The carriage rattled against the cobbled pathway, leading towards the massive gates of the castle. The knights stationed approached the royal vehicle, pulling the door open once it came to a stop and letting the passenger down. Gently, Chiffery took the extended hand of the knight, her face shrouded with the hood of her cloak. Once down, she began making her way towards the castle with Reina on tow.
With her face concealed, she walked with hurried footsteps, only to slow down when she noticed a certain figure coming towards her direction. The two slowed down, Chiffery's face still concealed, and the new comers face blurry due to the heavy fog.
"House Mckenzie is gone." Said the new comer with a monotone voice, but Chiffery's face was much more monotone. "That was expected. Is she looking into who sent the documents?"
"Diana is looking into it. but I believe she has little to no clue."
"Sooner or later, they will find out who sent the documents." Chiffery deadpanned, making the other person nod in agreement. "How long until the location of the rebels is traced?"
For a split second, the stranger said nothing, as if deep in thought. at long last, the words came. "Soon."
"How soon?"
"Soon enough for everything to end in two months. We need to hold out till then." The stranger was almost earnest now, and Chiffery could sense it. slowly, the girl nodded, agreeing. "Two months it is. By then, I shall have the funds for securing the throne as well."
"Chiffery?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you sure about this?"
A stillness appeared between them, the soft whistling of the fog their only company. The two stared at each other, one waiting for an answer and the other not knowing what to answer. After what felt like hours, Chiffery sucked in a deep breath, lifted her chin and said. "If I don't, the Queendom as we know it will perish. It's this way, or no way."
So saying, Chiffery walked away, while Reina offered a curtsy to the stranger before following her mistress.
It's this way, or no way. Chiffery thought about her own words, the very words she had been telling herself for the last two years.
I'm doing the right thing. Yes, I am.
It's this way, or no way.
--------
An hour had passed since Lord Mckenzie and his whole family had been dragged out of the throne room after their verdict had been announced everywhere. Ever since then, the ministers had delved into other matters that needed Marona's attention, completely burying the topic that one among them had been tried for treason, and sooner or later, his accomplices that pretend to be allies of the future Queen might face the same fate. Despite knowing all that, Marona continued with the game.
If they would like to play, I shall continue as well. Let's how long this goes on for.
"Now for the final agenda on the list." Diana spoke, turning her attention to Lord Hadford. "Your Grace, I believe you have something to say?"
Lord Hadford stepped forward with a curt bow. "Thank you for lending me your time, Your Highness. What I have to say may not sound like anything more than a gossip among nobles, but for all we know, it could be a vital whisper among the grapevines. One that could actually be a threat."
"What is it, Lord Hadford?" Marona asked, but it seemed like the man was hesitant to speak it. Releasing a sigh, he begins. "It's about Princess Chiffery, Your highness."
Diana secretly glanced at the girl on the throne, whose face held no emotion, but the twitch in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. "What of her?"
"There's a gossip circulating around about her. Rumour has it that… Princess Chiffery she…she plans to over throw Your Highness."
"PREPOSTEROUS!"
"BLESPHEMOUS!"
"OUTRAGES!"
One by one, the ministers fired, the whole throne room turning into a bazaar with angry shop keepers. While some stayed silent at the revelation, Ministers like Lord Combre, Middleton, Bradford and many more began raising their voice, claiming how outrageous it was for anyone to speak ill of a princess, let alone believe in it.
"Lord Hadford, I knew that Lady Hadford had a peculiar interest in gossip, but this has gone a bit too far." Lord Middleton exclaimed, earning a glare from the other. Before Hadford can retaliate, he is cut short by Lord Combre. "No matter what your wife tells you, Lord Hadford, it is wise to keep it between husband and wife. Not every gossip must make their way into the throne room where everyone is already busy with important issues that still remain unsolved. And you, of all people you, Lord Hadford, a minister in the Queen's Palace, you must know better. Kindly watch your words next time. Her Highness doesn't have time to deal with flimsy rumours such as this. Isn't that right, Your Highness?"
Lord Combre turned towards Marona for an answer and so did every single man in the room, but the young girl was stunned. She was frozen in place.
Chiffery…wants to…over throw me?
She…covets the throne?
Chiffery? My sister?
No. this is but a rumour. This can never happen. Chiffery isn't interested in political affairs. She fears them. She's too busy getting drunk at balls.
Then why is it that every time she returns, it is but with a gentleman from an esteemed family?
Before she knew it Marona's eyes had grown wide on their own, her knuckles turning white at how had she was gripping her throne. Seeing her reaction, Lord Reynold seized the chance. "Your Highness, it is nothing but a rumour. Something made up by jealous young women. Nothing to concern yourself."
That's right. Lord Reynold. It's you. Marona stared at the man, the gears in her head shifting. Chiffery returned to the Palace with your eldest son Edward. She spent the whole night with him. Your wife had been gossiping about me only that day at a ball, but the very next morning I receive news of your loyalty pledge.
If this is not a matter of suspicion, then what is?
How many more matters like this have your buried in front of my mother by merely calling them rumours?
Is this how you lot have been running the court all this time?
Well, not anymore. Not when I'm here.
"Lord Hadford, kindly-"
"Hah!"
The sudden burst of laughter from Marona had every head turning towards her in confusion and puzzlement as they wondered what could cause such a reaction. Meanwhile the said girl continued to laugh, her volume increasing by the second as the laughter only increased. And as it did so, the confusion on their faces was replaced by chills running down their spine, and they could not tell whether it was from the cold outside, or from how the laughter was slowly turning menacing.
"Oh Lord Reynold! Oh!" Marona finally spoke, her laughter subsiding as she wiped a tear from her eyes. "You really are amusing."
"Your Highness I-"
"My sisters had been extremely unruly for the last two years, but none of you ever brought that up in court, ever." Marona continued, now looking at everyone with a bone chilling smile. "The three of us had always been an issue to everyone when my mother was alive, but now, hardly anyone ever talks about them. I was starting to get worried."
The ministers exchanged looks, unsure of where this was going while Marona watched each and every one of them with that strange smile still intact. "Very well, now that Lord Hadford had been so kind enough to raise a matter regarding my sister, why not delve into it? Rumour or not?"
"Your Highness," Lord Reynold begin. "The purpose of holding cabinet meetings is to discuss issues that the nation faces. Real issues. Trivial matters such as these have no pl-"
"So now you are going to teach me what we do in a cabinet meeting? Is that it Lord Reynold?" the smile had disappeared from her face, replaced by a stern one, which had Reynold looking down at his feet in fear. "Forgive me, Your Highness. That is not what I meant. I-"
"Cabinet meeting are indeed held to discuss issues that are of importance to the nation. That is why we have covered every issue is today's agenda, haven't we men? And if Lord Hadford, the Minister of Justice felt it necessary enough to bring this issue to court, why must we not hear him out? hmm?"
The men fell into silence, most of them because they agreed with her. However, Lord Reynold was persistent. "That is true, Your Higness. However we are not sure if this matter is based on facts. If we delve into it like any other gossip monger out there, we are no different them. We will only be tarnishing the Princesses reputation by-"
"The Princesses reputation? What of it?" Marona stared Reynold in the eye, not looking away. The two locked eyes like two rivals, creating a massive tension in the whole room. And even when Reynold looked away out of respect, Marona continued to challenge him, daring him to make an excuse.
When she was sure the man would not talk anymore, Marona turned to Lord Hadford. "Speak."
"Yes, Your Highness. As I was saying, there's a rumour circulating around that concerns the second princess. Apparently, rumour has it that Princess Chiffery is gathering allies, funds, and supporters from some of the higher noble families that could be of immense help to her for creating a rebellion against Your Highness. While none of these facts are proven nor do they have clear evidence, sources have it that the Princess had been seen holding secret meetings in disclosed locations, mostly abandoned factories. And also…"
Marona narrowed her eyes at the hesitancy of the man. "And also?"
"Well…" Hadford cleared his throat, glancing at every man present in the room before giving his full attention to Marona. "A few of my sources claim the Princess already has a handful of ministers on her side."
"LORD HADFORD!"
While the whole throne room erupted into a noise battle again, a sly smile builds in Marona's face, knowing that even if Hadford had no evidence regarding a rebellion happening inside the Palace, the fact that she had been suspicious of her ministers was just proven right.
But in a different way.
When all this time she thought one among them was trying to over throw her, it wasn't to sit on the throne themselves. It was to put a pawn of their own. A pawn from the Royal family itself. And that pawn just happened to be her sister.
Chiffery.
So that's what you have been up to.
"Lord Hadford! Know your place! are you trying to claim some among us are creating rebellion against the future Queen?" Lord Bradford cried out, his eyes burning with a rage which only made Marona raise an eyebrow at him. meanwhile Lord Combre cleared his throat, keeping on a casual face. "Come now Lord Bradford, don't be so bothered over something as trivial as a rumour."
"But-"
"You heard the Minister of Justice." Lord Combre continued. "While it may be an interesting rumour, it is but what it is called- a rumour. Nothing more than that. Isn't that right, Lord Hardford?"
The two men stared at each other, making Hadford narrow his eyes at the white bearded man in suspicion. "That is true, however, one mustn't forget, there is never a smoke without a fire. I'm sure you know what that means."
Lord Combre made no response, so Marona seized that as her chance. "Lord Hadford?"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"You say my sister is preparing a rebellion against me, correct?"
"Well…yes, Your Highness."
"And that she wants to take my throne?"
"…Yes, Your Highness."
"Then if that is so," Maona begin, getting to her feet as the meeting was already coming to an end. "Then she must know what the first step is. And that is to take my head."
Marona stood atop them all, staring down at the now very still and silent room as her eyes scanned each one of the men, before stopping on Reynold. With a sinister smile, she said, "She can garner as many supporters as she wants, make the whole noble society and every single minister on her side. But as long as I'm alive, I'm the rightful Queen. If my sister has what it takes, tell her, to come take my head. Tell her to come slay her sister if she dares."
As the words left her mouth, Marona didn't realize she was holding back tears until she felt her own heart clench. Never in her life did she think she would hear herself say this, or find out her sister was creating a rebellion. It made her realize just how scary politics was, and what it does to family.
Gritting her teeth to hold her tears in their cage, she continued staring at Reynold who was rather mesmerised by the young girl's power. "If she has done that, she can take the throne as she sees fit. It shall rightfully be hers."
So saying, Marona stormed out of the room, passing by each of the Minister's as they hurried to bow to her. all the while Marona walked as fast as possible, trying her best to make sure no one would notice the incoming ears threatening to fall any second.
No one noticed.
But once she was safely in her room, she exploded.
She cried, because she felt helpless, and alone. But most of all, she felt betrayed.
Her sister's had betrayed her.
-------------
"GAH!" the scream tore out of Marona's throat before she could stop it. the pile of papers atop her desk went flying with the force of her push before she could control it. She could control nothing. Not even the uneven breathing and pacing of her heart, nor the tears that threatened to leak out.
She was a mess. She was never a mess. Until now.
Never in her life did she ever think her sisters would have such a great impact on her, until now. It only made her realize just how much they meant to her all this time, how much she let them in her life.
But was it really that? was it really the pain of feeling betrayed because they meant a lot to her? or that she was foolish enough to give so much of herself to people who may have a hand in claiming her throne any day? Was it her own foolishness she was mad at? Perhaps.
At the moment, Marona was in denial. All she could think was, How could she? How could you, Chiffery?
The knock on the door had Marona pulling herself up, making her wipe the dampness from her face while she composed herself. "Come in."
With cautious steps, Diana stepped in, shutting the door behind her. she eyes the girl with what could be described as concern, however she didn't know how to show it. "I heard noises, Your Highness."
Marona didn't reply as she stared at anywhere but Diana, making the lady finally look around the room instead of the girl. It was only then did she notice the mess the room had become. "Your Highness…"
"I'm a mess, aren't I?" Marona asked with a dry chuckle, running her fingers through her now messy bun as she glanced at the woman with a sad smile. "I thought…I thought victory was closing in. That finding the traitor's in the Palace would ensure I was winning. Now…it all feels useless."
Marona stared out f the window, the only source of light filtering inside the large room without the help of any torches or candles. The room fell into a silence which didn't disturb either of them, but the unease was very visible on Diana's face. She was not only feeling uneasy, but distressed for the young girl.
Finally, dropping all her formality and decorum, Diana spoke in the most casual way she had in years, a tone she had one too often used on the girls when they were children.
"Are you alright, Marona?"
The name leaving Diana's lips felt foreign to the girl, making her ears perk up despite herself. And yet she didn't turn around to face the woman as a small laugh escaped her lips, the laugh coming out like a sob as she held back tears which was getting harder by the minute. "Ah. It's been a while since someone called me by my name. It feels…unknown. Like it's not mine."
"Marona-"
"Since we have decided to drop the formalities," Marona cut in, still smiling despite her pain as she continued. "I suppose it is only right I do the same right?"
Diana had no idea what the girl meant. She was about to ask when Marona turned to her, but her face had Diana's heart clenching. Her face was moist with tears.
"No, Aunty Diana. I'm not alright."
Yes, Diana was not just the Chied advisor to the former Queen, but actually her sister-in-law. Diana deNorma, Astrad deNorma's sister. The children of the former Chief advisor to Marona's grandmother.
She was the three girl's aunt, their own blood. Another reason why Marona trusted the aging woman more than anyone in the Palace. For she was the only reminder of her lost parents, the only anchor to her past.
Diana deNorma had not only been the former Queens chief advisor, but also the mentor for the young Princesses, especially the Crown princess Marona since they were children. She had raised them at the absence of their parents, guiding them and teaching them like an aunt would. After all, they were her twin brother's off springs, they were a part of her too. Her flesh and blood.
She would give the world to them at the cost of her own life.
So seeing the young girl in tears had Diana's heart clenching as her lips parted but no words came. All this time, she knew Marona had been bottling up her emotions to remain strong, to not look weak. She had shed little to no tears at her parents funeral, masking her emotions from the outside world. Diana never approached her then. She believed the girl needed time, and coddling her would make matters worse. However what she was seeing now, it made her heart shatter.
It seemed like the dam in her eyes had finally broken, releasing all the tears as she sobbed loudly, her eyes still trained on Diana while her shoulders shook violently. The pain she had been holding on for the last two years must have come crashing down on her at the news of her sister's betrayal. She was finally letting it all out.
"I'm- I'm not alright, Aunty. It hurts…it hurts so much I-"
But Diana never let the girl complete her sentence as she stormed towards the girl in large steps before engulphing her in a large hug. She buried her face in her chest, rubbing her back soothingly while Marona's muffled cries continued on.
"Shh, child. Shh. It's going to be alright. I'll…I'll fix it. I'll fix everything. Don't cry. It will be alright."
But despite her own words of reassurance, tears were already streaming down the older woman's face as she tried her best not to show it. to not show her niece just how helpless they were.
So the two women stood there, holding each other tight as if their lives depended on it, perhaps it did. After all this time, they really needed this. They really needed someone to comfort them, to tell them they were doing great. But there was no one to tell them that but themselves.
So who better then each other, right?
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