The ride to the crown's stronghold was a blur of darkness and tension. Emilia's wrists were bound, her mind racing with ways to escape. Lucas and Edward were being held in separate cells, according to Marcus's men. She had to find a way to reach them.
As they approached the fortress, the heavy iron gates swung open, swallowing them into the belly of the beast. Emilia's stomach churned. She'd never seen the inside of the crown's stronghold, but rumors whispered of its dungeons being inescapable.
Marcus led them through twisting corridors, his expression unreadable. "You'll be safe here, Lady Emilia. The king himself wants to speak with you."
Emilia's jaw clenched. "What about Sir Lucas and my brother?"
Marcus's smile was infuriatingly calm. "They're being... accommodated. Cooperate, and their treatment will be... lenient."
The threat hung in the air. Emilia knew she had little choice.
They stopped before a massive wooden door adorned with the crown's symbol. Marcus nodded to the guards, who pushed the door open.
"After you, my lady," Marcus said, gesturing her inside.
Emilia straightened her shoulders, stepping into the lion's den.
The throne room was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the walls. King Edward III sat on his throne, his expression stern and unforgiving. To his right stood her father, the Earl of Lancaster, his eyes cold and distant.
"Ah, Lady Emilia," the king said, his voice booming. "Welcome. We've been expecting you."
Emilia curtsied low, her mind racing. "Your Majesty."
The king's gaze narrowed. "Your brother's actions are treasonous. He's lucky to be alive. But you... you have a choice. Cooperate with us, and your family's name will remain intact. Refuse... and you'll share his fate."
Emilia's gaze flicked to her father, who watched her with an unreadable expression. Why wasn't he intervening?
Marcus stepped forward, his voice smooth. "Lady Emilia is willing to cooperate, Your Majesty. She understands the... gravity of the situation."
The king leaned forward, his eyes glining with interest. "Is that true, Lady Emilia?"
Emilia's thoughts spun. Cooperate, and betray her brother and the rebellion? Refuse, and risk everything?
But as she glanced around the room, her gaze landed on a figure hidden in the shadows behind the throne—a hooded figure, their eyes locked intently on hers.
Isabella.
Emilia's mind flashed to their earlier conversations, to the hints of hidden magic in their family lineage. What if there was a way to turn the tables?
"I'll cooperate," Emilia said, her voice steady. "But I want assurances. My brother and Sir Lucas must be spared."
The king chuckled, a cold sound. "You're in no position to bargain, Lady Emilia. But I'll grant your request... for now."
Marcus stepped closer, handing Emilia a small, intricately carved vial. "Drink this. It's a... precaution, to ensure your loyalty."
Emilia's instincts screamed warning. What was in that vial?
The king's smile grew wider. "A truth serum. Nothing harmful, I assure you. We merely want to understand the rebellion's plans."
Emilia hesitated, her mind racing. She couldn't risk exposing the rebellion, but refusing would seal her fate—and Lucas's and Edward's.
As she took the vial, Isabella slipped from the shadows, her eyes flashing a warning. _Wait._
Emilia's fingers brushed against Isabella's, and her cousin slipped something tiny into her palm—a small pin, adorned with a symbol Emilia had seen in their family's ancient texts.
"A counteragent," Isabella whispered barely audibly. "The serum won't affect you if you use it."
Emilia's grip tightened around the pin. She raised the vial to her lips, pretending to drink.
The king leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Good. Now, tell us... what do you know about the rebellion's plans?"
Emilia smiled sweetly, the counteragent working its magic. "I know they're stronger than you think. And they're watching."
The serum's effects should've taken hold, but Emilia felt nothing. The king's expression turned suspicious.
Marcus frowned. "Your Majesty, perhaps she's—"
But before he could finish, Emilia raised her hand, a strange tingling sensation spreading through her fingers. The symbol on the pin glowed softly.
The room's air shifted. Shadows swirled, and the guards stumbled back, confused.
"What... is happening?" the king growled.
Emilia's smile widened. "My family's legacy isn't just a name. It's power."
The hidden magic burst forth, a wave of energy rippling through the room. The guards were knocked off their feet, and Marcus stumbled back, eyes wide.
Isabella stepped forward, her expression determined. "It's time we took back control, cousin."
Lucas and Edward burst into the room, freed by hidden allies. Lucas's sword was drawn, his gaze locked on Emilia.
The king surged to his feet, outrage on his face. "How dare you—"
But Emilia's magic pulsed stronger, sealing the king's words.
With a nod, Emilia and her allies fought their way out of the stronghold, the night air cool and freeing as they escaped into the darkness.
As they reached safety, Lucas turned to her, his eyes burning with questions. "What was that? Your family's magic..."
Emilia smiled, exhaustion and relief mingling. "A legacy we kept hidden. And it's time we used it to change the game."
Edward clapped a hand on her shoulder, grinning. "Looks like we're in this together now."
Isabella chuckled, eyes sparkling. "And Father? What do we do about him?"
Emilia's gaze turned cold. "He's made his choices. We'll deal with him... but first, we need to plan our next move. The rebellion's counting on us."
Lucas sheathed his sword, his expression softening as he turned to Emilia. "You're not alone anymore. We'll face this together."
The night was dark, but Emilia's future looked brighter than ever.
THE END.