Chapter 168: Whispers of Magic
"I’m so glad you saved Mother, my son. I knew it. You couldn’t be so heartless, watch me suffer like this." The Empress held Crown Prince Maximus tightly, her voice thick with relief.
"I know you couldn’t commit such a heinous act," Maximus replied. "Even if you dislike the Princess, you wouldn’t stoop to such depths."
"Indeed, I didn’t," the Empress insisted. "This woman tries to pin such vile accusations on me, but I would never. I barely knew the previous Empress. I was brought here after the Emperor conquered my land, a possession for this empire."
"Mother, I will investigate this thoroughly. You needn’t fret," Maximus assured her as the maid guided the Empress back to her chamber. Turning, he found Tribal Princess Sylvia standing there, arms crossed, watching him intently.
"What is it, Princess? Why are you here?" Maximus inquired.
"I think the question belongs to me, Your Highness. Why are you here? Have you forgotten your earlier pronouncements?" Sylvia challenged.
"What? What are you trying to say?" Maximus frowned, confused.
"Oh! You truly don’t remember? Allow me to refresh your memory," Sylvia scoffed. "You declared you wouldn’t become like your father, that you would stand for truth. Is this your version of upholding that promise? Is this who you truly are?"
"Are you implying I’d let my mother be falsely accused?" Maximus bristled.
"Falsely accused? Don’t play coy, Your Highness. You’ve been aware of your mother’s deeds for long. This isn’t news to you, but you feign surprise as if you expected none of this. You’re trying to shield a criminal!" Sylvia spat.
"My mother is no criminal!" Maximus roared, his eyes glowing red.
"Ha! It seems evident your mother orchestrated this farce, bringing forward a false claimant to slander the previous Empress. Is that the act of a civilized person?" Sylvia mocked.