CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
I was now wearing black priest robes. The funeral was being held. I hadn't seen Zal in a few weeks, and he hadn't even come out of the Duke's office. That he had technically inherited.
Things could have turned out so much better. But… I hadn't thought it would be important until the rain started falling. I turned around as a servant tapped me on the shoulder. "The Duke wants to see you, miss."
Oof. Duke? So if was official? "Oh. Uhm. Can I… Take some strawberry cake up too?" I asked, and the servant nodded, letting the ghost of a smile flit past her lips, before disappearing off. A minute later I was hesitantly knocking on the door.
"Come in." Came a voice. Hoarse, with crying. Zal's. I hesitantly entered, then set down the plates of strawberry cake. "First off, can I just say sorry-" I started, but Zal shook his head. "Not that. I dont blame you, dont worry."
"You don't?" I echoed, and Zal nodded. "I won't really blame anyone for it."
"...But I blame myself. So I'll say it anyway. Sorry." I said. Zal handed me a plate of strawberry cake and took a bite. "How did you know it was my favorite?" Oh. Welp, another slip. What a great start. "I have my ways. But, anyway, I said I'd explain everything, but I can't really. so, I'll just say this. The assassination was supposed to happen eight years from now. So, I didnt think it was important…" I slouched against the chair, dejectedly chewing on a piece of cake.
"I believe you." Zal said, and I stopped chewing for a minute. "Zouh Douh??? (you do?)" I said, confused, and Zal nodded. "But, theres actually another reason I called you here. Look at this." Zal said, handing me a stack of papers. I choked on my cake as soon as I saw the heading.
Plague in the Jubellian Empire.
This wqas supposed to happen 12 years from now, so lets give you some conext. The final boss for me. When the plauge strikes, the emperor and his daughter are the first to die, which meant the rest of the country went into chaos. The perfect time fo the Ruthim empire to invade.
"Zal. We have to go the palace. Right now." I said, jumping up. "What? why?" Zal said, and I dashed out the door. "I can't exlain! Just call the carriage!"