After that, the session was dismissed. No one approached Charlton, either in fear of getting embroiled in what's happening, or just plainly understanding that he wanted to be alone that instance.

On the other hand, Charlton tried to stop himself from wallowing in despair. He had to think. Right now, this was already the best outcome. Although island Lerise was a secluded island where political prisoners were sent and didn't allow for visitations, he knew that the punishment was already merciful enough as is. The conditions in the prison were bad, and it was the place of nightmare especially to the commoners who were thrown to the dungeons in the lower floors. However, he knew that more likely than not, his father would be placed on a better cell on the upper floors.

The more pressing issue now was him leaving the capital to prove his father's innocence on the account of treason. He had to stay strong not just for himself but also his mother. Gods, his mother. He had to get home now and tell her.

He walked out of the house and rode the car he and his father used earlier. The driver asked where the grand duke was. He shook his head, and just told him to drive.

Inside the car, he thought of many things, like what he needed to do in preparation for leaving tomorrow. How and why the document charging his father come to light. Why it had to happen now.

Then he remembered… Gods. What about Serena? Would she think he really abandoned her?

The timing of the events was really fantastical. But what can he do? These events were beyond his control. Who would have thought that his father did commit said crime in the past and it would come to haunt him today? Clearly even if there's some conspiracy going on against his father, which he was positive that there was, it just so happened that it transpired on that day.

He sighed. Although Serena seems to be acting strange and he wants to solve that predicament, he knew she was strong, and she has her family to support her. On her pregnancy, it might just be false alarm and even if she was pregnant… He shook his head. He loves her and trusts that she loves him too. When she finds out why he left, she would understand. That is if she didn't mean what she said that night. He could only hope that she waits for him.

His father, his mother, they have no one else to rely on that moment but him.

It's not a matter of choice, but if it was, he can only feel guilty to Serena.

--

When Charlton arrived home, his mother was quick to notice that his father was not with him. Her eyes flooded with tears and Charlton quickly went to embrace her to calm her down. When she stopped crying and bawling, he started to tell her everything verbatim.

Georgina was shell shocked. She has never been much for politics, but even she understood that there's someone out there who's targeting their family. The question was who. She discouraged Charlton from leaving the next day as it may be a trap.

Charlton felt like there may be some truth to his mother's words, but it's not like he has a choice. Also, he had to put his faith on the king. For if he wanted to get rid of their family, he would have done so earlier in the house of lords. That is, if he's the one behind it. No need to play with them and have him prove his father's innocence.

Now, on the who's behind this, perhaps he should analyze on the why. Why did they have to do this?

There were two possible reasons why this was happening. One, someone holds a grudge against his father, and it was just coincidence that it led to this. Two, someone was trying to win his family over to one faction or did not win his family over to their faction and thus were trying to get rid of them.

If it's the first reason, then there were too many suspects. It's not like he doesn't know that his father was hated. Could it be Duke Winston who opened up the topic the other week? Or maybe the minister of justice himself who presented the document?

If it were the second reason, there were only 3 primary suspects. Geoffrey, Frederick, and the radical faction. However, with how everything played out earlier, it seems like the main suspect leans towards Frederick, but he doesn't seem smart enough to come up with a plan as intricate.

In the end, he can only shake his head. No point pondering as all he can do now was to extinguish those rebels to prove his father's innocence.

--

Serena was having dinner in the dining room with her whole family, blissfully unaware of what just transpired earlier in the house of lords. Anyway, Her mother arrived that afternoon while her father arrived with Leonard after attending the court session.

After Charlton left that night, she has been depressed. The next three days had her wallow in that and many times, she just wanted to end her life. Although she knew she did wrong, Charlton also did not even try to ask her why or anything. He just left. It was the most painful thing for her. That he chose to leave her in her weakest.

On the 4th day, which was yesterday, Geoffrey visited. She felt guilty towards Geoffrey. He has been nothing but kind and considerate towards her, and she knew that she lied and went behind his back. She felt disgusted with herself that she even considered using him.

"Serena?" Celine called when she saw her daughter spacing out. It was very uncharacteristic of her.

"Yes mother?" Serena replied as she looked at her mother.

Celine smiled and repeated her question. "So, how have you been these days? You seem to have lost weight."

"Mother, I'm doing just fine. I'm dieting so it's good that I lost weight." She replied with a smile as she tried not to make them worry. She was feeling better today. Last night, she was able to sleep for 7 hours straight. Definitely an improvement from the previous days. Her body also stopped aching the other day. However, her morning sickness got worse.

--

TBC