Captain Rowan bowed, a folder in one hand. I was very curious what information he had in there. I usually reviewed any paperwork before it hit James’s hands, so it was an odd moment to not know what a folder contained.
“Your Highness, I have a signed confession here from the man who did the deed, as well as a signed confession from the man who ordered it done.” Captain Rowan offered the folder. “The gist of it is, the arson was in retaliation for shutting down Aurora. Lord Plupott was apparently skimming from the top, to the point where he owed massively to the company, and it would bankrupt him if he was forced to repay it all.”
One of Victor’s cronies, no surprise to anyone. But not in support of Victor, but to cover his own ass? Interesting, how little support Victor had now he’d lost his position. People in the palace sure did change sides with mercurial quickness.
Not done, Captain Rowan continued. “It was a massive debt. We cross-referenced to make sure he was telling the truth, and he was. He hoped the factory fire would distract you enough that he could buy time and replace what he’d taken. Or somehow fudge the business reports. He apparently was looking for someone to bribe.”
James heard him out before sighing heavily. “The greed and stupidity of man find new depths to plummet to.”
Sadly, I couldn’t argue his statement.
“And did he find someone to bribe?”
“Indeed not.” Captain Rowan smiled proudly. “In fact, the three clerks he approached were quick to report the bribery attempts. He was actually arrested for that before his minion confessed who his employer was. We have him solidly on both accounts.”
“That’s a blessing. I assume our judiciary branch has it from here?”
“Indeed. They’re hopping mad and ready to wring the man dry.”
“I will send them a note of encouragement.”
A note of encouragement from the favorite prince would make sure heads rolled. I wasn’t in the least bit interested in mitigating that, not when I knew how much pain this situation brought James. A delaying tactic? The asshole had burned down an entire warehouse, threatening the market district, for adelaying tactic?
He’d be lucky to get out of this with his head attached.
James abruptly stood and handed the folder to me. “Forgive me, I feel the urge to murder something. I’ll head to the training yard for a few hours and take my anger out on an object. Captain Rowan, I thank you and everyone who assisted you in the hard work.”
Captain Rowan gave him another bow, his expression one of sympathy.
James squeezed my shoulder as he passed me, heading out of the office. I let him go, knowing that beating up on training equipment was likely the better outlet, but wishing I knew how to divert him or cheer him up somehow.
“He’s pissed,” Captain Rowan murmured, huffing a breath. “I don’t blame him. I’d be mad as hell in his shoes.”
I stared down at the folder in my hands and felt like swearing. “He doesso muchfor everyone else. Why can’t people leave him alone? Is it too much to ask, as a bare minimum?”
“For some people, it apparently is.” Captain Rowan regarded me for a moment and said, rather unexpectedly, “Can I ask a personal question?”
“Uh, well, sure?” I couldn’t fathom what he’d ask me.
“When’s the last time you two had a proper date?”
A startled laugh erupted from my mouth before I could catch and cage it. “That was incredibly direct. Thank you. Most people pussyfoot about my relationship with him. To answer, it hasn’t been long, really. Why? You think a date will fix any of this?”
“It’ll improve his mood,” Captain Rowan said. “He’s always deliriously happy when he can spend time with you.”
Well, he wasn’t wrong there.
“Also, if I can make a suggestion...you do remember today is the first day of the Summer Festival?”
Ohshit, he was right. I’d completely blanked. How I’d managed to forget, I didn’t know. My grandparents lived close to the field that hosted the festivals, and I’d grown up with the sounds lulling me to sleep during the weeks they were held.
Now, James loves a good party, and he was always happy to go on a date, so a festival was a wonderful idea. Just one problem, really. “After what happened, dare I take him into a festival?”
“Myself and Collins will be incognito and trailing well behind,” he promised. “If you want to go, that is.”
The offer was incredibly kind and I seized it. “I’ll ask him. Er, I’ll let him break equipment for a few hours, then I’ll ask him. Thank you, Captain. I love your idea. Hopefully, he does as well.”
I gave James three solid hours in the training yard before venturing out with a glass of water and a slice of lemon, along with a towel to wipe off the worst of the sweat. He wasn’t actively hitting anything when I walked out, instead standing near Dame Temperance. From the looks of it, they’d just finished a sparring session.
