Chapter 22
Midori had never been a nail-biter in the past, but now she found the distraction necessary as she paced her prison chamber. The gossip from the attendants that morning as they set up a breakfast table on her behalf had set her mind reeling with dread. She couldn't stop thinking about it.
"A binding ceremony between Prince Cael and Lady Cara?" She muttered the words under her breath, feeling sick.
They're getting married? Today?!
How could this be happening? Just yesterday she had been in Cael's arms, sharing an intimate moment as they confessed their love for each other. His tender kisses still burned along her skin. And now—a marriage to someone else?
Midori sank onto the plush bed, burying her face in her hands as tears threatened. Was she just a passing dalliance? A mere human to be discarded once he returned to the obligations of his royal station? The sting of betrayal lanced her heart.
No, she couldn't believe that. Not after everything they'd been through together—the vulnerability he'd shown, the ways he'd protected her at his own risk. There had to be an explanation, even if it evaded her now. Cael wouldn't do this to her. Something else had to be at play.
Midori sank deeper into the luxurious bedding, trying to make sense of the whirlwind events. Her mind drifted back to the previous night, when Cara had unexpectedly appeared in her chamber.
The heavy door creaked open, the regal Zyranthian woman striding in with purpose. Cara's striking features were unreadable, her lithe form moving with a predatory grace.
Cara held up a placating hand. "Peace, human. I mean you no harm." Her voice was low, her words clipped and precise. "In truth, I offer you an opportunity."
Midori's brow furrowed skeptically. "You expect me to trust you? Aren't you friends with Bres?"
A ghost of a smirk played across Cara's full lips. "On the contrary. I am no friend of the regent, despite what it may seem. In fact, there are mechanisms in motion to help bring about the end of his rule here on Zyranth. A resistance of sorts."
Midori felt her breath catch. A resistance? Could she dare hope for a way out of this?
"I need your trust, Midori," Cara stated plainly. "And in return, I vow to keep you safe and help reunite you with Cael. But you must do exactly as I instruct. Everything has changed with your unexpected arrival, and there are events being put into motion which must proceed as if everything is happening to Bres' plan. When the time is right, you'll be asked to play your part and win your freedom. And mine too, hopefully."
Midori raised her eyebrow at the woman's enigmatic words, but Cara didn't reveal more of the events to which she alluded.
"Can I trust you, human? Better yet, can you trust me when I say I want to help you?"
Their eyes locked in a penetrating stare for a long moment before Midori gave a slow nod.
"Very well. Tomorrow you will be given the chance to bear witness to the crimes committed against you. A friend will bring you before the Council when the time is right."
A pendant hanging around her neck glowed a brilliant blue, lighting from within. Cara lifted it, and her lips pursed. "I'm being summoned by the regent. Later, I'll meet with Cael and tell him what I can of our plan. Until then, get some rest. Tomorrow is an important day for all of us."
The memory faded as Midori jolted upright on the bed. Could the binding ceremony be part of Cara's plan? Or was this something different? Even on Earth royal families often promised their children in arranged marriages for political alliance. Was that what had happened between Cael and Cara?
She had to trust her new ally had things well in hand. Resolved to have faith for now, Midori rose and moved to the line of floor-to-ceiling windows. She peered out at the alien skyline, letting the strange beauty of this new world steady her nerves.
The heavy door creaked open, the sound tearing Midori from her reverie at the window. She whirled, eyes widening as the tall broad-shouldered figure of Baelor strode into the room.
Instinctively, she took a step back, fingers curling at her sides. Though he was Cael's friend, could she truly trust this man? Hadn't he ultimately brought them here and turned them over to Bres? Her wary eyes traced the sharp angles of his alien features, noting the hard set of his jaw and a puckered scar running from brow to chin.
Baelor held up his four hands in a placating gesture. "Peace, Midori. I mean you no harm."
The words gave her pause, echoing Cara's from the previous night. Could this be the "friend" she had spoken of? Midori's muscles relaxed, though she remained guarded.
"Why are you here?"
"To escort you." Baelor's silvery gaze was steady, sincere. "It's time for you to bear witness to the Elders."
She searched Baelor's expression, seeking any hint of deception, but found only an earnest determination burning in his eyes. A glimmer of hope rekindled within her.
Squaring her shoulders, Midori gave a resolute nod. "Very well. I will go with you and speak my truth before your Council." Her words carried all the quiet strength she could muster, pushing down the fluttering of nerves in her belly.
A ghost of a smile played across Baelor's full lips. "Your courage does you credit. Come, we must not delay. The ceremony is about to begin."
Midori drew in a steadying breath and allowed Baelor to lead her from the chamber.
The doors opened, and Cael stepped into an immense cavernous hall. He walked down the aisle to the center of the room. The weight of its vaulted ceilings and looming archways pressed down on him like a physical force. He swept his gaze across the gathered masses, feeling small and powerless.
On a raised dais at the far end, the thirteen Elders of the Council sat in stern judgment, their wizened faces etched with disapproval. Flanking the central stage where Cael now stood were rows and rows of witnesses—nobles, dignitaries, even common folk allowed to bear witness to this momentous event, the bonding ceremony of a prince.
Cael scanned the assembly, eyes narrowing as they settled on his Uncle Bres. The regent stood beside Cara's father, Xandar, a sly grin plastered across his smug face. Clearly pleased with himself, Bres leaned in to murmur something to the chief Elder, who nodded gravely in response.
Cael's eyes darted between the dour Elders and faceless throngs surrounding him. His heart pounding, he awaited Cara's arrival for the binding ceremony. What twisted lies had his uncle woven to bring this situation about? A bead of sweat trickled down his back as he clenched his fists, fighting the urge to lash out. The only thing keeping him from shouting out the truth was Midori's absence from the room. Cael didn't doubt for a second that his uncle would make good on his disgusting promises.
The head Elder cleared his throat, the sound reverberating through the hushed chamber. "Prince Cael ó'Gormáin, you stand accused of grave crimes against the throne and people of Zyranth." He paused, leaning forward to fix Cael with an expressionless stare. "How do you plead?"
Cael opened his mouth, but Bres cut him off with a raised hand. "If it pleases the Council, I will speak on behalf of the accused." His uncle's oily tone made Cael's skin crawl. "As regent protector, I have unearthed disturbing evidence of Prince Cael's transgressions.”
Bres launched into an intricate web of lies and false evidence, painting Cael as a selfish, reckless heir who pilfered from the royal coffers to fund a debauched lifestyle. With each outrageous fabrication, Cael felt his anger rising. His hands clenched into white-knuckled fists as he fought to maintain composure. Bres was crafting an insidious narrative, and the Council seemed to lap it up, their expressions ranging from shock to disgust as they turned accusing eyes on Cael.
"You have heard the evidence against you, Prince Cael," Xandar stated, his voice like a death knell. "What do you say in your defense?"
A heavy silence fell over the assembly as every eye bored into Cael. He opened his mouth, poised to unleash a furious tirade, to rally whatever shreds of honor and credibility remained on his side. Then his gaze fell on Bres. The regent's expression twisted into a sinister sneer as he made a subtle gesture, a mere flick of his wrist. The implication was clear—defy me, and the human suffers. Cael's blood turned to ice in his veins.
Swallowing hard, Cael forced himself to remain impassive. "I have nothing to say," he managed.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as Cael hung his head, feigning resignation. Inside, his mind raced, assessing angles and escape routes. He had to play along, at least until he found some way to ensure Midori's safety from Bres' reach. Then, and only then, could he tear down his uncle's lies.
Xandar rose and lifted his hands, his face stony. "Considering these revelations, I suggest Prince Cael be stripped of his title as heir apparent, and the crown of Zyranth henceforth given to his offspring. Until such a time when a future heir comes of age, the regent shall remain in power and oversee the duties of the crown."
The hushed murmurs from the crowd faded as the heavy doors swung open once more. Cara glided in, resplendent in a shimmering gown of pale orange with a train trailing behind her. Though her face was a serene mask, her eyes flashed with some unreadable emotion when they met Cael's.
As she ascended the steps to join him on the raised platform, time seemed to slow. Every instinct screamed at Cael to fight, to resist this mockery of a ceremony his uncle had orchestrated. But he remained rooted in place, paralyzed by the sheer enormity of the forces arrayed against him.
Cara took her place opposite him while a holy mother entered the chamber and began the solemn rites. All Cael could do was search Cara's inscrutable eyes, looking for any hint of what role she truly played in this unfolding nightmare. Could he trust what she said the previous evening, or had she been playing him for a fool? Was this her plan all along?
Cael stood frozen, a statue amidst the swirling chaos of the ceremonial chamber. His eyes locked with Cara's, searching for any flicker of emotion beneath her serene facade. But her gaze revealed nothing, only a placid mirror reflecting his own turmoil.
The droning chant of the holy woman washed over him, the ancient words bleeding into a dull roar in his ears. Cael barely registered her wizened form as she moved through the archaic rites, swinging a censor, releasing plumes of pungent smoke. His chest constricted as the bitter haze swirled around him. He struggled to draw breath. It was as though the coils of his uncle's treachery were slowly tightening around his throat.
Cara's hand found his, her soft fingers intertwining with his in the ritual binding. Cael flinched at her touch, his skin crawling at this farce of a union. He wanted to recoil, to tear his hand from her grasp and cry out against this injustice. But instinct warned him to remain still, to play along until he could discern Cara's role in whatever scheme had been set in motion.
The holy woman raised her gnarled hands, uttering the ceremonial call. "Who among you will bear witness to this blessed joining of souls?"
A deafening roar shook the vaulted chamber as the masses raised their voices in response. "I am a witness!"
Cael's jaw clenched at the thunderous affirmation. His gaze swept over the sea of faces, a kaleidoscope of emotions staring back at him—curiosity, pity, contempt. Did they all believe the vile lies his uncle had spun? Was there no one who could see through Bres' deceit?
His silver eyes settled once more on his uncle, a smug grin still plastered across his face. Bres gave an almost imperceptible nod, as if acknowledging his triumph. White-hot anger blazed through Cael at the sight.
The chamber fell into stunned silence as the doors crashed open. All eyes turned to see Baelor striding in with Midori at his side. Cael's heart leapt at the sight of her, safe and unharmed.
Bres' smugness melted into a look of outraged disbelief. "How dare you barge in on these holy proceedings!"
Cael's breath caught as Midori stepped forward, her eyes blazing with conviction.
"I am a witness! I can testify to the regent's abuse of power and his illicit partnership in Lord Krissayr's slave ring."
Chief Xandar stood, holding his hands up for silence from the crowd. "You are not Zyranthian."
"No, I'm a human from Earth. My name is Midori March Moore. I was kidnapped on my way to the planet Rivia and held by Zyranthian guards following the orders of Regent Bres."
"I also bear witness." Baelor's voice rang loud and clear through the hall. "The regent diverted many of the palace guards from our regular duties here to work alongside slavers employed by Lord Krissayr. The regent paid for our silence but also made it quite clear our families would pay the ultimate price for leaking his secrets."
Waves of shock passed through the crowd at Midori and Baelor's words. Doubt and skepticism flickered across the Elders' faces as they processed this unexpected testimony. Bres, however, looked utterly stricken, his bravado cracking.
Cael's gaze slid to the Elders, who leaned in, muttering amongst themselves in hushed tones. Their brows were furrowed, their expressions troubled as they weighed the conflicting accounts laid before them.
At last, the head Elder raised a withered hand, calling for silence. He fixed Cael with an inscrutable look.
"You have heard the grave charges brought against you, Prince Cael. As well as this . . .” he paused, inclining his head toward Midori, ". . . impassioned defense from an outside witness. What do you say in your own defense?"
Cael felt the weight of every eye upon him as he straightened his shoulders, raising his chin in a defiant poise. This was his moment to lay bare the full unvarnished truth before the Council and the assembled masses. He swept his piercing gaze over the crowd, letting it linger on the Elders seated in stern judgment before him. Their furrowed brows and troubled expressions revealed they had been shaken by Midori and Baelor's testimony.
Good. Let them doubt his vile lies.
When Cael at last spoke, his voice rang clear and resolute through the hushed chamber. "What you have heard here is true. My uncle has sullied my father's work against slavery. I've witnessed firsthand the compound the regent has built on Equus. His partnership with Lord Krissayr goes against everything we hold dear on Zyranth.
"I understand why the council originally took a vote of no confidence in my ability to rule when my father died. I acted like a spoiled child. Selfish. Unfit to rule. I understand the Council may still see me in such a manner. However, my uncle cannot be allowed to continue as regent. He is not fit to reign."
Several Elders shifted in their seats, leaning forward with rapt attention. Bres, for his part, had gone ashen, his mouth working soundlessly as he struggled to formulate a rebuttal.
Cara's father, Xandar, rose from his seat, his face etched with grim resolution. He raised his hand, calling for silence in the tumultuous chamber. "I think we have heard enough to render judgment. The depth of Regent Bres' depravity and betrayal of our kingdom's sacred tenets has been laid bare." Xandar's piercing gaze swept over his fellow Elders. "I call for an immediate vote of no confidence to remove this vile man from his position of power."
A tense hush fell over the crowd as the Elders conferred in whispered tones. Though the process was swift, to Cael it felt like an agonizing eternity before the head elder raised his hand once more.
"The vote is unanimous," he proclaimed, his words ringing throughout the chamber. "Bres is hereby stripped of his title and authority as regent, effective immediately."
Cael could not suppress the surge of vindication rushing through him. At long last, his uncle's treacherous reign had ended, his web of lies and manipulation laid bare. He watched as two hulking guards moved to apprehend the disgraced former regent. Bres offered no resistance as they seized him by the arms. His shoulders slumped in defeat, and his eyes were downcast as he was hauled away to the dungeons to await whatever punishment the Elders deemed fitting.
As the guards dragged Bres from the chamber, Xandar turned his focus to Cael. The young prince met the Elder's appraising stare, his heart pounding.
"We find ourselves in need of new leadership to guide Zyranth forward." He exchanged a meaningful look with his fellow Elders before addressing the assembly once more. "I call for a vote to officially reinstate Prince Cael ó'Gormáin to the throne and crown him as our rightful king."
A beat of stunned silence followed. Then, one by one, the Elders raised their hands in solemn affirmation. "Aye." The momentum built, more hands joining until the entire Council had voiced their assent.
Cael stood in numb disbelief as the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers and applause around him. His gaze found Midori's across the chamber. In that moment, everything else fell away—the Elders, the crowd, the weight of his new mantle. All that mattered was her. And he needed her in his arms. Right. Now.
As the cheers swelled around him, Cael closed the distance between them in three long strides. He swept Midori into his embrace, pressing his lips against hers as wave after wave of emotion threatened to overwhelm him. She was here. She was safe.
Cael pulled back slightly, cradling Midori's face in his hands as he drank in her radiant features. Her eyes shone with tears of joy, her full lips curved in a beatific smile. All that mattered was she was his and he was hers, for as long as their hearts would beat.