face brighten, he was so thankful to the princess, People could be heard asking why the princess was defending a traitor who had killed her father,suspicion coiled in the court like a twin serpent,.the magistrate then proceeded .

"Proceed...bring forward the witness...Luciana" she was brought forward you could clearly see how pale and nervous she was,the crowd murmured when she sat down as a witness, but she seemed prepared. Master Gregory spoke looking at her directly.

"Luciana please tell us again in your words how Lucas ordered you to deliver poison to the king" Luciana swallowed ,eyes darter towards the nobles that had sent her,one of them nodded as a sign of go ahead but no one noticed.

"He....told..me to take the wine to the king" but before she could continue,master Gregory cut her smoothly.

"So he personally told you ?Face to face?"

Luciana blinked " Yes....he did"

"But they say Lucas always stays where the king is,,the witnesses says he never leaves his post" Master Gregory said still looking at her.

"l must have seen him after....." Luciana tried to explain but once again she was cut short.

"After??? When the king was already dying?"

Luciana's voice shrank ,,Master Gregory moved more closer to her.

"Tell the court did Lucas force you?? threatened you??Or bribe you ?"

"No....he did not.." Luciana said trembling

" So if he did not do any of the above and the witnesses say he was elsewhere, explain again why you claim he ordered you?" Gregory asked sharply,

" l...l...." Luciana tried to talk but nothing came out of her mouth,people started talking in low tones wondering what was happening.

"Order...." The magistrate shouted and the hall went silent as master Alfred one of the lawyers stood up.

"Am sorry your honor,l merely find it strange

that the most trusted guard of the king would be accused by a maid who can not keep her story in order " He said looking at the trembling Luciana. He then continued

"The defense requests a postponement until a full investigation is done". The high magistrate hesitated he looked at the nobles tightened jaw and said.....