Author's Note: The story of the assassin is finally revealed…
)Juay( - Hey, I remember you haha, I think you reviewed some of my stories a looong while ago… wow, good to know you're still around :) Haha, oops, I usually don't mean to end a chapter in a cliffhanger… though it seems to happen a lot…
)Ayunli( - Wow you read this on your phone? :O I hope you at least have a smart phone…? I have a… err, non-smart phone, and it sucks reading on it. T.T Oh, you're completely right… Mei and Tomo's roles are kinda on a decline right now, but don't worry, they will get one more shot before… well, the end of the story.
)BiskElle( - I don't mean to do cliffies I swear, I swear! Aww, thanks sweetie! :hugs: I don't want to seem like I'm a review-whore or something, but I do appreciate them, ya know, and some times you do want reactions from your readers… T.T Ahh, I'm having too much fun with Jelensta and Ilonka… too bad their chapter has to end so soon…
)zoooaaa( - thank you for having followed my story all this time! Since there's under 5 chapters left to this story, I'm aiming to have consistent update for the remainder of this story. You shall find out about the assassin in this chapter… :)
)anonymous( - I was for a while considering posting 'Love' as a totally separate story on its own but… never got around to it. (Oops) Maybe I shall once I actually have the whole thing written!
)andi( - your email didn't show up properly—please write it in the form of domain "at" host "dot" com.
)s41k1( - O.o wow, it took a week to read this story? :pat pat: the final page is not lost! I swear!
)HappyHam( - All will be answered in due time… :) Fear not, Lilia and Jayx will be concluded soon enough… though in non-direct way…
)serendipityxoxo( - Hopefully it didn't take you too long to read all 27 chapters! But thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the reviews guys!
...-...-…-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-…-…-...
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Trial 2, Part I
...-...-…-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-…-…-...
Eriol stirred.
"My Lord? My Lord…? Are you awake?"
Eriol opened his eyes drowsily. "Wha—" Everything around him was blurry. "Where am I…?"
"You're in the infirmary. You've been out for a while now. Couple of hours, actually."
Memories were starting to pour in. King… assassin… fire… Tomoyo… Sakura… Ramsa… assassin caught… soldiers dead… King Syaoran passing out… King Syaoran… King Syaoran! "KING SYAORAN!" Eriol sat up abruptly, which he soon discovered was a terrible idea as he felt a splitting headache forcing him to lie back down, moaning in pain.
"I… would have advised against that…"
"The King…" Eriol moaned, rubbing at his temples. "How is he? Is he in any life threatening danger?"
"Do not be concerned, My Lord, the King is in much better condition than you actually. He left about 30 minutes ago with Captain Ramsa." The doctor shook her head slowly. "That's one brave man… Captain Ramsa, that is. How he endured the pain is beyond all of us. The blade cut so deep it was about an inch away from cutting off all his fingers on both hands. But he only let us bandage them up, and wouldn't even allow us to give him any sedative or pain-easer. He claims he wanted to see this trial through as soon as possible and so he needed to be completely in control of his mind when that happens. In fact I overheard him tell His Majesty that he gave orders to his guards to bring the assassin directly to the throne room and have asked all the guests to gather there and see this trial through.
"Understandably, as this party must've been one of the worst Balls people have seen, Captain Ramsa wanted to help his Majesty redeem some of his dignity back by showing the public how efficient we are at catching criminals, and prove their worth and militia abilities to all the lands. Indeed, it should help King Syaoran build some respect, if not fear… Regardless, the King and the Captain have left to the throne room to begin the trial."
"WHAT? IS HE CRAZY? HOW COULD THEY BEGIN THE TRIAL SO SOON? WHILE THE WOUNDED ARE LYING EVERYWHERE! SURELY THERE ARE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES AT HAND HERE!"
The Doctor bowed his head quickly. "I am deeply sorry My Lord, but I am simply the messenger. I also need to tell you that the King has asked for your presence at the Grand Throne Room as soon as possible."
Eriol groaned, but the moment he heard that he began getting up from bed—much slower this time having learnt from his mistake earlier. "I'm no Ramsa… some mild pain killers would be nice." He said, finally sitting upright.
"Yes, my Lord." The doctor called out to his assistant to bring some medicine, as he himself helped Eriol to his feet. "While your conditions are due primarily to stress and the inhaling of smoke, I would advise you not to do anything too stressful for the next few days."
"That's fine…" Eriol replied. Once the trial is over with I'll take nice few days off to take care of Tomoyo… the trial should be dealt with quick and effortlessly; a severe death sentence, what else? "Tell me, how is the King? And Tomoyo? And Meiling? Sakura? And… Lady Kalira?" Eriol did not want to ask about that last name, but having seen Jelensta risk her own life to save them and especially the King's on multiple accounts he knew that deep inside, despite their personal disputes, she was trustworthy and… not a malicious person.
"The King will be alright with due time, but as of current he is not well—he's hasn't been sleeping enough recently as it is, with the events that have occurred the King is risking his health greatly. However he does think the trial takes precedence over everything at this point, and would like to deal with it as soon as possible so he may finally rest easy. Lady Tomyo and Lady Meiling are perfectly okay. They are slightly in shock, but other than that, no signs of physical distress." Eriol sighed with relief. "Lady Sakura is fine, a mild bump to her head, nothing severe. In fact she has left the infirmary about twenty minutes ago. Lady Kalira… nothing life threatening, but the graze on her upper arm is swelling up pretty badly. We've bandaged it up with our best medicine. Luckily she was bright enough to realize whatever came in contact with her was poisonous, and managed to let out enough blood to drain the poison, lowering its concentration to a level that is not life threatening. She has a slight fever right now; we've advised she not leave the infirmary for a few days so we could monitor the process, however His Majesty has also asked for her presence for the trial, and so we're doing everything we can to allow her to leave here as soon as possible." The assistant came back and handed Lord Eriol a pill with a glass of water.
Eriol swallowed it. "How long should I wait for the pill to take affect?"
"Not more than an hour, my Lord."
"Thank you. Please see to that Lady Kalira gets well soon."
"Yes, my Lord."
Eriol slipped into his coat and stepped out slowly, holding the wall for support as he went along.
—
"Your Majesty," Captain Ramsa stepped up close to the King and kept his voice low. "Your guests are becoming impatient. They've been waiting for a while now and they would like to hear a verdict. Every second that ticks by tarnishes the image of our Kingdom!"
The King's face was stony, betraying no emotions. In fact, his eyes were so blank it appeared as though he felt absolutely nothing… or rather, blocked himself out from the rest of the world. "I said, we'll wait until Lord Eriol gets here."
"But why? This should not be a difficult decision! Precedence for this type of repugnant crime are endless. It's always death by some sort of terrible, gruesome method. Why are you hesitating? Why do you need Lord Eriol here?" Captain Ramsa could not believe what was happening. He hated the influence those weaklings had on the cold, hard King, and he wanted to once more see the King's glorious side at this trial. He had hoped with everyone in the infirmary this would be dealt with quickly, and the King would revert back to his old self without their measly jibber-jabber about mercy or whatnots on this sickening criminal. And he specifically rounded up all the guests so they may also see this magnificent King in action; see how merciless and brutal he can be, and learn that he and his Kingdom is not to be messed with. But instead, this was turning out to be a disaster. Visitors were starting to whisper amongst themselves, not to mention after such a traumatizing experience all they wanted was to rest at their chambers.
But due to Captain Ramsa insisting this would be a short and magnificent trial, they all attended. But no. Not only was it not magnificent, it was taking forever, with them waiting for Lord Eriol.
"I said, we'll wait until Lord Eriol gets here." The King replied harshly, in a tone that meant end of discussion.
Captain Ramsa looked away. His palms were in searing pain. I did all this for him. For his reputation. And this is how he rewards me?
Luckily, at that moment the door opened and a guard stepped through. He placed his lance down and went on his knees. "Your Majesty, Lord Eriol has arrived."
A few seconds later, Eriol stepped through the door, wavering slightly, his feet dragging on the ground. "Please arise." He nodded to the soldier, then turned to face the King.
On both sides of the King stood hundreds of people, watching; the audience seemed troubled and agitated. A rare few had condescending smirks on their faces. In front of him was the assassin, still all dressed in black, his body bounded impossibly tight with numerous thick ropes. The assassin was placed in the middle of the floor, facing the King, and of course on his knees.
Eriol paid him no mind as he walked right past him, and went on his knees in front of the King. "Your Majesty. I'm terribly sorry for my tardiness, I've only came to about ten minutes ago an—"
But the King held out his hand to silence him. "Lord Eriol. You are my adviser, correct?"
Eriol frowned lightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. Of course."
"And it is your job to advise me in all circumstances. Even in the seemingly impossibly difficult ones."
"Of course, that goes without saying, Your Highness."
"Please rise." Eriol complied. "So tell me... what do you deem should be the punishment of the assassin?"
Eriol frowned. Why was the King asking him this? Truly it is a highly severe crime but also quite easy to sentence. "Your Majesty, there have been numerous precedents—"
"Don't look at me. Look into her eyes and tell her that."
Her? "I'm sorry Your Majesty, but who are you referring to?"
The King gestured his hand to behind Eriol.
Eriol spun around. His eyes widened. No… No… NO! IT CAN'T BE! THIS MUST BE SOME KIND OF A MISTAKE! "Oh my God…" Eriol couldn't help but to whisper. His legs were going weak. He wobbled and it took all his strength to not fall on his knees.
"So tell me, my trusted Advisor. What should I do?"
Eriol was at a lost for words. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but no words came out.
"This is outrageous!" Captain Ramsa cried. "Just seconds ago Lord Hiiragizawa mentioned following precedent and now he's backing out on his words? Preposterous! And why is he the only adviser here? For something as serious as this shouldn't you call in your other 16 advisers and hear their opinions on this matter?"
"SILENCE!" The King bellowed, causing the whole room to jump. "Eriol, please. I'd like to hear what you have to say."
Eriol spun around slowly, his eyes in utter despair. "I… we… this… Y-Your Majesty…" His mind was racing. C'mon Eriol, something, anything! Even if it is to delay this moment! "W-We should get the ladies… they have a right to know…"
The King sighed. It wasn't something he wanted them to know, but it also wasn't something he could hide, either. "Very well. Eriol, escort them all here please."
"OH THAT'S JUST GREAT!" Captain Ramsa threw his hands up into the air in utter disbelief. "Bring all the women into this why don't you? They're women! For a good reason! This is none of their business and they're not suited for difficult tasks as this! You're making a huge mistake, your majesty. Sentence her, and conclude this trial!"
King Syaoran's eyes narrowed. "I will hear no more of your insults Ramsa. You will shut your mouth and not speak until I give you permission to or so help me God I will sentence you instead!" Captain Ramsa's eyes widened with hatred. But the King caught this and quickly calmed his anger. He did, after all, owe his life to this brave man before him. And he knew Captain Ramsa was as loyal as a soldier could be. "My Captain, your contributions to me will not go unnoticed. I greatly appreciate your loyalty and everything you have done for me. But not now. I'm in a distressing mood right now, so please don't make me do something I'll regret."
Something you'll regret? Too late for that… Captain Ramsa thought, looking at the expressions of guests. This Kingdom has been publicly humiliated to an unamendable degree… But he said nothing.
Eriol tried to bow politely, but in his condition it looked more like he was about to collapse onto the King. He couldn't even get a single word out in his shock. And so, without comment, he drifted out of the Throne Room.
—
There, all done. Sakura wiped at the remainder of her tears as she picked up the cloth sack containing all her belongs. "No more of this… ever again… my life will revert back to the way it's always been… as it should always be… as it will always be…"
Her hand touched the doorknob, and she closed her eyes, saying one last silent farewell to this place, and asking the Gods to punish her for all that she's done to the King.
But before she could turn the doorknob, the door swung open and she came face to face with Lord Eriol, whose mood was far from sunny.
"Oh God…" Sakura's hand came over her mouth as the bag she held slipped out of her hand and dropped to the floor. "I-I'm so sorry…" How did he know? How?
But Eriol didn't seem to be in the mood to hear her excuses. "The King wishes to see you. At the Throne Room for a trial."
Tears gathered in Sakura's eyes. "I-I'm so sorry I promise I won't try to ru—"
"Lady Sakura. Please." The words were biting and final.
Sakura bowed her head in shame. I should've known… nothing happens in this castle without the King knowing… now he knows I tried to run away… he must've been curious… did he probe? Did he find out about Touya…? But she bit her lips and stopped the tears. No. No matter what happens now, I deserve it…
Little did she know, Eriol was so in shock he didn't even notice that she had cleared out her room…
—
When they arrived at the Throne Room, Sakura was nervous, and scared. "Your Majesty." She said quickly upon entering and bowed to the King politely.
But oddly, there was a large crowd gathered, and the King looked half dead. Was it… because of me? As she walked down the room approaching the King she began to notice two figures on their knees next to the King's feet, crying hysterically. Tomoyo…? Meiling…? Are they… pleading for me?
Tomoyo spun around to face Sakura, and in that instance, Sakura was petrified by the trauma and horror imprinted on her friend's face. Her face was covered in tears and she looked near mad.
"I've brought Lady Sakura here." Eriol said emotionlessly. The sight of Tomoyo broke his heart. All he wanted to do was run up to her and cry with her. But he had an image to uphold.
"OH GOD SAKURA!" Tomoyo screamed hysterically crawling towards her on her knees, half tripping, as she grasped tightly onto Sakura's skirt and buried her face against Sakura's legs. Her shoulders were shaking uncontrollably. "Please Sakura… PLEASE! TALK SOME SENSE INTO HIM! DON'T LET HIM DO THIS!"
What's going on? Sakura touched Tomoyo's hair gently. She had cried so much even parts of her hair were wet. "Y-Your Majesty? I-If this is about Touya, I'm—"
"TOUYA?" Captain Ramsa—who was also on his knees—spun around angrily. "Are you talking about Kaho's partner in crime? Why in God's beautiful green earth are you bringing up that vermin's name up in such a time? What are you blind woman?"
Sakura was taken aback at how Captain Ramsa was speaking with her, and even more shocked that the King did nothing to defend her. "T-Then what is going? Was it something I did? If it's because I tried to ru—"
But the King simply lifted his hand, as he pointed behind her.
Somehow, a bad feeling was beginning to form in the pit of her stomach. Even before she saw the sight, she knew something was wrong. She somehow knew the sight would almost be too much to bear. But she had to. She had to see. How cruel curiosity is.
She spun around slowly, Tomoyo still clutching her skirt and shaking her rapidly, Meiling crying and screaming at Captain Ramsa who screamed back at her. Something about death. About murder. About killing. The King and Advisor Eriol looked like corpses devoid of all emotions. All the while, a huge crowd stood all the way around the room, watching.
The first thing Sakura noticed was that there was hair on the ground. Long hair.
Long, red hair. Red like fire.
As she turned more, she caught the person's black clothing.
Even more.
Ropes.
Binding him.
Binding his arms and legs and shoulder and head.
No… not him.
Her.
But her face was lowered, staring at the ground.
Even before she lifted her head, Sakura knew. She knew. Her knees wobbled, and began to fall.
The woman lifted her head and stared straight into her eyes.
Those eyes. Still determined, even now.
Those black, obsidian eyes.
Suddenly everything made sense.
Ilonka.
She was the assassin.
Sakura felt her mind blurring. Or was that her vision? Her knees hit the ground and it seemed the sound echoed through the room, but she didn't notice anything. She couldn't feel the pain she should've felt from hitting her knees on the hard marble ground. Oh God. Ilonka… HOW COULD IT BE?
It seemed to take forever. She felt like her vocal chords, her vision, her hearing… everything was ripped away from her.
Incoherent screaming and sputtering came out of her mouth in a wave of piercing pain as Sakura collapsed completely, her head hitting the ground.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
She couldn't feel time. She couldn't feel anything. All was lost around her.
Someone was shaking her. People were yelling and screaming everywhere. But all she could think of was Ilonka. How could she be the assassin? How? WHY?
"Sakura! Sakura! SAKURA! GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF! SAKURA!"
A slap came across her face.
And again. And again. And again.
She didn't know how long it went on for. But when she came to she was kneeling on the ground, facing Ilonka, Meiling next to her, tears streaming down her eyes, her hand raised.
Slap!
"Mei…" she whispered softly.
Slap!
"Mei… Meiling…"
Slap!
Finally she gathered all the sound she could. "Meiling!" It was still a meagre sound, but Meiling heard her.
Sakura's eyes were blank, in disbelief. This is a dream… this must be a dream… This is just a nightmare… a guilty nightmare I'm imagining because of all the bad things I've done… She pinched herself.
Nothing. There Ilonka still was, gagged and tied down in front of her.
She pinched herself again, harder.
Still nothing.
She gritted her teeth as tears once again blurred her vision. "UGH!" She let out a frustrated cry as she pinched one final time at her skin, leaving a purple mark across it.
"Sakura…" Meiling cried softly, hugging her. "Please do something… the King… please tell him to let her go…"
The King… of course… of course… he has the power to… he can do anything…
Frantically, Sakura crawled on her hands and knees towards the King, completely oblivious to the way people all around her were staring at her pathetic form. "M-My King…" she gasped hoarsely, grasping onto his pant leg. "T-This must be some kind of a mistake… It must be…"
King Syaoran's eyes momentarily softened, and they were filled with sorrow. But that was a fleeting moment and went as quickly as it had come. But Sakura knew there was hope. In that one moment, she understood. The King did not wish to harm Ilonka either, but with all these onlookers, there was nothing he could do.
The brief moment of hope filled Sakura's heart and she was able to compose herself. She took a deep breath and stood up. "Have we questioned her yet?"
"QUESTION HER?" Captain Ramsa exploded. "THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS SHE TRIED TO KILL NUMEROUS PEOPLE AND WE CAUGHT HER IN THE ACT! WHAT MORE PROOF DO YOU NEED?"
"SILENCE!" The King roared. Then to Sakura, he replied. "No, we haven't yet."
Quickly, Sakura walked over to Ilonka's side and bent down next to her. "If I could have your permission, could we remove this mouth gag from her and hear what she has to say?"
Meiling and Tomoyo wiped at their tears slowly, and stared in wonderment. Was there… hope? The whole while they had been here the King had refused to speak a single word until Eriol had escorted Sakura here.
Slowly, the King nodded. "Captain Ramsa, please remove her gag."
"Oh this is ridiculous…" he grumbled under his breath but did as he was told. Though he made sure to remove the gag particularly roughly, whipping Ilonka's head from side to side. All the while, she glared at him with hatred but did not let out a single cry of pain.
"Ilonka!" Sakura cried giving her friend a hug. "Tell him, tell King Syaoran that this is a mistake! You were framed by someone weren't you sweetie?"
Ilonka looked at Sakura, looked at the King, then looked back at Sakura. She stared at her for the longest time. "I appreciate what you're trying to do…" she whispered, quietly so that only she could hear. "But…"
Sakura's eyes widened. It couldn't be! Was she damaged mentally? "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Sakura screamed.
But Ilonka switched her gaze to King Syaoran. They burned with hatred. It looked as if she would murder him all over again at this moment if she was not bound from head to toe. "No. It was not a mistake. I, Fai Ilonka, daughter to Fai Reynor Valentin and Fai Nicole, attempted to murder you on numerous attempts, and should you let me live I will try again, and again, until either you, or I am buried."
"YOU STUPID IDIOT!" Tomoyo screamed as she slapped Ilonka across the face. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? ARE YOU ASKING FOR DEATH? ARE YOU CRAZY?" She shook Ilonka violently by the shoulders.
"Tomoyo…"
"I DON'T CARE IF YOU WANT TO LIVE OR NOT! DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT THE REST OF US? DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT KIND OF PAIN YOU'RE PUTTING THE REST OF US THROUGH?"
Eriol's heart broke at the scene. Never had he seen Tomoyo so hysterical and so desperate… He could just imagine the pain she must be feeling…
"NO!" Ilonka cried. "Tomoyo listen to me! You don't know what kind of a monster he is!" She said, glaring at the King. "You have no idea what he's capable of doing, the dirty blood that runs through his veins! If I were to deny my righteous actions just to live, I would never forgive myself! And neither would my father, or my mother, Nicole, who was burnt to ashes thanks to him!"
King Syaoran's eyes widened slightly. He could feel everyone's eyes on him. "I've done no such thing… I've never heard of the last name Fai until I met you, why would I possibly want to hurt your mother?"
Ilonka threw her head back and laughed. "Hah, of course not. It wasn't just my mother. You also killed my father's best friend, Jenson Piers…" her voice was beginning to rise in volume. "As well as his whole family. And robbed them of all their riches. Robbed all their relatives. Robbed all their friends. Raped their females. Killed my mother… killed my mother's whole family. Her sisters, her brother, her cousin, her cousin's husband's family… KILLED ALL NINE DAMN GENERATIONS! AND THEN YOU ATTEMPTED TO MURDER MY FATHER AND THE NINE GENERATIONS ON HIS SIDE AS WELL! BUT MY FATHER IS SMARTER THAN YOU USELESS FOOLS AND HE ESCAPED YOU! OUT OF NINE GENERATIONS MY FATHER WAS THE ONLY WHO ESCAPED BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOU WONDER WHY I WANT YOU DEAD?"
Sakura stared at the King. How could this be…? How could the man she's come to love be such a cruel, heartless killer?
The King was turning pale. But more than anything, he was frowning, thinking. "Your mother…" he said calmly. "What was her maiden name?"
"AND WHY IN THE SEVEN HELLS SHOULD I TELL YOU THAT? WHAT, NOW YOU'RE GOING TO KILL EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT HAS THAT LAST NAME? HERE'S SOMETHING FOR YOU: THERE AREN'T ANY LEFT!"
But the King remained calm. He stood up from the throne and approached Ilonka. When he was a meter away from her, he stopped, still staring into her eyes, without a trace of malice. "Your mother's maiden name… would it happen to be…Malyns?"
Ilonka's eyes narrowed, and the King knew he was right. "Oh dear God…" he whispered. "Jenson Piers… Fai Reynor… Malyns Nicole… the infamous trial of M. N., F. R., J. P., vs. His Majesty…"
Sakura frowned. It sounded familiar… but from where?
And all of a sudden, it clicked.
When Kaho was captured, Sakura was given the privilege to look through verdicts of past cases… and this one struck her for its cruelty and malevolence. "Oh God… Malyns Nicole, Fai Reynor., Jenson Piers, vs His Majesty…." she recited, replacing initials with names, as if in a trance. "His Majesty ordered for Malyns to work within the castle as his maid. Malyns escaped on the day she was to arrive at the castle, with help from Fai. Jenson, who was neighbour, knew of this yet deceived his Majesty and hid their whereabouts. Malyns and Fai were tracked down eight months later. Final Decision was made by his Majesty. The verdict was death of nine generations for the Malyns and Fais, and destruction of home for the Jensons."
Ilonka's mouth twisted into a cruel smirk. "Impressive that you know and memorized that. And guess what? THAT'S BEEN MY FUCKING BED TIME STORY SINCE I WAS FIVE! As a little girl I always wondered. Why did others have a mother and I didn't? Why did father and I have to constantly live in fear, in poverty, and have no friends?
"It was because of you filthy Lis! The ruler of this corrupted and tormented Land. Where women are taken and raped by the King as they please, and men are killed if they dare fight for their woman or help their friends! You deserve nothing but death, NOTHING!"
Silence echoed throughout the room. Sakura's mouth was opened in shock. "Ilonka…" she began slowly. "I… I don't know what to say… you… you never told us any of this…"
"Tell you? What would I tell you? Tell you that I'm planning to murder the King to avenge my family? Tell you so you can spread the news and have the King sentence my father and I to death? NO. I will not do anything to jeopardize this opportunity! One life for hundreds…" her eyes narrowed. "I'd say he's getting the deal of his life here."
Sakura's eyes softened. "Ilonka… you do realize that this trial was years ago… the man who did this injustice… he was not King Syaoran here but… his father…"
"Father? It matters not! That filthy blood runs within his family lines! They must be destroyed!"
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?" Tomoyo screeched. "YOU OF ALL PEOPLE ILONKA! YOU OF ALL PEOPLE I EXPECTED TO BE RATIONAL AND INTELLIGENT! HOW COULD YOU ALLOW YOUR HATRED TO CLOUD YOUR JUDGEMENT? SAME BLOOD? SINCE WHEN DID YOU BELIEVE IN THAT? YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT EACH PERSON IS AN INDIVIDUAL!"
"I did! I DID! UNTIL THIS! UNTIL HE DECIDED TO START THIS GARBAGE OF 'LOOKING FOR A WOMAN'! HE IS JUST LIKE THIS FATHER, ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WOMEN TO RAPE AND RUIN—FOR YEARS HE DESTROYED WOMEN'S LIVES, JUST LIKE HIS FATHER; SO MANY WOMEN WILL REMAIN SINGLE AND ASHAMED FOR LIFE WITH THEIR BASTARD CHILD BECAUSE OF THIS FILTHY CREATURE! HOW CAN YOU SAY HE IS NOT LIKE HIS FATHER?"
Tomoyo's eyes softened. Sakura closed and her eyes and lowered her eyes to the side in pain, for she knew the truth of Ilonka's words; she had felt the same way.
The King remained solemn. "The King has the ability to order his people to do as he see fit. My father, thought that your mother, Malyns Nicole was suitable to be a maid within these castle walls. Understand that is a great honour—many maidens would give anything for an opportunity to work within this castle. Yet your mother disgraced his generous offer by escaping?"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Ilonka threw her head back and laughed crazily. "You believe that? You REALLY believe that? Of course, it had to be recorded that way to make his freaking Majesty look like an honourable King, like he could do no wrong… Maid…? Work for him? None of that! NONE OF THAT WAS TRUE! YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT? You really think over a simple maid escaping he would condemn death of 9 Generations? REALLY? That kind of punishment is only given to people who have attempted to kill the King! Like me! But over a maid? Noooo… never. He destroyed her and her family out of jealousy. Yeah, jealousy.
"Your almighty father came to visit the villages out of duty one summer, and while he was visiting my village, he strayed from his guards. It so happens dark clouds began to gather then, and soon a lightning storm came. Out of the goodness of his heart my father invited the King into our home to have dinner and stay until the storm left.
"But the storm raged on and on. It raged through the night and so the King was offered to stay through the night. During dinner food and drinks were provided for him. He was treated with kindness and hospitality. But he fell in love with my mother. Malyns Nicole, or Fai Nicole as she's already known by then. He fell in love with her flaming red her, her bright green eyes… The coward… he couldn't do anything to her on his own, he knew. So he waited. By dawn the storm had stopped and his troops managed to make their way to my father's home to rescue their King. And the King… with all his soldiers, feeling powerful, stormed into my parents' room and shoved my father aside as he raped my mother then and there.
"My father screamed and tried to fight back, but the soldiers beat him and held him back, forcing him to watch." Ilonka's eyes burned with rage as tears clouded her vision at the thought. "But he wasn't done with her yet. He asked my father if he still wanted her. If he would still want this tramp after watching her fuck another man.
"But my father said yes, he said he would love her no matter what and that this was in no way her fault; it's simply misfortune that they would have such a pig as a King. And of course, the King laughed, and said, 'since you put it that way… since you love her so, so much. I have no choice but to take her away. And make her my toy.' And so he did. He took my mother away, trashed the whole house, and left my father badly beaten and bleeding on the ground.
"He could not formally make my mother his mistress, nor did he ever intend to I'd imagine, so he so-called offered her this position as his 'maid'. She was his sex toy, that was all there was to it." Angry tears fell down her cheeks, but her eyes continued to burn, staring into King Syaoran, hating him. "On multiple occasions my mother tried to commit suicide, but she was always watched, and saved. For her 'ill behaviour' she would be badly beaten afterwards.
"But my father loved her dearly and had been planning to rescue her all this time. His best friend Jensen Piers knew someone of some power within the castle. So with the help of his friend, Piers and my father snuck into the castle as entertainers for a show the King was scheduled to see that night.
"While people danced and entertained, my father ran through the castle until he found my mother in the King's bedroom. He took her and they escaped on the horse he had brought along.
"All night, Piers entertained with the others, attempting to delay the King for as long as he could. He offered the King different exotic wines to taste. But that only lasted for so long. When the King returned to his bedroom and found his slave gone, he was outraged. He spent months trying to find where they went, raiding every village. But my father, mother, and Piers had instead escaped to the wilderness and lived off hunting and farming. Life was tough but they were best friends and were happy to be with one another. Months later my mother gave birth—to me.
"But the King was not one to give up. Days after my birth the King and his men found their hideout. My mother knew she would be too weak to run, so she begged for the soldiers to arrest her first. Luckily they had anticipated this; they soaked the cabin they lived in with flammable materials. As the soldiers approached her, my father and Piers jumped out the back window of the house carrying me, while my mother swiped a match and lit the whole house, including herself, on fire. The fire burned the cabin and all life form around it to the ground. But it gave my father and Piers enough time to escape.
"Of course, from rage the King hunted down every person that was related to name Malyns or Fai, but spared Jensen. He took the Jensen family hostage and sent out a message throughout the land for Jensen Piers and Fai Reynor to show themselves—with the child. If not, for every day that passed, they would kill one Jensen member. At least three days passed before the message got to Piers. At which point they had killed his cousin, his uncle, and sister-in-law. But Piers was courageous, he told my father to run far and never look back. And make sure to raise the child so that they may one day take vengeance on this corrupted Kingdom. He turned himself in, and was, of course, killed. He was beaten brutally with stones until he died from the pain. But Fai Reynor never turned himself in. As punishment, the King destroyed Jensen's home and family, stealing all their belongings, beating them, separating them and leaving them each in foreign lands or even wilderness. Their chances of survival minimal."
Ilonka's eyes continued to bore into King Syaoran's. "So tell me, does this match what was recorded down?"
Sakura wiped at the tears that fell out of her eyes. Tomoyo was crying uncontrollably in Meiling's embrace.
The crowd was silent. A few people were moved to tears by the tale, even more were staring at King Syaoran like he is a horrible beast.
The King hesitated. "All this, your father told you?"
"Of course." Ilonka replied defiantly. "It's a tale he tells every night, to remind himself of the tragedy that took place. To never forget… never forget…"
"So besides his words, there is no proof."
"NO PROOF? Are you suggesting my father lied?"
The King leaned forward slightly, and stared into her eyes. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
For a moment, Ilonka seemed calm, but the next moment she was screaming, her teeth coming down near the King's neck, missing him by barely an inch. "YOU MONSTER!"
King Syaoran took a stepped back in shock at her aggression and anger.
"DIE! YOU FILTH! DIRTY, SHAMELESS BASTARD! YOU LIS DESERVE TO DIE YOU HEAR ME? YOUR BLOODLINE IS TAINTED YOU'RE ALL SENT FROM HELL! DIE!" She screamed inching towards him any way she could, attempting to hurt him anyway she could think of with any body parts.
Captain Ramsa and Advisor Eriol quickly ran up and help her down. But she struggled and tried to bite them.
"Oh God…" Tomoyo wailed as she fell down to the floor and hugged Ilonka to her.
In blind frustration Ilonka bit down on Tomoyo's shoulder until she drew blood.
"TOMOYO!" Eriol cried attempting to shove Ilonka away.
"NO!" Tomoyo cried, holding her friend tighter against her. "No… don't hurt Ilonka…" she wept.
Slowly, the flame faded from Ilonka's eyes as she softened. "Tomoyo… I-I'm sorry…"
"Ilonka…" Tomoyo whispered holding her tightly. "Please don't do this to yourself… King Li is not his father, I promise you, baby… He asked you to admit to the crime because he is trying to give you a chance to escape… he wants to let you free, don't you understand? He's different… Please Lonka… apologize for your actions, he will let you live… I need you to live, honey… you're my best friend… I love you…"
"Tomoyo…"
"Please, Ilonka…" Tomoyo turned her head away and looked at King Syaoran, her eyes full of sorrow, and puffy from the tears. "Ilonka knows she is sorry… she is a young girl, full of hatred because of this story she's heard every day of her life… but she can change… please, your Royal Highness… please spare her… I will guarantee her with my life…"
"Please… King Syaoran…" Sakura echoed, as she too, fell on her knees in front of him. "My life too… I will guarantee her with my life too…"
"A-And mine…" Meiling hiccupped, as she too, fell on her knees, pleading.
The King surveyed them over as he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Everyone he's ever cared for… all begging for her life… how could he take it away? Especially as he was starting to grow attached to her too… Minutes later, he opened his eyes. "Fai Ilonka, if you apologize to me for the past attempts, convince me you've experienced a change of heart, willing to go through a year of intensive therapy and surveillance, I will let you go."
"WHAT?" Captain Ramsa cried in anger. "THIS IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS! LET GO? SO EASILY? SHE SHOULD EXPERIENCE A THOUSAND TORTURES AND TWO THOUSAND DEATHS FOR WHAT SHE'S DONE AND YET YOU'RE LETTING HER GO? WHY? WHY? BECAUSE YOUR SAKURA IS BEGGING? BECAUSE YOUR MEILING IS BEGGING? OR IS IT TOMOYO? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FREAKIN' MIND?"
King Syaoran was about to rebuttal, but all around him, people began to whisper, and as much as he told himself not to care, he couldn't drown their voices out.
"Pathetic…"
"Worthless…"
"Weak-willed…"
"A disgrace…"
"…let someone like him rule…?"
"…Li Kingdom is weak…"
"…can't even punish criminals…"
"…it's over."
"…no respect…"
"…not worthy to be King…"
"…should attack them…"
"…criminals will love him…"
"…simply an outrage!"
King Syaoran could feel a huge headache coming up. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to let her go, he really did. But how could he? This is unprecedented; he will be known as weak, other Kingdoms will invade them… all the lands will look down upon him… but maybe, maybe he really was weak. Maybe he became weak due to this emotion… to… affection.
Gods forgive me… He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Even he could see now, that momentary outburst of his, his forgiveness… it was simply too radical. It would never do… never… no matter how much he wanted it…
He pounded his fist against a nearby column, silencing everyone. "Captain Ramsa, I hear your words; they ring true. I hereby declare…"
At that moment, the door to the room suddenly swung open, and in walked Jelensta, late for an important trial, always doing things at her own pace.
The room grew silent, and more disproving mutters were heard, this time at her rudeness.
"All right, so who is this imposter who dares to threaten our King?" She asked carelessly. "What is going on…?" A hint of caution entered her voice, watching the way the girls were sprawled on the ground. Slowly, she walked closer to the assassin, whose face was half buried in Tomoyo's shoulder.
As she walked closer, slowly, the assassin on the ground raised her head, and stared at her in the eyes.
Jelensta's eyes widened. She staggered, and fell on her knees. "No…" she whispered. "I-It can't be you… NO! ANYONE BUT YOU!" She pushed herself up and half ran half tripped until she fell at the King's feet next to Sakura. Though in her current condition she didn't even notice the other girl. "PLEASE! RELEASE HER!"
The King's eyes softened with sorrow. Never had he seen her like this before. All he ever wanted was for her to show a little feeling… yet now… His heart broke at what he was about to say, but he knew there was no other way. And so, he finished what he was about to say: "No." He replied. "I hereby sentence her to death by poison. It is to take place tomorrow morning at seven."
—
If you want me to email you the next update, LEAVE YOUR EMAIL in your REVIEW!
In the format of: 'name "at" host "dot" com' – thanks!
—
Author's Note: I feel like this is happening almost too fast. Considering this whole assassin thing was going on throughout the story I almost feel as though I should be dragging this trial and dramatic story out for a few chapter… but, kinda anxious to have it done.
7274 words. I apologize for the crappy grammar/spelling… only read it over like 1.5 times or something…