"Mr. Harper's son has been asking for your hand in marriage. I think you should give him a chance. Besides, you can't become a servant all your life. Marriage is the only ticket for you to leave this place", Pauline said.
Janielle's mouth formed an 'oh', "So you're worried about me suddenly becoming a servant. Don't worry, I just want to make some money so we can leave and start our business. And I Know it won't be easy to leave except through marriage but marriage is something we have to be careful about. Besides Mr. Harper's son is known for his hot tempered nature. He's certainly not an option'.
"Then think of something before tomorrow, I want you to get married within two weeks", Pauline said
"But, mo...", Janielle started to protest but Pauline shut her up, "this is an order from your mother! Besides I want a grand child soon", she said and left Janielle.
'Marriage?' Janielle hadn't even considered that word in a long time. She suddenly remembered Jonas Grayson who had been asking her out for a long time, maybe he was interested in marriage, she didn't know. But among all suitors, he was the best her mind could think of and he was good looking too. She blushed as she remembered his face. She decided to tell her mother about it.
*. *. *.
"How are the preparations for his birthday?", A prim elegant voice asked. It was Queen Latifah from one of the Northern kingdoms. She was sitting in her court in her husband's harem. The decorations of the court were unlike the ones in Frostlake, there were more of flowers and carved images of pregnant women, lion's head, huge crown among others and they all are and drank from Golden cups and plates while in the kingdom of Frostlake, it was mostly glass cups, plates and few golden stuff, bit that they weren't rich enough but the luxuriousness of the Northern kingdoms were yet to be matched by other kingdoms. Even Queen Latifah was adorned with golden jewelries from head to toe, with multiple peircings on her ear and a nose ring, anklets and other names of jewelries the other kingdoms weren't aware of. Lady Florence, Tyler's step mother had come to ask her for help in killing Tyler and the plan they'd thought of was marrying of Queen Latitah's younger daughter, princess Amira and helping her kill Tyler. Tyler was holding his birthday celebrations soon and he was also going to pick his first consort, the royal queen. Florence was sure he would not be able to resist the beauty and charm of Amira.
"The castle is really busy with preparations and invitations has already been sent to all kingdoms regarding his birthday celebrations. I'm sure you must have received", Florence said calmly.
"Yes, it came yesterday. I just want a reassurance that you'll take care my daughter in the castle", Queen Latifah said calmly and elegantly as usual.
"Trust me. All your daughter has to do is kill him with the slightest opportunity and since he doesn't have a heir yet, my son would automatically take over. There won't be much hassle and blood shed", Florence said beaming with smiles. This has to be the best thing that has happened to her since the late king died
"Ok, you have to avoid coming here yourself. It will raise suspicion. As much as my servants and subjects are loyal, I can't say for the kingdom of Frostlake plus my husband must not hear about this", Queen Latifah said.
*. *. *.
Tyler was exhausted, having to deal with his ministers, viscounts and barons were tough. They were just idiots. He was walking hurriedly buy gracefully to his room with Thomas trailing behind him.
"I hope all invitations have been sent out", Tyler asked.
"Yes your highness and according to sources, princesses from far and near will be gracing the event probably because you are going to be picking a wife then", Thomas replied deadly. He hardly spoke with life but with obvious courage. He wasn't scared to speak his mind and he always though objectively though he was still loyal to Tyler.
Tyler chuckled, "until then" he said and pushed his door open and started with removing his robe and unbuttoning his shirt, "have you been monitoring Janielle?"
Thomas shut the door behind them and answered, "yes, my Lord. She reportedly left the castle this morning and the castle guard said it was with your mother's permission".
Tyler was shocked and confused, "why did she leave the castle and why did my mother give her the permission..."
"That, I don't know my Lord but I am sure your mother is cooking something", Thomas replied.
Tyler smirked, "make sure anyone who wants to leave the palace writes a letter to me through you and any letter that comes in or leaves must pass through me first"
Thomas bowed, "yes my Lord. Also, Lady Florence has reportedly been leaving the kingdom to one of the Northern kingdoms. I don't know which one yet. But she left yesterday night and should be arriving in two days time".
"Those idiots, just make sure she sees me when she returns. This is not her house that she leaves and enters anyhow and I want you demote all the guards by the castle walls. It seems like they're useless. Replace them", Tyler said and walked to the bathroom with long strides. He was really tired. And after hearing what Thomas said, he just felt more tired. He needed to enact some laws in this castle.
*. *. *.
Janielle already told her mother about Jonas Grayson and her mother was already in a hurry to write a letter to him!
"Mom, shouldn't we wait for him to press further again with his proposal", Janielle suggested.
"No, we can't take any chance. You're getting old already", her mother replied sternly and went to get her writing materials from her cupboard.
She immediately started writing the letter while Janielle just stared at her wondering what fuelled this idea in her mother's mind.
Soon enough, her mother was through with the letter and gave it to Janielle to give the palace mail attendant to make sure it gets delivered to the Grayson's.