Elizabeth learns the truth (3)

Olivia smiled as she gently stroked Elizabeth's hair, who was crying in her arms. 

Olivia's plan was deceptively simple yet effective. She knew Elizabeth was gullible, so all she had to do was make her room look messy and rough up her appearance. By showing anger, Olivia could make Elizabeth believe nearly anything she said.

With the precision of a mastermind, she strategically informed Stephanie about the events of the previous day, fully aware that Stephanie would rush to Elizabeth with the news, unwittingly leading her into Olivia's trap.

She relished the satisfaction of a plan well-executed, but a flicker of anger seared through her when she acknowledged her defeat from the previous day. 

Olivia had been meticulously scheming ever since she learned the truth about Ciaran. However, his adeptness in this game they had been playing had left Olivia at a distinct disadvantage, fueling her frustration at being outmaneuvered.

At the academy, House Maxamus had a ritual that stripped away all support upon entry. The individual had to rely solely on their power and influence. Ciaran used this to his advantage by clearing his name without the support of House Maxamus. 

While alone, that wouldn't matter much. He had no political support in terms of his house backing, which meant that everything he did he could claim as his accomplishments. That meant that in the future, many nobles would flock to his faction, and it was only a matter of time before he created his faction.

She internally sighed. Somehow, he had discovered what Baron Fairchild had done to Melissa. The girl she was using to destroy Ciaran. This annoyed her because she had failed to discover that the baron was trying to force himself on Melissa. 

He used that knowledge to frame the Baron, making him out to be in league with The Order of Pure Magic. Because he had initiated a Letter of Inquiry, there was little she could do, and it didn't take long for the evidence that Ciaran provided for the Baron to be found guilty and sentenced to death for his crimes, along with most of House Fairchild.

Ciaran used his title of Marquis to save Melissa. While Melissa was of little import to Olivia. The result of the inquiry left a sour taste in her mouth. He had used the inquiry to clear his name.

Having him isolated and alone was the only way she could claim him, but he even brought in a vampire to prove his innocence in a literal sense.

The story of Ciaran Maxamus involves him spending time in brothels and using his position to get what he wants. He even abused his betrothed and aide. The kingdom and its nobles looked at him like a monster, and she did much to fan those rumors. 

But now, because of the inquiry, it was in the official record that he was a virgin, and it was confirmed by Thalia Ligurio, next in line to control the Sanguine Ligurio—one of the top three vampire clans.

Literally overnight, he had rewritten his story from a cruel playboy to a pure noble who put the kingdom first and even showed his power by defeating a demon general for his betrothed. He was like a hero from the stories she had read.

Olivia paused as she looked at Elizabeth in her arms. Her smile dropped, and her face took on a sad look. She knew the real story. He was cruel and vindictive, power-hungry, and willing to step over anyone on his path to power, and it sent a shiver down her spine.

His claim about survival was a lie, even if he believed it. She could count on one hand the number of people who could stand against him in the kingdom.

She slowly lifted Elizabeth's head and dried her tears, "I'm sorry I didn't believe you."

She had lost her first battle against him, but all that mattered was how she adapted. She was The Golden Princess, and the people loved her.

"There is much I need to tell you about Ciaran." She said.

But Elizabeth looked defeated as all life had faded from her eyes, and Olivia had to suppress her smile. Now that Elizabeth was destroyed, she needed to stroke the flame of anger within her. She needed to rewrite the story about him facing off against the demon general for her.

"Things are making more sense now that I look back on it." Olivia paused as she gently lifted Elizabeth and led her to the bed, "Remember the entire situation with Marquee Laurentis?" She asked.

"The one who attacked us?" Elizabeth asked weakly.

Olivia nodded, "I always thought how it was strange how Ciaran destroyed House Laurentis Over the Book of Ahida."

"Mercenaries bought by Marquee Laurentis attacked us but was never proven, and Cas was injured during the attack." Elizabeth began but froze when she realized what she had said.

Excellent. Olivia mused as Elizabeth's face turned ashen with the realization, "Yes." She paused and hugged her again, "I never thought that it made sense for his actions, but now that knowledge about his blood oath came out. I now realized it was never about the book but his aide." She stroked her back.

She felt Elizabeth clenching her hands into a fist. "It also makes me wonder about his claims about facing that demon. He seemed to change when we came across his aide in the middle of the world, to the point that I was even nervous," Olivia added.

"What did he say about the blood oath?" Elizabeth asked.

"Unfortunately, the vampire who discovered the elf blood mixed within him never specifically said it was a blood oath; because of that, he never explained it further. Also, very few people in the kingdom know about the blood oath, so any who read the report would miss it." Olivia responded.

"Wait, you said he was a virgin." Elizabeth said as her head shot up and looked her directly in the eyes.