Chapter 5 - The Royal Arrival
Richard spun around, his face draining of all remaining color as three men in dark, crimson-trimmed military uniforms stepped out of the shadows of the pantry corridor, their dress sabers gleaming in the dim light.
At the front stood Commander Vance of the Royal Crown Guard, his expression carved from granite. He held an official royal scroll bearing the Great Seal of the Realm.
“Lord Richard Sterling,” Commander Vance announced, his voice ringing with absolute authority through the subterranean vault. “You are hereby placed under arrest for high treason, illicit arms trafficking, and the attempted murder of the legitimate Duke and Duchess of Sterling.”
Richard stumbled backward, his back hitting the cold stone wall as he stared in utter disbelief at the royal guards. “This... this is a forgery! They are impostors! That girl is a scullery maid!”
“She is Lady Clara Sterling,” Vance corrected coldly, stepping aside as two guards seized Richard by the shoulders and snapped heavy iron manacles over his wrists. “Her identity was verified by the royal genetic seal embedded within the family signet ring three days ago, under our direct protection.”
Julian sank to his knees, clutching the red ledger against his chest as the terrifying weight of the past ten years finally began to lift from his soul. He looked up at Clara, who stood tall and resolute, dusting the soot from the grey maid's dress that had served as her armor throughout her darkest years.
“You knew they were coming,” Julian whispered, tears of relief blurring his vision.
“I sent the royal summons using Father’s emergency code the night I infiltrated the estate,” Clara replied softly, her gaze lingering on her weeping brother with deep, restrained affection. “I just needed to draw Richard out into the open to secure his confession.”
As the guards dragged a screaming, cursing Richard down the dark corridor toward the surface, Commander Vance handed Clara a folded parchment document.
“The estate is officially restored to you and your brother, Your Grace. But your troubles are only beginning.”
May you like
Clara unfolded the parchment, her eyes narrowing as she read the single line written in bold ink at the bottom.
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