Author's Note:

Yeah… editing this chapter got away from me a bit :D I kept adding lines to enrich it a little and then I added more and more, so… this ended up being a long one. The longest one yet. It's more like two regular chapters in one.

So either enjoy to the fullest, or… I'm sorry – depends on how you look at it :D

Chapter CVII – A Sacrificial Lamb

"You really shouldn't be here."

Aeyrin giggled slightly when Bishop started to run his finger gently over her lower lip, across her cheek, her eyelids before it traced her skin back towards her lips in an idle lazy motion. They've both been lying on the spacious bed, turned on their sides to face one another. It seemed like they've been staring at each other like that for hours without doing much else.

The night has been unbearably long for Aeyrin without Bishop, especially after what happened just before. But he came back just after Casavir left the room following their breakfast together. The paladin has been coming to eat at his room with Aeyrin more and more often lately. She suspected that he needed a reprieve from his duties for a little while – he looked so tired all the time. Maybe it was the lack of his soft bed too…

Last night, it was easier for Bishop to get through the Castle – the chapel was near the kitchens where his secret access route was but, in order to get to Casavir's chambers, he had to go through the canteen and the barracks.

Eventually he has decided to spend some money on invisibility potions to remain hidden.

It was such a waste of gold – Aeyrin would be out of there after one more day at the most but… it made her stomach flutter, every time she even thought about how much trouble he was risking just to see her a few hours sooner.

"I don't care, princess. Worth the risk," he grinned at her while he continued his soft touches by running his finger over the edge of her ear. She mewled lightly at the gentle tingle of his warm hand on her skin. He was practically making her purr.

That gave him so many ideas…

"You know, I still wanna fuck you on this bed…" he snickered as he gave her a mischievous wink.

"Not a chance! Casavir can come in any time! And I'm not doing that to him…" she shook her head with a light chuckle. That would probably scar the poor paladin for life to see someone he hated so much doing that on his own bed. He would probably have to get a new one altogether. But if this one was up for grabs, maybe he would let her have it moved into Breezehome!

Well… now it was much more tempting.

"Come on, we've already desecrated a chapel!" Bishop's pleased laugh rang through the room.

"You ass! That wasn't desecration! No matter how much you want it to be one. I'm pretty sure that Mara and Dibella rejoiced at that…" she smiled somewhat wistfully as the memories of last night began playing in her head again.

"See? I knew I'd eventually be helping you honor Dibella," he laughed again, but their pleasant mood was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Gods! Hide somewhere! Quick!" Aeyrin hissed as silently as possible. It was a good thing that the paladins always knocked – even Casavir, despite the fact that this was his room. It was making her a little less concerned about Bishop's presence there, but it didn't manage to erase the worries completely, of course.

Bishop got up from the bed hurriedly and looked around to find some possible hiding place. It appeared that his best bet would be the paladin's closet. It felt like something straight out of an anecdote about some illicit affair – a lover hiding from the returning husband. At least he wasn't naked.

"Come in!" Aeyrin called out to the door, but her eyes still darted nervously towards the closet. She needed to stop looking at it.

A second later, the door opened and Azshan appeared at the threshold with a wide grin. He quickly closed the door behind him and approached by hopping onto the bed next to her.

"Hey. Still bored?" he ruffled Aeyrin's hair with a chuckle, making himself comfortable on the soft sheets.

"N-y-yes… Why wouldn't I be? Nothing exciting happens here," she shrugged, but her eyes moved involuntarily to the closet again. She really needed to learn to be more subtle. It was usually better when she wasn't caught off guard like this, but she was hardly convincing now.

"Are you nervous? What's going on?" he poked her in the arm as his mischievous smile widened with intrigue.

She was so bad at being inconspicuous! But… Azshan wouldn't rat Bishop out though, would he? It was still safer to keep it a secret, just in case. Not that she has expected Azshan to feel honor-bound to tattle or something, but the more people that knew, the more likely it would be for the word to spread. And Azshan loved to gossip a little too much at times.

Just as she decided to keep quiet about his presence, a loud crash echoed from the closet's direction.

"Ow! Fuck! Fucking shit!" Bishop tumbled out of the closet momentarily, swearing loudly. "Who the fuck keeps a fucking unsheathed sword in a closet?!"

Aeyrin stared at him in shock. He was the one to give it away? Wasn't he supposed to hide for a living in the Guild before?! Her gaze moved instantly towards Azshan with a wary expression.

The Redguard gaped at Bishop, slack-jawed, for a brief while before he burst into a loud hearty laughter, rolling on the bed in an uncontrollable fit.

Bishop just rolled his eyes at him with a smirk. He climbed up on the bed alongside them and made himself comfortable next to Aeyrin. He didn't seem concerned with Azshan at all! Where did all that paranoia go so suddenly?

"Ah… Azsh-Azshan… could you… could you not…" Aeyrin bit her lower lip. It was a bit odd that Bishop was so casual about this, but someone still should broach the subject and ensure that Azshan wouldn't say anything to anyone. She wasn't sure how Casavir would take this – she very much doubted that he would consider it some amusing mischief like Azshan did.

"He's not gonna say anything," Bishop waved his hand dismissively. He was really uncharacteristically calm.

"How are you so sure?" Aeyrin raised his brows at him.

He seemed to ponder for a while with a strange smirk before he gave the laughing Redguard a somewhat disturbing smile. "Because he knows that if he does, I'm gonna beat him to a bloody pulp."

Azshan stopped laughing and he raised his brows at Bishop. In a matter of a second, however, he chuckled heartily again, shaking his head. Was it just her imagination, or was there actually no uncomfortable tension in the air? That was so… unusual. Bishop and a paladin, getting along. Well… as much as they could. He was just joking about beating him up, right?

"Oohh… this is getting dangerous. Too bad there's not a whole damn building of soldiers and paladins to back me up and swarm at you instantly," Azshan laughed as he punched Bishop playfully in the bicep. "So… were you two actually doing stuff on Casavir's bed? That's hilarious!" he clutched his stomach in another fit of laughter. Gods how was he still just like the kid that she used to know?

"N-no! Of course not! We… we weren't doing anything!" Aeyrin stammered while a deep blush spread over her face.

"See? Even he thinks it's a good idea! Hey, be a pal and give us a minute, alright?" Bishop smirked, nodding at Azshan with a wink.

"'A minute'? Oof… my sympathies, Aeyrin…" Azshan placed his hand on her shoulder in mock consolation while he gave her a sad smile. Bishop shot him a disgruntled look, but another second later, he couldn't help but chuckle again. He was in a strangely giddy mood since yesterday and he had to admit, he did kind of walk into that one.

They both laughed for a while as Aeyrin stared at them, dumbfounded. Seriously, when did they get so chummy?! This was making her strangely uncomfortable… why? Wasn't that what she wanted?

"Alright. I'll leave you two alone. Cas is in a meeting now but he should be back in like an hour. I suggest you disappear by then," Azshan smirked before he got himself up from the bed reluctantly and left them alone in the room.

"You know… he's not that bad…" Bishop shrugged.

What happened to him?

Where was her grumpy, paranoid, people-hating ranger?

…

Bishop came back to see her two more times that day, always slipping in just when Casavir left the room after their meal together. It wasn't hard – Casavir was like a human sundial, he always came to see her for their meal at the exact same time, if he came at all. He always did that day. He also visited her other times, but they were not scheduled regularly like his meals, so Bishop figured that the most time they would get together would be right after the meals.

When he asked Aeyrin about the paladin's schedule, she told him about the regular meals only a little reluctantly. Bishop must have spent a fortune on those potions after all, it was ridiculous! It was so impractical and foolish. And so risky! She was leaving the Castle tomorrow…

Still... it was very heartwarming that he wanted to see her so much. They mostly didn't even do anything; they just talked and spent time together. Well… aside for that brief second trip to the chapel… to honor the Gods again.

It was somewhat exciting to be keeping this a secret.

And no one but some kitchen staff and Azshan even had any idea that he was ever there.

When he left for the night again, straight from the chapel, she snuck back into Casavir's room quietly. She only encountered a few soldiers along the way and they paid her no mind. She was just in the chapel, anyway. Nobody needed to know what she was doing there…

She quickly slipped into the bed when she returned to Casavir's chamber and she blew the candle by the nightstand. Somebody must have come in while she was at the chapel as there was a refreshed tankard of water on the nightstand too. It was likely Casavir. He was so thoughtful in taking care of her. She almost felt guilty about going behind his back with Bishop, but then again, she didn't feel bad enough that it would sour the memories or that it would dull the pleasant hum in her body from their activities.

She has just seen him, yet she could not wait to get back to him for good. Sleeping in a bed without him felt… wrong. Even in a bed like this.

But that would all soon be rectified.

She promised him that she would leave the Castle right after breakfast.

…

"This cannot be from the blood loss."

Casavir's brows creased as he placed his hand gently on Aeyrin's forehead. She was burning up intensely and her whole body was covered in sweat. She was tossing and turning constantly and she wouldn't wake up no matter what they tried. He came to see her for breakfast only to find her in this… state.

What could have happened? She was perfectly fine the previous day. She was so full of energy and she was even smiling constantly. He hasn't seen her that happy the entire time that she was staying in the Castle. He attributed it to her finally feeling better.

It was all beyond strange.

"Maybe it's the illness…" Azshan looked her over worriedly. "She looks like she's caught in a bad dream. Isn't that how that goes?"

"We have seen those affected before. Never like this. And the chances of her contracting the disease despite taking the potion are very meager," the priestess shook her head while she wetted a rag in cold water before she placed it gently at Aeyrin's forehead.

"Maybe it's just a fever… maybe she just needs to sleep it off," Azshan shrugged uncertainly. There was definitely a little wishful thinking reflected in his hopeful eyes.

Casavir nodded in deep thought. It was possible and he couldn't explain it otherwise. They have checked her over, they've healed her preventatively, but there was not much else they could do, especially when they didn't know what was wrong with her. An unfocused healing could only get them so far – unless they knew what to concentrate on, what organ to heal, or what disease to make curatives for, they could only make sure to keep her alive. But there was no getting her out of this state unless they found the reason for it.

"I will stay with her… you may go for now," Casavir nodded with a deep sigh.

With some reluctance, Azshan and the priestess left him in the room, alone with Aeyrin. It was already around noon. Casavir had so many things to do still… but he wanted to be with her, to watch over her. He slowly stroked her hair away from her face to push back the strands that were sticking to her due to the layer of sweat and clamminess.

Her brows were creased constantly and she occasionally cried out softly or whimpered as if she was in pain. But nothing was physically wrong with her…

Casavir's head fell into his hands in despair and exasperation.

He was so tired still…

But he had to watch over her. Whatever was wrong with her, none of it would have likely happened if he didn't unwittingly cause her injury back at that cave.

He had to make things right and heal her somehow.

For the good of Skyrim.

And for his own.

…

Finally the damned tin-head left his chambers.

Bishop has gone through three invisibility potions already just waiting for him to get out at last!

Azshan was waiting at the hall in front of the room when Casavir emerged. The Redguard has promptly handed him some important-looking papers with a determined nod and Casavir has left the door to his chambers open for him in turn. He was explaining something to him that Bishop couldn't hear from all the way back behind the corner, but at the very least, the tin-head left right after that.

It appeared that they wouldn't leave her alone in the room. They were likely taking shifts watching over her.

Bishop has overheard some of the soldiers talking on his way there. She was… he didn't actually know… they only said that her condition worsened and that she was 'incapacitated'.

Whatever the fuck that meant.

All he knew was that she never came back to the Skeever and he had to go see why.

Finally Casavir was far enough that Bishop dared to slip into the room to see what was going on. Every second that she didn't show up at the inn he grew more and more anxious. He kept thinking to himself that she was saying goodbye to Azshan, or that she was trying to convince Casavir to let her finally go, but after hours of agonizing uncertainty, he just had to go see her.

Azshan was already in the room, but at least Bishop could reveal his presence there to him. He has kept Azshan's involvement to himself, like he asked. There was really no reason to tell anyone that he helped him. What was there to gain from turning the one paladin that was on his side against himself? This way, at least, he had one person among those rigid zealots who could actually help him get any information on what was happening.

He has made sure that no one was around before he finally headed towards the room. The potion was wearing off already – it was about fucking time the tin-head was out of sight! Bishop wasn't sure how long he could afford to keep all this up.

He slipped into the room and Azshan's head jerked instantly towards the door. There was only shock for a second, as it seemingly opened entirely on its own, but it only took a little while before the realization dawned on him.

"Oh… Bishop…" he muttered in an uncharacteristically somber voice. Well… maybe it was appropriate, given the situation. He was sitting on the armchair by the bed, squeezing Aeyrin's hand in his tightly. She was constantly tossing and turning, groaning and whimpering. Her face was sickly pale and drenched in sweat. This made no sense. She was perfectly fine yesterday. More than fine… she has obviously had a lot of pent up energy after being cooped in this place.

"What happened?" Bishop felt his voice get hoarse while his form slowly became visible. He approached, kneeling by the bed and studying her with worry in his eyes.

What the fuck could have caused this?! A sickness? From what? She was here all the time, being checked by priests every day. And the wounds from her neck were gone now – she said that they didn't suspect the vampiric disease anymore. So what was this?

She looked in pain.

"We have no idea… we did a general healing and we forced her to drink a healing potion to at least make her lucid. But nothing works. She isn't unconscious. Her body reacts and she can drink or even eat when we help her out, but… she refuses to wake from this… state…" Azshan shook his head somberly. He was clearly at a loss about what else to do.

Bishop watched her tense up and inhale sharply, as if she was bracing herself after some painful shock went through her body. It was heartbreaking to see her like that. And what was more… he couldn't stay with her. He couldn't help take care of her, watch over her…

Fuck, this was infuriating! Fucking tin-head! This was all his fault!

Now no one even knew how to help her and Bishop couldn't be there to see what was happening.

He should make sure that Azshan kept him informed, at least. And he had to buy more potions to keep checking up on her. Fuck the money, he would go insane if he just stayed away and waited.

But the worst part was that he wasn't really sure what else to do but wait.

…

It's been almost three days.

Her condition didn't improve the entire time. She awoke a couple of times but she was delirious and the priests couldn't get a coherent word out of her. They kept healing her, feeding her, and making her drink both water and potions, but nothing worked.

Bishop has been visiting at least three times a day, only when Azshan was in the room too. The Redguard has even informed him about some important meetings of Casavir's and when they were taking place, so that he could slip in during those times. Apparently, Azshan has been very active in trying to determine the cause of Aeyrin's sickness and Casavir has begun relying heavily on him during this time. The two paladins and one priestess were the ones who have been switching shifts watching over her. No one has dared to leave her alone without a healer immediately by her side.

She was the only one who could kill the dragons, after all. And Azshan and Casavir did have a bit of a personal stake in the matter too.

But, while her condition did nothing to either improve or to deteriorate, the situation in Solitude had been becoming more and more desperate. Especially for Casavir, with the latest developments.

"No. I cannot allow this," Casavir folded his arms against his chest sternly, staring the woman down.

"This is ridiculous! You want the beast to awaken and kill us all?" the woman yelled at him angrily.

The dragon has returned to the same area as before but, this time, the patrol managed to slay it. Well… they have managed to slay it to the best of their abilities. There was no way to kill the dragon – not with Aeyrin being in this condition. Casavir had no better solution to offer to lady Vici.

"It is dead for now. Our men will move it, as they would if lady Aeyrin were not present. End of discussion," he scowled deeply. He was adamant in this. What the woman was suggesting was quite frankly outrageous.

"But she is here! You are denying us our safety for no reason! Just take her to the beast and let her do that… thing!" lady Vici's voice seemed somewhat desperate, but he still wouldn't budge.

"She is in a critical condition! I will not have her life risked! If she were to die, the dragons will overwhelm us all," he shook his head, standing pointedly in the door to his chamber, not letting anyone inside.

"It is worth a shot, Sir Casavir. Lady Vici is correct, we have the means to get rid of the beast for good. We should thank the Gods for giving us this opportunity and take it," Tullius nodded thoughtfully.

This was the General's way out – at last, a chance to placate the hysterical nobles.

But Casavir would not allow this. He saw how much the process of absorbing a soul took from Aeyrin the last time. Back then, she was merely hungover and sleep deprived. Now she was in a much worse state. Divines, they didn't even know what state she was in! It was simply too dangerous.

"Out of the question, General! You would put an entire province at risk for an experiment! NO!" he raised his voice at him, scowling angrily.

"This is unbelievable! You expect us to fund the war with this attitude?! When we cannot even count on our troops to do everything they can to protect us?!" lady Vici threw up her hands in exasperation.

This was a nightmare.

The nobles were threatening to withhold their funding, but Casavir could still not risk her life for that. The war was important. They needed the funds and the support of the nobility to keep Ulfric from going on a rampage with religious pretenses. If he won the war, Casavir didn't even want to imagine what it would mean for the fate of Skyrim – what it would mean for the elves and the Khajiit and Argonians. And how long would it take before he turned on Imperials, Redguards and Bretons too? And what would the Thalmor do? Their response would be just as bloody and merciless.

But if Aeyrin died in this stupid attempt to placate them… they might all be facing a much more dire fate.

Every option ended in disaster.

But… even if it meant losing the war… was it not preferable to a complete extinction or slavery under the dragons?

"I have to agree with Sir Casavir. We cannot risk the Dragonborn's death. I am sorry, lady Vici," Elisif gave the woman a regretful sigh and she gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

It did not help.

Lady Vici flinched from her touch instantly while she threw all of the present dignitaries a hateful glare. "I will make sure that everyone hears about this! I will make sure that everyone knows just how much 'support' the Empire provides!"

She turned on her heel and stormed off from the Castle.

"Unbelievable! Why do we keep her here if she is of no help to us when it matters?!" Tullius's anger was no lesser as he turned away from them too. He promptly walked out of his own office with an angry huff. Of course he would care about his funding more than the greater picture. That was just so like him. His single-mindedness regarding the war was making everyone's efforts more difficult.

"You did the right thing, Sir Casavir," Elisif sighed. The weariness very palpable on her face – the nobles have been out of control ever since the first attack and now it was much worse. If they didn't find a way to placate them soon, disaster was inevitable.

"Thank you for your support, your majesty," Casavir nodded politely. At times, he felt as if Skyrim didn't deserve her kindness. She was a beacon of hope in these dark times and sometimes it seemed like she was the only voice of reason and compassion left in Solitude.

"Casavir, sir. I… I think I have an idea…" Azshan piped up a little nervously. He was not usually part of these meetings – Casavir has previously mostly relied on Sir Taarnya as his second. But Azshan has been helpful with Aeyrin and he has been very invested in this entire affair. He had a personal stake in this, after all, but it was not just his eagerness to help that made Casavir reconsider his opinion of him. He had to admit to himself that Azshan was a… equalizing element in their relations with the nobles. He was cheerful and approachable and he was always quick to get assimilated into the world of the nobility. His attitude used to throw Casavir off balance, but lately, he has been able to see a brighter side to him. One which he couldn't help but envy at times. Perhaps he allowed him to be his second in this matter to allow some more easiness into the stressful affair too. Unfortunately, he was in quite the somber state himself, due to Aeyrin's condition.

"Your majesty, I have heard that your court wizard is an excellent alchemist and naturalist. Perhaps… perhaps if we got a sample of Aeyrin's blood, she could see if there was anything… out of order," Azshan gave them an uncertain expression. The priests have not been able to identify any signs of any known sickness on her after all and nothing about her condition suggested anything commonly recognized.

"I suppose. She has identified a rare disease from a blood sample before when the priests were out of ideas…" Elisif nodded thoughtfully.

There was nothing to lose by trying.

…

Events moved so quickly afterwards.

The queen's court wizard – Sybille Stentor had an answer for them instantly.

Poison.

A strange and uncommon poison which could not be identified. Sybille promised to analyze the substance, but this would take some time. They could not tell when the poison was administered, how, or even what effect it could eventually have. Nevertheless, an investigation was launched immediately and Casavir started to question anyone that was on duty near the room as well as any priests that have treated Aeyrin in all her time at the Castle. It was quite possible that someone had gotten into the Castle somehow as well. Soldiers could be bribed and corrupt, professional assassins would also surely be capable of such infiltration. Casavir could not exactly claim that there weren't moments when he was watching Aeyrin in which he wasn't inattentive. He had a lot of work to do and the important thing was to stay near and not to run off for more than a few minutes. One could certainly not watch another person incessantly for hours. That kind of vigilance was beyond even a paladin's resilience.

The city was already bursting with rumors and speculations. Casavir wanted to keep things secret, to spare them all the public maelstrom, but too many people were involved and questioned already and things got out of hand quickly. People even had the audacity to come to the Castle during the interrogations, claiming they had integral information to the case only to spew their conspiracy theories at him.

He has never been so exhausted in his life.

But he needed to keep going for her. He needed to get to the bottom of this for her. His negligence brought her here and he was to blame… until he could find the real culprit at least.

Queen Elisif put Casavir in charge of the investigation. It was a little odd, he was at Aeyrin's side constantly – logically he was one of the prime suspects. But Elisif's unwavering trust in him and his integrity gave him the support he needed to get through this. She has always given him strength, whether she knew it or not.

The first thing that he needed to do was to finish questioning anyone who came in contact with Aeyrin during her stay at the Castle and anyone who could have snuck in her room at night to poison her. He has also sent a runner to the apothecary, only to find out that lady Morrard refused to give the Legion even a glimpse at her sales records, until they told her why her daughter hadn't returned from the front. It appeared that Captain Aldis got too uncomfortable to inform the poor woman of her daughter's death.

There was cowardice, neglect and corruption everywhere he looked…

And after what happened at the vampire lair… he was painfully reminded that he wasn't an exception.

He had to make things right.

He sent a priest to inform lady Morrard about her child's passing gently and to console her in her grief. Only after that he permitted the runner to return for the records. They needed to wait until lady Stentor provided a more in-depth analysis of the poison in either case – without it the apothecary's records would be practically useless. There was some time to reassure a grieving mother.

Casavir concentrated on the interrogations in the meantime. He did the proper procedure, questioning Azshan, but this was clearly not his doing. He has been so helpful with the investigation, watching over Aeyrin constantly and running any errand that Casavir needed. His idea to check her blood turned the whole thing around after all. And he was so worried about Aeyrin.

Casavir's thoughts came soon enough to the talk he had overheard between Riana, Gaegorn and Teritus the other day – the one where they theorized about keeping Aeyrin incapacitated to get their personal solution to the dragon problems. He questioned them intensely and he's never seen them so terrified and apologetic. They assured him that all they did was talk. He wasn't ready to believe them fully, but if they actually planned to… prolong her state… they would likely not be stupid enough to discuss this in front of so many witnesses. But their talk could certainly have given someone in the vicinity the idea.

What Casavir still didn't understand was anyone's motive. Could this really be about the dragons? Aeyrin was more than willing to help anyone with them, despite the difficulties that went along with it. And in this state, Casavir would not allow anyone to use her like this anyway. Wouldn't the culprit know this?

What could anyone possibly gain from this? If they wanted to kill her, they would have likely administered a stronger poison. She has probably been in this state the entire night when she was alone in the room – she has survived that.

Somebody simply wanted to keep her at the Castle and incapacitated.

His thought swirled back uncomfortably to Tullius and his proclamations on 'using her' while she was there. His influence may have been enough to make that happen, were it not for Elisif taking Casavir's side it this. Would he really go this far to get the upper hand in the war? It was… disheartening, but sadly, not out of the realm of possibility. And to be honest… the General was often callous enough for such schemes.

Casavir hated this war. They called this a promotion… but he could not help himself and wonder, at times, if someone in the Imperial City really did want him to suffer here in the north. He knew that he didn't make many friends with his stern manner.

There was a knock on the door of the war room which Casavir was using for his investigation.

"Come in," he rumbled while he massaged his forehead tiredly. It must have been lady Stentor's analysis results. Or lady Morrard's records. In any case, he needed to compare those two, but it was likely a dead end. Anyone capable of that would likely have access to the black market.

Black market… there was certainly one known criminal in the city…

But for some reason, that thought didn't stay in Casavir's mind for longer than a second. Maybe he should have suspected Bishop right away but… he just didn't see the motive, the connection. What would he have to gain from poisoning her? If anything, he was adamant to keep her at his side at all times.

The soldier came into the room and handed Casavir a sealed letter with a nod: "Lady Stentor's analysis, sir. And I have a message from her majesty." She passed him an additional small letter before she left the room.

Casavir unfolded the letter first, looking over the familiar neat tilted handwriting.

.

Dear Sir Casavir,

The court has been buzzing with rumors and theories on the culprit while I have been doing my best to calm the screaming nobles demanding compensation for the dragon attacks. One theory, however, caught my ear and I thought it best to share it with you. A thane in my court mentioned that the easiest way to poison someone would be through food. It seems fairly simple an option, but I was wondering whether you have investigated the kitchen staff. A criminal's motives are rarely clear outright.

Best of luck to you, Sir Casavir.

I will do my best to keep the nobles from harassing you with their grievances while you investigate.

High Queen Elisif the Fair

.

Food… why did he not think of that right away? He theorized about anyone sneaking in during his or Azshan's or the priestess's inattentiveness and he didn't think of the fact that nobody actually had to. Anyone from the kitchens could have done this. Anyone who would sneak into the kitchens could have done this. There were so many suspects…

He's was so tired.

Perhaps he was feeling too guilty about the minutes when he slipped away from the room to hand one missive or another, or when he turned his back on her to spend an hour staring into his desk and taking care of the hordes of correspondence that awaited him. He was adamant about pinning this on his own lack of vigilance rather than a more simple plot. It was no wonder that he was feeling guilty though – the very lack of vigilance caused her to be here in the first place.

At the very least, the Queen has been such a help to him through everything. Gods bless her kind soul.

Now he just needed to follow up on her lead.

He left the war room and he instantly turned towards the guard by the door.

"Soldier, I need you to bring in everyone who has worked in the kitchens for the duration of lady Aeyrin's stay for an interrogation."

…

There was another loud knock on the door of Bishop's room.

He got up immediately. Maybe it was some news about Aeyrin at last.

He couldn't even drink with everything that's been happening. He didn't get a chance to go and see her all day – the Castle seemed in a lot of upheaval and everyone was running around like crazy. And Azshan didn't send a word to him either. But he has heard the rumors – poison. The entire fucking city was talking about it.

But who would do that to keep her in the Castle in that state?

Tullius? To use her as a weapon? Casavir? To keep her to himself? Who knew what creepy shit the fucking tin-head was really capable of?! One could never tell with all those years that he spent repressing himself at the temples. If he ever even did… Bishop knew exactly how serious he was about his vows.

He opened the door briskly , only to see another soldier there.

Again? He never knew if that was a good thing or a bad one.

"Her majesty demands your presence at the Palace," the soldier's face twisted into a disdainful sneer.

'Demands'? That did not sound good. And what was with that look? Bishop certainly didn't look nearly as haggard and drunk as he did the last time. He was even almost presentable.

The soldier was tapping his foot impatiently at him.

Was it just Bishop's imagination or did he actually have a hand ready on his sword?

What the fuck was happening?!

…

The soldier shoved Bishop forward the second they stepped into the throne rooms from the top of the stairs. He was left staring in shock at the ensemble that was waiting for him.

Elisif was sitting on her throne as usual but there was a somber expression on her face and her brows were creased. The tin-head was standing right next to her with Azshan by his side and both their expressions mirrored hers. Then there was Tullius on the other side of the throne whose stern expression was as unchanging as ever.

Fuck, this looked so bad…

Did something happen to her? Was she dead?!

And why were all of them there?

"What happened? Is she alright?!" Bishop barked at them instantly as he turned his eyes to Elisif.

They all exchanged strange surprised looks, but Elisif's brows only creased deeper. She still had the same expression that she did during their private meeting. She looked… both weary and sad and oddly sympathetic. She gave him a weak nod, but, this time, she didn't smile even for a second.

"She will recover," she said quietly before Azshan interrupted her.

His scowl deepened and there was so much rage in his voice. "That's not his concern!" he spewed angrily.

What?! What was his problem?!

"The fuck?" Bishop turned his eyes to him, but Azshan didn't meet his gaze at all. The deep angry scowl was persistent on his face.

"Lady Aeyrin was poisoned to be kept incapacitated," Casavir proclaimed. He didn't look at Bishop either. What the fuck was going on?!

"Yeah. I heard. The whole fucking city heard! Why the fuck are you here instead of doing something about that?!" Bishop barked at them again. He was getting more and more nervous and irritated at the same time. Why would they call him in like this? It couldn't be good for him, no matter how he looked at it.

"She had been poisoned through her drinking water with the use of some ingredients used for weapon coating available in the Castle storeroom," Casavir continued, but his expression was rather unreadable.

"So someone at the Castle did it. Why is that fucking surprising?!" Bishop growled impatiently.

"Or someone… infiltrating the Castle." Casavir finally looked at him. His eyes narrowed dangerously and hatefully in an instant.

Oh shit…

"Enough of this charade! We know that you have been sneaking around the Castle, scum! Soldier, search his things! If there is even a smidge of evidence of espionage…" Tullius fumed as he nodded at the soldier behind Bishop.

His pack was suddenly yanked from his back and a sword was pointed at his throat the second that another soldier approached. The one behind him started to rummage in his pack while Bishop could only stare at the unfolding of the scene in shock.

Seriously… what the fuck was happening?!

"You… you think I did it?! To her?! Why the fuck would I ever do that?!" he yelled. His breathing was getting somewhat ragged as the desperation began creeping up on the surface. This could not end well. If they thought that he had poisoned Aeyrin, they would definitely execute him outright.

"Invisibility potions, General," the soldier behind him announced when he pulled out the small bottles from Bishop's pack.

"While your motive is unclear, the evidence is certainly stacked against you," Casavir didn't look at him again and this time, it wasn't a proclamation. He almost seemed to be pondering on his own words.

He was likely just imagining how to make things even worse for Bishop.

That fucking tin-head had his hands in this! Bishop just knew it! That bastard was trying to frame him for something that he has done! That sick freak was trying to keep Aeyrin to himself, helpless and relying only on him. This was even lower than what he did before!

"Are you saying that you weren't sneaking into the Castle during her stay?" Tullius turned to him sternly.

"Castle building plans, sir…" the soldier interrupted again.

Well this could not get any worse, could it?

What was the point of denying it? The truth was his best option now.

"I was," Bishop growled angrily.

"But not to poison her or steal intelligence?" Tullius scoffed dismissively.

"Fuck your intelligence! If you even have any! I couldn't care less about that fucking war of yours! I was there to see her!" he screamed. He was starting to feel a little unhinged. This was unbelievable. And he had no idea how he was going to get out of this shitstorm.

"Why?" Elisif's voice was quiet. She wasn't angry like the rest of them. She actually genuinely seemed to be searching his face for the answer.

Or it was just an act? Just her noble demeanor and politeness?

"What the fuck do you mean 'why'?! She was hurt! I wanted to see if she was alright! And this asshole wouldn't let me!" Bishop pointed at Casavir furiously.

"You attacked me! You are lucky I didn't have you arrested, you scum! I told you that she was going to recover!" Casavir burst with anger. He never seemed to get riled up so easily around anyone but Bishop.

"Like I would ever believe a word you said!"

"What of Sir Azshan then?! He claims to have delivered a message from her to you. You didn't trust him either?!" Casavir retorted instantly.

Azshan still didn't look at Bishop and there was so much hatred in his eyes. Did he really believe all that? Did he really believe that Bishop was capable of doing this to her? Not that they knew each other well… but… still. It was somewhat disheartening.

"Like I would trust any of you with the girl I love!"

Fuck, that just came out…

Ah well. It was not like it wasn't true. He did need to see her with her own eyes to actually calm down. And he certainly did not need to keep how he felt about her a secret.

Casavir looked completely shocked while Azshan narrowed his eyes at him in suspicion. Elisif still watched him intently as she studied his face. For some reason, she seemed somewhat small and shy while she was sitting among the three angry men, even on her throne.

"Bravo, very believable," Tullius scoffed while he began clapping slowly and mockingly.

"I… just wanted to see her. I was coming there to spend time with her…" Bishop growled through gritted teeth, staring down onto the fancy tiles below his feet.

"What the fuck is this…?" the soldier behind him pulled out a small piece of parchment from his pack in the meantime. What even was that? The man turned the paper for everyone to see, revealing the black hand imprint with the words 'WE KNOW' scribbled under it.

He had completely forgotten about that thing…

Not that it was important now.

"What is that?" Casavir turned his gaze to the paper.

"I don't even fucking know anymore…" Bishop huffed almost silently while he shook his head in exasperation, still staring at the floor.

"That… doesn't seem relevant," Elisif finally spoke up and she shook her head at the soldier.

The man continued rummaging through the pack before he pulled out the roll of parchment, tied with a red silk ribbon. The bow was definitely not as neat as it originally was, but Elisif recognized it right away.

"Leave it, soldier. That is not relevant to this investigation either," she called out to him.

The soldier looked uncertain, but he put the parchment down without looking it over before he continued his investigation.

"Gentlemen, the truth is, that while he admits to breaking into the Castle, there is no real evidence of him poisoning lady Aeyrin. There is not even a motive to follow," Elisif looked to Casavir. They seemed to be communicating something with each other silently but Bishop couldn't discern what it was about.

"Oh but there is a motive. Especially now, your majesty," there seemed to be some disdain hidden in Tullius' words when he addressed her. "I'm not sure if you have heard the rumors, but you seem to be playing into their confirmation nonetheless."

"Rumors, General?" Casavir narrowed his eyes at him.

"There has been talk of… pardon my impertinence, your majesty, but there were some witnesses of you inviting this man into your chambers for a… 'private discourse'." Tullius looked like he was actually taunting her.

"Oh, come on!" Bishop threw his arms with disbelief and exasperation while the Queen and the paladins stared at Tullius incredulously.

"Is it so unusual to attempt to keep one's lover out of the loop while one has an affair?" the General scoffed in addition as an amused smirk appeared on his face.

"Are you accusing me of having a hand in lady Aeyrin's poisoning, General?!" Elisif stood up from the throne angrily. Her quiet and contemplative demeanor was suddenly gone, replaced by something much fiercer as she folded her arms across her chest in defiance.

"Not necessarily, your majesty. But your reluctance to let us see the parchment there… well… it does look like something from your table, wouldn't you say?" Tullius smirked and he pointed at the rolled up paper with the red ribbon.

"It is not relevant. And it is the result of our… 'private discourse', if you like. If you are curious, General, by all means, take a look. But privately. Think of the consequences should this not remain private. Because I am adamant in my decision," Elisif nodded towards the paper on the ground while her arms still remained across her chest and her brows creased angrily.

Tullius didn't hesitate and took the parchment. His brows furrowed deeply while he read and his eyes kept darting towards Bishop constantly. After a while, he rolled the paper back when he was done and he placed it back on the floor without ever changing his expression. "Apologies, your majesty," he hissed through gritted teeth. The possible backlash from the citizens, especially the nobility, probably wasn't in his best interests either.

"Don't we get to see it?" Azshan scowled at Elisif.

"Sir Casavir, if you like?" she gestured towards the paper, but Casavir only shook his head.

"Unnecessary, your majesty. As if you would ever dally with a scoundrel like him…" he scoffed.

Of course… But in a weird way, Bishop was disappointed that he didn't look at the parchment. At the very least, that fucker would never be able to hold this against him again.

"Well… what now?" Bishop looked at them nervously after a while of silence.

"What do you mean 'what now'? You are a criminal! You have broken into the Castle on numerous occasions! You think that this will just blow over?!" Tullius yelled at him. "This is practically treason! Your head should be decorating the…"

"Enough, General!" Elisif scowled at him, interrupting him sternly before she turned to Bishop. Her eyes were suddenly very regretful. "In light of your confession and… the circumstances, this indeed cannot be left with no consequences. After lady Aeyrin wakes, we will review everything and there is a possibility of revoking current decisions, but… as it stands…" she sighed, shaking her head. "Until further notice, you are no longer welcome in the Hold of Haafingar to prevent any possible hindrance to the investigation."

"That's it?! He could have already passed the intelligence to…" Tullius fumed, but he was promptly interrupted once more.

"Enough, General!" Elisif's surprisingly stern voice rang through the hall. "It is one thing to have a man sneak inside your Castle to spend time in a room which he was allegedly welcomed into. But it is quite another thing to have one man sneak into the most secure areas of the Castle, evading every soldier and every security measure, only to manage stealing vital information right under everyone's noses! If that is the case, General, I would be more concerned with how the High Chancellor would react to such negligence and ineptitude on your part." She folded her arms across her chest again with fierce determination.

Well… that put the barking dog in his place.

But still…

Fuck!

This was no better! Well… it was better than an execution but… Fuck!

"When lady Aeyrin wakes, she will give us her testimony to your activities at the Castle. If everything is in accord with the information we have gathered, we will reconsider your punishment further," Elisif nodded at him.

"I am not leaving her here! I am not leaving her with him!" Bishop couldn't help himself and he pointed at Casavir angrily. "If you're looking for a fucking motive, why not ask him?! I bet you'd do anything to keep her around, wouldn't you, you sick fuck!"

The room suddenly became eerily quiet and all those present exchanged uncertain looks. Casavir scowled deeply at Bishop, but his expression seemed to waver for a bit when he could obviously feel the stares – everyone's eyes were on him now. There was shock, confusion and suspicion palpable in all of them.

"M-my decision is final on this matter. The soldiers will escort you to the Hold borders immediately," Elisif stammered a bit at first. She seemed really thrown by Bishop's sudden accusation of her favorite pet paladin.

But fuck… what now?

Bishop hated this so much. This has been happening more and more – first at Windhelm, now this entire shitstorm here. He was constantly unable to help her, to be with her, to watch over her when she needed it because of stupid power-hungry fuckers that kept putting her in the middle of their politics.

What was he supposed to do?! If he didn't leave, they were sure to do something worse. If it weren't for Elisif, he would be a head shorter already.

The Queen didn't believe his guilt at all, it was obvious in her expression.

What has surprised Bishop was that Casavir wasn't calling for his head and accusing him vehemently all the time. But he was probably just laying low and trying not to be too obvious. Bishop was sure that this was all his doing! He must have been too careful not to reveal anything damning.

With luck, Elisif would take Bishop's words seriously.

"Give me my shit back!" he yelled at the soldier with anger, sneering hatefully.

He was powerless to stop this.

Yet again… all he could do was wait and hope for her to help him out of this mess.

…

Casavir caught up quickly with the soldiers who were leading Bishop away from the city.

He promptly stopped them all in their tracks and the soldiers complied instantly and obligingly. They stepped a short distance away to let Casavir talk with the convict.

"Don't tell me you came to settle this at last, tin-head!" Bishop sneered at him in fury. His fists were clenched and Casavir wasn't sure if they were like that the entire time, or just at the sight of him.

Just say it. He will help you if you say it. He will help you for Aeyrin's sake.

What he wouldn't give for this just a few days ago. What he wouldn't give to see Bishop escorted away from his life, facing justice at last.

Why did it leave a bad taste in his mouth?

Did it really matter what crimes that scum was punished for? Did it really matter what the reasons were? He deserved this. He deserved much worse than this.

Just say it. 'I think you were framed'. Just say it.

"Who told you about the kitchen entrance?" Casavir gritted his teeth when he finally asked the question that he needed an answer to.

"Why the fuck would I tell you?!" Bishop barked at him hatefully.

Because you were framed. Because I will find the culprit. Because we both want to help Aeyrin.

"So I can weed out your accomplices, scum!"

Why couldn't he have helped himself?

Bishop spat at his feet in disgust and his eyes narrowed with much more hatred than Casavir had ever seen in them. And he's seen a lot of hatred from him before.

"You will not get away with this! She will find out what you are the minute she wakes up! She will know who did this to her and why! I hope that she Shouts you to pieces, you fucking sick freak! And if I ever find out that you even laid a finger on her, I will come back here, even if it costs me my life, and I will make you suffer like you've never suffered before, believe me!"

Bishop turned away from him and began marching on without any regard for the soldiers behind him.

That… went worse than Casavir had originally thought.

Why couldn't he stop himself? He hated that criminal scum more than anyone, but… his words, his expression, everything was gnawing at Casavir.

There was evidence of Bishop's wrongdoing. Why didn't he believe it this time? Did he really see something different about the way he treated Aeyrin? About the way she trusted him unconditionally? Was it really possible for a man like him to change? Or was this just an elaborate ploy? Some horrid plan that Casavir simply had no insight into yet.

He said he loved her…

Casavir never thought him capable of that.

Why did it ring true in his head?