Small grumbles began to surface from a member of court who felt that he should be on the throne and that it was stolen from his family. John Bellham, duke of Winchester, started to secretly gather supporters to his cause. His plan was to amass an army and to take back the throne the same way it was stolen. He found it difficult to gain support. Most said that though the King had done terrible things in the recent past, Queen Rosette was a wonderful Queen and that Lady Rosalina was the best thing to ever happen to the royal house. To get rid of Edmund would take Rosette and Rosalina away from the country that loved and needed them.
This angered the Duke because, unlike many at court and the King, did not see the value of educated women. Another nobleman warned John of returning the country to the dark years of civil war. He told him that if he had any love whatsoever for Mercia he would abandon this futile pursuit. The Duke of Winchester disregarded what they had said and continued his quest for the throne. He left court and returned to his estates to plan his attack. Word of the plot reached the ears of the King. His first thought was to use force to quell the rebellion.
Then he saw his children in the gardens with their mother and Rosalina. He knew war would affect them in the worst ways. He could only imagine what would happen to them if the war was lost or if he was killed.
That evening he had a private meal with Rosette and Rosalina, all attendees were told to leave. " I do not know how much you know about the grumbles at court and the newest plot against the family." he began. " Do you mean the plot by the Duke of Winchester? His grandfather was defeated by your grandfather during the War by the Sea. John Belham believes he has a claim to the throne, much stronger than yours and is intent on claiming the crown, by force if he has too." Rosalina questioned. " Yes, that is the plot. I , however do not wish to cast Mercia into a civil war again, nor do I intent on giving up the throne." Edmund explained. " what do you know about his support?" Rosette asked. " He has several from the ancient families. Apparently he has a small army amassing near his estates and according to reports he intents on attacking the palace directly as to achieve a swift and decisive victory." Edmund explained. " What of negotiations?" Rosalina asked. " He will only agree to me passing him my crown and me groveling at his feet." Edmund said. " I agree we can not risk war. It would tear the country apart. If he attacks the palace how would we protect the children?" questioned Rosette. " If we receive word of an imminent attack; you, the children, Bethany, Rosalina and Rosaline will be sent away to a secret location. I will be making arrangements for you to act as regent in my stead.
The country would follow your rule until it is possible for me to return to my seat." Edmund explained. "As a precaution make sure your army is ready and free of spies. I would say a full time guard ready to spirit us away in secret, during the night. The Queen, myself and Bethany should train to use swords and dagger just in case. In addition you should try diplomacy to prevent conflict." Rosalina suggested. " I like that idea. We will implement it tomorrow. We will also have to decide where you will go and the safest route to get you there." Edmund added. " We should keep this as secret as possible. Allow the Duke of Winchester to believe he will have the element of surprise. His confidence will grow to arrogance. This will make him reckless and brash. That will be his downfall." Rosette said. " Brilliant,love. That is similar to what I did with Ivrea, they were under the illusion that they possessed enough power that even after they were banished they still could kill Rosalina right in front of me and regain my favor. This time we will be better prepared and guarded." the King said.
The weeks passed and it seemed as though the country could be on the brink of civil war. The court whispered about Winchester's army and the increasing numbers in the Royal guard. Some had even heard the Queen, Princess Bethany, Princess Rosaline and Lady Rosalina were being given combat training. The court became thin as fathers took their daughters away as did husbands take their wives. The court feared the country's future. Rosalina became very agitated, she feared for her family and she hated sitting around worrying.
Finally as war became closer to reality Rosalina went to the King with a suggestion. She wanted to make a speech to the rebels and the rest of the court. She knew that she would reveal the hand but at least she could try. Reluctantly Edmund agreed. He called a council meeting and asked all noblemen to meet at the palace. It took a few weeks to get everyone gathered. The last to arrive was the King but was met with whispers and glares. Once gathered Edmund stood in front of the crowd, " I would like to start with thanking you all for gathering here today. I know for the last few years my actions have caused much distrust and dislike of my position on the throne. This I regret and plan on rectifying. I have many plans to improve our Kingdom and the lives of those that dwell within. I am sure you know that I would not gather all of you at once just to tell you I am sorry for my actions and how they have affected you. You are right, in fact this gathering was suggested by one of my closest advisers who has something to say." At that moment a red haired woman stepped on to the raised podium. " Good afternoon, Thank you for coming. I know that many out here do not understand or even approve of a woman addressing you like this or even being an adviser to the King. Please hear me out, give me a chance to say what has been eating away at me for weeks now. There have been rumors and whispers around court about replacing the King with someone with a more ancient claim to the throne. Let me start by pointing out that Kingdoms are rarely ruled by one family forever. Kingdoms were not established by one family or kept. Kingdoms pass from family to family through wars.
The ancient claim has no bearing at this time because a descendant of the victor of the War by the Sea still lives and has an heir. I am sorry to those that lost that war but that is how the day is won. Now is not the time for war, to try and replace the king would drown this country in civil war and the people would suffer more than they are now. Now is the time to look to the future and how to improve the Kingdom. War is not the only way to solidify a place in history. Changing the state for the better and thinking differently will be celebrated by history. Let us change the world by the way we live in it." Rosalina spoke to the crowd. Most of the crowd applauded and cheered in agreement. The Duke of Winchester's supporters started to step away from the Duke. The Duke was angry and stormed out. He returned to his soldiers outside the city. They marched in but were stopped by the King's guard. They were all arrested and taken to the pits to await judgment.