Aisha was right. They were indeed discussing what happened at Market Town.

    Everyone seemed to be tense as each had their own opinion regarding the matter, including the King and all the royal ministers present.

    "Shouldn''t we just trust the King about this matter, my lady? Someone might catch on to us. This is a grave offense, my lady," Rosalia tattered as her feet scuffled in their hiding place.

    But Aisha remained undaunted. She wanted to know how the meeting would turn out, so she would know what to do.

    "Five minutes, Rosalia. Then we''ll leave, I promise," she continued to eavesdrop from where they were and put her ears to the curtain, so she could hear more clearly.

    She couldn''t keep her feet grounded in her Chamber anyway. She must do something.

    The King and her may have gotten into a higher level of relationship. He has also said that he would try to open his heart to her. But he might still go back on his word.

    As Lord Lycano said, he would do anything for the throne. And it seemed like the throne was being threatened because of her.

    As much as she wanted to stay and just enjoy her life in Gaea, she didn''t want it at the expense of anybody, especially the King.

    "Forgive me for saying this, your Majesty. But this all started when Lady Aisha set foot in Gaea. We didn''t have any situations of this kind before that. I believe there is a reason why the Great Theos didn''t allow humans in Gaea for a certain period of time," a man who looked like a half-goat said.

    The others in the group nodded their heads as well. Someone even said, "At first, I didn''t say anything about the wedding. But it all happened so quickly. I think the heavens do not approve of this union, your Majesty."

    Some others voiced their opinion as well. But none were in favor of her.

    Aisha drew in a deep breath as she turned her back away from them. She didn''t know if she could handle listening to this anymore.

    Whenever her mom and dad fought in front of her, she would either put a headset over her ears or walk away and bar hop with her friends.

    "You''re right, Rosalia. I shouldn''t have come here. I thought I''m Wonder Woman. Silly me, right?" she said as every word that they say were like daggers thrown at her as if they could see her in the shadows.

    She was about to turn away and walk back when she heard the King''s thundering voice.

    "Do not use my wife as a scapegoat for the true criminal! We are wasting time with tales and groundless rumors. What we must be discussing is finding out the mastermind!"

    A powerful wind force swept through the room. If the royal ministers weren''t able to crawl to the ground, they would have been swept away and torn apart together with the curtains.

    Aisha almost forgot to breathe, bewildered by the sudden display of power in a fraction of a second. It was just a gist of his irritated nerves. What more, if he was not controlling himself?

    She recalled the other times that she has witnessed him use his powers unconsciously. Aisha glanced back at him as she felt surreal for being married to a supernatural being. She suddenly felt awe, fear, and reverence all the same time for him.

    But what astounded her more was how he defended her in front of the pressures in front of him. They all have a point. But he still chose to believe in her.

    Her chin lifted as she felt all her confidence return to her. Rosalia might be right. She could trust the King.

    Now that she was certain that she was on the King''s side, she wondered who the mastermind could be.

    ''Is it Lady Marina, my number one enemy since I first met her? Or Lord Lycano, who felt rejected because I didn''t choose him? Or is there someone else? But why?''

    She was thinking about all these when the royal ministers spoke again after regaining consciousness, "Forgive us for our impudence, your Majesty. We deserve to die!"

    They were all kneeling with their heads on the ground, while the King was doing his best to control his rage for the sake of the people in front of him.

    "I am certain that that man is not working alone. Mobilize the royal guards to search for anyone who is related to that man and bring him to me!" he ordered before standing up and leaving the Throne Room.

    "Your grace is endless, your Majesty," all the Royal Ministers hailed repeatedly as he left the room.

    Only then did Aisha could breathe out normally.

    "T-this is the first and the last time that I''ll be doing this, my lady. Even if you kill me, I won''t join you ever again," Rosalia''s voice quivered as if she was about to cry.

    Aisha bit her lips as she squeezed her shoulders. "I''m sorry for scaring you, sweetie. I won''t do this again, I promise."

    She pulled her out of the hidden place and scurried back to her Chamber when she met the King along the hallways.

    Aisha''s feet froze on the spot. She felt Rosalia''s body shiver as they both gazed at the towering ruler in front of them.

    Aisha felt that Rosalia was about to tell the truth in fright. So she spoke at once. "I''ve been looking everywhere for you, your Majesty. I would like to invite you for a cup of tea if you don''t have anything to do."

    Her lips lifted awkwardly as she cleared her throat to prevent her nervousness from showing.

    Leandro''s brooding face went a little soft as he answered, "Not now, my lady. But please refrain from going out of the Castle for the time being. It is for your own good."

    Then he bowed and quickly left with his royal guards.

    Aisha''s smile turned into a sincere one as she finally understood what staying inside the Castle actually means.

    **************************************

    "Raising the sword aloft is sometimes the only way to make the other side stand down."

    ― Rehan Khan, A Tudor Turk