Chapter thirty nine

Eric

  Conrad's death was a game-changer. There was no way I could tell.it to anyone until my coronation was over. It would ruin my already laid down plan which was pretty smooth. Plus, preparation was already made. It would be disappointing to dash the people's hope. I had seen them flock in and out the castle today, Their face clearly filled with adoration. I couldn't bear to dash those hopes but something else bothered me. Maisy mentioned Valentine being a clue and I had tried to ignore it before but I just couldn't now. The only answer that rung repeatedly to my eardrums was Anthony and when I pondered a bit about it,  a part of me believed I wasn't far from the truth. Conrad had a secret affair with Emilia and there was surely something I was missing but I  had a theory that the ghost asking for vengeance against Anthony was Valentine.

"Your Majesty, " A maid whispered interrupting my thoughts.

I faced her and noticed she was holding the holy regalia. A purple robe that had become a tradition for royals to wear while being inaugurated to office. I instructed her to hand it over just before Anthony took the robe off her hands.

"Excuse us." He ordered.

Now wasn't the smartest time to ask him but I needed to get it off my chest but still, How does one accuse his own brother of murder? The maid nodded and exited the room leaving us both to converse.

"Dad would have been so proud," Anthony noted, equipping me in the robe.

"Yes, I'm sure he would."

He looked so happy as I felt like a terrible human knowing I would ruin today for him. Not use on how to start our conversation, I jumped straight to the point.

"Anthony, Do you ever miss Valentine?"

"Why would you ask that?" He questioned, looking at me directly in the eye.

This was the time. Holding back would be wrong. I had to tell him everything that ran through my mind at the moment and if he hated me for it then so be it.

"I just thought you should know that Valentine wanted you dead..."

Anthony backed away, "You...mean she hasn't ascended?"

The look he had on his face. Was that guilt? Was I right to doubt Anthony's brightness? No! I had to be wrong.

I turned to face him and asked, "What bothers me is why would Valentine want you dead?"

"I don't know." He stammered, How do you know this?"

"Maisy saw her. Also, Conrad is dead."

"What? Why are you telling me this? Eric, what's going on?"

He was tensed and could barely stay focused. Almost as if he wanted to forget something or maybe he was hiding something. This gave me the strength to continue.

"Before Conrad left this plane. He mentioned Valentine. Do you know why?"

Anthony turned blue. He was confused as to why I would ask him any of this but my brother was no fool. He didn't take him long to put the pieces together.

"You think I'm somehow involved in this."

"Anthony, I just want to be sure."

"You didn't trust me. I'm your blood! You should know me more than I know myself."

"Anthony, I'm sorry but I just wanted to be sure—"

Anthony raised his hand to silence me,

"Be sure of one thing Eric, I'm disappointed in you."

He barged out and I could bet I had strained our relationship.

***

Lucy

Perfect. I checked out my appearance in the antique mirror. All I've craved for since this dream popped into my head.

  I admired the strapless, cream dress of semi-embroidered fabric accentuated my thin waist and flared out a bit. I had to admit, Madame Rosette really outdid herself. I hoped Maisy saw this before she drowned herself or something. Dad had to see this.

"Leave me," I commanded the servants sent to dress me.  They obeyed, bowing curtly before scampering out. When I was sure I was alone, I loved myself in and tore away the emerald necklace from my neck. His presence overwhelmed the room and I started back into the mirror to catch the look on his face.

"How do I look, father?"

"Splendid, You've made me proud."

"I know. I'm wondering Dad, Now that our dreams are coming through. Will you ascend?"

As he was about answering, a knock interrupted us.

"Who's there?" I demanded.

"It's me, Osei."

What did she want? I gave my dad a knowing look before putting on the necklace and opening the door.

"What?" I demanded.

"I need to have a word with you." She replied curtly.

"It can wait." I retorted and shut the door to her face but she managed to wedge the door using her feet and keeping it open just enough for her to enter.

"That wasn't a suggestion Miss Luciana."

"Okay, What do you want?"

"To ask you a simple question. Why as you bent on ruining your family?"

A funny accusation. Ahe of all people should know. Was she here to make a mockery of me or something? I figured the best I could do was entertain her.

"I am not doing whatever you think I am doing. Maisy didn't want to help the Kingdom and I was willing to. Grandfather has clearly stated that unless he marries the girl along with the inheritance. He can't help this kingdom."

"It's sad you know. You think you are not a part of this family. I'm sure that is reason enough for you to destroy it."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's clear you know and I know this because I've been where you are right now."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You talk to him, don't you?"

Was she referring to my father? How did she even know I had the whisper? Frankly, She was beginning to get on my nerves.

"Who?" I asked, playing dumb.

"Your father. That manipulative bastard putting you up to this."

She did not just soil my father's reputation. No one cares do that. It made me burn.

"My father is none of that! He killed him and I'm going to make sure I take everything from him just like he took from me."

"Quinn loves you, Lucy. If your father loved you, He would have changed. He would have told you the truth. Do you know who your mother is?"

"It doesn't matter." I shot back, wondering why she would bring that up. Of course, I had brought the topic up with both Quinn and my father but they usually change the topic or avoided answering entirely. So I assumed she had shared a cruel fate like my father.

"It does and it's stupid Quinn refuses to acknowledge that you need to know the truth."

"And the truth is?"

"That your father was a vile man but he was terribly handsome and during his time here as a slave, He had an affair with your grandmother. An affair that birthed you, Lucy."

"She wasn't even alive when I was born." I retorted, definitely done with her lies."What the hell are you saying?"

"That's what you were told Lucy but the truth is she committed suicide because she couldn't bear to face the consequences of what she had done."

"I don't believe you."

"Then rip that amulet off your neck and ask him."

She was really daring me. How the hell did she even know the necklace warded off spirits. In my bid to prove her wrong, I ripped the amulet off and immediately my father returned, I asked him,

"Tell her the truth! Tell her who my mother is! Tell her!" I spat, spasming and crying.

Even with blurred sight, I could see the guilt in the depths of his eyes.  I dropped the amulet. Osei couldn't be right. No, I could not have been living a lie all these years. Maisy couldn't be my blood, Let alone my niece. That was fucked up! But, here it was. The truth was staring me right in the face and I refused to accept it.

"Father, Just say the words, Let me hear them. I'm begging you."

He approached me and I noticed the tears in his eyes. He just had to say the words. At this point, I didn't care if he would lie. I just wanted reassurance that all I've been conditioned to love or hate was true but the look in his face betrayed me.

"Lucy, Some of it is—"

I couldn't bear to hear it. I shut my eyes and channeled the powers I hadn't used in a long time. I felt the energy return to my body. I opened my eyes and said to him,

"I said your spirit to this plane before but now, I see you free."

"Wait—" He yelled but it was too late.