"We found him here with the king when the alarm sounded. No one else has entered or come from the throne room all night. No need to pass judgement now, but shall we hold him?"
Everything was silent, every breath audible in the large room as anticipation and nervousness heightened for the queen's response. She stood still, eyes locked on a man once trusted by everybody. Her face shifted with a myriad of emotions before she suddenly lurched forward, barely caught by the captain who held her back.
"You killed him! You killed my husband!" she screamed, pointing her finger towards Ian as she fought against the captain.
"Mommy?" Kia's voice broke through the chaos as all eyes turned to the child who stood in the doorway, eyes open wide with confusion and terror. "What's happening, Mommy?"
"She can't be in here!" Eya's voice managed to become collected as she shoved the captain's hands from her arm and gestured for the guards to block the way. She crossed the room to lift Kia up quickly, pulling her into her chest to shield her from everything, hoping the child hadn't seen her father.
"Shhh, there's nothing for you to worry about right now," Eya insisted, taking Kia out to the hall before placing her down and grabbing her hand. "You are supposed to be in bed. What are you doing awake?"
"All the noise and lights woke me up." Kia yanked against Eya's hand, trying to look into the room, only to be pulled away. "And you're crying. Why are you crying?"
Eya sighed, swallowing as she wiped her face and tried to gain her composure. "You're always so observant, hmmm? Why not give me a hug then and fall back asleep?" She sniffled and waited until they reached Kia's room before she crouched down, opening her arms for her daughter to leap into. Kia held her tight before leaning back with the saddest of looks.
"You don't have to be brave for me. You can tell me what's wrong."
"I know I can, darling. I know. I'll tell you soon, but only if you sleep." Eya opened the door and ushered Kia back inside, crawling into the bed to snuggle her daughter close. "Everything is just fine, hmmm?"
Kia yawned and nodded, wrapping an arm around her mother and closing her eyes, "Something's wrong, Mommy. But you can tell me tomorrow."
"Alright." Eya pushed Kia's hair back and hummed softly, the tears pouring down her cheeks once more. She fought the urge to sob and the sick feeling that haunted her. Instead, she focused on the warmth of her daughter and waited until she knew for certain the child was asleep. With a gentle touch, Eya eased herself off the bed before leaving the room, heading straight for the throne room.
George's body was still slumped in the chair, though a sheet had been thrown over him in respect. The guards milled about, fidgeting and sending glances towards the doors and at Ian, hushed whispers wondering how long they should stay and what they should do. Eya took in the scene and stepped inside, lifting her chin as she strode towards Ian.
"Tell me again. Did anyone else leave or enter this room, Captain?" Eya asked.
"No, my Queen. No one came in or left. Ian was the only person with the king and before that, the guards said he was definitely alive." Both the captain and Eya stared at Ian, hate rising through their expressions.
"I can promise you he was already dead when I arrived, my Queen!" Ian insisted, once more.
"Silence!" Eya turned to the captain again, "Do you know how he was killed?"
"We believe he was poisoned."
"Are you happy with yourself?" Eya snarled, leaning close to Ian. "Poison? You are such a coward you couldn't even kill him with your own hands! You have stolen a husband, a father, and a king from his people! I warned him not to spend his time with people like you." Eya spit at Ian's feet, taking a step back and shaking her head. "Commoners can't be trusted. What kind of jealousy did you have to go this far?"
"No, you're wrong, my Queen! I loved George!"
"KING George to you!"
"He was like a brother to me! He was all I had left. You must believe me, my Queen. I would never-"
"Kill him? Well, it's too late for that. Now my daughter and I have no one left. Kia will grow up without a father and will miss out on all he could have provided her!" Eya turned and walked away, waving her hand towards Ian. "Captain! Throw him in the worst cell we have in the dungeons. I want to see him suffer! Tomorrow morning we will break the news to the kingdom."
"I promise you it wasn't me! If he was poisoned, Luke gave him the whiskey!" Ian yelled after her as the guards forced him onto his knees.
Eya paused without looking back, her shoulders setting. "Find Luke and throw him in a cell as well. I don't want to take any chances. I will visit them in a few days. Do what you must for an admission of guilt." Her nose scrunched as she walked out and swallowed. What was done was done... but at least she could take out two enemies with one accusation.