Chapter 9- Amir

“Your majesty the words of a beaten boy cannot be accepted as a proper testimony.” Serrina Black protested, Amir could not help but silently agree with her. It was a cheap shot to accuse lord Black of such childish crime. It was obvious that all of it was Dormer’s doing, however the little bruises on his face suggested otherwise. Had he gone to the lengths of hurting himself just to get rid of Black? If he had, then Amir was not sure what would become of this situation.

The king nodded at Serrina, a sign that he also was suspicious of his general’s claim. However, it seemed that despite his understanding, he was not about to let go of the matter easily. “Is there any other evidence that shows my righthand committed this act?” He was talking to his general, but his eyes were on lord Black who held his gaze with a stare of his own. Of course he would. After all, the Black family was as powerful as the king’s, Edward Lychnus was the king, but this kingdom belonged to its nobles more than its royalty.

“I believe this boy’s confession is evidence enough, I can prove that he indeed said outright that lord Black sent him to assassinate me. He said it in front of me and my guards and he will do the same in court.” He gestured for the boy to come closer and do as he’d said, but the poor thing just cowered behind the general. Just how much had they beaten him? His whole body was covered in bruises and wounds from fists and kicks. When the supposedly assassin did not listen to his capturer, Dormer took the opportunity to somehow prove his words further. He pointed to his face. “These are the marks he gave me when I was sleep. Luckily he was not strong enough to kick me unconscious.”

Strangely enough the king only leaned on his throne, unimpressed by the people that stood before him. Even stranger, his son also had kept himself from talking despite his relationship with the eldest daughter of lord Black. “Your majesty, testimony under violence and torture can never be accepted in court. I believe you himself set that law upon your coronation.” Lord Black hit the right mark when he said that. The king’s brows rose, his mouth shifting upward to shape into a smirk. He’d been waiting for his righthand to make claims of his own then, Amir could only call that “taking sides”. The king wanted lord Black to win the argument.

“Indeed lord Black, indeed. I did declare that on the very first day I sat on this throne.” He turned to general Dormer, “Then you must know what I think of this.” Amir was sure he did, otherwise his hands would not have formed fists. The king spoke again. “I’ll leave this matter for Lord Seltar and his son to attend to. Until it is resolved, you are all dismissed.” To Amir, it looked like general Dormer was going to speak again, but he got control of himself and bowed. He signaled to his guards to take the boy away and left after another bow.

Just like that, his cheap childish claims had been thrown into hell.

Moments later as Amir stood behind the doors of the throne room to continue the rest of his shift, he heard footsteps approaching him. He already knew who they belonged to. “That went well.” Said Logan Seltar. Amir bowed but he gestured for him to cut the crap and stand comfortably, Amir did not. “I don’t think the general will let go of his intentions easily, if there were any intentions of course.” Amir stated. The captain leaned to the wall and nodded his head, a hand in his pocket and the other brushing the back of his neck.

“So um, tomorrow there is another gathering. All units are coming so I think you should join us.” He stated. Amir sighed in frustration, it was happening again, he was once more invited to one of their ridiculous gatherings and he had to refuse it. But before he could open his mouth to object, the captain started speaking for the third time. “I will not take no as an answer. Everyone is there and we as a team also need you there. So I will order you if I have to.” Ah so this was how it would go. If he declined the invitation, then it could easily turn into a command. Despite his disagreement Amir nodded his head in understanding. “Perfect, you’ll know where to come I believe. So enjoy the rest of your shift.” He specifically emphasized on the word “enjoy” and in spite of the gap in their rank and the fact that Amir had to respect his captain, he rolled his eyes and smirked at him.

Logan Seltar was a funny man, he had to give him that. And although Amir was not fond of Elwairians perhaps he’d learn to enjoy his captain’s company.

From the corners of his eyes, he spotted lady Serrina holding her mother’s hand and taking her to a silent hallway that Amir did have sight to. She then pushed her mother to the wall with a speed that caught Amir off guard. “How dare you show your face after all this time.” She whispered in anger. Amir found gossip rather childish, but he could not help himself as he leaned to the wall to remain unseen and listen to the rest.

“You should have left with your sister. You both should have left. My absence has only been the result of your own actions.” Lady Black crossed her arms, her piercing gaze on her daughter. Amir could almost feel the disgust in lady Serrina’s voice as she spoke again. “You left us, you left her to be sent off and you left me to survive on my own. How dare you act like you can talk to me like this.” Amir was not sure whether she knew he was there or not, surely she didn’t. Because if she had then would she talk so freely, knowing that her speech could create rumors? If one word of this conversation was leaked, then everyone in court would know of it by sunrise. Lucky for them, Amir was the only one present and he had no intentions of revealing a thing.

“You should have left. You will understand me when your days become numbered, and I or your father will not be there to protect you.” Her daughter only laughed as the woman said that only to then leave with long proud steps. When lady Black was gone, her daughter as if indeed having no idea of Amir’s presence, leaned to the wall and slid down. She sat, taking her head in her hands and breaking into a silent sob.

Amir could not stop the wave of pity that he felt for her.