[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/seHu1lv.png[/img][/center]

[color=0072bc]Location:[/color] In the alleyway by the Damien Estate

[hr]

Calbert stood over his daughter's dead body, now covered with a sheet and the ax removed from her head. Violet's body had been there for [color=8493ca][b]ten minutes[/b][/color] before being found. The guard had come to his estate to fetch him. His usually cold blue eyes swam with heavy emotion. The sight he had beheld had broken his heart. It felt as if he had died then and there.

Yet he made no sound. 

There were guards on each side of the alleyway, doing their best to keep others from entering. Some were nearby, murmuring and discussing the situation. He knelt down and put his hand down on Violet's arm through the sheet. She was so cold that it sent shivers up his spine.


Her life flashed before his eyes. First, a little girl with black hair ran through a meadow toward him as she giggled. Calbert had taken her up in his arms and swung her around. Then, he saw a teenage Violet as she peacefully read a book by her bedroom window. Flashes of her at all different ages continued to haunt his mind. 

[color=0072bc][i] After everything... My nightmare has come true.[/i][/color]

Every precaution, every idiot he manipulated to get where he was, had it all been for nothing? 

Others, who had known him well enough, had told him time and time again that he had everything he could ever want. Even Queen Alibeth herself had asked him why he kept pressing on the way he did.

[i]Why fight for more?[/i]

[i]Why seek more?[/i]

His lip quivered as he stared. He pulled her body into his arms, mildly aware of the kingdom guard standing by him.[color=0072bc]"This is why, Violet."[/color]He whispered to her as he clutched her, [color=0072bc]"You were why I did it. All of it..."[/color]His voice broke, and a sob escaped him, [color=0072bc]" I just wanted you to be safe. To have everything... "[/color]

[color=0072bc][i]I would have [i]slaughtered[/i] the damn lot of them if it meant I could keep you. 

I would have shoved both Lorenzo and his Lottie right off a cliff. 

Poisoned King Edin and every one of his moronic children.

Murdered that Roman fool who thought he had a chance with you.

Strangled that Kazumin right where he stood.[/i][/color]

His eyes flashed as a thought crossed his mind.

[color=0072bc][i]Who did this? They... They will suffer more than anyone has ever suffered before. I will-...[/i][/color]

His face contorted with pain, misery, and fury all at once as he shut his eyes and hung his head.

[color=lightgreen]"I have to tell King Edin of this, sir."[/color] 

Calbert waved his hand, his voice hoarse as he answered,[color=0072bc]" I understand... However."[/color]

Crystal's adorable smiling face took over his vision.

[color=0072bc][i]No. Not her too.[/i][/color]

He could just imagine the way she'd shut herself away. For weeks. Maybe months.

There was no way he would let this sabotage her happiness and chance at a husband.

Their chance for her to marry a prince and secure safety was so close. 

He had to keep trying for Liliane and Crystal's sake.

He kissed Violet's head and looked up at the guard, [color=0072bc]"I want this covered up."[/color]

The man in armor stared, perplexed.

[color=0072bc]"We will tell all Violet was sent away after tonight's behavior at the ball. My other daughter... She cannot handle this in her state of health. She just finally was able to leave the house and-."[/color] He clutched his fists and then got to his feet. [color=0072bc]"I will tell her eventually as well as everyone else, so I can give my Violet the funeral she deserves."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"But I need a little longer. I'll tell King Edin myself. ... [i]Please.[/i]"[/color]

Calbert met his eyes, his tone firm as he got to his feet and met him eye to eye. [color=0072bc] "Continue whatever investigation you have to. Inform who must be informed. This must not be public knowledge. "[/color]

His advisor Henry slowly emerged from the background, the guards moving to the side to let him pass as Calbert nodded his approval of him. Henry immediately asked if there was anything he needed.

Calbert was silent, then he said quietly to him, [color=0072bc]"Lady Charlotte and her friend have just gone into the tavern here. Find a way to keep them in there for the night so they halt their game. There is a killer in Sorian. More importantly on that note, I will need Crystal located and brought home immediately."[/color]