Chapter CIX – The Depths of Corruption

"He accused him of what?"

Aeyrin called out to Azshan from Casavir's private bathing room. She had finally disposed of the white robe and dressed herself back into her much more comfortable and sentimental clothes. She was rushing a little, but she still needed to get all the information that she could.

After Casavir had brought her back to his chambers the previous day, he didn't tell her much. It was obvious that he was avoiding some subject – he just kept constantly assuring her that he was 'investigating' the matter. He has only told her that Bishop had been banished from Haafingar, ironically enough. Now they were each banned from entering one city… well… the entire Hold for Bishop. Their options on travel were getting a bit limited like that, but hopefully, that would be rectified soon. At least Casavir did confirm that Elisif was willing to go over the events again once Aeyrin woke up, but as of now, Bishop was still the main suspect in her poisoning. It was all merely because he was sneaking through the Castle and because her drinks were poisoned and he was going through the kitchens. And also because, for some inexplicable reason, there were rumors about him having an affair with Elisif.

It infuriated Aeyrin to no end that they didn't wait for her to wake up before passing judgement on him. And Casavir knew that she would immediately dismiss Bishop's involvement in this.

But, of course, he didn't stop this… he wanted Bishop gone.

Stupid petty grievances… She was just glad that the judgment for Bishop wasn't harsher. Right now, this was fixable. But first, she needed more information. She still knew so little and she had no idea what actually happened to her. Some evidence on the culprit would be helpful. And it would definitely make it easier for her to persuade Elisif to pardon Bishop. She didn't exactly expect it to be hard either way, Elisif would take her word for it, wouldn't she? It was Aeyrin who was harmed after all.

Well… she wasn't really harmed. She was just so tired before. She vaguely remembered being in pain, but that thought seemed to have passed from her memory instantly once she was feeling better. Was she even in pain before? Maybe it was just a bad dream. She mostly just remembered being very hot and then just constant sleep. She didn't even remember waking up at any point until yesterday.

Now she was feeling much better. Without the poison constantly entering her system anew with her water doses, she recovered somewhat quickly. All she needed to do now was to finally get out of the Castle and clear Bishop's name. And possibly find the person that incapacitated her and the reasons for it. Whoever did this, did not want her dead. Otherwise… well… she'd be dead.

In any case, she needed information. And with Casavir still 'investigating', there was only one man who could tell her anything more.

"It doesn't matter… it was a ridiculous last attempt anyways," Azshan scoffed back at her from Casavir's bedroom. He told her more than Casavir, mainly about everything that had transpired at the Palace when they convicted Bishop for the poisoning. Finally, he half-heartedly muttered something about how Bishop spat out some last accusations about Casavir before he was escorted out of the Palace. Azshan was suspiciously evasive about that. He seemed to be adamantly convinced of Bishop's guilt.

"Tell me. What did he accuse him of?" she insisted as she emerged from the bathing room with an impatient look.

"Aeyrin, what does it matter? He was grasping at straws! There's evidence against him… you have got to open your eyes!" Azshan sighed. He made it painfully clear that he trusted the weak vague 'evidence' more than her. He knew that Bishop was only going there to visit her! Why would Azshan believe that he poisoned her while he was there?

Granted, she had no idea who actually did this to her, but Bishop certainly had no motive whatsoever. And he would never risk her wellbeing like that, no matter what. She would have been so angry with Azshan's blind beliefs if she wasn't too preoccupied with trying to find… something… some hint of what really happened.

"Just tell me already!"

Azshan rolled his eyes exasperatedly with another sigh. "He started yelling at Casavir that he was the one that poisoned you… to… keep you here. For himself…"

Of course Bishop would think that…

Casavir would never harm anyone for his selfish agendas. Aeyrin was pretty sure that he didn't even have selfish agendas. Maybe aside from… from getting rid of Bishop…

No! She shouldn't think like that. She was jumping to ridiculous assumptions – that was exactly why their stupid animosity continued.

"Aeyrin… you really should go back to resting…" Azshan sighed again while he looked her over. She certainly looked ready to leave the Castle at last.

"I can't. Anything else?" she looked at him expectantly.

Another sigh left his lips as he stood up from Casavir's bed. "No… that's all, I guess. I… I have to get back to work, but… please, just try and think about it. I know you care about him, but… really think. Do you really believe that he would never be capable of doing this? That he would never be capable of cheating on you? Of keeping things from you?"

That was… an uncomfortable question.

He's done both before.

Why did it seem so out of line to her?

But… it did.

It still did.

Even after everything that has happened between them, she didn't believe Bishop to be capable of any of this. She felt a little stupid for that again.

She quickly reminded herself of her conversation on this subject with Susanna. She told Aeyrin to disregard whatever she thought to be rational, whatever she thought that she should do and to just follow her feelings. And besides, this wasn't rational! Why would Bishop be spending a fortune on invisibility potions to come and see her if all he needed to do was get into the kitchens and poison her drink? And why would he be confessing his love for her while he was supposedly having this affair?

It was ridiculous and it wasn't like him at all.

She needed to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.

But first, she should look around the city in case… in case Bishop was planning something stupidly risky. She prayed that he had the good sense to stay away and let her fix this.

…

Casavir let out a deep sigh as he walked down the streets around the mansions, avoiding the Castle.

So… someone, either a paladin or someone impersonating one, could have paid the bandits repeatedly to lure the dragon to the farms and then disperse, leaving them with their lives, money, and letting the dragon decimate the fields. If this was the idea of the nobles, they would have obviously anticipated each of the attacks – that would explain why they were able to rile up instantly, demanding compensation. Perhaps the farms weren't even going to be that profitable this year, perhaps it was much more profitable to lose them and talk their value up.

And when it became clear that Queen Elisif and the General would not budge on the funds after the first attack, they needed more leverage. And if that someone, who was in league with the nobles, knew that Casavir would never allow anyone to risk Aeyrin's life if she was too weak… they could have decided to take things into their own hands. If they incapacitated her and made sure that it was widely known, the General, Queen Elisif and himself would all be accused of not using her to help the people, without any say in it from Aeyrin herself.

And what of Bishop? Was he just a convenient scapegoat, or was he actively turned into one? Did someone show him the entrance to the kitchens, did someone give him the map? How else would he have known? How else would he have gotten the access that he needed. Supposedly, it was possible that this information was somehow obtainable on the black market – Casavir wouldn't put it past the soldiers to conveniently sell information like this whenever someone offered them enough coin. But… it was also possible that this person, the one whom he suspected from being in league with the nobles, gave Bishop all the information and the map, just so that, in the end, this could have been used against him.

Casavir could have gotten the answer to that, if only he wasn't so out of control around Bishop!

Well… there was nothing to do about that now. But if Casavir's suspicions were indeed correct and someone had orchestrated it, it could have been that all these clues that pointed towards Bishop, were, in fact, deliberate. Like the tip about checking the kitchen staff. Queen Elisif mentioned that someone from her court had made the suggestion. One of the nobles? Probably one of the nobles that had demanded the compensation. They likely merely targeted Bishop to avoid any further investigations. He was an easy target after all.

In any case, right now, this was as good of a lead as any. He needed to find this noble that had mentioned the kitchens at the court and question them. Surely he would find some hint that would help him uncover this convoluted conspiracy.

He quickened his steps as he marched towards the Palace determinedly.

It didn't matter that Elisif didn't trust him anymore. He would prove to her that he could make things right and that he could find the person that has done this to Aeyrin.

He would prove it to the both of them.

…

"Didn't I tell you to get some rest?"

Elisif raised his brow at Casavir in admonishment. There was such coldness in her voice, ever since Bishop had left the Palace, that he couldn't help but shiver at every sentence that she uttered.

He understood. She told him that she needed Aeyrin's help and cooperation, that she couldn't antagonize her like Ulfric did. She wanted to protect her people and deterring Aeyrin from ever returning to Haafingar would put everyone in danger.

And then he came to her with accusations against Bishop. Unfounded accusations. Brash accusations. He didn't investigate further, he didn't try to even question Bishop. He just went straight to Elisif.

He could still see the disappointment on her face.

She would have wanted him to ignore Bishop's crimes, his sneaking into the Castle, but this way, she had to respond.

Did Casavir know that somehow? Did he subconsciously come to her so soon, not because of Azshan's insistence, but because of himself and his hatred for Bishop? That was a… disturbing thought.

He has always strived to stay on the right path. Why did it suddenly feel like he couldn't even see it anymore?

"Please, your majesty. It is important…" he sighed, hanging his head in shame. It broke his heart a little to see that disappointed look of hers directed at him.

"Very well… Thane Bryling had mentioned that to me. And Casavir, please don't drag her here in irons without substantial evidence," Elisif scoffed before she turned her gaze away from him.

He deserved that…

He turned on his heel and walked out of the Palace quickly. He didn't want to see that expression anymore, he couldn't bear it. Just a few days ago, she had trusted him with everything, she had taken his word over anyone's. But now… a few words at the right moment and all the trust was gone. But… it wasn't just Bishop's accusation, Casavir himself had made mistakes. He should have never let the court convict Bishop like that, he should have waited. Was he just afraid that when Aeyrin woke up, she would deny Bishop's guilt instantly? Why would he be worried about that? He didn't believe him to be guilty either! Not of this, at least.

His hatred blinded him.

He had to make things right.

He headed straight for lady Bryling's house.

It could have been a slim chance, it could have been just wishful thinking on his part, but if, by any chance, she purposefully suggested checking the kitchens to have Bishop convicted, all of his suspicions would have been confirmed.

He just needed to get the truth out of her, to weed out the traitor within his ranks. If he was correct, it was no impersonator – it was a paladin. Who else would use their own supplies to concoct the poison? Who else would have such an easy access to Aeyrin? It could still be one of the soldiers, probably – someone could have stolen the armor to avoid suspicion while they were going to deal with the bandits. But… if they meant to blame Bishop for everything, why would they do this? No… it had to be one of his own people.

Perhaps Thane Bryling would talk. Or perhaps he would be able to find some evidence, some correspondence, or something similar in her house. He would need a warrant for a search though… and that could take a long time.

Well, the best thing to do was to coax her to tell the truth outright. He just needed to either have his suspicions confirmed, or to have all his wild theories denied. He wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it if he didn't make sure.

Thane Bryling was, after all, one of the nobles whose property was in the area of the dragon attack, he remembered it well. When the Queen mentioned her name, it all clicked. It all seemed to fit in together just like he thought.

He knocked on the door of the woman's city mansion determinedly. He wasn't sure what he was going to ask yet, but hopefully, the path would reveal itself.

It took a long time for her to answer. He heard some yelling from the inside, but it was too unintelligible, he couldn't make any of it out. He knocked again, much more adamantly, before lady Bryling finally opened her door.

Odd… why wouldn't she have one of her servants do it? Were none of them around? There certainly weren't any to be seen scurrying around the entryway to greet the guest. On top of that, Lady Bryling's hair was uncharacteristically messy and she was strangely out of breath. Were her cheeks even flushed a bit?

Her eyes went wide in surprise when she spotted him.

"Oh… ah… SIR CASAVIR! WHAT AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE!"

Why was she yelling?

Suddenly her eyes darted towards the stairwell behind her with palpable nervousness.

She was warning someone…

The state of her, the flushed cheeks and the yelling… there was someone with her who wasn't supposed to be there. Someone whom she wanted to keep a secret, even from her servants. And someone that she definitely wanted to keep a secret from Casavir.

He instantly barreled inside, disregarding her shocked gasp, as he marched straight towards the stairwell.

"Sir Casavir! What do you think you're doing?!"

He didn't listen, he only continued onwards, up the stairs, in quick angry strides.

She either feared that some scandalous affair would be uncovered or… or it was one of his paladins, breaking their vows. And it was very likely the same person that had been in league with her all along. It all fit together and now Casavir had the opportunity to catch the traitor right there. Any evidence that he needed was secondary, any procedure and laws that he was currently breaking, were secondary. He just needed to see who it was.

He quickly followed the noise which echoed from one of the bedrooms on the second floor. Lady Bryling was constantly on his heel, frantically trying to stop him, but he didn't let her. Instead he stormed inside the room with determination.

There was no one…

He looked around – he could have opened the closet, checked under the bed, but it was likely pointless. The widow was open and the second floor was not that high. He quickly leaned out over the windowsill, but there was no one in sight anywhere around.

Damn, they were quick! He was too late.

But he knew that, whoever it was, they were the one who poisoned Aeyrin. He just knew.

They left in a hurry. They may have left something behind in the reckless escape. Casavir instantly started to look around the room, now finally checking the closet and under the bed.

"Sir Casavir, this is outrageous! If you were hoping to get into my bedroom this is certainly not the way to go about it!" lady Bryling folded her arms across her chest angrily.

Great… now he made a mess of this too. He would have to grovel for forgiveness and if Elisif heard about this…

Wait… what was that under the desk?

A belt… with pouches everywhere. It was a standard travelling belt, made to be worn with armors, with lots of places to hide things. Personal things. Things that could identify the owner. It certainly wasn't lady Bryling's! Why would a noblewoman need a travelling belt? And such a large one too.

Well… he was in trouble already anyway.

…

Bishop wasn't hiding out at the Skeever nor was he anywhere around the city walls.

Aeyrin checked both places, while whistling occasionally to see if Karnwyr was around, but he wasn't. It was for the best – getting caught in Solitude now would not bode well for Bishop. Although she was a bit worried of whether he was fine since she couldn't make absolutely sure herself.

It occurred to her that he might be hiding out in Karliah's smuggling cave, but if he did, that only meant that he was safe and Karliah would likely talk him out of anything stupid. She was the rational type, wasn't she? She wouldn't let one of her allies endanger his life like that so needlessly, not when Aeyrin didn't exactly need rescuing anymore.

Well… now she could safely concentrate on clearing his name. And preferably quickly. She was eager to put this whole ordeal behind her and reunite with Bishop for good.

Her word could be enough for Elisif. Maybe… but… maybe not. She still had no idea who did this to her? Maybe without any other culprit, Elisif would be adamant about Bishop's sentence.

And Aeyrin couldn't deny her own concern and curiosity about the person that had poisoned her. Why? What purpose would keeping her in that state serve? What could anyone possibly want with her as a helpless husk, unable to fight, unable to even talk?

Ugh… stop thinking about that!

The only reasons that she could think of were… too creepy for her to want to consider.

Now… where could she start investigating?

She certainly wasn't going to interrogate random people, that wouldn't help. If only she could find the motive, it could give her some hint. The only thing that the poison had accomplished was her being bedridden and Bishop being blamed for it and punished. And since she couldn't think of anyone wanting her in that state…

Maybe Bishop got off easy… maybe someone had planned for him to be punished much harsher. Maybe someone wanted to get rid of him, to kill him.

But who?

Azshan had told her that they found out about his excursions into the castle after they started concentrating on the kitchens. But how did he even know about the kitchen entrance? Azshan said that they started investigating the kitchens after someone at Elisif's court suggested this.

Perhaps she could find out who it was and pay them a visit. Maybe there was something more behind their suspicion of the kitchens. Have they heard someone suggest that a person was sneaking in? Or did they know about Bishop's route and did they suggest investigating the kitchens because it would get him caught? Maybe, they have been watching him and they have seen him enter the kitchens and then they've taken the opportunity.

In any case, she had no other leads to follow.

…

"Lady Aeyrin! You are awake! Nobody has informed me…" Elisif seemed like she was pouting slightly dejectedly when Aeyrin approached her throne.

"Yes, your majesty. I have heard about what happened. I… need some information from you," Aeyrin nodded. She was eager to follow up on her lead already, it was the only one that she had. They could surely leave the small talk for another time.

"Of course. I needed information from you too to make some sense of this mess… the evidence was hardly… overwhelming," a disturbed frown formed on Elisif's face. "And let me assure you, please, if you heard the rumors about Bishop and me, they are…"

"Your majesty, please," Aeyrin interrupted her. "I know, I don't believe those rumors, but I want to find out what really happened. Would you mind telling me who had suggested looking into the kitchens?"

Elisif raised her brows at her in surprise before she narrowed her eyes, suspicious and contemplating. "Well… Thane Bryling did… I believe she should be in her mansion just outside the Palace courtyard…"

Was it such an odd question? But it didn't matter, Aeyrin got her answer. She knew the place instantly. It had a lovely garden after all…

She didn't wait for Elisif to finish and she turned on her heel, heading towards the mansion. She was curious to see what she could find out from the Thane. Although she was a bit worried that this would all just lead to a dead end.

There was no harm in trying though.

…

Casavir quickly opened all the little pouches before he turned the belt upside down, letting all of its contents spill on the bed with tellingly messy crumpled sheets and blankets.

"Sir Casavir! Stop this instant! Do you want me to inform her majesty of your impertinence?!"

He ignored the woman steadfastly and, instead, he looked over the things splayed on the bed.

There was the usual equipment – an emergency potion, bandages, small vials of herbal poultices. There was a note that had the names of several popular fiction books written on it – likely a shopping list. There was a small portable whetstone and along with vials of the coating and polish that the paladins used on their weapons and armor. The ingredients used in these were the same exact ones that were used on the poison for Aeyrin.

Finally, there was an already opened envelope as well as one bottle with a substance that Casavir didn't immediately recognize. Could it be…? He opened the bottle tentatively to smell the contents. A second later, he had to recoil as the strong scent assaulted his senses.

It wasn't the poison. It was fragrance.

Domica redwort.

He closed the bottle back up while the scent slowly stopped seeping into his nostrils. He recognized it instantly – the target of his ire was now painfully clear.

It made so much sense. He was the one who was so adamant that Bishop was guilty. He was the one who suggested the blood test. He was the one who had access to her so often. He didn't even need to use the kitchens, leaving himself out of suspicion. And… did he tell Bishop about the kitchen entrance and give him the map? He was a friend of Aeyrin's – Bishop would have no way to suspect duplicity in that gesture.

But why? Why all this? The dragon, the poison, the false accusation? To help Bryling, whom he obviously had an affair with? To get rid of Bishop? To get to Aeyrin?

And… did it matter?

Casavir knew how to make someone crack under interrogation. Azshan was going to pay for this, no matter what. He was going to confess the truth and make everything right again. Bishop would be caught for his crimes on his own accord and Aeyrin would know that she had been nurturing a snake in her bosom.

Casavir's hand fell on the opened letter at last.

"Go ahead and read, Sir Casavir. Then we can finally talk like civilized people and come to an agreement," Bryling scoffed while she watched him expectantly.

He wasn't sure what she had meant by that – he had already caught the culprit and he would make him confess. Perhaps Aeyrin would get Bishop to confess who gave him the map and showed him the entrance, and then they would have some tangible evidence. It was far from ideal, but knowing the culprit was the first step. He would figure out the rest in time.

Now he just needed to see what was in that letter that made Thane Bryling so oddly at ease.

.

13 Morning Star

First attack occurs, no casualties, 5 witnesses, reports of a man in the armor of the Order travelling towards a known bandit hideout, few hours later, bandits run to the field, leading the dragon there before dispersing,

13 Morning Star

Overheard conversation of three Order members on plans to keep the Dragonborn subdued and used to consume souls.

Members involved: Sir Riana Amnon, Sir Gaegorn, Sir Teritus.

Direct witnesses: Tr. Percivus Lisius, Pr. Mayana, Q. Darcia Lisius, Q. Tyyanus, Q. Feiriel, Sir Casavir

General Tullius has been overheard on numerous opportunities to echo the sentiment.

18 Morning Star

Dragonborn's condition worsens for no explicable reason

19 Morning Star

Second attack, no casualties, 3 witnesses, 1 overlapping – field worker Neeta, Argonian, employed by lord Erikur, same description of events – supposed Order member, bandits followed by a dragon.

Bandits found dead at their hideout – cuts suggest a paladin's work.

21 Morning Star

Investigation of the Order's stock of supplies – none missing unrecorded.

Members who requested supplies used in the poison: Sir Gaegorn, Sir Taarnya, Sir Bollus Turis, Sir Malycia

No member requested all necessary ingredients – possible collaboration, presumably within the entire Order.

Members reported to be seen entering the kitchens during the Dragonborn's stay:

.

The lists went on.

Casavir stared at the paper in confusion.

It was covered with theories and supposed evidence, suggesting… all suggesting the involvement of the entire Order with the intent to leave Aeyrin bedridden and usable as a portable tool to devour souls at the General's behest.

But… all of that was circumstantial, it wasn't evidence! It was speculation, possibility! The only important part were those that he had uncovered himself, all the rest was just… idle talk and rumors. Just… another conspiracy theory, but this was purposefully leading anyone away from the real conspiracy under everyone's noses.

All of the real evidence suggested that it could have all been done by one man. A man who didn't need access to the kitchens since he had constant access to the woman herself, including her drinking water. A man who didn't need to requisition supplies, since he could have stolen some of the emergency stocks that were hidden in Casavir's chambers. One man who could have traveled to the bandit's hideout and paid them to lure the dragon to the farms. A man that has been collaborating with the nobles to trick the city leaders into paying them compensation for the damages. A man that had an illicit affair with lady Bryling. The one that has been the most adamant about Bishop's guilt.

But this list didn't point to any of it.

This was a contingency plan.

A way to diverge the attention from Azshan and the nobles. His name wasn't mentioned among the various witnesses and accused members once, even though Casavir knew that he was there for several of these occurrences! Or was it because Azshan was meant to be the author of this theory, investigating on his own because he could not trust anyone else in the Order with his friend's well-being?

"Before you get any ideas, Sir Casavir, this is not the only copy of our… fortunate findings on this case. Now, as I am sure, you are aware that the culprit has been found, collaborating with the crown no less. This… gives us such an opportunity…" Bryling chuckled meanly.

Of course… now the nobles could accuse Elisif of putting their lives in danger only to cover up her supposed affair. It all played in their cards. Were they planning this too? These rumors of Bishop and Elisif after their private meeting. It certainly wouldn't be hard to let the incessant gossip do the work for them. But how far back did these plans actually go? Did they orchestrate everything, or did they simply take opportunity wherever they could? They couldn't have known about the bounties on the Thrice-Banished, could they? Those were nearly forgotten already. Casavir was even convinced that the bounty notices were long lost until that one was delivered to Elisif.

"Should that change, however, and should someone try and absolve our sacrificial lamb… well… as you can see, we have others," Bryling gave him a feigned sweet smile as she stepped closer to him, looking up at him with a conspiratorial wink.

"What makes you think I won't tell her majesty?! What makes you think I won't expose Azshan for what he did?!" Casavir yelled at her angrily. This was just a stupid theory! He had… evidence… well… not… any tangible evidence… but… surely he had found a motive, at least!

"Oh yes… even without any evidence against us whatsoever… we were a bit worried that Elisif would believe your word over all else, simply because she tends to do that. But our lovely lamb seemed to fix the issue for us, didn't he? Jealousy is a wonderful thing, Sir Casavir. And, considering how close Sir Azshan and the Dragonborn are, who would ever believe that you are doing anything else than getting rid of yet another rival?"

This was unbelievable!

He had to think of something. He had to fix this somehow. Azshan must have certainly left some evidence somewhere! Something else than Casavir's word against Azshan's alone. It was painfully obvious that that would no longer suffice. Elisif was now convinced that Casavir had tried to get rid of Bishop to get to Aeyrin – why wouldn't she believe that he wasn't doing the same with Azshan. After all, with this fabricated theory on the table, and all these conversations suggesting the use of Aeyrin as a weapon, who would ever believe that one man had caused all this within the Castle? Who would believe anything but what was written on that note?

If Casavir didn't find any real evidence, Azshan would come forward with his own private investigation, with some sob-story about how his dear friend was being used as a weapon for the good of the Legion and the good of the Order.

"It's lovely to see that you are finally ready to discuss this rationally, dear," lady Bryling smirked meanly as she pressed herself against Casavir. She took the letter away from him and she let it fall back on the bed before her fingers started to dance over the tunic on his chest.

The nobles loved to do this – testing their patience, their restraint, all as a part of some twisted game. But he couldn't even be bothered by her teasing anymore. His thoughts were swirling. What was he supposed to do now? The entire Order could be compromised and the General could be implicated. The war efforts would be halted and Ulfric could use that to his advantage. And for what? Stupid petty money mongering?

And why did Azshan do this? For money? Or did it give him an opportunity to get something else that he wanted? Like… Aeyrin.

'People only do things for two reasons. Sex and money'

The words echoed in his head again. Could Azshan have really betrayed all his compatriots for… for such disgustingly low reasons?!

How has Casavir failed him so much?

He didn't care about Azshan's affair with Bryling or Divines-knew-who else! It wasn't as if he was to be punished for breaking his vows. It was never an offense, it was never breaking any rules. It was supposed to be a hit on the conscience – the vows were voluntary and the only thing that their breaking constituted was personal shame and falling in the eyes of the Eight.

And if a person was not bothered by that, they surely wouldn't be bothered by indulging themselves in things that were forbidden to them. But the men and women under his command, they were supposed to be bothered by that! Casavir would be…

Where did this all go so wrong?

And it wasn't as if Casavir himself was without blame either. He was supposed to inspire the people under his command, yet he did nothing of the sort. His rigidness alienated them, deep down, he knew this. And whenever he let himself waver and let his emotions guide him more than his vows, it ended in disaster. With Aeyrin, with Bishop, even with Elisie.

He was supposed to be a better man for them to look to.

But he wasn't.

And even now, he had no way to do the right thing and to bring the culprit to justice. At this point… was it even the 'right thing'? When it would put so much at risk?

"Now, you need to make sure that the girl's companion stays convicted. And you need to make sure that she believes he is to blame and doesn't meddle. If you do, all will go smoothly now," Bryling nodded at him with a smile while she still kept herself pressed against him.

He couldn't care less about her uncomfortable proximity just at that moment. His stress headache was now practically unbearable as he tried to find some way to solve this.

"You can even have yours, Casavir. It's not as if you're getting nothing in return. You can play the part of the hero that caught the evil criminal, saving the poor Dragonborn, consoling her… you know how that goes. It's not like any of them care," she looked up pointedly towards the heavens.

The worst part was… that it was tempting.

No matter his lofty ideals and the strictness with which he tried to follow his vows, it was still so tempting to just let the criminal pay for his crimes, no matter which, and to convince Aeyrin at last that she deserved better.

And it was too tempting to think of how closer it would eventually bring them.

"Casavir?"

The familiar voice made them both jerk their heads in the direction of the bedroom door.

Aeyrin stood there with shock and hurt in her eyes, staring at him, as if she was unable to even speak at that moment.

Gods! No! How did she get here?! What has she heard?!

"How did you get in here?!" Bryling scoffed as she stepped away from Casavir at last. It must have looked like… oh Gods…

"The door was open…" Aeyrin answered in a quiet voice while her eyes were still fastened on him, heartbroken and accusing.

This was punishment for his negligence.

"Well… no matter. I will let you deal with this, Sir Casavir," Bryling shrugged disinterestedly. Apparently she was secure in her contingency plan. And for good reason. He couldn't just… he couldn't let this come to pass! Everything was at stake and the small petty issues were snowballing into an overwhelming avalanche.

"My lady, I… I don't know what you've overheard…"

"I overheard enough! You did this! I thought that Bishop was exaggerating when he talked about you! I thought it was a misunderstanding, that someone like you would never… Well… thanks for showing me just what you're capable of…" Aeyrin's face was the perfect mixture of anger, disappointment and sorrow while she still kept watching at him accusingly. Her arms were folded defiantly across her chest.

Her eyes darted briefly to the crumpled bedsheets and the haphazardly discarded belt. A disgusted scoff escaped her mouth instantly at the sight.

"Was it worth it? Poisoning me just for you petty revenge? Haven't you done enough to him already?!" her eyes filled with tears as she screamed at him. Her anger was making him feel smaller and smaller every second. She stopped the outburst for a spell before a disturbed expression appeared on her face. "Or… please, for Gods' sake, don't tell me that you did something else to me!"

"WHAT?! NO! Never, my lady, I swear, I would never!" he gave her a horrified expression – even more horrified by the fact that she hardly had any reason to believe him now.

"Oh how fucking reassuring! Then you just… what? Hurt me just to spite Bishop?!"

There was no choice.

He couldn't expose Azshan. Not when so much was at risk.

But he could make at least one thing right.

"Yes, my lady… you deserve better than him. I… needed to make you see it," he hung his head low, unable to look into those beautiful black eyes. He knew that they were still hateful and accusing, sparkling with tears of both anger and sorrow.

"You are… despicable…" her voice quivered. Averting his eyes didn't help. He could still hear the hurt.

She turned on her heel and gradually, he could hear her steps receding as she marched down the stairs angrily. She was going to go to Elisif without a doubt.

No matter.

Better him than all the others. Better him than an innocent man.

Even if she deserved better than Bishop.

He was no better.