52

"That can't be true!" Symon's voice quivered, and he vehemently rejected Vasilias's claim.

"Why are you so certain about it?" Vasilias maintained his composure, his voice steady and composed.

"Bec-because," Symon continued to stutter, his anxiety evident.

Vasilias approached him, tilting his head curiously. "Something tells me you're hiding things from me. Is it true? Tell me, my dear mage. Was all of this your plan from the beginning? Did you intend to kill the princess and frame the Ridavell to exact your long-lost revenge on them?" He provocatively probed. Symon's eyes flashed with a violet fire, and he shot a threatening glare at Vasilias.

"Never, Your Highness! I would never commit such a heinous crime. Though I may harbor my own grievances against the Ridavell, I would never conspire against the nation that granted me shelter," Symon vowed as he fell to his knees, his voice filled with sincerity.