"Like you always say, it is probably all false anyways. Surely those men could not have had such malicious motives!" Daphne said with hope.

Lila licked her lips nervously. Her friend was right. There was no way they would do such a thing! She was well aware that she had not known them long, but Bartholomew was such a kind and genuine person who seemed had the utmost most respect for the King! So why would he do such a thing?

But then again, that day Lila had seen Bartholomew in the library, she had sensed that he was trying to hide something. She just assumed it was related to family or personal problems, but now she was not so sure. Maybe, as hard as it was for her to admit, they were indeed capable of such actions.

Lila turned to Daphne and pulled her aside for a moment.

"I just cannot believe this has all taken place! We should go and see whether they are in their rooms after we finish cleaning here." She said quietly.

Her friend nodded nervously, also looking concerned. So they continued to work silently, waiting until all the other maids moved on to the next area before they secretly headed off towards the guest rooms.

The guest hall was a very large and extravagant area located in the east wing of the castle on the second floor, and it was absolutely decked in luxury. There was expensive drapes and furniture all along the walls, with large windows facing the scenery outside. She had heard from those who cleaned the rooms that the insides were grand as well.

After a moment Lila spotted a guard nearby. She took a deep breath and casually approached.

"Excuse me Sir, where might I find the rooms of the King's tutors? We are here to clean their chambers." She said casually.

The man frowned, eyeing them suspiciously.

"Go away ladies! This area is currently under investigation so no one is allowed to enter." He replied harshly.

"Oh my, what happened?" Lila asked with fake surprise.

"The men you are seeking were arrested for treason last night. Their rooms and affects are being inspected as we speak." He explained.

Lila felt her heart sink like a rock in the lake. Then the rumors were true this time! But why? Why would Bartholomew be so kind and generous to her if he was just here to murder the King? It didn't make any sense at all!

"This is all so terrible! What an awful thing to hear..." Lila said, not even having to fake the emotion in her voice.

"Well they have been caught, so justice will be done. Now be gone ladies; there is nothing for you here." The guard said a little gentler.

Daphne and her left right away and found a secluded spot to talk. Lila had to hold back her tears of disappointment as they whispered.

"Then it is true! They really were arrested for treason!" Daphne said with shock.

Lila shook her head, still unconvinced. These facts just didn't add up! Her gut was telling her something just wasn't right here. Perhaps they had indeed been faking their kindness all along, easily fooling a simple county girl like her. But what would they have gained from tricking her in that way, by giving her father money for his medicine? It was not as if she had any influence or title, or anything at all to which they could exploit. She could only conclude that Bartholomew's gestures and words had indeed been sincere, and that this must all be some kind of misunderstanding!

******

Westan sat in the corner of his room, scowling terribly. So it was official now! Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson really were nothing more than treacherous liars! Late last night Zaccheus's men had uncovered that they were both actually spies sent from the King of Chivele, and that they were in fact plotting to kill him! At first Westan had hoped it to all be a misunderstanding. But after inspecting their rooms a poisonous dagger and assassination note had been found. It seemed Zaccheus had been right about his instincts towards them after all, as he often was.

His council man had then Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson brought before him as the charges were made before witnesses. Both men tried to deny the whole thing of course, but he had no real reason to believe anything they said with all the evidence being right there in front of him. So rightfully he had them both bound and taken to the dungeon, where all the rest of the wretched criminals belonged!

Zaccheus came back to his chambers afterwards in an effort to console him, but it was no use. Westan felt like nothing more than a complete and utter fool. He had known better than to let his guard down, yet he had ignored such thoughts when it came to them and in doing so he had risked his very life!

"Zaccheus, I am sick and tired of being betrayed by these worthless peasants! How many more traitors must I endure?" Westan said with frustration, pacing back and forth.

The man looked at him seriously. "Your Highness, this is a necessary hardship as King."

"But I never had a choice in being King! I absolutely despise my life. Why can I not live without these cares?" Westan snapped.

"Sire, how will you fulfill your duties living that way?" Zaccheus asked.

Westan scoffed. "Why do I need to handle such things? You do them well enough now without me!"

The man nodded. "That is true, but I am not the King. I still need your permission for many matters. Unless you were to full relinquish such duties to me, I am afraid that you must remain ever part of these dealings, and hardships."

"Can I not simply put you in charge of everything then? Who would even care if I did anyways?" He shouted.

He turned away from Zaccheus and kept pacing around the room in an effort to try and think clearly. Westan just could not handle anymore deceit or betrayal! It was far too painful and frustrating! Especially from good seeming men such as Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson.

"My Lord, I would be quite happy to relieve you of this troublesome burden, but you would have to make my authority official. We could even put it into writing perhaps." The man said.

Westan felt his breath catch. He had said that out of mere anger a moment ago, but was his counsel man seriously offering him the option to give up all these duties for good? To go through his day however he pleased, with no more studies or responsibilities to worry about?

"W-Would that really be alright?" He asked.

Zaccheus came over and put a hand on his shoulder, a wide grin on his face.

"Your majesty you know I am always happy to serve you. Besides, if you cannot handle these duties then I should be the one to care for them in your place." He said.

Westan looked away with shame. Indeed, he was incapable of doing anything right it seemed.

"You are probably right. But, will it really be allowed?" He asked.

The man nodded. "Yes of course, with the proper documents that is. Once it is made official then there will be nothing that can dispute it."

Westan nodded slowly, feeling a strange mixture of relief and sadness. His complaints and struggles seemed so strangely pointless now. He supposed that he just had to accept that no one would ever truly care about him, aside from Zaccheus that is. But perhaps that was the way it was meant to be.