Book 2: Chapter 99: A Dangerous Pedestal
Eleanora would have been less surprised to see a cal seated comfortably beside the Dowager rather than Lady Maura. Worse yet, the half-blood had shed her hesitant deanor entirely. This other Maura who sat facing a room of nobles had a proud, confident deanor as she surveyed the Dowagers guests with an expression of arrogance.
Where does that little vixen find the nerve? Isabella hissed, having noticed the sa offensive sight. She ought to be shivering in the corner of her prison cell.
Isabella, Alastair growled as he took Eleanoras arm and nodded towards the corner of the tent where a pale Percy and extravagantly dressed Serilda stood close together, gazing in their direction. We should go and greet them.
What? Eleanora turned towards her father in surprise. What do you an. They should be coming to greet !
Eleanora, Alastair hissed with restrained impatience and then lowered his voice. When it cos to Lafearas Covens, they dont care where you sit on Lafearas throne. They will never pledge allegiance to anyone other than a Witch King and Queen.
Thats absurd, Eleanora retorted quickly. They bow before Nicholas all the ti!
For appearances only, Alastair replied with narrowed eyes and a cautioning motion for Eleanora to lower her voice. Do bear in mind that it was a mber of one of Lafearas covens who threw King Henri from the palaces fortress walls.
The crown princess blinked rapidly and gripped her fathers arm tighter as Lord Alastair turned her in the direction of the Earl.
Crown Princess Eleanora! the Dowager called out from her throne-like chair as she and the rest of the nobles looked towards Eleanora and her parents expectantly. Are you not going to greet ?
Alastair cleared his throat and gave Eleanora an affirming nod as he corrected their course. The Crown Princess did her best to ignore the unpleasant sight seated beside the Dowager as father and daughter stepped forward to bow and curtsy before the Dowager.
Greetings, Queen Regent.
Grandmother.
Good, now that all necessary parties are here, Octavia said brightly as she turned away from Lord Alastair and Eleanora to face the gathered nobles around her. I have an important announcent to give before the funeral is underway.
There were a few mutters, but for the most part, the nobles remained silent and grim, as if expecting the worst.
What on earth has she summoned us all here for? Eleanora wondered nervously as she rose to her feet beside her father and glanced to where Nicholas stood beside the still seated half-blood, conversing with Maura quietly. And when did they get to be so close? I still havent had the chance to ask Nicholas why he summoned Maura to his palace after curfew.
As most of you know, I submitted an official request to make Lady Maura my goddaughter early this morning, Octavia continued as she gestured towards her grandson. Nicholas straightened but remained firmly beside Lady Maura.
That request is still up for discussion, Pri Minister Attwood replied with a hint of unease. There are many other pressing matters which the House of Lords must deal with first given recent events
Your excuses were neither requested nor are they necessary, Octavia interrupted him sharply with a cynical smile. I made the request simply to be polite, not because I am required to by any Lafearian law.
A sudden silence fell over the room as the audience of councilors quickly grasped her aning.
Your Grace, Borghese stepped forward with a grim expression. With all due respectand before this goes any furtherI must protest. The child in question is a half-blood!
She is not even a noble! grumbled Viscount Kendall.
Perhaps if the lady were at least married to a suitable noble family, suggested Lord Enfield.
I see, Octavia murmured as she turned from the nobles to approach Lady Maura. Although the House of Lords did not publicly refuse my request, their position on the matter has been made abundantly clear.
Your Grace, Marquess Winifred said as he too stepped forward to address the Dowager. It is rely a matter of properly investigating Lady Mauras past and character. After all, we also only recently learned that the Crown Princess removed Lady Maura from her post and had her arrested.
Several eyes turned towards Eleanora, who retained her defiant pose as she ignored the nobles and focused instead on Nicholas. Sohow the look of disapproval in her husbands eyes did not surprise Eleanora.
Why? Why choose her over
of all people, Nicholas? Im your wife. You ought to be taking my side!
The Crown Prince looked away first as he turned his attention back to the Dowager.
So thats how it's going to be? Youre going to side with a half-blood over
now! Eleanoras grip tightened around Alastairs arm, and her father glanced down at her worriedly.
As I have already stated, my request was rely an empty gesture of respect, Octavia continued with a coy smile as she turned to face the nobles once more. Now, I will tell you exactly what I will do.
Tell uswhat exactly? Lord Acheron asked curiously from beside the Pri Minister.
That I am officially adopting Lady Maura as my grandchild, Octavia replied to the mingled gasps and protests around the room.
Your Grace! Borghese protested as he strode forward to face the Dowager directly. You cannot
Octavia's ice-blue eyes flashed as she raised a hand sharply to cut him off. Do you, Marquess Borghese, presu to tell a ruling monarch what I can and cannot do? Her words were quiet, but they echoed around the room as Borghese clamped his mouth shut and hastily bowed.
I ant onlythat this half-blood is of no relation to the Havardur royal family
I think we can all agree on that! Octavia replied smugly.
She cannot possibly inherit the throne, or any other title related to the royal family, Borghese continued hesitantly, his gaze narrowing in suspicion at the Dowagers sudden agreeability.
Dear Marquess, Octavia murmured with a chuckle. I never said I would make Lady Maura a princess. But as my grandchild she smiled and extended a hand towards Lady Maura, who rose obediently to take it, surely the title of Duchess of Bastiallano will do since I have no other children to inherit my ancestral lands.
Saints preserve us! A voice whispered from sowhere in the crowd behind Eleanora, who turned to her father out of confusion.
What is Bastiallano, Father?
Hush, Eleanora, Alastair said tensely, his gaze focused on the Dowager and Lady Maura.
But Borghese appeared to choke on his words as the nobles around him turned to one another with expressions of disbelief. Surely those lands now belong to the crownto Lafeara!
Actually, Pri Minister Attwood stepped forward with a courteous nod to the Dowager. King Henri returned those lands to her Grace shortly after he took his fathers throne. They have remained the sole property of the Queen Regent ever since.
Butfor a half-blood to beco a Duchess! Earl Coldwell whispered with a suspicious glance directed towards the Earl of Hawthorne seated quietly at the back of the tent. The lands of Bastiallano provide more than half the grains which feed his Majesties army.
Not to ntion the military forces of Bastiallanos armies, added Viscount Kendall. Surely that much power can not be passed on to so beggars child.
Careful, Viscount, Octavia said sharply as her ice-blue eyes narrowed in on the offending nobleman. That is my grandchild you are insulting.
Kendall blinked as if sohow caught off guard by this remark then stepped back behind Marquess Borghese.
The lands of Bastiallano will continue to provide supplies to Lafearas armies as we always have, Octavia replied with disinterest. As to Lady Mauras parentage, must I really trace back each and every one of your family trees? She raised a sharp brow as she stared down Borghese. The Marquess bowed again before he gripped his cloak in silent anger and stepped back in defeat.
The position of Duchess still requires the blessing and approval of the King, does it not? Earl Percy called out hoarsely from his corner of the tent. Im not sure if a temporary Regent has the power to make that appointnt, even if you are permitted to adopt the noble in question.
Eleanora sighed in relief as Octavia appeared to hesitate for a mont at the unexpected protest. At least Percy can still see sensethough I am rather surprised, given how such a title would make Lady Maura an even more desirable match for him. She shivered at the thought, then frowned as Octavia smothered a sudden laugh behind her fingers before turning towards Nicholas.
Well, your Majesty? Octavia inquired with a bemused smile. Do you approve?
Nicholas blinked, apparently caught off guard as he glanced from Maura to Percy, and then back to the Dowager. The Queen Regent is within her rights to choose a successor for her ancestral lands since both the property and title do not belong to the crown, he replied hesitantly.
Eleanora felt her blood run cold as Maura tilted her head at the crown prince with a sultry red smirk. But the Dowager needs your approval so I can inherit her title, lands, andeverything else that goes with it, your Majesty.
Nicholas appeared to find the attendants behavior amusing. Eleanora watched in disbelief as he laughed and shook his head before facing the audience with a somber expression. I see no reason to disapprove of my grandmothers choice, so I supposeI do approve. Congratulations, Duchess of Bastiallano.
Hereafter to be known by her new na! Octavia announced as she raised Mauras hand with a victorious smile. Lady Kirsi Valda, my granddaughter!
What? Eleanora hissed out in disbelief as the newly minted Duchess smiled at the Dowager as if they were old friends.
The noble lords all murmured their disbelief as the Dowager released Lady Kirsis hand, and the Duchess turned and curtsied elegantly before Nicholas as she intoned the formal words, Thank you, your Majesty. Long live the King.
Kirsi rose as the tent erupted in chaos. Captain Leo and Lieutenant Olund quickly pushed through the crowd of nobles to create a barrier around the new Duchess, Queen Regent, and Crown Prince. Nicholas hastily supported Kirsi and stepped in front of her with arms outstretched as the nobles thronged towards them.
Noble Lords! Please rember who you are and before whom you are standing! Nicholas shouted back at the crowd.
Really now, Nicholas is such an obedient grandson. Kirsi smirked as she studied the puny mortal who stood before her in so foolish display of bravery or chivalry. Its a sha he had to co from the Havardur family.
Stand back! General Stryker shouted as he and a fresh group of knights quickly shoved their way inside the tent, creating a path through the nobles towards the royal family. Calm yourselves, noble lords, or I will have you dragged out in chains.
A heavy disquiet filled the tent as Stryker moved purposefully towards the Dowager with a hand upon the hilt of his sword.
Your Grace, if you have nothing further to discuss with these dogs, then I request your permission to have them disperse, Stryker announced grimly with a respectful bow to the Queen Regent.
I will not be silenced! Borghese snarled and glared at Kirsi. Im afraid I find it rather difficult, if not ridiculous, to acknowledge that of all the young noblewon who have shown great admiration and respect to your Grace over the years, you would choose to adopt her. A half-bloodwho already stands accused of poisoning a mber of the royal family!
Accused without evidence, Nicholas growled. And need I remind you of the penalty of accusing a noble, let alone a mber of the royal family, without evidence Marquess Borghese?
Wellwhat if it is a mber of the royal family that accused Lady Maura
Lady Kirsi, Nicholas corrected impatiently.
of the poisoning! Borghese continued without repentance as he directed a trembling finger towards Eleanora, who stood between Alastair and Isabella near the front of the crowd.
Yes, I will get to the bottom of that shortly, Nicholas replied with a sharp glance towards his crown princess. But as to the evidence submitted by the Crown Princess on the matteryou will have to wait to hear the results of Knight Commander Quentins findings at another ti.
The crown prince glanced towards Octavia, and the Dowager nodded as she turned to address the tent filled with nobles and knights. My purpose for summoning you all here has concluded, she announced with a smug smile. The Ambassadors funeral will be starting at any mont, and we would not want our grieving guest to feel slighted by our absence. You may depart. She gestured towards the tent flaps, which two knights promptly held open as Viscount Bennet and Viscount Kendall glanced towards Borghese for their cue.
I certainly have no desire to see all of his Majestys efforts for a favorable negotiation go to waste, Lord Percy announced as he shouldered his way free from the corner. The Earl stepped lightly down the path cleared by Strykers knights and bowed courteously before the royal family; the blue-gray pallor of his skin more transparent up close. Congratulations once more on your successful negotiations, your Majesty.
Thank you, Earl Hawthorne, Nicholas replied, his shoulders relaxing as he nodded to the Earl.
The Earl of Hawthorne, Kirsis lips twitched with a smile as she caught the Earl glancing in her direction once more. I once fought beside this boys ancestors. Perhaps the current Earl of Hawthorne may prove useful to
as well.
Percy lowered his gaze as he straightened and turned swiftly towards the exit. Marchioness Serilda curtsied behind him and hastily followed the Earl outside. The rest of the nobles gradually followed suit, including Marquess Borghese, who looked far from pleased as he bowed sharply and then stomped an angry retreat.
Only when they were alone, aside from the few knights that General Stryker left stationed inside the tent, did Kirsi brush past Nicholas's protective arm and move to the Dowagers side.
You did well, Kirsi, Octavia murmured, looking a bit tired from the ordeal. As did you, Nicholas.
Queen Regent, Nicholas murmured with a shake of his head. I dont know whether to congratulate you oryou, Lady Kirsi. Marquess Borghese has long assud that my grandmother intended to make his daughter, Lady Priscilla, the next Duchess of Bastiallano.
Well, Octavia replied as she leaned on Kirsis arm for support. That may have been the case when she was your fianc, but now I find Lady Kirsi more suited to the position.
Kirsi repressed a snort at the blatant lie. Theres no way Octavia would hand over the lands and wealth I left behind to a re mortal.
In any case, the Dowager continued, It was my fault that the Marquess felt confident enough to make such an assumption, so it was only right that I inford him of my decision personally.
Nicholas scoffed. I doubt he will thank you for it. Still, anything that makes Borghese easier to deal with is a good thing.
Kirsi snickered as she helped the Dowager settle into her seat. Oh, I very much doubt the Marquess will give up such wealth and power to a half-blood so easily.
Yes, Nicholas agreed ruefully and scratched his neck. His gaze remained locked on Kirsi with a confused expression as she poured a glass of wine for his grandmother.
Kirsi ignored the crown princes stare as she leaned in to whisper against the Dowagers ear, Your Grace, I must leave for a mont tocheck on sothing important.
Oh? Octavia raised a worried brow but nodded. Try not to miss the funeral, Kirsi.
Kirsi kissed the Dowagers cheek and whispered, I make no promises, Grandmother. She stepped back confidently and gave the Dowager and crown prince another curtsey before she turned sharply and headed past Lady Delphine and Lady Elouise through the tent exit.
Once outside, the Scarlet Witch turned imdiately left and circled the tent away from the gathered crowd. A field of untouched rows of leafy beans stretched before her towards a tree line of woods.
Lumi, Krisi whispered as she touched the bracelet once more. The translucent white wolf appeared and bowed its head before her. Kirsi cast a cautious glance around before grabbing the wolfs fur, simultaneously turning translucent and then invisible as the scriva shifted its appearance.
The scarlet witch hastily climbed onto the elental wolfs back as Nicholas rounded the Dowagers tent. He stumbled to a halt as he took in the vast empty field, scanned the surroundings in confusion, and then returned towards the crowd as Lieutenant Olund hastily jogged after him.
Well, Ill have to thank Viktor for creating such a capable scriva next ti we et, Kirsi whispered cynically as she turned the wolf towards the forest. Now, take
to this knight Carina is so worried about.
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