Chapter 7: When worse becomes worst II

Serena did not think much about what Emily wanted to talk about. There was no urgency on her side, but still, she closed the faucet before wiping her hands on the cloth beside her. The dishes can wait. "Oh okay, sure. What's it about?"

Emily eyed Serena's nonchalant expression. She wanted to frown but had to remind herself that Serena must really have no idea. "Let's go upstairs first."

Serena furrowed her brows. Was it something about her brother? "Ok, let's go."

--

Serena looked at Emily nibling her lower lip. What could Emily have wanted to talk about? Were she and her brother Leonard finally going to take their relationship to the next level? Though her brother was already handicapped, honestly, he's still very handsome.

Maybe he knew that his last best asset was his face and maybe he grooms so well so Emily would still be attracted to him?

Leonard has blond locks, blue eyes, chiseled features, high bridge nose, and thin pink lips. He and Serena shared similarities, and again mind you that from the beginning, Serena was described as the most beautiful woman in the novel. Anyhow, though Leonard was only adopted, he was still a distant relative, so in the looks department, he's definitely a five star!

Though of course, Emily being the original female lead was not too far behind. Chocolate locks, emerald eyes, cute facial features which developed more elegantly with time. Not only that, but she was also a keeper. A strong independent woman who has her own business and savings. She doesn't need a man to save her, instead, she does the saving.

They really would make a perfect pair. Though Serena was not sure if Emily and Leonard can have children. Leonard was paralyzed waist down, but how about his… ok don't think about that… maybe she can ask Emily? They do hide in his room every night, so… maybe? What are the chances?

Serena chuckled with her thoughts. Really, the things she entertains herself with. Well, if not, how can she survive the situation she was in with her sanity still intact?

Emily bit her lip a little too hard seeing Serena looking so happy over what, she has no idea. "What are you laughing about?" she asked a bit irately.

Serena already noticing Emily seemingly troubled expression since earlier said "Sorry", then more seriously asked, "So what's this about?"

Emily didn't know where to start, so instead, she opened her bag she brought with her. She rummaged through the contents before finally procuring a brown envelope and handing it to Serena.

Serena seeing the envelope was quick to recognize the stamp on it. It was from the ministry of justice. Her heart thudded as her fingers clamored. "What… what is this for?" she asked, trying to hide the tremor in her voice.

Emily sighed. She was not angry earlier that Serena has no idea, but she did feel a bit irritated. However, seeing Serena's reaction now, there's no satisfaction either. "You should read it first."

Serena received the envelope. She shut her eyes, took a deep breath, before opening the envelope and pulling the paper in it out.

--

Kingdom of Windsor Court

In the matter of

People of the Kingdom of Windsor,

plaintiff(s)

Against

Leonard Maxwell,

Defendant

COURT SUMMONS

To: Leonard Maxwell

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED that all business and excuses being laid aside, you appear and attend before the undersigned Administrative Law judge on the second-floor hearing rooms at the Ministry of Justice, on the 30th of July, year of the lord 1908, at 11:00 am, and at any recess or adjourn date, to testify and give evidence in a formal hearing to be held in the above captioned matter.

Failure to attend, testify, and give evidence shall subject you to all the criminal penalties provided for by section 291 of the constitutional Law and Rules.

This Court Summons is being issued in pursuant to case number 873, under section 298(b) for anti-graft and corruption practices.

So ordered,

Aurelius Smith

Administrative Law Judge

--

Serena wanted to faint after reading all that. She just thought about how grateful she was about them not having to face criminal charges, then now… THIS. She looked at the other papers which were attachment to the Court Summons. It was the case and documents containing proof of her brother's grave misconduct.

Instantly she tried to think of possible solutions, and the most persistent one she can think of was, "Emily… this… can we just declare brother Leonard as dead and hide somewhere far away? We've been hiding for more than a year now. Perhaps…."

"I found this Court Summons at the front door of this house. It means… it means they know that he's been living here. I…"

"Does brother Leonard know?" Serena asked in worry. Gods, if Leonard knew…

Emily shook her head, "I couldn't possibly tell him. Knowing him…"

Serena nodded her head. "That's good. But…" They both knew how Leonard was especially these days. If he knew about this, then he would personally appear and let them imprison him just not to trouble Serena and Emily. But what next? If Leonard gets imprisoned, it's good as a death sentence!

Serena tried to think. Think really hard. Tried to think of connections, people who can help. She wanted to cry. Was there anyone willing to help them? She looked at the Court Summons again, 30th of July. It was currently already mid-July. They only have a little over 2 weeks. What can they do in 2 weeks?

"Who's the minister of justice now?" Serena asked Emily.

Emily knew that they would get to that name. "It's Marquis Christopher Cross."

Serena thought of the man. Yes, Christopher. The Cross ducal family stayed neutral during the civil war, so they must have no bias against the monarchist faction. Then there was Annalys Cross. Christopher's younger sister who was also her lady-in-waiting when she was still the crown princess.

Maybe perhaps… she shook her head. Still, although they had their friendship, was it enough for them… for Christopher, to grant her this favor? They did have some friendship, but would that be enough reason?

Serena looked at Emily again. As if remembering something, she tentatively asked, "Wasn't Christopher Cross your ex-lover?" Well, what? In terms of familiarity, weren't they more familiar?

--

Tbc