Sir Alistair: gripping his sword, face contorted I can't do it... damn it, I just can't.
I’m sorry. But it’s the king’s order.
slams his fist on the table F**k the king's order! I vowed to protect her, not betray her!
You have always been a loyal knight. I know. And I know it is hard. But you must kill her.
paces back and forth, running a hand through his hair Hard?! Killing my wife?! There has to be another way!
shaking her head, eyes weary There is no other way. It is the only way...
stops pacing abruptly, pointing his sword at Victoria No, Victoria! There is always another way!
What way would that be then?
takes a deep breath, determination in his eyes We need to find the truth behind this! Why is the king so adamant about her death?
Because she killed two princes in the past year.
grabs Victoria by the shoulders, his voice urgent I don't care what she did! We both know she's not entirely guilty.
Do we though? She also attacked you several times.
releases Victoria, clenches his fists Victoria, I've fought alongside her, trained with her! I know her better than anyone!
And? What do you know? She is still guilty.
takes a step closer to Victoria, his voice filled with conviction I know she's driven by something, someone!
I'm sorry, Alistair. Kill her.
tightens his grip on his sword, his jaw set in determination No, Victoria. I won't kill her. I'll find out what's really going on, and then I'll take justice into my own hands.
Sir Alistair begins to secretly gather evidence to prove Eliza's innocence and uncover the true mastermind behind her actions
Alright, Alistair. If you can prove her innocence, then I will believe you.
grabs Victoria by the shoulders, his voice intense Victoria, I will prove her innocence, no matter what it takes!
starts piecing together clues, investigating every ally Eliza had, every potential motive
watching him closely What are you looking for, Alistair?
pauses, looks directly into Victoria's eyes I'm looking for the one person who wanted Eliza to fail.
raising an eyebrow Go on.
starts connecting the dots, piecing together conversations and interactions he had with Eliza's allies There has to be someone... someone who stood to gain from her downfall.
squinting suspiciously Are you implying someone in the court wanted her dead?
nods, a determined look on his face Yes, Victoria. Someone in this very court wanted Eliza dead, and I intend to find out who it is.
Why would they want her dead?
paces back and forth, deep in thought There has to be a reason, a motive. Greed, power, revenge...
looking thoughtful Revenge. Yes, that makes sense. Someone hurt by her actions, seeking revenge.
stops pacing abruptly, a determined glint in his eyes Exactly, Victoria!
nodding slowly Alright, Alistair. Let's find this vengeful person. Whoever it is, they won't like what's coming their way.
starts interrogating Eliza's allies, asking probing questions and scrutinizing their responses
smirking You're getting somewhere, Alistair. Keep pushing.
continues to dig deeper, following leads and uncovering hidden truths about Eliza's past
leaning forward, intrigued You're really getting somewhere, Alistair. Who did you find?
pauses, a serious look on his face Victoria, I have found a lead. There is someone who might know the truth behind Eliza's death.
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones It's her former mentor, the one who trained her in the early days.
raising an eyebrow Her former mentor? That's a start. Where is he now?
narrows his eyes, determined He's been laying low, but I have reason to believe he'll be attending the upcoming royal ball.
smirking Perfect. We'll have a nice chat there. And Alistair, keep your eyes open. This could be our only chance.
nods, a steely determination in his eyes You can count on me, Victoria. I won't let anyone or anything stand in my way.
smiling Good. Prepare yourself, Alistair. The royal ball is in a week. We'll catch this bastard then.
grabs Victoria's arm firmly, his voice tense Victoria, I have a plan.