MINE TO HOLD

THE KING IS DEAD

EPISODE 2

The palace had never glowed so brightly ,lanterns hugged in every corner of it,beneath the towering ceiling crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars,reflecting their brilliance to the the well polished floor,Servants moved with grace and order with golden trays of wine and juices from this place to another. laughter and swift slow piano soft music could be heard around every place with people talking in low tones,it was indeed the biggest birthday in history of that small town.

At the top of the grand stairs ,the princess merged, she wore a emerald green gown,it had tiny real diamond stones ,catching the attention of everyone with every step she made, her dark hair pinned with silver leaves,fell in loose waves on her back ,she paused for a little, letting her gaze fill the room,then she began walking descently ,each step measured as she waved at everyone.

Outside the palace maids continued welcoming visitors, carriages lined up the palace ,horses and some wheels were still warm from the journey, guarded by silent figures in shining armors.

Inside the palace couples were dancing on the floor as they moved from this place to another,the princess moved between them talking classly and laughing .

The king sat upon his throne with Lucas behind him, protecting and detecting any threat, he was smiling waving with his aged face . ..the people loved him they kept praising him,Queen Margaret was sitting quietly looking around in fear but not showing how afraid she was..She called one of the guard at her side

"I hope everyone coming in and out is thoroughly searched" She whispered in his ear

"Yes my Queen no enemy detected " He said confidentially

The Queen felt a little relieved ,people continued enjoying with food wine and every eatable things,

King Richard continued taking his wine slowly,he was talking to one of his noble friend,he felt a sharp pain but brushed it away, Lucas noticed,

"My king are you okay??" He whispered in his ear

"Yeah am fine but l feel something really strong...like a sharp pain but l will be fine Lucas "He said assuring him.

Then without a warning his arm dropped the glass of win he was holding ,his crown fell ,he grumbled on the floor in pain, Lucas went to him.

"My king are you okay....my king....my king... get the doctors ASAP " Lucas commanded

The music faltered ,then stopped ,the nobles froze in fear,someone screamed,Aurora looked and rushed to where her father was with her gown sweeping the floor.

"Father .... Father......Father........noo........noooooo" Aurora said shedding tears, The doctors took the king to his room immediately and Lucas followed them in hurry, Aurora was confused shocked and in fear,,she was shaking in disbelieve,,her brother tried comforting her but all in vain,,he wanted to stand up and help his sister but his legs could not do him that favour,,he was born crippled ,,Harold looked on and cried silently,,he cursed himself silently.

The hall few moments a go that was full of cheers and laughter,was now filled sound of sobs and sadness,servants whispered ,guards were seen in groups murmuring in silent tones.

After some hours the palace most trusted spokesman came back to the hall,he was seen with a heavy heart. He opened his mouth slowly and gave everyone the saddest news ever.

" Our lion has fallen my people....he was poisoned among us...we've lost a hero" He finished and then broke down in tears

The hall went silent ,the evening became one of the worst evening in that palace Servants broke down in tears and fear, no one was allowed in or out of the palace.

Aurora never uttered a word she took her brother on the wheel chair and told her mom to follow her.They passed through the crowd though whispers could be heard but no one dared to speak out loud.

The three disappeared through the passages and the guard quietly closed the door behind them.

A few minutes later the palace erupted ,order ran through the corridors no one was permitted to leave or come into the palace. Guards rushed to secure every entrance,the body was the king was now being cleaned with royal physician as he laid down like a hero that he was.

In every corner voices trembled in fear and suspicion with people talking in low tones

"The king had no sign of sickness,he was smiling a minute a go and now he is dead??There's something fishy in this palace" One of the guard was heard saying.

"Where did the poison come from??Who gave the king that wine??" One of the noble asked ,,the questions started and every single person in that party was a suspect.

After along search ,people were now permitted to leave,,And an emergency meeting was held at the palace immediately, any Servants and every staff was questioned,,,the investigator head of security named Vera was incharge ,,she was the palace trusted investigator who never missed any detail.

"Who served that glass of wine to the king?" Servants were asked on by one,,no one admitted until Luciana one of the servant admitted to have served the king.

The room went cold and silent when a young lady called Luciana came into the investigation room,she was trembling in fear ,you could tell she had alot to say.

She bowed down and took a sit,voice low more as a whisper

"l .....only....did....as....l ..was...told" she murmured in fear.

"Told by whom?" Inspector Vera asked harshly.

"It was.. Lu....Lucas....the King's guard" Luciana said as she swallowed hard and fisting his fingers.

"Are you certain?" Vera asked unsure she knew Lucas to be the King's protector ,a man known for his loyalty,a man who could willingly die for the king if in need to...no this she doubted.

Luciana nodded firmly and started explaining in fear.

"He came to the kitchen just before the party and told me the king wanted a special wine,one stored for years in royal cellars ,he told me to pour from that bottle and give it to his Majesty " She said in fear.

"Did you see him handle the bottle??" Vera asked.

"No he only gave me this key to the cellar and told me the wine will be there" she said handing Vera the key ,the seal on the key was a royalty one everyone knew about.

Vera eyes narrowed in shock.

Everyone in room were shocked talking in low tones and questioning themselves

"Lucas???A traitor??" One of the guards asked

The guard captain standing at the door snapped

"No that's impossible....Lucas will never do that to his Majesty,,,something isn't adding up" He said but Luciana shooked her head in disagreement

"l swear l would never harm his Majesty l was only following order" she said in fear.

"Do you have witnesses???" Vera asked

"Yes l do"Luciana answered,,the witnesses were called and supported her meaning Lucas was under a very hot soup.

"Where is Lucas?" Vera asked standing up

"He should be arrested ASAP "Vera said