Ynnefer was proved to be not guilty and hence the rebels reluctantly backed down.
Some rebels were sill working in shadows but for the time being, they are not a threat.
"Judging from you face, I think we won right?"
Ran says when Ynnefer and Aldric arrived their manor.
Patriarch behind her approaches the them.
"Ran Bloodrune, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"Its my duty as her servant, lord patriarch." Ran replies respectfully bowing before him.
Now that they won, all Ran needed was to wait for them to start investigation.
"Don't worry Ran I swear I will help you."
Guessing his concern Ynnefer says in respectful manner bowing her head.
Ynnefer never truly bows to anyone but Ran became her exception. Her bow is filled with respect, admiration and affection.
"Thank you for your sacrifice, Ran. I hate to say it but I need you to lay low for now."
Aldric says in low deep voice.
He nods before the party enters the manor.
Now she was direct heiress of the throne. The coup ended with her flawless victory and civil war was avoided through conference.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Lady Ynnefer, lord Osiris has visited for your audience."
A servant says.
'Osiris? what does he want? Now that I think of it, he was absent in conference hall.'
"I will be there."
She replies and heads to the the entrance.
There Osiris was talking with butler of Valmont household.
"Lord Osiris, would you mind giving me the reason for your sudden arrival?"
She inquires approaching him.
Osiris curves a small smile in his cheek and replies.
"I am here to discuss important matter with you."
He says.
"Okay, please follow my lead.", she says.
Ynnefer leads him to the meeting hall.
"Now that we are alone, let's continue."
"Lady Ynnefer, You are the reason for attack right?"
He says with a sly evil smile going straight to the point. His eyes confidently looking at hers.
"Surely you jest, I am already proved not guilty Lord Osiris."
"Don't kid with me Ynnefer. I know the identity of the foul one. I also know that he is your servant."
"You must be misunderstanding."
She says waving her hand trying to brush off the topic.
Osiris gives a threatening smile.
"Lady Ynnefer, who was that man?"
He inquired folding his arms.
"What do you mean?"
"Who was the man who danced with you wearing that mask?"
'Shit!'
This was the only thing that was not planned by them. It was an unexpected event that just happened out of nowhere.
"I..... don't know."
"Hmm? What a pathetic excuse! Then may I call your servant Ran?"
*Gasp*
Her eyes widen in shock as she looks down in defeat.
"You are out of options dear Ynnefer."
She sighs and looks at him again.
"What do you want? You purposefully didn't attend the conference right?"
"Bingo!"
He continues.
"I am an opportunist after all-"
"Quit your rambling. State your desire."
He initial respect and smile were gone. She was back to her real self.
"I want to marry you, miss Ynnefer and annex your territory into Skyford."
She could not deny at all. If she denied then he might give his testimony and cause another civil war which will inevitably be the cause of their fall.
"You will lose your territory even if you disagree. What do you say?"
Checkmate!
"I...."
Gritting her teeth she reluctantly agrees.
"I accept."
"Good decision Miss Ynnefer. The marriage will be held next month."
He stands up stretching his body.
"I will go talk to your father now."
"No need. He is asleep. I will inform him."
Ran entered the room when he saw Osiris departing with a weird grin in his face.
He entered the room only to see devastated Ynnefer sitting depressed,
"Ynnefer!"
He calls out. No respect. No formality. Just full of affection.
"What happened? Tell me."
He says holding her hand. After a brief moment she replies.
__________
Ran sighs when he hears the issue.
'I guess it's my fault to intervene in the first place.'
"Don't worry I will figure it out somehow. This matters to me as well after all."
He puts his arms around her body. Slowly holding her body in his embrace.
"Leave it to me. You have done enough. I will handle the rest."
* * * * * * * * *
Few weeks have passed and the news of marriage between the two families have spread like a wildfire.
"Insolent daughter how much will you disappoint me?"
Aldric scolds Ynnefer in loud voice breaking the glass he was holding in anger.
He was kept dark about all these as Ynnefer decided to not cause him further stress.
"Hearing the news not from my own the daughter but servants has given me highest level of disrespect. Do you have any idea how angry I am?"
"No matter what I am still a patriarch. A decision is being made without my permission? Do you think I will accept such disrespect?"
*Cough cough*
"In the quest of protecting the bloodline, you have ruined it. Not only have you agreed to marry but also agreed to annex the territory."
"I was doing it to buy some time."
She says in poker face. Her voice very calm.
"What do you mean?"
"You are ill so I figured not to involve you in this dispute. You will only suffer if you involve yourself in this mess. Please father believe in me. No, believe in Ran. He is up to something"
She replies her eyes almost moist, face full of anxiety and it feels like she will cry the next moment if he pressed further.
He sighs regretting his outburst.
"You are my only family daughter. All other kins are against us. I lost both my son and wife. I don't want to lose you daughter. This is your last chance. This mess is caused by him so tell him to resolve this quickly."
Ynnefer's eyes moisten almost dropping a tear. She holds it back turns away and leaves the room without saying anything leaving the old man alone.