The manor's grand hall was abuzz with murmurs, the air thick with tension. Emilia stood frozen in the doorway, Lucas's parting words echoing in her mind. _I'll handle this. Stay close to the manor until I return._
Her father, the Earl of Lancaster, stormed toward her, his face flushed with anger and concern. "Emilia, inside. Now."
Emilia's instincts screamed warning, but she forced herself to move, following her father to a private study off the main hall. The door slammed shut behind them, muffling the din of curious guests.
"What's going on, Father?" Emilia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The earl paced the room, his hands clenched behind his back. "Word's spread about Edward. He's been seen with known rebels. If the crown gets wind of this..."
Emilia's heart sank. Edward's involvement with the rebellion was a gamble, but treason? The penalty for that was death.
"Is it true?" she asked, though she knew the answer.
Her father stopped pacing, his eyes narrowing. "I don't know. But we need to contain this. Now."
A soft knock interrupted them. Lucas entered, his expression grave. "My lord, I've spoken to the messenger. Eyewitnesses claim they saw Edward de Vere meeting with rebel leaders near Blackwood Forest last night."
The earl's jaw clenched. "How reliable are these witnesses?"
Lucas hesitated. "They're men loyal to the crown, my lord. Their word carries weight."
Emilia's mind spun. Edward, what have you done? She thought back to their earlier conversation, his cryptic warning to be cautious. Had he been trying to tell her something?
The earl turned to her, his gaze cold. "Emilia, your brother's actions could bring ruin to this family. We need to act swiftly. Sir Lucas, what's the crown's likely response?"
Lucas's expression was measured. "Given the current tensions, they'll want to make an example. If Edward's involvement is proven, he'll be charged with treason."
Emilia's vision swam. Charged with treason. The words felt like a death sentence.
The earl began issuing orders, his voice clipped. "Lucas, discreetly gather our allies. We'll need to counter these accusations. Emilia, you'll stay close to home until further notice. I don't want you seen in public until this blows over."
Emilia nodded, though rebellion simmered within her. She wasn't about to sit idly by while her brother's fate hung in the balance.
Lucas caught her eye, a silent understanding passing between them. He would help, she could see it in his gaze.
As the earl continued strategizing, Emilia's thoughts whirled. She needed to find Edward, warn him. But where would he go? The rebellion's hideouts were scattered, but she knew one place he often talked about—a hidden tavern on the outskirts of Blackwood Forest.
"I'll speak with the household staff," Emilia said, trying to sound compliant. "See if anyone's heard from Edward."
The earl nodded distractedly, his focus on Lucas. "Good. Be careful, Emilia. We can't afford any... complications."
With a curtsy, Emilia slipped out of the study, her heart pounding. She needed a plan, and fast. The forest tavern was risky, but it was a start.
As she reached the hallway, a soft voice stopped her. "Lady Emilia?"
Isabella emerged from the shadows, her expression worried. "Did you hear? About Edward?"
Emilia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to find him, Izzy. Before the crown does."
Isabella's eyes widened. "You're not going out there alone, are you? It's not safe!"
Emilia's resolve hardened. "I have to try. Can you help me?"
Isabella hesitated for a split second before nodding. "I'll distract Father's guards. Meet me at the east stables in ten minutes. And be careful—if they're watching us, they'll be waiting."
Emilia squeezed her cousin's hand, gratitude and worry mingling. "Thank you, Izzy."
With a quick nod, Isabella melted into the crowd, leaving Emilia to prepare for a dangerous night ahead.
Ten minutes. Could she gather enough courage to defy her father's orders and risk everything for her brother?
Emilia slipped into the shadows, her mind racing with possibilities. She'd need a horse, supplies, and a solid alibi to slip away unnoticed.
The night was young, and danger lurked in every shadow. But Emilia was done waiting.