Reject Sera's Offer

"I'm sorry, but I really should be getting ready for the feast tonight." You nod politely and an expression of annoyance crosses her face before you turn and leave her.

You aren't exactly sure, but there was something not quite right with her. Wanting to go with you to the feast is one thing, but she should have known that King Claudius was going to offer his daughter's hand in marriage to you and how inappropriate it would be for you to show up with a date. It should have been the talk of the courts for week. Not exactly a private affair.She was also quite eager to get you to someplace private and looked more angry than disappointed at your rejection.

The pieces slowly begin to fall into place in your mind. Perhaps Lady Sera's intentions weren't exactly...Friendly and to get you alone and out of the well-traveled halls, but you are alone right now and your back is turned to her. A chill goes down your spine and you whip around quickly and just in time to see Sera rush at you. A brief glint of a dagger in her hand catches your eye as she raises it and attempts to stab it down into your chest. You grab her wrist with both of your hands in a **** attempt to save your life and shout, "Guards!"

Sera attempts to **** her blade down closer to your body, but you manage to push back against her. You aren't exactly strong, but definitely stronger than she is. Adrenaline pumps through your body and with a grunt you push her back. She stumbles and you both go tumbling to the floor with you on top. Her expression turns to despair as your overpowering of her becomes clear. "No....Die! Fucking bastard!" she shouts to no avail.

She continues to wiggle and squirm under you as the guards come flooding into the room. It isn't long until the situation is resolved. Sera gets taken into custody and you're given time to calm yourself down from the experience. You have never truly been in such a deadly dangerous situation and your heart is still beating hard when King Claudius comes. He puts a friendly hand on your shoulder, "Bryce. I am truly sorry for this. You aren't hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine..." You breath.

His grip tightens on your shoulder. "There's no doubt in my mind that Sera was working for that cunt Eria. Her room will be searched and Eria questioned." He gives a defeated sigh, "Although I doubt that we will find anything. That countess is clever enough not to leave any loose ends."

"Can't you take her into custody anyway? We both know that Eria was behind it. I heard her disdain for me just as much as you did." You know the answer before you finish, but it had to be asked.

Claudius pats your shoulder. His heavy hand almost pushing you off-balance. "You know how it is with Feudal Rights. If i went around imprisoning my vassals, they would rise up in arms against me. I'd be labeled a tyrant. Despite both you and I knowing of her complicity, we need to find some kind of proof first."

You turn to him and nod appreciatively, "Tell me if you find anything. I need to prepare for tonight."

"Hmm...I'll be sure to post extra guards. You have my word that you'll be safe, but Bryce. There is one more thing to discuss. Regicide -even attempted regicide- is punishable by **** in both Phebis and Itheria. That girl tried to kill you, The King of Itheria in my halls. So I'll leave it to you. Would you rather leave her here to face the laws of Phebis, or take her home with you to face the laws in Itheria. Her life is forfeit either way, but you may find...other means of punishment that do not involve **** if you wish."