Chapter 11 - The Arrow Meant for a Child
The assassin struck during breakfast.
Elara was arguing with Mara about whether honey counted as breakfast when the window shattered.
Rowan tackled Elara.
An arrow buried itself in the wall.
Mara screamed.
Tomas ran into the corridor.
The attacker escaped.
But investigators found evidence.
A royal guard cloak.
A sacred ash arrow.
And a key belonging to Mara.
Then money appeared in an account under Mara’s name.
Letters suggested she planned to eliminate political rivals so Elara could rule permanently.
Mara was arrested.
Elara screamed:
“This is what they did to Papa!”
The Council faced an impossible test.
Free Mara because Elara demanded it?
That would make Elara above the law.
Keep Mara imprisoned without investigation?
That would repeat the injustice committed against Tomas.
Elara cried through the hearing.
Then said:
“My mother gets the same law as everyone.”
Mara smiled through her own tears.
“And that means real evidence.”
Investigators examined the letters.
One mistake exposed them.
The writer described Elara’s childhood home as having a green door.
It had always been red.
The bank documents also carried a forged seal.
The trail led to Elias Venn, secretary to Lord Severin.
He confessed.
Severin had planned everything.
He believed the new Charter would destroy Aurelion.
His plan was to create chaos until Cassian was forced to take emergency absolute power.
Cassian stared at Severin after his arrest.
“You did this for me?”
“For the monarchy.”
“I never asked you.”
“You didn’t have to.”
Cassian’s face hardened.
“That is the problem.”
Mara was released.
Elara ran into her arms.
“I’m sorry I didn’t free you immediately.”
Mara held her tight.
“No.”
“You did something harder.”
“What?”
“You loved me without deciding that love made me above the law.”
On the wooden table—
the Star Crown flashed.
May you like
Another test had been passed.
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