This one was like a raging fire. It swept through her entire body and she wanted to be burned. Each searing touch of his lips undid her and still she begged for more. She wanted to be as close to him as possible. Her lips rushed his, willing him to never stop.
“I must admit I am much fonder of you now than before. I worried you’d be like your father.” Aldemo inserted. Wesley pulled back and looked over at them.
“I’d prefer it if you didn’t call him my father. The man may have helped create me, but he was never a parent. He’s barely a man.”
“Of course,” Aldemo added their face showing sympathy.
Serena saw the shift in his face. There was an icy darkness in his eyes. It hurt him deeply that it was his father who did such terrible things. An open wound that would not scar as the man kept doing things to make it worse. She grabbed his hand and squeezed. He looked at her and smiled.
For several hours the group enjoyed each other’s company. Laughter filled the room as Wesley continued to cover Serena in gentle kisses throughout the night. Slowly, Serena grew tired, and the group moved towards rooms for sleep. James left while Aldemo and Michalina moved to an extra room in the back.
Wesley walked with Serena to her room. Serena pulled off her robe and gingerly got into the bed. She looked over at Wesley who stood, unsure.
Helen walked by the door and threw a blanket in at Wesley. It crashed into his head.
“Stay above the covers.” Helen chimed closing the door.
Wesley smirked and wrapped the blanket around himself as he climbed onto the bed. Serena snuggled in close as Wesley held her. As they settled in, she could hear Wesley sniffling and turned to him.
“Wesley?”
He wiped away the tears. “I’m fine,” he said, trying to smile. Serena wiped at his tears. “You just had me worried,” he explained, his voice cracking.
“I know. I was worried too.” Serena returned. “but I’m alright now. I’m safe with you.”
“For how long?” he asked. “My father… my own blood did this to you.” He said gently, exposing the marks on her neck.
“You’re not your father.” She returned. “I don’t blame you for what happened.”
“But he did it because of me. I’m the only reason he’s paid attention to you.”
“I would’ve been seen, regardless. I’m Acrean. I would never hide that fact and as a mercenary, at court, I’m hard to miss.”
Wesley took a deep breath and shook his head.
“I can’t help the feeling that I did this to you. That I couldn’t protect you.”
“I’m not Orion,” Serena said. “I will not run off with another man because I’m scared. I’m here, with you. You’re my air too.”
“But,”
“There is no, but. Trust me when I say I’m not going anywhere.” She spoke. He held her closer, burrowing his head into the nape of her neck. Serena smiled before they drifted to sleep.
Chapter Twenty
Wesley
Wesley woke first, staring at the young woman in his arms. Serena slept soundly nestled against his chest. He looked at the purple bruises on her neck, feeling his stomach turn again. He could not allow this to ever happen again. His father could never get this close again. Watching her sleep, he promised himself to protect her by any means necessary. No one would ever hurt her again.
Serena stirred, opening her majestic eyes to look at him. He smiled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.
“We need to get up,” she mumbled sleepily without stirring. He held her tight, not willing to leave this moment.
“Eventually,” he commented. She chuckled before kissing him. He held her tight, letting the feel of her lips remind him this wasn’t a dream. She was safe.
A knock on the door drew their attention.
“Get up, we have to get dressed before the trial!” Helen called. Serena moved to get up and he could see the tentative way she moved. Each movement hurt.
“Serena, are you sure you want to go?”
“Yes,” she said, standing and finding her footing. “Go change. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Wesley reluctantly got up and left to change. Finishing his buttons on his jacket, Serena walked out dressed in blue. Helen rushed with makeup to hide bruises as Wesley watched. When Helen finished Serena looked well, but he still saw the hitch in her breaths. She’d be in pain for some time still.
Regardless, the group ate and headed back to the Great Hall. The other Ladies rushed them once they entered. They gave well wishes for Serena. She smiled graciously, accepting them as he looked elsewhere. He saw the moment the General walked in. The hard lines in his face appeared to deepen as he spotted the pair. He glared at Serena, who noticed.
Wesley stepped into the General’s line of view-blocking his sightline to Serena. Wesley glared back, just as deadly. The two glowered at one another from across the room.
Serena slipped her hand in his, startling him. He turned to look at her. She smiled and kissed his cheek.
“It’s alright,” she reminded him. Before he could respond, Patrick stood.
“Settle down! Let’s get started.” Wesley hovered near Serena, not wanting to leave. “Captain, leave your betrothed alone for a moment and stand by your post, please. She’ll be perfectly fine with the other ladies.”
Wesley sighed and raised her hand to his lips, kissing it while locking eyes with her. She smiled back and nodded as he walked over to his spot near the Prince. He stood; his eyes still locked on Serena, surveying her surroundings constantly for a threat.
“Are there any more claims we have not heard to take into consideration?” Patrick asked, drawing Wesley’s attention.
“I have one.” The King said getting up. Wesley watched the King, feeling relief. Sam thought of this plan while Serena was missing. Wesley found himself too worried to think, but Sam kept calm. This plan would stop the General. He felt almost elated by the idea.
The King walked to the council and offered a pile of papers. “After the shocking information provided by Lord Aldemo about my children, I looked into the matter myself. You will find that I did not know such things. I thought the children were stillborn. These are the birth records that prove that fact. However, the General is a liar to all of us. This paper also explains the horrible war crimes the General and the Captain have committed in my name. The whole bloodline is cursed.” The King explained. Patrick took the papers as Wesley stared.
His heart dropped. War crimes? Wesley could not think of any such things. He was a child during most of the war that gained Acreage. As a young adult, he spent most of his time in the castle.
“What?” He heard Serena gasped. Wesley nearly cursed, hoping Serena could remain calm. It was a lie. No doubt Patrick and the other Lords would vouch for him.
“These are more lies!” yelled the General.
“I doubt the Captain has anything to do with any of this. He was a child during most of the war!” yelled Aldemo. Relief washed over Wesley. Other lords yelled their agreement.
“Quiet!” yelled Patrick. He looked over the page. Wesley wondered what it said. He never saw it, instead he trusted Sam and the others. Would Sam double-cross him? Wesley thought looking at Sam. Sam looked ahead without a sign of worry. Would he show signs of lying?
“This must be corroborated,” Patrick announced.
“I will vouch for the Captain!” Daryl said, standing up. “We’ve been together our whole lives. He’s never been involved in any such war crime!”
Wesley watched his best friend walk to the floor in his defense.
“He is the son of the General and after the spectacle a few days ago. He defended his father. I don’t frankly believe his bloodline could be much better.” Patrick began.
“This is outrageous!” Daryl snapped back. “The man’s job has been to protect me. He’s been with me my whole life. If he committed war crimes, then so have I!”
More murmurs rose in agreement.
>
“I understand the loyalty to the Captain. He’s been a noble example of Templarian ancestors, but we thought the same of the General. They are related and until this council can prove innocence one way or another, they need to be detained.” Patrick said. “We are trying a King! No one can be trusted on words alone.”
Wesley sighed. Patrick wasn’t wrong. Nobody could be trusted, and the General was a monster. Wesley would make the same call himself. A few days in the dungeon and they would sort it.
“Guards. I want them moved to the dungeon while we continue this investigation.” Patrick ordered. Guards moved forwards as he spotted the movement of a blue dress.
“Fuck that,” Serena growled getting up. Helen snatched her arm, trying to hold her back. Wesley could see Helen trying to persuade her to stop. She needed to before she got into trouble as well.
“He isn’t his fucking father!” Serena returned loud enough to draw attention. The room quieted and looked at her.
“You’re his betrothed. You hardly have a place to say anything.” Patrick said, waving her off. Wesley braced, seeing the anger rise in her at Patrick’s dismissal.
“I will be heard!” Serena yelled. “These supposed war crimes, which ones are we talking about? I don’t know if you all noticed, but I’m Acrean. You’re talking about my people! I know as well as most of my kin what these war crimes were. We were the ones burning at the stakes. We were the ones ripped apart to create weapons to kill more of us.
Or did that insignificant fact escape your notice? Check the blade on the General and the Captain. I promise you they are not the same. You want to talk about war crimes, then hear this one. Your esteemed General has created an arsenal of weapons tainted with the blood of witches. Bled them dry for the magic in their veins and crafted them into weapons he handed out to you all. Would you want to hold such a weapon?” she announced.
Murmurs rose. Wesley wanted to curse. This was not the time to use such knowledge. It would not be the trump card Serena wanted.
“Go on, General. Show us your blade!” she snapped, glaring at him. Slowly, the General pulled his blade and tossed it to the ground. The black metal scraped across the stone. She nodded to Wesley. Wesley met her eyes, seeing her determination. He nodded and unsheathed his blade, throwing it down near his father’s. The silver metal glinted in the light.
“War crimes, huh? What others do you wish to discuss? The burning of orphanages? You wept for children when they shared the King’s blood, but what of the others? I promise you I would not marry a man who could commit such atrocities and like our future ruler mentioned. Wesley was a child. There is no basis to the King’s claim against him.”
Several more seconds of silence fell over the crowd as Wesley looked at her. A soft smile on his face as his eyes filled with tender love.
“Do you have proof?” Patrick asked.
“There’s a man in the castle who creates the blades. He’s mostly blind, but he knows well what goes on here.” Serena said. Worry seeped in. Bringing that man here could do as much harm as good. She looked around the room for someone who would know where to find him.
“James could bring him here.” She said.
“Get the man, James,” Patrick said. James walked over to Serena, his face a mix of anger and annoyance. She whispered something to him while James passed her.
“This is all outrageous claims. It’s just black metal. Nothing special about it. I mean witches?” the General said before laughing. “We all know we killed them off. They’re extinct.”
“Extinct is a very bold word for a man who committed genocide.” Aldemo inserted. The tension hung in the room as they waited for James to return. Wesley watched Serena fidget, wanting more than anything to walk to her and hold her. Tell her it would be alright, but for the moment she was safest distanced from him. If things went bad and they still could, he couldn’t drag her down.
Finally, James entered the room with the man bringing him before the group. Wesley recognized Dip, who looked around the room.
“This is a big room.” He mentioned.
“Tell us. Who are you and what do you do here at the castle?” Patrick said. The man looked around nervously. “This is a trial of the King which has brought to light other information. Be honest before us and you shall be left alone. Lie at your peril,”
“Well, I wasn’t going to lie. I just ain’t used to so many people. My room is small and all, and it’s just me. I’m Dip. I’m a metalsmith. I specialize in the brilliant designs of the General to create anti-magic weapons.” He said with a smile.
“How are such weapons created?” Patrick persisted.
“Witch’s blood, of course. The General has the mix written down for me and I just mix it up and lather it up on the blade. Turns a pretty black. Don’t know where he gets the stuff from, but it works well. Metal never breaks.” He said, picking up the General’s blade. He bent it smiling at the tension.
Roars of anger rose at the news as Dip looked around uncertainly.
“And who knows your position here at court?” Patrick asked. Dip looked back.
“I don’t want to get anyone in trouble,” he said.
“We need the truth, Dip.” Patrick continued. Dip shuffled his feet for a moment.
“The General and several of his guards, although I don’t know how much they know. They don’t talk much. Except for one. He was very nice. The Captain too.” Dip said.
Wesley’s face dropped as he took a deep breath. This was it. He thought. Serena was right. He was culpable to the crime. In this instance, yes, he committed a crime. He knew James carried one. He used James to attack witches at Bathon. Witches who could easily be Serena if she was born with magic. Perhaps he had things to atone for. No. He had many starting with his mother and his sister.
“Perhaps the Captain has not committed the crimes, but he had the knowledge and did not report it to at least the King or the council,” Patrick said.
He’s right. Wesley thought.
“Guards, please place these men in the cells. We will decide their fates at a later date. We would like to finish the claims against the King.” Again, Wesley could not dispute it. Patrick was right. He might not be evil like his father, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t committing crimes and hurting people.
Guards moved to his sides and he let them surround him. He would not fight them. He deserved this. While Wesley gave in easily, his father screamed. He pushed back at the guards, flailing and refusing to go. The guards did as they were trained. They corralled him until they could get ahold of his limbs. Then they tied them together and began to walk him out.
The sight satisfied a small part of Wesley, but it was short-lived. His wrists were tied as well, reminding him of his crimes.
“Thank you for your words, Lady Serena, but you can sit now,” Patrick said. She stumbled back to her seat, where Helen grabbed her hand. Wesley could see the anguish on her face. He wished he could console her. Make her understand this was alright. This was justice.
Her eyes widened as they moved him past her. She stood, reaching out to him, but Helen held her back. He looked at Helen, forcing her to know. She needed to look out for Serena until she was well. This could take a while.
Helen seemed to scoff at the idea. She’d protect her friend regardless of what Wesley asked. He smiled at Serena, trying his best to soothe her as he passed. He walked through the halls and down the spiral stairs to the dungeon.
The General yelled and complained, but he was outnumbered. They walked them down the hall and pushed the General in a cell. The sounds suggested the guards forcibly removed his uniform jacket and belt. They needed even the boots. Anything that could harm the guards or others.
The guards untied Wesley’s wrists as he began pulling off his identity. He folded them and handed them to the guard. Their faces were statuesque, but he could see the disapproval.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Said the one he recognized as Will. “You’ve done more good than
bad as Captain. Those swords-”
“I knew and didn’t do the right thing. Leaders have to do the right thing regardless of the consequences, or else they’ve compromised your trust. My job isn’t to decide what information should be shared or restricted. My job is to lead you and protect the Royal Family. Hiding evils is not leadership. It’s cowardice.” Wesley returned the weight of his words sitting on his shoulders. “I’ve failed you all in that regard.”
“Captain-” Will began.
“I’m not your Captain at the moment. There will be an interim. Maybe James, maybe someone else. Regardless, you listen to them. Look out for one another.” Wesley said.
“It’s only temporary-”
“For now. I have penance to seek. Go do your jobs. I am where I need to be.” Wesley sighed, moving to the back wall and sitting. The guards took his things and left.
The General snorted in the cell next door. Despite not being able to see him because of the stone walls between his voice echoed.
“So noble.” The General scoffed. “Nobility won’t keep your neck from the noose.”
“It wouldn’t be the worst thing for the Trylo line to die off.” Wesley spat.
“Such a child. Still, after all these years.”
“If I am, it is thanks to your parenting and a lack of a mother,” Wesley growled back. The General laughed.
“I’ve done all I can for you and your mother was too weak. She probably corrupted you long before I could fix you.” Wesley fisted his hands. The image of his mother’s stained dress again drifted to the forefront of his mind. “You accept defeat too easily.”
“I found Serena, did I not? After you hid her in that secret dungeon. One that if she exposes will have you hanging by morning.” Wesley growled.
“What good would hanging me do you? You’d be the son of a monster.”
“I’ve always been the son of a monster.” Wesley sighed. He could see his father’s anger in him. The overwhelming need to pummel him into the ground. Over the last few weeks, Wesley assaulted his father. Something that felt too eerily close to his father’s actions. The more he thought, the more he wondered if time would turn him into his father. He accepted the black blades without a fuss, needing to stop witches.
The Trial of a Tyrant: The Assassin of Acreage Book Two Page 19
