Chapter 55 - (3)

The next few weeks were not calm. Sure enough, fights broke out at the boundaries between the two kingdoms. The Northern Laners could not take the insult and started to fight the Juhntts that were near them and asked for a clear division between the two kingdoms so that they may not meet each other. All this while, the king had yet to call back his court since the incident. The palace was completely silent until an announcement was made; the king will remarry in three weeks. The lady to be queen was not named, but invitations had been sent to other kingdoms.

Most kingdoms thought it a bother to appear, some thought it an honour to be invited to such an event. Society was buzzing again. The king had informed the holy tower that they should prepare for the crowning. The women of society whose husbands were invited started having their dresses made and preparing jewellery for that day. The kingdom was going to wash away the disgrace of their former queen.

Regardless, Lucy lounged around as though nothing was happening. She had received an invitation and so did her father. It was unusual, but those who had heard dared not talk. The things of Lady Wickshire had always been unusual.

"What will you be wearing, My lady?" Taylor and Mrs Muburg perched around like flies till Lucy could not take it any more and sent them away. Only Shilla remain. There was an uncomfortable silence until Lucy sighed.

"What is it, Shilla?" Lucy asked.

"I was wondering, my lady, if you had Walter help in taking down the queen, because she was a thorn in your side or because you wanted Walter and Lady Steinhouse to get closer?" Shilla mumbled.

"Trying to understand me?" Lucy asked and Shilla trembled.

"Forgive me, my lady." Shilla went on her knees.

"People like the queen never bothered me." Lucy answered.

"What about the new queen? Are you okay with the king's choice?" Shilla asked still kneeling. As far as she was concerned. Lucy would not allow anyone take a position unless she was okay with it.

"Do you think me so idle? Who the king marries has never concerned me. This little kingdom has never been in my eyes. As for the new queen; it is probably that woman. That means the king of Northern Lan is in trouble." Lucy answered and Shilla seemed more confused than before.

There was silence for a while as Shilla remained kneeling. She did not know that Lucy Had forgotten about her and was in deep thought.

"Hm. News of that Lord Histel's death should have reached them by now. That Ligrel clan would be moving soon. Walter and Lady Steinhouse's relationship should be moved up to a climax quickly." Lucy whispered thoughtfully.

"Ah... the life of a matchmaker..." Lucy sighed lazily, "That king of Northern Lan is coming, maybe I should use him. His kingdom is as good as fallen at this stage of that woman's plan, anyway. He should be of some use to stall that old man."