***
In Argenlès.
In the Imperial Palace, rumors about the daughter of House Adolphus have spread to many ears. Yet, news about it to her family and the Emperor has not arrived. Not a single corner of the palace where no one is gossiping about the recent.
"I can't believe the Empress really sent the daughter of House Adolphus."
"Well, it was bound to happen since almost all noble ladies are begging their family to have her killed anyways."
From the servants, to knights, and nobles visiting the palace couldn't stop discussing about the Empress's decision to send the girl to the Northern Region.
The Queen's Chamber.
The Queen was taking a sip of wine as she looked at the man seated across from her. Despite how much she discussed the man, she had no choice, but to force a smile on her face. "Count von Fray, I trust things went well."
"Queen Miriella, everything went according to plan." Count von Fray reassured the woman as he drank his wine, "Just a small cut, could end her life. The dagger I gave to the assassin was coated in lethal poison, so that even a talented Alchemist would need time to figure out the poison. But, by the time they do figure it out, the person would have already died. Plus, don't forget, she was sent to the North. It's a wasteland with no sign of hope for its people."
Queen Miriella couldn't keep the joy she was feeling. Her delight of hearing such news was over the moon, how she wished everything would indeed go according to plan. 'Finally, I can get rid of her. To think she survived the fall from that rocky lake last time. Such a pity she survived, she should have just died.' The woman was the one who initiated the plan in pushing the girl with the help of gullible noble ladies who are dead over heels over her son. With some small lies, they believed her so easily and took their anger on the girl. 'To think a powerful and worst girl is to be my son's wife. Ridiculous! I didn't work this hard just to see my son's downfall.'
Without any notice, the queen's door opens unexpectedly. They turned to see who had dared enter her chamber without any prior notice.
A dashing young man with reddish gold hair entered the room. He was dressed in a fancy, blue, well decorated golden embroidery uniform of a crown prince. He was alone and without any attendance as he only came to visit his mother.
"Mother, Lord von Fray…"
Queen Miriella stood up to greet his son, despite the fact she is his biological mother, the fact he is the crown prince, she must still be courteous and show proper etiquette, "Greeting to the Imperial Crown Prince.."
"Your Imperial Crown Prince, I hope you are doing well?"
Crown Prince Theodric Aurelianus, the son of Queen Miriella and Emperor Asterias Aurelianus. A powerless prince, not fitting for the throne. Yet, thanks to his father's ambition, the Imperial Council accepted him as the crown prince. By sacrificing the daughter of House Adolphus, who was prophecy to be a Saintess. The Imperial Council ignored the fact the crown prince is powerless for having a Saintess as a bride was a big enough reason for them to accept him. However, time passes and the so-called Saintess did appear causing conflict in regards to the right to the throne.
Crown Prince The man sat next to his mother and kissed her on the hand. "How are you mother?"
"I'm fine, have you visited your Imperial mother?" The woman asked acting concern for the Empress current state. The fact no news has yet arrived if the girl is alive, the Empress has locked herself in her chambers not wishing to speak to anyone except the Queen Consort.
"Yes, I have," He sighed, since he was surprised to see the woman to be so distressed, yet she won't say a word as to why she was upset. However, he already suspects the reason as to why the Empress is in such a state.
"How is she?" She worriedly wondered what the woman had mentioned to her son.
"She is resting in her chambers now." He answered as he glanced at her and continued his words, "She explained to me that I must find a sustainable bride at once. Since, Lady Adolphus was sentenced to the Northern Region for hurting one of my Imperial sisters. As to whether the engagement will be canceled, she said nothing further because she needed to discuss it with the Emperor."
Queen Miriella looked quite surprised by the news she was hearing. It made her wonder what the woman was planning. 'Did she receive news of Lady Adolphus? For her to order my son to find a bride could only mean she must be dead. I better make sure not to kill those involved before they'll ruin my son's chances to become Emperor. Luckily, finally, the child is finally dead. And, the woman didn't even inform anyone. She must be so worried that once the Emperor finds out, not only will she be losing her title, but her head as well. That's what you get for belittling me.'
Count von Fray intentionally coughed as he grabbed the woman's attention.
"How about meeting the daughters of Count von Fray, they are beautiful ladies who are well knowledgeable and talented as well." Queen Miriella stated even though she does not approve of the idea of her son marrying the count's daughter. For, they aren't powerful when it comes to status and in magic as well.
"Then, I shall send words for them, Queen mother, if you excuse me, I still have some pressing matters that need my attention."
Crown Prince Theodric walked himself out as already expecting what happened to the Lady of House Adolphus. Despite he too despises the idea of marrying the child, the fact it's an imperial order of the Emperor, he couldn't go against it. Plus, House Adolphus is a powerful family when it comes to status compared to Count von Fray. It infuriated him that he couldn't choose his own bride. In the end, once he has the crown everything will all be his.
As the crown prince stepped out of the room, Count von Fray smiled in rejoicing for her kindness. "My Queen, I looked forward to the day we shall be one family."
"Just make sure your wife's family will support my son." Queen Miriella crossed her arms around her chest coldly looking at the man.
Count von Fray rubs his hand anxiously, "Rest assured, I'll handle everything."
The fact none of the Count's daughters, we're actually his wife's child, but his mistresses just lowered his son status. Since the Count's wife has always been poor in health, making it harder for her to bear a child. However, the Count couldn't just throw his wife away for his mistress who bore him children. For his wife comes from a powerful family than his, without his wife's support he wouldn't be able to stand in front of the queen.
Compared to Lady Adolphus, who is just a sickly child, but the daughter of the Duke and Princess of a neighboring kingdom, made her one of the best candidates to be the prince's wife. However, the fact she is powerless made things complicated. Also, since she is sickly, what is the chance she'll be able to bore a child in the future as well.
After her conversation with the Count, the man happily walked out of the room with great news for his family. However, little did he know his life was put on a thread. That's a single mistake could end up with him losing his own life.
The woman prompted one of her maidservants to call in her men.
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Make sure no trace of what the Count did point to us in the future. To be frank, it would be better to just end such lowly and worthless lineage don't you think?"
The man bowed as he acknowledged his mission. "I shall handle everything, my Queen."