Tower: Murky and Charming

Chapter 31: Loss

Trust. Joy. Forgiveness.

Betrayal. Grief. Broken.

"Traitor... You are all fake monsters!" She screamed at the group standing on one side of the room. Tensions in the air and only seriousness. There's nothing to enjoy nor laugh about yet some smiles were seen. Especially the person they stood behind.

She was lost and trembling with great emotion but she had to stay strong and not cried in front of them. This is the very first time she ever felt scared to stand up doing something like this. She doesn't have experience at all yet she went ahead. Because she knows this is the least she can do.

"You're very bold and strong for standing up for your friend. I'm curious why"

"It's something that I chose to do for the princess" The lady responded in a dignified tone, not choking nor hesitating in between. Gazing straight into his jeweled eyes. "How can we allow you to take the throne at a time like this? It seems too much of a coincidence for you to show up right when the princess collapse" Skeptical and wary, Helena clenched her teeth and glared with an ominous aura surrounding her. The blonde was surprised by this presence and his smile got wider.

"Well, I had to show up because I'm deeply worried for the empire and my family. Don't you think-"

"Even so, it cannot be handed over to you." She informed and he acknowledged with a nod.

"My dear brother and niece are ill and only Princess Jennette stands along with me. Milady, I understand you had worked with the princess for a while but-"

"The condition of the princess hasn't been determined exactly. There's suspicion that she had been attacked and the wizards are still working on it" Helena interrupted bluntly and sullen with a stern look. "Until then, you mustn't spread false information about the princess but that also doesn't mean you're not a suspect" Icy sweats washed over her and fists trembled anxiously.

"....." He gives no reply and stares with a stoned expression, starting to dislike the woman that stands up for the princess.

"How-"

"Helena, keep quiet. You're in no position to talk" An older woman joins in, standing in front of Helena upset as she scowls. Helena shook in shock and dropped her jaw in aghast.

"Mother!"

"I apologize for her impudence. May I have permission to leave with my daughter?" Marquess Irain asked, gripping onto her daughter's wrist while she struggles.

"You are excused" Smirking slyly and gesturing consent.

Taking this opportunity to get rid of the annoying nuisance out of the way. Helena is dragged out of the room by her own mother which satisfies the man who continues to take over the meeting. This shall be the time to rise and achieve his goal. Helena is frustrated and yelled for interrupting while the madam scolds her for recklessly disrupting the meeting. A fight in the halls and voices echo, it ends in a one-swoop action that completely silences her.

*** BEFORE ***

The sleeping beauty laid in bed in the tranquil atmosphere. It's supposed to be a nice day, another morning where she gets up and flutters outside and does her own routine. But the plans changed and the mood is different. If this was earlier before her transition, then only a few would be sad for her while the rest pity and move on. Currently, everyone is wishing for her quick recovery and praying for it. Their dear princess has fallen.

"Hmmmm," The old wizard holds the palm of the princess, trying to evaluate her mana wavelengths while the physicians examine her condition. Rubbing his chin and icy sweats washed over him, he has never come across a case like this twice.