Lord Rhaegal had barely finished the last line of his report when the door creaked open without a knock. The air shifted instantly.
King Aldric stepped in, flanked by his personal guard, cloaked in black and silence.
Rhaegal and Alfred stood at once, heads bowed low.
The King raised a hand. "At ease. I came because I have something to discuss with you."
With practiced understanding, Alfred and the king's guard exited in sync, leaving the door to click shut behind them. Rhaegal moved from his desk and gestured toward the velvet-lined couch near the hearth.
"I'm at your service, Your Majesty," Rhaegal said, taking his seat only after the king had settled.
The King didn't bother with pleasantries. "Princess Avaline will be traveling to the North in a few weeks," he began, voice steady, "and she's requested that you accompany her."
Rhaegal's brow twitched faintly. The flicker was brief, but telling.
"I am merely an Enforcer, my lord. I fear I am unworthy of the Princess's company."
His words were carefully chosen, but his tone hinted at rejection.
King Aldric didn't seem to notice—or perhaps, chose not to.
"You are my most loyal and trusted officer," Aldric replied with a smile that never quite reached his eyes. "Having you there would ease my worries. Do your king this favor."
There was no room left for protest. Rhaegal dipped his head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
The King stood, satisfied. "Then I shall leave the Princess in your care." He turned toward the door, but paused just before leaving.
"Rhaegal…" He glanced over his shoulder. "See to it that Lord Oldric is punished accordingly. His status must not hinder justice."
Rhaegal inclined his head slowly. "Understood."
He watched as the King exited with his guard. The door shut behind them with a solid thud, leaving a lingering silence in their wake.
Alfred, who had returned moments later, noticed the storm gathering on his lord's face.
"You don't look pleased, my lord," he said cautiously.
"That Princess clearly doesn't know when to stop," Rhaegal muttered under his breath, his jaw tense.
Alfred chuckled under his breath.
Rhaegal shot him a glare sharp enough to wound. "It's not funny, Alfred."
"My apologies, my lord, but—"
"One more word and I'll have you scrubbing the training yard."
Alfred wisely shut his mouth. Rhaegal exhaled, dragging a hand down his face, then returned to his desk.
By noon, after securing Duke Cassian's approval, Rhaegal made his way to the cell block with brisk steps and a mind full of suspicion.
The prison guard at the corridor bowed. "My lord." He reached into a small box and pulled out the key with practiced ease. A loud click echoed down the hallway as the cell door unlocked.
Rhaegal stepped inside.
Lord Oldric lay stretched across the narrow cot, staring blankly at the damp ceiling as though it might whisper secrets.
"Lord Oldric," Rhaegal said, voice flat.
The vampire slowly turned his head. Gone was the smug smile. His eyes were hollow, unfocused—haunted.
Rhaegal's gaze sharpened. This was not the same man who had laughed at him days ago.
He stepped out and called to the guard. "Has anyone else been in this cell?"
"Only you and His Majesty, my lord."
Rhaegal nodded once and stepped back in.
"What happened to you?" he asked, watching Oldric closely.
The older vampire shook his head, his voice low and brittle. "I see now how wrong I've been. I must atone."
Rhaegal's frown deepened. "What changed? You were certain of your choices. Arrogant, even."
Oldric gripped his sleeves, fingers trembling. "I was wrong. Please… I can't stay here. Let me out—I beg you…"
He lunged forward, grabbing onto Rhaegal's trousers like a drowning man clinging to driftwood.
Rhaegal instinctively stepped back, revulsion and confusion tightening his posture. Something was off. Severely off.
"What did you and the King speak about?"
Oldric froze. For a long moment, he didn't move. Then slowly, he turned and walked back to the cot. He lay down, back turned to Rhaegal.
"He said… to let go of my worries," he whispered, the words barely audible.
Rhaegal stilled, confused and lost for words, He turned on his heel and exited the cell.
"Keep your eyes on him," he instructed the guard. "No one enters unless I say so."
"Yes, my lord."
Rhaegal returned to his office in silence. Alfred looked up as he entered, brows raised.
"I couldn't get anything out of him," Rhaegal muttered, sinking onto the couch. "He's gone mad."
"That's strange," Alfred said, crossing his arms.
"Very." Rhaegal rubbed his temple. "Something happened between him and the King. I'm sure of it."
"What could it have been?" Ask alfred.
Rhaegal shook his head."I don't know. But it was enough to gut a man of all reason."
Alfred crossed his arms. "That cunning old vampire is probably pretending. Trying to dodge trial."
"Maybe." But Rhaegal didn't sound convinced.
"You need to rest, my lord," Alfred said gently. "You haven't slept or fed. How about going home and let Mac Hayles handle the rest."
Rhaegal shook his head. "Oldric's case is too delicate. I can't afford a mistake." He glanced at Alfred. "But you can go. See how everyone is fairing, Especially Malin."
Alfred sighed. "You're exhausted and still thinking about others. You're going to burn out, my lord. At least drink something."
"Not now," Rhaegal said, waving him off.
The rest of the day dragged on. Rhaegal worked non-stop, going back and forth to Duke Cassian's office. Alfred stayed by his side, frustration growing as Rhaegal ignored every offer of food or rest.
Finally, by evening, Rhaegal gave in. "Fine. Serve the food."
Alfred lit up and quickly headed to the cafeteria. He returned with a simple meal and a jug of blood. With careful hands, he arranged everything and gestured for Rhaegal to sit.
Rhaegal ate slowly while Alfred stood beside him, refilling his glass.
When he finished, Rhaegal stood. "I'll try to speak with Lord Oldric again."
But before Alfred could respond, hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed by a knock.
"Come in," Alfred called while clearing the table.
The prison guard entered, his face pale.
"It's Lord Oldric, my lord…"
"What about him?" Rhaegal asked, tension rising.
"He… he took his own life."
Rhaegal's eyes widened. Alfred gasped. Both men rushed to the cell.
The room plunged into stillness.
Rhaegal was out the door in a heartbeat, Alfred at his heels.
The body was cold when they arrived. Oldric lay on the stone floor, his chest ripped open, heart resting in his bloodied hand.
Rhaegal stared in silence. Then, with sudden fury, he slammed a fist against the iron bars. The sound rang through the hall like a thunderclap.
"How did this happen?" he growled.
"I—I don't know," the guard stammered.
"Seal this place. No one enters without my say."
"Yes, my lord!"
Rhaegal walked away, each step heavy with fury. Alfred followed, his expression grim.
Inside the office, Rhaegal stood still for a long moment, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white.
"My lord?" Alfred asked cautiously.
"He was our only lead," Rhaegal muttered.
Alfred looked just as disturbed. "I still don't understand. Why would a man like Oldric kill himself?"
"I don't know," Rhaegal admitted, genuinely confused.
"Do you think it's connected to His Majesty?"
Rhaegal spun around sharply. "Watch your tongue."
Alfred bowed, though worry still flickered in his eyes. "Forgive me, but… the timing is too perfect to ignore."
Rhaegal's silence said more than words.
"I also have my doubts," he admitted. "There's something deeper here—some link between the King, Oldric, and the rebellion. But nothing makes sense."
He walked to his desk and sat down.
"Oldric was already doomed. Why rush to end it himself unless… unless there was something they were both hiding?"
"Do you think it's tied to Malin?" Alfred asked.
Rhaegal's eyes darkened. "That's only speculation. No proof. And we cannot afford to chase shadows."
Then maybe… Oldric wanted to frame the King. Plant a seed of doubt." Said alfred.
Rhaegal nodded grimly. "A final act of vengeance."
He looked toward the window, as the sky outside dimmed.
"What a twisted old man," Alfred muttered.
"In any case, the rebel case is finished. The others will serve their sentences. Mac Hayles will handle it from here". Said rhaegal.
"This cannot be the end?" Asked Alfred.
Rhaegal nodded slowly. " Another group might rise eventually… but not anytime soon."