Chapter 198 - (19)

It was as if one had stepped into the land of the dead. Silence hunted the grounds, as eyes moved to Lord of Merve's calm figure.

"Rubbish! This is a ploy to take the throne!" Official Ghuil's outburst awoke everyone.

"Are you claiming that the religion fabricated this?" the priest asked and the temperature of the hall plummeted. Official Ghuil almost choked at this. This was a clear case of dropping stone on one's foot. Even if he had a thousand lives, he would not dare accuse the religion of anything. Even if one wanted to question the king's last words, the religion being in possession of it meant this was the authentic document. No one dared to think it was fake, lest one is questioning the integrity of the religion. Official Ghuil fell on his knees and kowtowed to the priest.

"Forgive this mad man, esteemed priest. I dare not speak against the religion." he begged.

"How?" Prince Thelmus on the other hand, had lost his soul. He stared at Lord of Merve, who was now Crown Prince Adrian, in a daze. "He must have had you before he married my mother." Prince Thelmus said.

"The title of Lord of Merve instead of Lord Merve, it's funny how no one realised this before hand." Crown Prince Adrian said.

"Well, one person did." he sighed and they all understood his words. Lady Wickshire; she must have known all along. While they were busy gaining the favour of this dog prince, Lady Wickshire had already taken the real heir under her wings.

"There is no property under the title of Merve, how..." Prince Thelmus refused to accept what was happening.

"At first, when his majesty called me Lord of Merve, most were confused. Some thought Merve was some cooperation. I am not quite sure how it became a long lost noble house the next second." Crown Prince Adrian said.

"There are thousands of Isne soldiers outside. Do you think this matters? Guards!" Prince Thelmus called, but no one came.

"Let me try. Guards!" Crown Prince Adrian said and Juhntt soldiers entered oppressively. These soldiers more than any, felt betrayed by Prince Thelmus. When many tried to take over a kingdom, they at least colluded with soldiers from their kingdom; either by bribing the generals or taking military power by force. But Prince Thelmus brought in foreign soldiers and killed off a lot of their fellow brothers.

"Drag these two to the prisons." Crown Prince Adrian ordered and they were very glad to drag out the protesting Prince Thelmus and the unmoving Official Ghuil. No one was sure what the priest had done to him, but Official Ghuil's eyes were wide open, as though no one was inside his body.

"This is unlawful! The queen is still alive! She must bear witness to the crowning of the heir. It is the law!" Prince Thelmus protested as he was being dragged.

"And she has born witness." Queen Raine unveiled herself to the crowd. Her cold eyes caused Prince Thelmus to shiver. He could no more utter protests, allowing himself to be taken away.

Crown Prince Adrian stood and held out a hand for Amie; who hesitated a second before taking it, then turned to the crowd, "His Majesty must be casketed before any coronation can take place. I believe that the council is up to the task." he said to the council head, who nodded in return.

The audience seemed to remember that they needed to show good faith. Some got up and greeted Crown Prince Adrian as he passed. Others chimed in to say some good words.

"Crown Prince Adrian has handled this quite well." one said.

"His Majesty's legacy continues to live on, of course." another said.

"Juhntt sees the light again. This is a great way to start a reign." the nobleman who had been talking to Amie before, approached and said.

"Yes. But, it has been a long day. I must make sure Miss Krain gets home." Crown Prince Adrian used Amie as an excuse to walk away.

"Oh yes. Miss Krain." the nobleman said.

"Which Miss Krain? Why does that name sound familiar?" someone asked.

"Krain? What is your connection to Lord Steinhouse, Miss Krain?" the nobleman asked.

"He is my brother." Amie said politely.

"Ah, yes. Crown Prince Thelmus, you must consider a wedding immediately after your coronation. This will bless the reign; give the people something to lift their spirits." the nobleman said and others nodded. Though many mothers were quite angry he was betrothed even before they could show him their daughters, this was a time for raining compliments, so they smiled and nodded. Many making sure to look at Amie well, so as to remember her. Crown Prince Adrian felt Amie stiffen and he swallowed; daring not to look at her.