Crazy Duke and Fallen Queen

Alexander walks out of the room with the little ball awake and healthy, but my heart can't stop pounding until I have her in my arms.

?It was just another attempt,? he says, trying to call me down.

I cuddle my daughter and see no traces of an attack on her. She's safe; I can relax.

?Did you catch the culprit?? I inquire.

?Yes, the knights stopped him.?

The Empress bursts out laughing. She doesn't have anything to lose now. Why doesn't she just give up on my daughter's life?

She was planning to get rid of me first with her plots, and then of Lavinia afterwards to free her path to the throne. She was hoping to involve Alexander as well, this harpy.

?I was so close to getting the throne,? she says. ?Yet, you ruined it all.?

The man captured by the knights isn't a new face.

?But you will be surprised to hear who is working against your child...? the Empress continues.

She doesn't add anything while the guards drag her away. Her beautiful red dress is wrinkled in the process, but she doesn't seem to care.

?That man,? I whisper to Alexander. ?He's one of my uncle's helpers in the Palace.?

So, it was like that. Uncle Nicholas was plotting with the Empress all this time.

He used me to get more information, or he believed he was using me. In exchange for the help the Empress gave him along the way, he agreed to kill my daughter. And he tried so many times, all while looking me in the eye and urging me to produce a son.

If Lavinia was a boy, he wouldn't have accepted to cut his link to the throne. But as a girl, she's just a tool to reach his goal faster. Which is destroying the Empire and seizing lands and fortune.

He did it. He tried harming my family even in this life.

?I can't let him go,? I sigh.

He's too dangerous, and he doesn't even fear death. 𝒇𝑟𝐞𝐞w𝐞𝑏𝙣𝑜vℯl.co𝑚

He'll bring me damage in the future, and he might succeed where the Empress failed: convincing his majesty to get rid of Alexander.

I can't let him even try.

?It's a matter for another time,? Alexander murmurs, caressing my cheek. ?Now, focus on what's in front of you.?

?Hmm??

?Freedom,? he chuckles. ?If no one tries to kill you, then I have no reason to keep you locked in a room.?

Oh, damn it. Why are we in public now? He could control his words a bit. What will people think?

Oh, after the remarks from before... Ah, my innocence is forever compromised.

?Let's go rest,? he says, carrying Lavinia for me. ?With your majesty's permission.?

?Sure,? the Emperor sighs. ?You two already had your dose of drama. Enjoy the rest of your stay in the Palace.?

?We'll depart soon, won't we?? I inquire.

Nicholas Zolokis needs to be taken care of soon, or he'll leave before I have a chance to confront him.

?Yes, Thea. We're going back home,? Alexander sighs.

We walk in the hallways in silence until my husband can't keep his words anymore. Lavinia fell asleep soon after he picked her up.

?You made justice for my parents,? he says.

?You saved me from being framed the same way as your parents,? I reply. He had the plan ready. ?How long have you and your cousin Bertha been plotting together??

?We didn't plot anything. But, after remembering my first life till the end, after deciding to conquer Polis, I helped her get in the Empress's graces. I just wanted her near the throne, and that was the easiest way. But I would have never thought it would turn out like this.?

?The late Emperor wasn't cruel and senseless,? I sigh. ?He was just ill. The poison corroded his mind, and he lost it. I believe he tried to make it up to you, in some way, when he wanted to make you the crown prince. It cost him his life.?

?Now, both my father and uncle can rest in peace,? Alexander adds. ?Maybe, they're together now. Clearing up their misunderstandings in the other world.?

?Have you been there?? I ask. ?To the other world??

?No. I was born immediately after dying. All I remember in between is complete darkness.?

?Now your parents are avenged.?

?No, Thea. It's not revenge. It's justice.?

I tilt my head and observe his expression. His lips are tight: he's nervous and sad. But his arms holding Lavinia are so delicate and caring.

?You're right, husband,? I say. ?It's justice.?

Late, imperfect... Oh, so difficult to reach. But in the end, it always comes.

?You had to wait ten years for it. But you finally made it,? I exclaim.

?No, Thea. It was not me. It was you. You're the one I have to thank.?

?Also, we can bring the remains to Kyre.?

?What remains??

?The Empress Grandmother buried her son and daughter in law. She told me where. They were cremated and buried under a tree in her garden. We can bring them back to Stoneyard and let them repose in the family's graveyard.?

Alexander nods, still shocked by all the revelations of this long evening.

Oh, I wouldn't have a single word either if I found out everything all of a sudden.

I would have found a way even without so much help, but the Empress Grandmother is the one we need to thank.

?I feel as if I didn't sleep nor rest for a whole week,? I comment.

?I bet you do. We can go back to Kyre as soon as you recover.?

Oh, no! I have a couple of things to settle. Not too soon!

I'll need a couple of days if I hurry up, but better avoid moving too fast.

?Let's depart next week,? I say with a sweet, convincing tone. ?What do you think?? free𝚠𝚎𝚋𝒏𝚘ѵ𝐞l.𝑐oｍ

?Whatever you want.?

?Oh, what I want...? I chuckle. ?You better pay attention to your words, hubby!?