VII. Behind the Whispering Walls

When striding toward uncharted terriority, the heart would always pulsate, and one's mind would beg to go away. But the body, as if it had the whole control, continued to march forward, even when that meant facing unexpected hurdles. I was past the point. It was inevitable.

My gaze indulged in the pristine vista of pine trees, and a lake mirroring the azure sky, before it shifted to walls with intricate floral motifs in repeating patterns. There were noble women in their pastel dresses with sartorial elegance, their corsets accentuating their curvy torsos.

Their Helmburian singsong mutters collided in a rush, hovering over the air, pressing.

Navy blue curtains draped to veil each side of the windows around the parlor, and there was a large portrait of the former matriarch of House Norbury hanging on the wall. She appeared strikingly formidable, her smoldering gaze pricking through the aging paint.

What fascinated me was that pictures could capture the moment, and immortalize it. But, some pictures rot.

Then, I sensed a familiar presence that made my gut swarm. "Good day to everyone!" Lord Jake strutted in. He made sure that his gaze walked everywhere, jumping from one noble, to another. "Ah, the woman I have been looking for..." He said as he approached me.

"What do you want, my Lord?" I lifted an eyebrow.

"Well, I wished to check upon you after the rather unfortunate trouble you were in," Lord Jake clicked his tongue, exaggerating every movement. "I could have lost my future."

"I am neither your future, nor your property," I seethed.

"Dear, I have not labeled you my property..." Lord Jake trailed off, his eyes burning through mine.

I glared. "I do not want anything to do with you." I clenched my fists, containing the rush of fury. It was not professional to act on that anger. "So please, I won't waste your time."

Lord Jake frowned, a flicker of hurt crossed his face. "Is this how you treat the person who saved you from your near demise?" He added. "I must hear words of gratitude from you."

I knew that Lord Jake was not worth spending any minute to scowl at, so I calmly replied. "Thank you." Without another word, I sauntered off, breaking the tension that permeated in the space between us.

When I was at a safe distance from him, I observed as he crossed the room to a circle of women. He let his seductive side take over, seeping into his relaxed frame. He, along with the women, burst into laughter. Perhaps, he was swaying their votes. Rosalie did say that this event was an opportunity to seize the support of nobles in attendance.

It would not hurt to campaign around the parlor with a smile.

I was prepared to take on. My eyes flitted everywhere, from one circle, to another. I allowed myself to be drawn to whoever. There, I was pulled toward a conversation about warding off the case numbers of thieves.

"Working on the security sector, I've always analyzed how the methodologies I have published, affected the case of crime in Helmburn. I am not proud to admit that... there were errors." A man in a sleek suit spoke with a glass of chardonnay in hand.

"Perhaps, it is time to grab insight from another perspective?" I chimed in.

"May you care to elucidate, my Lady?"

"Surely you are doing a great job in security, and your methodologies are top notch at times. Although, there are flaws to work out," I said. "Since the larger part of Helmburn are occupied by civillians, I think that they need to express their voice. They may have feedback that can improve in curving the rate of crime in the kingdom."

"That is... another way of thinking about it." The nobleman grasped his chin, his eyes sliding away while his mind drifted to think it over.

"Have you, as well, attempted to study how, and why, the criminals are committing such acts?" I asked.

"Hmm... I haven't. I've been to focused on birthing new ways to protect this kingdom, and its people." The man took a sip of his chardonnay, and gave an approving smile. "Your ideas are a good place to start exploring."

"Thank you, my Lord. I am Lady Arabelle of House Ausleya, and I will be running for Queen." I introduced myself. The man responded in surprise, which melted to a nod of favor.

"Lady Arabelle, I find you to be a promising candidate, and hope that you rally the support of majority," said the nobleman.

"I am honored to hear that, and I am grateful," I spoke before heading toward another circle.

They were immersed in debate about how a protest must be handled. One side stated to overwhelm with authority, and force, while the other said to ignore.

"Protests. Protests. The Parliament is making sure that the laws passed are good enough, and yet they always complain. Why not scare them? That way, there would be no protests anymore, or any uprising," A noble woman spat furiously.

"But that would add fuel to fire. Instead of stoking the flame, why not just leave them be? Their protests will die down after a while..." A response from the other side replied.

"When you leave fire without killing it, it has the potential to grow, and spread, and harm many," I interrupted. "Pardon me, but if you want to handle protests the right way... why not turn it all into a healthy discussion between two parties?"

"It is not as easy as it sounds." A man said in a deep timbre which sounded like he was vexed. "Besides, we know these protesters will stop at nothing, which is why we must assert our dominance."

"I beg to differ. Authority may, or may not impede protests completely. What happens when authority is forced?"

"They scurry back to the shadows, and shake in terror."

"That may happen, but quelling them will only allow them to keep earning that fire until it erupts," I told him. "Peaceful protests can turn to peaceful talks. We could find common ground, and resolution that way because we cannot fight fire with fire."

"You can't always talk it out," The man glared.

"Not always, but most of the time, the people want to be heard. It is supposed to be our job to make sure that everyone can express their voice. If we only shut them out, they will resent, build a bigger empire, and probably overthrow those in power." I eyed each and every one of them who appeared as though they were slowly convinced. "We can use force but use it in a reasonable manner not to incite violence. Inciting violence merely worsens the chaos, and strays farther from what is being achieved, which is order."

When I finished, they stared dumbfounded. The fury escaped their eyes, the debate in them abandoning which eased down their tense bodies. Using fire as a metaphor was helpful.

The silence broke when a woman's voice crested. "My, your stance seems to lean more on the welfare of concord, and an outside point-of-view approach."

"I am aiming for that as I am a running candidate in the monarchy election," I informed them.

They bobbed their heads. "It is settled then. We take it by her book."

"I am somewhat reluctant on this, but... she does share good points." The man commented.

Afterward, I was whisked away by a strong pull. I whirled my head to find Rosalie smiling down at me. "Wonderful work, Ara. I am quite impressed by the way you handled the campaign."

"It was nothing..." I mumbled.

"You seemed to have gathered positive favor thus far," Rosalie remarked in a joyous melody.

I carried my gaze, and spotted Lord Jake among the nobles. I expected to elicit frustration from this man, but I solely witnessed the blank, and unreadable reaction plastered on his face.

"That is the plan," I replied without peering at her.

"He must be bothering you, and oh. What a pleasant surprise..." Rosalie said, the tail of her voice melting into a loosened timbre.

I turned around.

"Lady Arabelle, and Lady Rosalie, you both are a sight for sore eyes," Lord Adrian came in, his familiar presence made my heart dance in my chest. "I see that the parlor is in full swing, albeit the true event not starting yet."

"Of course, nobles will do anything to get a word out, mostly about their tame experiences of life." Rosalie chuckled. "Luckily, my cousin added spice to their conversations."

His eyes widened in surprise for a second, then his lips curved to a smile. "What else can we expect? Lady Arabelle is a natural."

"I have it, thanks to Rosalie," I smiled.

Rosalie pulled me closer, almost an embrace. "If it isn't the woman who is fashionably late to her own event."

I tore my eyes away, and laid them upon Lady Adelaide who sauntered in the parlor. She had a glass in hand, which she clinked. A high whistle resonated to seize the attention of the nobles, including Rosalie, Lord Adrian, and I.

"Ahem. I know that most of you came here to chit-chat. How typical." Lady Adelaide clapped her hand, and a servant emerged with a tray. "Now leave your glasses of chardonnay, and whatever tacky fluid you have because you won't be needing those today."

Later, we traversed until we arrived at a sunlit clearing.

"This is actually a beautiful scenery," I complimented the surroundings which looked like an artisan painting brought to life.

"Sensing that the event is largely based here, I am quite thrilled to see what it is about," Rosalie daintily clasped her hands together, stifling back her enthusiasm.

Lady Adelaide was in the center, enveloped by nobles watching on with curiosity. "For our two candidates running in the monarchy election, I am hosting a treasure hunt."

"Pah. A treasure hunt? How is that eligible-" The man was cut off by Lady Adelaide.

"I have not finished, so let me speak." Lady Adelaide explained. "The reason why I chose a treasure hunt is because I want to see how well the candidates work with teams. Do they delegate, or do they put all the work upon them?"

"Does this mean that we will work in teams?" Lord Jake lifted an eyebrow.

"However you choose to approach the hunt," Lady Adelaide replied.

"Good. I do not need any extra, and useless weight to pull me down." Lord Jake responded coldly.

Lady Adelaide turned her attention to me with a smile. "I find teamwork essential in terms of leadership, and being a monarch requires that."

I knew that I had to agree. "That is true. Leaders shouldn't have to carry all the tasks by themselves. They could delegate, because that way, it would be easier to attain the goal."

Familiar faces from the other side nodded. They were the faces from the circles I brought myself into. It felt good to elicit positive feedbacks from them which meant that the campaign went effectively.

Lady Adelaide admired the response, gulping it in a subtle hint of respect. "Candidates, assemble a team, or yourself." She threw Lord Jake a sideways glance. "Your goal is to find the treasure which is a chest with gold bars."

Immediately, the nobles descended into murmurs, and Lord Jake appeared excited.

"A chest of gold bars? This will most likely take some time to find seeing that precious treasures are always hidden in good spots," Rosalie made a comment.

I gave it regard, and summoned a response. "It will take less time if we work together."

"You are speaking nothing else but the truth," said Rosalie. Then, her eyes roamed around, and a question arose. "Who will be on our team?"

I carried my gaze over to Lord Adrian, who shot back with a stare, and a grin. "I know exactly who..."

Rosalie followed the trail of my gaze. "Great pick! We got the handsome inspector on our side."

Then, my eyes raced to witness Lord Jake disappearing into the woods with a start. "Looks like our rival has decided to get himself a head-start."

"What a cheat," Rosalie rolled her eyes.

* * *

Enmeshed in the exuberant pulse of the forest, I spun to meet the onward gazes of Rosalie, and Lord Adrian. "Since we are a team of three, I surmise we have better chances of winning than the solo play of Lord Jake."

"He went that route because he wants to do everything by himself. He craves the reward, solely to fuel his ego," Lord Adrian crossed his arms, his deep tone cutting through the air.

"I've always detested him. I receive an odd atmosphere, and the way he permeates it..." Rosalie ended the sentence with a fade, and a shudder.

"He is running for the throne, and is in good ties with Governor Philipps. I can't help but think that those two are planning something." Lord Adrian stated.

The discussion halted when we reached dividing pathways. "I think we should head off to three different directions, and meet here again."

Rosalie looked around, then snapped a twig in half. "I know this sounds foolish, but we could use this as a navigational tool? In case we get lost."

"It's not foolish. It's smart. Great thinking, Rosalie," I grinned at her.

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

We parted ways, leading ourselves forward. The isolation heightened my awareness of the surrounding trees with their branches arching over, its leaves providing minimal shades from the sun. Light filtered through the cracks in the leaves, which dropped to the floor in erratic spots.

I kept walking, and walking, until I reached an enchanting place.

I closed my eyes, and breathed in deep, relishing the gushing song of the crystal dripping waterfall.

Then, those sounds were accompanied by something else... grass crunching under feet. I turned around to the source of the noise, and found Lord Adrian closing in on me.

"It's you..." I was comfortable around this man, unlike the other.

"The path led me here, to the waterfall. And it looks like you came first," said Lord Adrian, his eyes glimmering whenever he peered at me. "I... you're beautiful..." He lifted a hand up, and neared it to my cheek, but he hesitated. He looked to me for permission.

I bobbed my head slowly. His hand met my cheek, soft, and cradling. The skin contact sent shivers down my spine, and awakened the heat in my abdomen.

"I've never been used to this kind of feeling, but I've somehow started feeling it whenever you're around, and I around you." I said.

"As do I, Ara..." His eyes admired the features of my face, sipping in every inch. "Your determination, your aura... those drew me in. You will be a great Queen someday... You deserve the throne."

"I am still reluctant..."

"Reluctant?" His voice lowered to a whisper.

"Shall I be Queen? Why am I even a running candidate? I am still uncertain of my stance," I told him.

"Perhaps you'll discover it, sooner or later. I've seen the way you waltz around the parlor earlier. You had fight in your eyes. There is reason, and you'll find that reason," Lord Adrian held me closer.

The moment was new. Then, I crashed into a passionate kiss, locked in his strong grip around my waist. He plundered my breath, stealing it with every practiced movement of his mouth. His tongue knew where to go, and how to please. His hand skimmed its way up my back, before gently clutching my neck. It was like letting out the urge I had been resisting, the urge I never noticed was there until this time.

I moaned, savoring every languid touch, and time with this man.

Then, when we pulled ourselves away from each other, and gasped for breath, we shared an intimate stare that held a significant meaning. Behind our eyes swam the strongest of desires.

He leaned forward, and whispered into my ear, his tickling warm breath gliding across my skin. "I will never forget this moment."

"Certainly," I giggled.

Our attention toward one another was disrupted by a nearing presence that crushed grass in its way. "Ara? Lord Adrian?"

Rosalie's eyes landed on us, and a smile stretched across her face. "I knew it! I knew we'd cross paths again."

"This team is a dream, after all," I smiled. I snuck a glance at Lord Adrian who stared back mischievously.

"Anyway, there's no luck. I haven't found this so-called treasure." Rosalie frowned.

I gazed around. There was a cave burrowed in, beside it was the waterfall. "Rosalie, try checking near the waterfall. Lord Adrian, see if there is a part of the soil that is odd. I'll look into the cave."

"Right. They might have buried the chest under," said Lord Adrian before doing his assigned duty.

"The waterfall might be hiding something. I don't mind getting wet." Rosalie sauntered away.

I plodded toward the yawning mouth of the cave. When I step foot, I examined the sharp stalactites protruding from the ceiling. There was not much to wander except forward, which led to a dead end.

The cave hid no treasure.

I had to look around more throughly. Perhaps I missed a part of the cave.

I was met with walls of stone.

Heaving out a sigh, I left the cave to hear a victorious tune echoing by the waterfall. Lord Adrian was headed for it, and I followed suit.

When we neared the soft, yet loud gush of the water plummeting, I looked to Lord Adrian. "This might be curtaining a hidden cave, and Rosalie could be inside!"

"We'll see for ourselves... Hopefully, Rosalie is safe," He replied, then moved past the waterfall.

I held in my breath, before taking the leap.

Then, I landed on the floor with my feet. Lord Adrian stayed close while his eyes studied the ambience. "This is... wow. I am certain that Rosalie is safe, and with the treasure."

"Over here!" A resounding voice reached out to call to us.

We trailed after the sound, coming face-to-face with an effervescent Rosalie, and carried in her arms is a chest.

"Whoa, is that the treasure?" I gaped.

"Let's find out..." Rosalie set the chest down, and yanked the lid open. At the sight of glinting gold in a mesh, I was mesmerized. "We found it!"

As soon as she rose up, I captured her in a tight embrace. "I'm so proud of you, Rose! You found the treasure."

"Hey, I wouldn't have done it if it weren't for you, Miss Leader," Rosalie flashed a grin.

"I must offer my congratulations to House Ausleya for winning the treasure hunt." Lord Adrian clapped his hands together. A proud smile climbed over his lips.

"Now all we have to do is retreat to Lady Adelaide, and we'll surely seize her vote," said Rosalie.

There was a sedate applaud that smacked twice... thrice. We all swiveled to the sudden interruption.

Lord Jake appeared, ominous. He let out a deep laugh. "Congratulations on your little win, House Ausleya." He ambled forward, but stopped when he caught sight of Lord Adrian. "You are really in favor of this house, because of a certain someone, eh?"

"Lord Jake, I support this house, and that is final," Lord Adrian took a step forward before I could stop him.

"Arabelle, she is charming. A belle. Have you forgotten about the assassination?" He neared, pressing down words onto Lord Adrian. "Isn't Lady Arabelle one of your suspects?"

I transferred my gaze to Lord Adrian. I was not surprised, and I was not upset either. I came in with the poison in my hand, and it was only right for him to think I was one of the suspects.

"She was, and she proved her loyalty to the crown. Nothing else," Lord Adrian rooted his feet to the floor, still not cowering.

"How predictable. You're here to tear relations because you are desperate to win–" I was cut off.

"As do you." Lord Jake grinned devilishly. "Remember that I still care about you, and I would do anything to shield you from harm like Lord Adrian here."

"Hey! I am not harmful. You are." Lord Adrian sneered, his scowl shooting daggers at him. "You have the audacity to come in here, and shove your hypocrisy."

The devil in Lord Jake had only begun. "Didn't you know that I had already courted Lady Arabelle?" He lied. He was hilariously absurd.

"Preposterous. I have always rejected every advances from you. You saying that disgusts me to the core!" I cried out, shooting a withering scowl at Lord Jake.

There was a flash of a pained expression on his face, his facade cracking for a second. Then, he regained his composure.

"Well then, enjoy your victory, because it won't last forever. Damn. I'm already entertained at the thought of you failing, and the humiliation you'll face after," Lord Jake smirked. He spun around, not sparing a backward glance. "I don't need Lady Adelaide's vote to win."

In all honesty, I was terrified at his last sentence. He did not need Lady Adelaide's vote to win.

* * *

Later on, we returned to meet with Lady Adelaide, and the rest of the nobles.

We extended the treasure chest to her, in which she gladly accepted. "Oh my, it seems that we found our victors!"

"Rosalie discovered the treasure hiding in a cave behind the waterfall," I informed her.

"I see..." Lady Adelaide surveyed the gold inside the chest, and giggled. "It looks like you've discovered treasure beforehand."

"What do you mean?" I raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"You see, the gold here is materialistic treasure. What really mattered for me to see is the bond in the team. That is what I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing it in a monarch." She continued after a short pause. "A kingdom cannot function by one person which is why we have the Parliament, and the civillians. A monarch must see its people as treasure, to care for."

"This is why your vote counts. You expect fortified moral. I respect your criteria, Lady Adelaide," I stated.

"And this is why voting you counts. You have left an impressive mark on my guests because I have heard them discussing your talk in a friendly way," Lady Adelaide smiled.

"Lady Arabelle is the future!" A nobleman shouted.

I chortled at the man. "Thank you, Lady Adelaide. Those words mean a lot. And I would like to thank Rosalie, and Lord Adrian. Without them, this search would have been harder."

She nodded, as did Lord Adrian, and Rosalie.

Eventually, the event gradually drew to a close with nobles dwindling one by one.

I was headed for a carriage, when I overheard two figures talking in hushed whispers.

"He is unfair..." There was a furious growl.

"Lady Anthanasia, calm yourself. I am sure we will both be getting bigger pay." Another voice hovered.

"You're right. But the amount on this cheque still baffles me. I have done the right things." Lady Anthanasia's muffled voice bled with suppressed anger, and frustration.

I had to leave right away the moment they emerged from their conversation.

Minutes passed. I was in the carriage with Rosalie, and we rode through Town Square.

"Ara, you deserve to take a break tonight after having done a wonderful job today," Rosalie gave a warm smile, and held my hand to give it a gentle squeeze.

"Actually, you earned yourself credit as well. You found the treasure," I told her.

"Oh, stop it," Rosalie chuckled.

Then, when we were travelling through Town Square, there was a commotion coming from the village.

I moved forward, and slid the divider to tell the coachman, "May we go to the village? I need to check out what the commotion is about."

I returned to my seat, and sank backward, feeling an anxious sensation creep up. "Something does not feel right..." I trailed off.

"I'll be with you," Rosalie responded soothingly, but it was not enough to calm the rapid tempo in my chest.

The carriage rolled to a full stop, which allowed me to dismount. It had not been a second, and I was jostled around by the crowd. Rosalie called out from the carriage. "Ara?! It's dangerous to be in there!"

"Stay inside, Rose! I'll be fine!" I raised my voice so she could hear. Deep inside, I could hear my heart thumping loudly in my ears. It was painful. "Excuse me! Pardon me..." I pushed my way around.

A loud chant of cheers originated from a group of civillians. "Woo! They're finally done for!"

"Justice has been served everyone!"

What exactly were they talking about? Why was justice served?

I kept pulling myself through until I found the door, left open, but a constable blocked the way. He yelled, "Everybody back off! This matter will be handled by authority!"

I was going for the door, but the constable halted me in my tracks. "Hold up. You are not allowed in there, my Lady."

"I need to see!" I protested.

He held me back, his strong arms tearing me farther from the door. "My Lady, I apologize but you are not authorized to enter."

I thought of a reply. It had to be quick. "I am Lady Arabelle, and I have been investigating the assassination of Queen Amice. I am under the wing of Lord Adrian Hemington."

The constable recognized the names, and stepped aside, allowing me to make my entrance. I shot him a grateful look, then rushed inside. When my eyes landed on the scene, that is when my blood went cold, and my palms covered my mouth.

It was a gruesome sight to take in...

Slumbering on the floor were the pale, rotting cadavers of Arnold, the butler, and his pregnant wife who had an unborn child in her womb.

They were dead. They were really dead.