On Westside Hill

* * *

With a gesture, Charles commanded and Albert gave the King a parchment, bowing to him. It was the testament of the Viscount of Lumbridge. The latter topped off his glass. "Is this proof enough?"

Alexander slammed it on the table. "Do not gloat. It is not an attractive trait."

Charles drank his brandy. He wasn't gloating. He was angry.

They sat in a stateroom on Brand's ship, gathered together in discussion. Lord Denney had indeed been in cohorts with the pirates much to Alexander's chagrin and Charles's annoyance. The testament bore the agreement of both parties under the witness of Lumbridge's greedy, yet spineless Viscount. Charles pitied Alexander.

Against better judgement, the King had decided yet again, against removing his uncle from his title and rendering him penniless for treason. It was not understandable. He had hoped this to be the final straw on the camel's back but had been wrong.

Brand groaned quietly. "I was hoping for it to be a misunderstanding." He groaned aga