CH 207

Chapter 207: Attempt at Miscarriage

It was a promise, a pace made in silence after the two tragedies befalling Arundell’s royal household; one where the Queen Mother revolted against the new king, causing bloodshed, and another of a many few nobles who preferred Count Clovis as their king and attempted to usurp the young king with means of putting the count in the seat of the throne. It was a failure and many blows were exchanged. A pledge was made thereafter wishing for peace between the two parties and prosperity of Arundell.

“The Queen Mother and I acknowledged each other and promised never again to create discord in Arundell, yet His Majesty wishes to break off that pledge? You, who gained all benefits your predecessors worked towards exclusively?”

Because of the civil war and strife caused by the Queen Mother, Count Clovis—the king’s son—was put to the side in succession and deferred to Igor who was to become king. And king he was made. 

This was what Count Clovis was referring to.

Igor let out a light laughter. “If you knew the pledge ever so well, you shouldn’t have schemed nefarious plans while in hiding.”  

The count was ready to burst out in a fit of rage after ‘nefarious plans’ slipped out of the king’s mouth, but before he could retort, Igor tossed a bundle of papers in front of him.

“These were all found in your study. Please, Count Clovis, explain to me why you’ve ordered the servant to report on every minuete action and deeds I’ve done,” Igor prodded.

Count Clovis glared at the scattered papers, wishing it’d all disappear. Gritting his teeth, he lifted his head and shot piercing daggers at Igor.

“I do not deny committing such things. Yes, it’s true. I bought one of the servants to pillage and swindle all and any information inside the palace. However, if you think you’re able to claim I’ve committed treason from this alone, you’re wrong, Your Majesty. Because I gathered this information means nothing. Had I ever used it to threaten you? No, right?”

Igor scoffed. “That’s not entirely true. You did threaten our safety.”

“What do you mea—”

“My wife. You tried giving medicine to my queen, did you not? You aimed to make sure she could not bear children, did you not?” 

Count Clovis’ jaw fell right at that moment. 

His evil deeds began not long after the king and queen celebrated their marriage. Should they manage to produce an heir, the chance of him stealing the throne would be thrown right out the window. So he planned and put it to action he did. He would mix contraceptives in the queen’s meals, he decided.

However, his efforts produced nothing. He bought one of the court ladies with a fat lump of cash and bided his time for an opening window to arrive, but for odd reasons, the medicine and food that was to be served to the queen were always secured at the highest level of security.

He’d never seen anything like it.

The queen’s meals were as tight as security for the king’s own life. He had but no choice but to bitterly give up, and somehow, Igor was well aware of his plans. Cold, impending shivers ran down his spine at the sudden thought that Igor knew and learned of his bold attempts even if it hadn’t borne into fruition.

How did he know?

He remained frozen as ice unable to concoct words of reply.

Igor made a dry smile. “You also schemed together with your mistress, Count Clovis. You used Leticia Olbach, the queen’s half-sister, and her hatred for my wife and planned a way for her to get close to me. Am I wrong?”

The count’s face was drained of color.

“D-did that woman say that? That it was my idea?”

“The wife of Viscount Olbach said that after she approaches and becomes my mistress will she help you become king in the future…”

The bait was easily tossed and the count was hooked, an easy prey.

“N-no! That woman is lying! That was her own words… that she will tempt the king and help me steal the throne…”