CHAPTER 169: THE PALACE COURT 2

Ashen’s eyes swept the court, catching every flicker of unease among the officials seated in the grand hall.

He could feel the tension pressing in, like thunder gathering before a storm. Courtiers whispered to one another, some daring to look at him with open disdain, others avoiding his gaze as if he carried a curse.

Their unease was not just about the tax ledger. It was about him. They had never liked him, never wanted him in this hall, and now they were sharpening their teeth for his fall.

Adam’s voice broke across the chamber. "Father," he said loudly, with a bow that dripped with false respect. "I regret to inform you Ashen has lost the ledger.... He is my little brother after all, I know him."

The court gasped. Murmurs spread quickly, scandal rolling like storm clouds.

Ashen turned slowly, his face calm though his pulse hammered. He met Adam’s eyes. "How can you say I lost it," he asked in an even voice, "when you don’t even know when it came into my hands?"

For a moment, Adam’s face flickered with surprise, but he covered it with a smirk. "You are my brother, Ashen. And we all know you have never been responsible for documents. Perhaps you misplaced it."

A few courtiers chuckled, sharp and cruel. Their laughter was false but meant to sting. Ashen’s snicker knew this tactic would paint him as careless, humiliate him, and strip him of his place.

"Well.. Father..." Ashen let out.

"Yes, I had lied that I didn’t come with this ledger but I have my reasons because I wouldn’t want every single lord to be present when we go through this. I just want the people who are associated with it to be with us."

King Aden’s voice thundered. "Enough!" The whispers fell silent.

His gaze moved from Adam’s smugness to Ashen’s calm face.

"Ashen, you may speak. But be brief. Who remains in this court as you explain?"

Ashen bowed his head. His voice was respectful, but steady. "Only Adam and Lord Carlos should be present Father. Everyone else may leave."

Everyone exchanged glances and King Aden’s voice boomed, "You may all leave!" The nobles all rose and filed out.

King Aden leaned forward on his throne, staring at his son. "Now, Ashen. What is this about?"

Ashen took a deep breath.

"Father, as I was saying... the ledger contains irregularities. Evidence of embezzlement by several officials. I did not want to accuse anyone without proof, but it is serious and cannot be ignored."

The king’s brows furrowed. "And you are certain of this?"

"Absolutely. I can provide every detail.." Ashen let out pulling out a ledger from his robe leaving Lord Carlos and Adam confused.

Before King Aden could reply, Adam stepped forward quickly, his voice full of false confidence but edged with fear.

"That cannot be the real ledger... with you, are you saying Lord Carlos is for fraud. I am certain it is not the one given to him!"

Ashen’s eyes narrowed. He could almost taste Adam’s fear.

King Aden turned to his eldest. "Why would your brother say such a thing, Adam? Ashen, is this the correct ledger?"

Ashen tilted his head as if puzzled. "I cannot say why he doubts it, Father. This is the ledger I received. Perhaps you should ask him."

The king’s interest sharpened. "Adam. Explain yourself... Why act like you are to be suspected?"

Adam stammered, caught off guard. "I... I only mean it looks different. Perhaps he has a copy, that is all." Adam was in a state of confusion, he had the ledger with him but he couldn’t even tell that he had gotten the ledger because of the means he had used to get it.

King Aden rose from his throne, descended the steps, and took the ledger into his hands.

His thumb brushed the embossed royal seal on the leather cover. His face darkened. "This bears the royal stamp. It is genuine. Adam.. explain yourself."

Adam’s face turned pale. "I.. I don’t know how it got there..."

Ashen smirked faintly, his voice calm but sharp. "Perhaps you should trust me more, Adam. Or would you prefer I explain its contents to Father right now?" Adam’s jaw clenched, but no words came.

The king turned to Lord Carlos who stood quietly. "Lord Carlos. Verify this ledger."

He immediately stepped forward, nervous but obedient. He examined the pages carefully. After a long silence, he raised his head. "Yes, Your Majesty. This is the correct ledger."

The king sighed, heavy with disappointment. He closed the book with a snap. "Very well. Adam. Lord Carlos. Leave us. This matter will be settled between Ashen and me."

Adam’s mouth opened to protest, but one look from his father silenced him. His face burned with rage as he turned and stormed out, and Carlos followed quietly, his eyes flickering with unease.

The doors shut once more. Only father and son remained.

King Aden fixed Ashen with a grave look. "Now, tell me the truth. What have you found?"

Ashen drew in a deep breath, steady though his heart pounded. "Father, the funds meant for the army, the people, the kingdom’s welfare, are being stolen. Hidden under false accounts, redirected into private manors and the signatures belong to the crown prince and one more person you have trusted for years."

The king’s face darkened, his jaw set tight with anger.

"I held my silence because to accuse them in public would bring chaos. I would like you to have the ledger with you but fool them I still have and you will see how they would want to get it from me with several attacks."

The silence after his words was long as though the chamber itself held its breath. King Aden looked at him, as a long breath escaped his lip, this was no longer the Ashen he knew.

"Write it all, Ashen. Every name, number, deceit. Place it in my hand. I will see it myself."

Ashen bowed deeply, "As you wish Your Highness." With this Ashen left and the secret cloak man walked out.

"I really don’t know who to trust again... time is getting nearer.." King Aden let out.

"As much as you no longer trust the Crown Prince... He is not to be trusted either... but... I suggest you find ways to increase his importance in this realm... Along with his wife." King Aden let out another frustrated sigh.