The Culprit II

I helped him up from the ground, and we engulfed each other in a brief hug. Patrick is my childhood friend, the son of a minister. But shortly after I was sent to His Lordship, his family committed treason, and this made father write a decree to execute his whole family, except him and his sister, as an act of mercy from my mother. She gave them an opportunity to redeem their sinned family by working as guards and maids in the palace. I heard the news, but there's nothing I could do. Even if I pleaded for his family, father wouldn't listen.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me the most," I breathed, my voice tinged with regret.

"It's not your fault, Kai. I should blame myself for being unlucky and having greedy parents. We got what we deserve," he cried softly, then wiped away his tears with the back of his hand.

"I saw Kieren with you the other time. What business do you two have together?" I inquired curiously.