Chapter Text
Arthur was becoming less and less fond of leaving Selphia. He knew it was necessary to ensure his trade kept flowing, but at the same time he hated to leave his wife and daughter for such long periods of time, even if he knew the entire town would give their all to keep the pair of them safe. He still couldn't wait to get home and give them both a hug. He longed for his wife’s cooking as well. Or Porcoline’s. Anything might be better with what he was being served in the far away city.
It was his last night away though. He was nearly halfway home, and had stopped for the night only because the Thunderbird he had recently tamed didn’t have the endurance to go much further. He had to settle for a run-down in in a shady village. He tried not to dwell on it, instead reminding himself that it was only for a night. He sat at the bar to eat, all the tables already occupied. He wound up eating something that the bartender claimed was curry rice but looked closer to one of Vishnal’s failed meals. He choked it down with a glass of grape liquor, which took most of the bite out of the flavor.
Arthur tried not to flinch when someone sat beside him. The stranger reeked of alcohol, something the prince couldn’t quite place, and cigarette smoke. His clothes were tattered and filthy, his skin equally so, and his hair looked like it had been combed with fireworks. Arthur tried to keep his examination brief; the stranger would likely notice him if he stared anymore and Arthur had no desire to engage in conversation with him.
“Tonight is gonna be a good night mate. I can’t wait for tomorrow.” Arthur glanced up and realized the stranger was staring at him regardless, though he swayed slightly as he sat.
“I’m glad you have good times ahead.” Arthur replied.
“Mind if I tell you why I’m in good spirits, mate? I’m just so excited I have to share.” A toothy grin would have been present, though 5 were missing in the front so Arthur wasn't sure such a description was fitting. The prince nodded, trying to focus past the toxic breath of his new neighbor.
“I am a Sechs soldier. Loyal servant to the old empire. Proud soldier under Lord Ethelberd. That is until that little bitch Princess Frey from Selphia killed him. But – we’re going to get our revenge tonight. On her and that silly little daughter she has now.” The stranger signaled the bartender for a beer, giving Arthur to convince himself not to panic, or at the very least keep it from showing on his face.
“How are you intending to do that? I heard Selphia has some powerful knights as well as a mighty dragon who would likely fight to protect their princess.” Arthur tried to keep his tone neutral, succeeding only because his experience negotiating vastly less important matters.
“We’re kidnapping them both. There’s no night patrols in that town, just nab them while everyone is sleeping, keep them gagged so they can’t scream for help.” The soldier grinned again, taking a swig of his ale. Arthur nodded, trying to ignore the way his head was starting to feel fuzzy.
“What then?”
“We kill the Princess and leave her before the main door of Leon Karnak. Make her daughter watch before we take care of her too. The Prince is out of town on business, he’ll never make it home on time to warn them.” The soldier hiccuped slightly, “Will you?”
“I… Have to go.” Arthur rose quickly, needing to grab the bar to stay standing as the whole room spun in response.
“I’ll get you to your room, Princey. You have a nice long nap to take.” The soldier’s grin was the last thing saw before his knees went out from under him and the room went black.
When Arthur woke, it was violent. He shot up straight, making the room spin again and barely letting himself reach the trash bin to vomit in time. He retched for several minutes, before wiping his mouth on his sleeve. His head pounded and his eyes hurt in the early morning light. Squinting, he realize his glasses were still on his face. Well at least he hadn't lost those.
Vaguely, he could remember the night before. Part of him hoped it was simply an alcohol induced nightmare. Still he gathered his things as quickly as he could, before returning his key to the innkeeper. He headed outside, glad to find his Thunderbird rested and waiting. He mounted the bird quickly, kicking it into gear.
It took several hours to reach the town. He landed in the square, letting his exhausted Thunderbird wander to the back to the stables to rest among the other pets he and his wife had amassed. It didn't take long for Arthur to realize that the town was too quiet. He ran about quickly, finding that everyone, including Ventuswill, was gone. A peek into the room he shared with Frey revealed a bloody mess. There was spatter everywhere and no furniture was left undamaged after what appeared to be quite the scuffle.
Arthur ran to the back, mounting a silver wolf belonging to his wife. It followed her scent without Arthur even asking, racing away in the direction of Leon Karnak. Thankfully the Silver Wolf made quick work of the journey.
At the very least, he found the town. Everyone was present, but still, staring at something that they themselves blocked from his vision. Arthur dismounted slowly, the sound of his feet hitting the ground causing many heads to turn.
“You!” Forte snapped, drawing her broadsword and bringing the tip to the Prince’s throat in an instant, “You did this!”
“Forte, we can’t be sure.” Kiel pointed out, soft-spoken and eyes red. There were obvious tear tracks down his face. Arthur felt his chest tighten.
“Forte, stand down but do not let him approach. He is under arrest but we cannot execute the Prince of Norad without proper trial.” Ventuswill spoke up, barely lifting her head enough to be eye level to shoot Arthur a fierce glare.
“Arrest? Trial? On what-“ Arthur was cut off by Forte sheathing her sword and roughly grabbing his wrists to bind them behind his back, finally giving the Prince a view of the promise the Sechs soldier had made the night before. Ventuswill was kneeling over the bodies of his wife and daughter. Frey looked like they’d beaten her badly, her nightgown riddled with holes and dirtied, her skin bruised and cut to ribbons. Apparently she hadn't gone down without a fight, but a gaping wound in her chest showed that even with her immense strength she couldn't overcome everything. Luna was clean and fresh looking, like she might simply be sleeping still.
“For the murder of Princess Frey and the attempted murder of Princess Luna.” Forte hissed in his ear.
“Luna is alive?” Arthur’s voice broke slightly with relief. Ventuswill growled slightly at him. “Wait – why am I being accused?”
“Princess Frey was found gripping your notebook with the whole plan written out.” Forte snapped. Arthur blinked, before realizing he hadn’t seen his notebook that morning in his rush to leave the inn. He wondered if the Sechs soldier had stolen it off of him to frame him.
“This is a misunderstanding. I would never! I have witnesses who can place me at an inn several hours away from here-“
“Make your case in front of the judge, Arthur. I may not be willing to begin a war against your father but I do not want to hear your pitiful excuses either. Forte, Volkanon, take him away and jail him in the dungeon. Vishnal, Clorica, accompany them and ensure the King is contacted.” Ventuswill ordered, finally straightening to her full height, “The rest of us will return to town shortly.” All four nodded, finally hauling Arthur away.