Cloud Library II

💝💔SCARLET
HEARTS💔💝
{Love and vengeance}

Written by: Mercy Sheidu. 💛💛
Settings: Persia/Greece/Rome.
Genre: Historical romance.

♠CHAPTER 120♠

The court stilled over the Queen mother's presence. She was willing to testify against her own son. If the Caesar was sick and his mind controlled, was the Queen mother also under some kind spell too? The Lords and Ministers were no fools.

"Melville," she called. "It's not too late to admit your crimes and repent."

Melville's laugh was hysterical. When the sound died out, his gaze hardened.

"You've always favored Rho over me. Back then, I thought you were doing it just to earn father's favor but it turns out you've long been lost in your delusion and would even collude with them against me." He turned abruptly to face the Lords and ministers once more. "These are still empty words. No evidence."

"You're so sure there's no evidence cause you thought you've destroyed it. Sadly, you're not as meticulous as you claim to be." Alexander said.

Melville's eyes widened in disbelief when Alexander pulled out the ledger.

"Shocked?" Alexander smirked and tossed the ledger at the prime minister. "There. The evidence you all seek. It contains irrefutable proof of Prince melville's collusion with the enemy."

The minister examined the ledger carefully, passing it on to his colleagues.

"Now, do you dare say there's no proof?" Dina muttered and he scowled.

"Where are those bastards?"

"You mean General Nino and his soldiers? Don't bother, they won't be coming." Alexander smirked.

Just then, lieutenant Zebedee matched in with some soldiers to apprehend Prince Melville.

"You committed treason, attempted regicide and planned to rebel and Seize the throne. There is evidence and witness. Prince Melville, do you plead guilty?"

Prince Melville glared as the soldiers forced him to kneel.

"Your Majesty," Alexander turned to the Caesar. "Speak the word."

They had all been too engrossed in Prince Melville's case to notice that the Caesar had paled. As he opened his mouth to speak, he coughed up blood, chunks of it.


Whispers of what had happened in court echoed throughout the castle and soon, the capital was talking about Prince melville's arrest.

All members of the Royal household except Queen Roseline who was also currently detained, waited outside the Caesar's chambers while the royal physician attended to him. His relapse in court earlier had been met with panic.

When the doors opened and the physician came out, they rushed at him.

"How is he?" Asked the Queen mother.

"His Majesty is fine for now." Replied the old physician.

"For now? What does that mean? Speak plainly." Aladdin frowned.

"Although that miracle pill he took detoxified the poison, his vital organs already took an irreversibly fatal impact. I'm afraid his Majesty has a limited time." He explained sadly.

"Is he conscious now?" The second queen asked and the physician nodded.

"He is. And he demands to see you all."

Slowly, they filtered into the Caesar's chambers to find him laid on his bed, his skin pale.

"Why the dull faces? It's not my funeral yet." Rho's attempt at dry humor didn't work, so he sighed. "I know. I haven't been a great ruler or the best father. I had my limitations and shortcomings and this mess today was entirely due to my lack of decisiveness."

Their heads snapped towards the door when it opened and Alexander walked in with Dina.

"Your highnesses, your Majesty." They both bowed.

"Alexander, how's the situation?" Rho asked.

"Everything is under control, your Majesty. While Prince Melville is behind bars, Queen Roseline awaits trails." Alexander reported.

Rho managed a nod, his gaze zeroing on Dina. He wanted twitched on the bed beside him. All her wanted to do at that moment was to feel her palms in his and apologize for everything but he knew apologies where far from enough. And now, his life was at the end of his rope and there's no way he can make it up to her in this lifetime.

"I met Dorothy by chance." He began and Dina's jaws ticked at the mention of her mother's name. "I was captivated at first sight. She was the gentlest soul I've ever met. Her smile always reminded me of dawn."

Dina held back a scoff. She could help the mixed emotions she felt as he spoke. Irritation, anger, hurt. They coiled up and tugged her heart like a bowstring.

Alexander noticed and subtly took her hand in his, rubbing slow, comforting circle on the back of her palm. It worked. She calmed down relatively as she listened to the man that was supposed to be here father, speak.

"I did loved her." He continued. "I was determined to be with her at all cost, ignoring the difference in our status. But I guess I was too selfish. Even after I was betrothed, I still couldn't let go. Eventually, my father found out and was furious. Even so, I was stubborn. But when Roseline accused me of being responsible for her pregnancy, I frayed. My father threatened to wipe out Dorothy and her family so I had no choice than to succumb and bend to my father's will. But I old realized that Dorothy was pregnant after I'd ended things with her. And shortly, she left and I never heard from her again."

Dina exhaled sharply. And so what? He was forced but that didn't change the fact that because of him, her mother suffered and died during childbirth.

"I know nothing I'll say can justify what has happened, but I do owe you an apology, Dina. And with what's left of this life of mine, I'll like to do everything I can to ease your pain and atone for my absence in your life and all the trauma it caused."

"No need." Her reply came sharper than intended. "I'm willing to let go of my grievances, but here's one thing I don't think I can bring myself to do. And that's acknowledging you as my father."

She broke free from Alexander's grip, turned around and left.


TBC.
Unedited.