Chapter 141: THE INVESTIGATION
Ashen stood by the long table in his chamber, the soft glow of lamplight casting sharp shadows over his face.
His shoulders fell loosely around his shoulders, his robe tied carelessly at his waist. In his hand was a scroll, his eyes scanning the words with a quiet.
The doors to the chamber opened with a heavy thud, but he didn’t look up for once.
"Stand up."
The command rang out, formally, as several armored men entered, their boots thudding against the stone floor.
They were the King’s investigators, grim-faced and cold-eyed. Ashen is supposed to be a leader of the men but the fact that he was accused left him powerless.
Aria, who had been standing guard at the far wall, moved immediately to Ashen’s side. Of course, she could tell when her master needed her so she appeared beside him already.
Ashen slowly lowered the scroll, his expression blank. "What is this about?" he asked calmly, his voice carrying across the chamber.
"You are to be questioned, Prince Ashen," the lead investigator said, bowing stiffly. "Regarding the attack on Her Highness the Queen."
Ashen’s gaze hardened, though his posture remained relaxed. "The attack," he repeated softly. "Explain."
The investigator nodded to one of the men, who stepped forward and unwrapped a piece of cloth. Inside was a broken spearhead, stained faintly with dried blood.
"This was found lodged in the Queen’s chambers," the investigator said gravely.
"The weapon meant for the queen that pierced one of her courtiers’ shoulders, its shaft was discovered later inside your office."
Aria stiffened, but Ashen only gave a small, humorless smile.
"So," he said, setting the scroll down with deliberate care. "You believe I tried to kill my own mother."
The men said nothing, their silence was damning enough.
Ashen crossed the room slowly, his bare feet silent on the marble floor. He stopped in front of them, his height and presence forcing the men to look up at him.
"Ask your questions," he said coolly. "I will answer."
The interrogation began.
"Where exactly here on the night of the attack?"
"With my wife, having a lovely moment before I got disrupted" Ashen replied without hesitation, leaving them to clear their throat.
"Half the guards saw me going inside my chambers."
"Well, you had quarreled with the Queen right before the attack."
Ashen’s lips curved faintly. "We have quarreled all my life," he said. "That is hardly evidence of attempted murder."
"Then why is the spear shaft found in you? Office?
Ashen’s eyes darkened, his voice turning dangerously quiet. "Because someone put it there. If I had truly wanted my mother dead, she would not have survived a single strike."
The investigators shifted uncomfortably at the sharp truth of his words.
"Besides, how did I take the shaft done there when I had gone to my chambers directly... who the heck was so dumb to even play this game with me?"
"Well.. We.." They were speechless.
Ashen tilted his head, studying them like a wolf might study prey, of course he could tell they were sloppy because they didn’t want his punishment to be much, they only wanted him not to attend the first flame festival. He knew his mother was behind this but he would continue playing whatever game they wanted to play with him.
"If I wanted revenge," he said softly, "I would not have chosen this pathetic method. Whoever did this wanted me blamed. That is all."
Aria stood with her arms crossed, her jaw tight, glaring at anyone who looked at Ashen too long.
At last, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hall. The chamber doors opened again this time to reveal King Aden.
Everyone immediately dropped to their knees.
"Your Highness," the investigators said, bowing deeply.
. His eyes swept the chamber, lingering briefly on the broken spearhead before turning to his son.
"Ashen," he called. "Are you well?"
Ashen leaned his head slightly. "I am, Father."
The King turned to the investigators. "And? Have you found proof that my son attacked his own mother?"
The lead investigator hesitated, then shook his head. "No, Your Highness. There is no direct evidence. Only that the weapon was found in his office."
"Which proves nothing," the King said sharply. "Anyone could have placed it there to blame him.."
"What? Who would blame him!" Queen Sephora’s voice rang out at that moment, her face pale but composed. She stood beside the King, her gaze fixed on Ashen.
"Your Highness," one of the men said carefully, "with respect, it is suspicious..."
The King cut him off. "Suspicion is not proof. Ashen would never attack his mother."
"Your Highness you can’t say... he is stubborn... and."
"Has he ever attacked you?" a king Aden voice boomed, "Wh.. What?"
"You are his mother! No son would want to hurt his mother ."
The room went silent. Even Ashen blinked, surprised by the way in his father’s voice
"You will leave the investigation to Ashen himself," King Ashen ordered.
The investigators froze. Murmurs rippled through the men. To hand over an investigation to the very man under suspicion was unheard of.
"He is the Arbiter of Law... which means he is way higher than all of you!" his voice boomed now glancing at the men who immediately leaned their heads.
Ashen’s jaw tightened, his dark eyes glinting. "You would leave me to find the one who framed me?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," King Aden said. "If anyone has the right to seek the truth, it should be you... After all your men had vouched that you came back to the chambers immediately you left your mothers."
Even Adam, who had just arrived at the door, looked shocked.
"Father," Adam called carefully, "is that wise? You risk..."
"I risk nothing," King Aden cut him off coldly. "Ashen will handle this. I have made my decision."
Queen Sephora’s lips parted, as though she might object, but then she closed them again. She glanced at Ashen, her expression blank.
"If the King does not believe the attack came from Ashen," she said finally, "then there is no need to pursue this matter further."
Ashen’s head turned sharply toward her, his eyes narrowing. But to his shock, the King nodded.
"Very well. Let it be."
"Your Highness!" she yelled but taking Aden ignored her.
"Let this be clear... No attack was made in the queen’s chambers, if one more person makes a silly comment about it... Then make sure to let them know they would face my wrath."