A Dangerous Destiny: The Pure One Book I

Chapter Forty-Eight

Frenwick has fallen. Lets see what the other side has to say about that...As both chapters I had within this scene were short I have decided to combine them into one chapter from two different povs. 

--------------------

Teren

When Teren gained admission to the royal study, the High Chancellor was already there, seated across from the King. Neither rose as he walked into the room, but as Teren bowed before him, Henry gave him a small smile.

"Commissioner General," the King said with a nod of acknowledgement. "Thank you for coming. The Chancellor and I were just discussing your report."

Teren nodded standing straight and tall, attempting to ignore the cold stare he felt emanating from Dresden Rearder. Though he had tried to follow Henry's advice and maintain cordiality with the High Chancellor, Teren was still quite certain that the man was not his friend.

"Please, sit down," Henry said, gesturing to the yet unfilled chair beside the Chancellor.

Teren again bowed slightly before approaching and taking his seat. He watched as the King looked to the documents piled put on his desk and picked up a piece of paper with a script Teren recognized as his own.

"It seems from these documents, " he said, gesturing towards his desk, "that we have a problem."

"Not a problem Sire," Teren answered. "An opportunity." He could feel the glare of Dresden Rearder intensify slightly.

"An opportunity?" The High Chancellor replied, not bothering to mask his contempt. "The report you have given speaks of an eminent threat to the King's life. Is that an opportunity you are glad for? One where your Sovereign is threatened by rebel troops?"

By God the man was hostile, Teren thought to himself. Though Lord Rearder's tone remained calm, he was practically accusing him of treason in front of the King himself. As Teren met his gaze he was struck by a loathing he did not believe he had ever felt so strongly towards any other man. He was grateful when he heard Henry laughing softly in response to Rearder's words.

"Peace Dresden," the King said before turning back to Teren. "I'm certain Lord Mather means to explain his assessment of the situation."

"Thank you Majesty," Teren replied with a nod. "As you have read, I have come to learn that the Vox Populi have become aware of the unannounced assembly scheduled in two weeks."

"And how have they done that?" Rearder asked cutting him off, his voice disgustingly smug. Teren faced the man, attempting to control his frustration. 

"I cannot say I know the answer to your question my Lord. Though I have worked tirelessly to do so, it has unfortunately been quite difficult to discern the source of the rebel's information within the Royal City."

"Then it seems you continue to fail at a crucial task. Your report is evidence of that."

Teren resisted the urge to cast a vicious glare upon the High Chancellor. "For that I am sorry and make no excuses my Lords," he said, answering Reader's accusation as calmly as possible. "The assembly is not entirely secret and I can only do so much to ensure members of parliament do not speak of such meetings publicly. In truth, any from the Royal City might have passed along the information. Still, I believe I have found a means by which to solve the problem of the Vox Populi once and for all. That is what I had hoped you might see in my reports."

"Than perhaps I am blind," the Rearder replied. "All I see in these papers is clear evidence of your ineptitude in stopping the Vox Populi from gaining ears within the walls of the palace."