107 Lamb vs. Tiger (1/2)
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, Elmar was dutifully reviewing petitions, when an ominous feeling squeezed his heart, making his chest palpitate with worries.
”What kind of premonition is this?”
He wasn't given time to think more before Holger barged in unannounced with a trembling body and eyes full of fright.
He stumbled toward Elmar, falling on his knees.
”What is the meaning of this?”
Elmar barked upon seeing his disheveled little brother. Droplets of sweat trickled on Holger's forehead as he struggled to muster his strength and regain his composure.
”El-elder brother…bad…”
”Speak!”
”My guard captain…I received news that my guard captain left for house Kracht…on my order.”
”What?”
That simple sentence was enough for Elmar to understand they were getting thrown into a foul ploy.
”Elder brother, please save me!”
Elmar staggered, but quickly, regained his composure.
”Go inform father with the same ardor you've just shown me, and we might be able to come out of this without too much damage. Hopefully, it is not too late.”
Elmar turned into a beam of light and flew toward house Kracht. Leaving behind a dejected, crumbling Holger.
”Elder brother…sorry.”
Holger mumbled while stepping toward his father, the holy emperor's palace.
…
Alarmed by the scream, guests and relatives and servants rushed toward the nuptial chambers by the dozens.
”What the hell is going on? Did something happen inside?”
Similar words echoed within all their minds. Before anyone could barge in, a dejected Wolfgang stepped out, dragging alongside him ”Iliana” who thrashed and wailed, screaming Anselm's name.
”Elder brother, what is the meaning of this?”
Wulf asked, blocking Wolfgang's path.
”I arrived a step too late…a step too late…ahhh…have some men pull out the bodies and give the boy a proper burial.”
Alongside Iliana's screams, those words caused a wave of understanding to flash within the gathered individuals' minds. Clearly, that Anselm boy had been murdered!
And as the servants dragged out the bodies, Anselm's various body parts and head appeared to the public. The gory sight startling many.
It was at that time that Elmar appeared. In a light beam, he descended upon the Kracht soil, stopping right before Wolfgang.
”The crown prince? What is he doing here?”
His appearance took everyone by surprise. No one had expected a representant of the imperial family to appear at this critical juncture. Seeing him, Wolfgang exploded.
”Elmar von Jurgen, you, of all people, have the nerves to appear today?! What? Not content of having my son-in-law murdered, you must also come rub it in our faces? Are you telling us that this is the fate of those who stand in your way?!”