Windsor stepped forward to speak on behalf of others, realizing that there was no way they could plead their case and wouldn't be guilty.
They knew clearly that Lucas's sudden illness was tricky and that's why they wanted to hurriedly send Emilia away but didn't expect him to be able to come out so soon.
"Your Majesty, it's been days since you last left your chambers," he began.
"The Queen Mother was only concerned about your well-being."
"Are you saying I am so weak that a woman's fate is stronger to define mine?" Lucas asked and Windsor couldn't respond.
"I have already made a decree that the issue of rites and curses mustn't be mentioned in the palace again, but you disregarded my orders and dared to suggest a cleansing?" he fired.
"Are you trying to revolt?"
All the officials dropped to their knees, shaken by his accusations.
"We dare not, your Majesty." they chorused.
"Simon," Lucas called out to the minister of rites, who stepped forward trembling and went back to his knees.
"Since you came to this suggestion, then I will grant you the honor of traveling to Astrid and performing the cleansing rite for the royal family," he commanded.
Simon stared at him in horror, bowing his head slowly, unable to argue or refuse his order.
"I will follow your order, your Majesty," he uttered, returning to his position.
"Those who are also very concerned about my health can volunteer to leave with the minister of rites as well", Lucas added, and they all cowered their heads.
His eyes met with Emilia's as they moved from one of his officials to the other, and he noticed her discomfort from kneeling for so long.
"Rise to your feet," Lucas said, looking directly at her and Emilia slowly got up.
"Thank you, your Majesty," she muttered, grateful, and perplexed that he covered up her crime of hurting him and defended her instead.
Lucas moved forward, taking calculated steps towards her. Emilia retracted her steps backward, afraid of his intention until he got too close.
He leaned closer, and whispered in her ears in a low, drawling voice.
"You are the Queen," he said, tilting his head to stare in her eyes.
"Are you that dumb or is your defiance only reserved for me? " he asked, and Emilia glared.
"Because your Majesty is so fragile, I am forced into this situation." she retorted in a whisper.
Lucas scoffed and took a step back, but Emilia suddenly grabbed onto him, pretending to lose her balance.
"What's wrong?" he asked, furrowing his brow.
"I'm fine, your Majesty."
"It's just that I haven't recovered yet from the rites performed by the Queen Mother a few days ago, but I will definitely be fine after a few days' rest," Emilia answered, purring.
Having Lucas here is a perfect opportunity for her to reveal the suffering she endured. Even though Georgina wouldn't be punished at least, she could stop her from messing with her another time.
Lucas's brow arched deeply in surprise.
"A rite?" he repeated and Emilia nodded, drawing her lower lips out.
Georgina stood up instantly and rushed forward to explain herself.
"Your Majesty, that was…"
Emilia intercepted her before she could say anything further, and held onto Lucas's hand.
"Your Majesty, the Queen Mother, was simply following the monk's instructions."
"It was for your health, so I didn't mind it," she told him, acting quite pitiful.
Lucas chuckled, seeing through her drama, but turned to Georgina, who had a horrified look on her face now.
"Robert," Lucas called, and Robert stepped forward.
"Arrest every servant involved in spreading these rumors and expel them to serve at the border," he began.
"Find out the monk who gave such ridiculous words as well and keep him in the ice prison until I figure out what to do with him."
"Have someone escort my mother to her quarters to recuperate." Lucas went on and everyone held their breath.
"You are all dismissed," he finally said, and they all filed out of the hall, murmuring.
Emilia pulled away from Lucas. Immediately the hall was empty and left with just Thomas standing at a distance.
Lucas stared at her, stunned by her sudden change of attitude and folded his hands behind him.
"Why?"
"You can't go on with your acting anymore?" he asked and Emilia swallowed a lump.
"Your Majesty, I was just playing along with you," she replied.
"Is that so?" Lucas asked again and Emilia simply nodded.
"I guess you have no fear."
"Aren't you afraid I will settle the scores with you now?" he told her, inching forward and Emilia's heart thudded.
Of course, he won't let go of her wrong so easily. It wouldn't make sense if he did.
"Your Majesty, I know my wrongs well," she said as she tucked her lips in and bowed her head.
She waited to hear whatever judgment he was going to pronounce on her but nothing was forthcoming and for a few seconds she held her breath in fear.
"Escort the Queen back to her chambers," Lucas suddenly said, moving out of the hall.
June and Allison bowed in compliance with his orders and went over to Emilia's side.
"I will settle the scores later," he noted to her, and finally left the room.
"Your Majesty, are you okay?" June asked, worriedly and Emilia nodded slowly.
"Let's go," she said, and they returned to her quarters together.
~
For the next few days, Emilia sat restless in her chambers, recollecting Lucas's words daily before going to bed and after waking up. She couldn't help but feel anxious about his threats to settle scores with her and thought countless times about what his intentions for her would be.
After what happened at the court meeting, Georgina was confined to her room and Eleanor had also laid low without bothering her, so Emilia had a little breathing space.
She spent the day taking lessons and various of teaching from Madam Allison and spent the night brooding about what her punishment would be.
Alice's presence in the room made Emilia realize she had spaced out while eating, and she dropped her spoon.
"Your Majesty, you haven't touched any of your meals," Alice pointed out, bowing slightly.
"What is it?" Emilia asked, ignoring her words of concern.
"The concubines are here to see you, your Majesty," Alice answered.
Emilia narrowed her eyes, surprised and heaved before instructing Alice to settle them in the garden first with some refreshments while she changed her clothes.