Thomas bursts onto the scene with two other men, who had their swords drawn.
"Protect him!" he ordered, and his men stood in front of Cole to protect him from the men's attack.
Taken aback by the sudden interruption, the two other assassins scatter like shadows, trying to flee, but Thomas strikes them mid-sprint, swiftly with arrows.
He hurried to approach them, but then they bit their own tongues and died.
Thomas sighed, annoyed and turned to his men to check on Cole.
"He is dead," one of the men reports after examining him.
Thomas sighed, annoyed and ordered,
"Take his body in."
The two soldiers lift Cole's body and carry him off.
Thomas knee by Missy's body and pinched her chin to check if she was breathing, then pulls her up and throws her over his shoulder and leaves.
Thomas hurried over to Lucas after keeping Missy in the dungeon and Lucas slammed his hand on the armrest of his throne.
"She dared bring assassins into the palace?"
"For a mere servant," Lucas muttered, confirming his suspicion.
Knowing Eleanor's hothead character, he only needed to show a bit of attention to Emilia for her to make a move and right there, she fell into the trap.
"Where is she now?" Lucas asked ,
"Locked up in prison. Should I send men to arrest Consort Eleanor?" Thomas queried.
"No," Lucas answered, and Thomas stared at him, confused.
"If it is that easy to convict her, then I wouldn't wait till now," he said.
The prime minister had the heart of ninety percent of the officials in the court, and trying to capture his only child with a servant's death would be ridiculous.
"Nicholas," he called and Nicholas hurried in.
"Summon Consort Eleanor here instead," he ordered, and the man hurried away the second time to relay the message.
Then turning to Thomas, Lucas ordered again,
"Bring the maid here."
He will see what Eleanor has to say to defend herself.
"Just one more push before the big fish is captured." Lucas muttered, closing his eyes.
---
Eleanor is caught off guard when a summons from the King arrives instead of the news she was expecting from her father's men in the palace, who were sent after Missy and Cole.
Judging by how Missy hadn't managed to return yet, it is easy to guess that Lucas had them already and the thought of that makes her shudder.
Dressed hastily in royal blue, she composed herself and arrives in the King's study room, her expression calm but wary.
"Your Majesty," she greeted and bowed her head lowly, afraid to look directly at his eyes.
"Raise your head," Lucas commanded, his voice sending cold spine to her body.
Slowly, Eleanor lifted her head and Lucas' cold gaze met hers from the throne.
Lucas rises slowly, stepping down from the dais with regal menace.
"Do you know who Cole is?"
Eleanor kept her face blank, expecting his question and fully prepared for it.
"Cole? I believe I've heard the name… perhaps a servant in the outer quarters?" she lies smoothly.
"Your personal maid was caught escaping with him," Lucas told her calmly, his eyes focusing on the space to her far end, and Eleanor followed his gaze to find Missy tied up with a piece of cloth blocking her mouth.
Missy's eyes lit up when she saw Eleanor look in her direction, and she struggled fervently to speak, but her words were inaudible.
Eleanor's heart dropped in her mouth, and she averted her eyes from Missy's immediately.
"Your Majesty, I have no idea about this. I would personally discipline her…"
Lucas didn't let her finish before interrupting.
"Who then would dare to bring in assassins to my palace to kill a mere servant?" he said quietly, but the weight behind his words made her legs weak.
"I did no such thing," Eleanor replied, placing a hand on her chest.
"Your Majesty, I would never dare. I've always been loyal to you."
"So you know nothing about it?"
Eleanor widened her eyes and gasped.
"What? Why would I… Why would anyone assume I had anything to do with it? If someone killed this man—whoever he is—perhaps they meant to target me!"
Lucas chuckles and circles her, his voice dangerously soft.
"You've been in your palace all day. How are you sure he was murdered?"
The question hits her like a slap. Eleanor froze, then quickly bowed her head.
"I… I assumed! You said he was attacked."
Thomas scoffed, and muttered under his breath,
"Lies."
"I swear," Eleanor pleaded, voice trembling,
"I have always devoted myself to you, Your Majesty. From the moment I came to this palace, all I've done is serve and love you. How could you doubt me?"
Lucas stopped directly in front of her, tilted her chin up with cold fingers.
"If you truly loved me, you would not treat my palace like a slaughterhouse," he said, his eyes staring coldly at her.
Eleanor's expression cracked and her lips trembled.
Her heart trembled as she wondered if Lucas had found anything else out.
"But," Lucas continued,
"Since you claim ignorance of the boy's identity, and now he is dead, I won't pursue the issue further."
Eleanor blinked, unsure if she should be relieved or horrified.
"However, you can't escape the punishment," Lucas added with finality,
"Five lashes and a hundred handwritten copies of the servant's rules, and remain confined to your quarters until it's complete. You'll report to Queen Emilia when you are finished."
Eleanor stiffens. Opening her mouth to protest, but fear for her life forces her to curtsy instead.
She is already grateful he is letting go so easily.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
As she walked away with her face pale and fists clenched, Eleanor heaved a sigh outside the hall. Relieved that he is letting her off so easily.
Thankfully, Cole died before he could reveal anything and now, she only had to worry about Missy and get rid of her silently.