Lucretia's throat had quickly turned dry and her eyes stood wide open in shock like she had just seen a ghost. Her eyes drifted from Cleopatra to Reggie, who somehow managed to look composed and with a calm small smile on his lips.
"Princess Cleopatra, I did not know you were around," he bowed slightly.
"Mother, who do you want dead?" Cleopatra asked again ignoring Reggie.
Lucretia's palm felt clammy, as she struggled to find a suitable explanation. She looked to Reggie for help, who stared back at her with a weird look in his eyes. Frustrated she moved to her daughter and to her arms, "My child…the thing is… well…."
"We found out who gave the crown prince the wrong information. This mole was planted in the prince's camp by the Valorians. We're not sure how he came into the camp," Reggie intercepted.
Lucretia did not even realize that she was holding her breath, until that very moment. She looked at Reggie with grateful eyes. "Uhmm, yes," she said in a shaky voice while rubbing Cleopatra's arm. Cleopatra did not look convinced, her eyes flickered from Lucretia to Reggie and back to Lucretia. She did not trust Reggie, she never has. He always wore a smile alongside a blank look and thought about every word he said before he said it out loud. There was something malicious about him, she just couldn't say what.
"So why do you want to kill him, why not tell the king?"
"Well, your mo…."
"I think my mother can speak for herself Reggie!" she snapped, glaring at him.
Lucretia glanced helplessly at Reggie, who gave a slight nod, and then returned her gaze to Cleopatra. Lucretia broke into tears, much to the surprise of Reggie and Cleopatra. Cleopatra, although shocked, reached out for her stepmother and hugged her. Lucretia might not be her real mother but she loved her like she was her very mother and the mere thought of her getting hurt much less crying broke Cleopatra's heart.
"It's alright Mother. It's alright," she rubbed the queen's back gently.
"Your brother almost died, do you understand?" Lucretia sobbed. "All thanks to that mole that purposely led him and his squad into that ambush."
"Sit down." Cleo led the queen to the bed and poured her a glass of water.
Lucretia emptied the cup and wiped her face with a small handkerchief. She had seen the doubt and suspicion in Cleo's eyes and the best way to get to her daughter to lower her guard, was to feign being heartbroken and shed a few years.
"We can't let him get away with it, I want his head on a platter, after which it would be hung on the gate of Arvenia to serve as a warning to other traitors," Lucretia sniffled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"If you know who the traitor is, why not tell Father?" Cleo sat down beside her.
Lucretia passed a glance at Reggie, whose stoic expression held what seemed like admiration. He was impressed, Lucretia thought giving herself a mental pat on the back.
"Because the traitor messed with my son and so he will face the wrath of a mother."
Cleopatra's heart melted at her mother's words. If only Lucien could hear their mother's words, he would feel much better and see that their mother really loves him.
"I understand." Cleopatra nodded.
Lucretia took Cleo's hand in hers, "But this has to stay between us. Do you understand?"
Cleo gave a hesitant nod.
"If your father or anyone else finds out, they will try to stop me and I need to do this for my son."
"Yes Mother, I will not tell anyone."
Lucretia smiled inwardly, she had lied to her daughter effortlessly, but knowing Cleopatra she would want to be in the loop about the matter.
"So where is this traitor now?" Cleo asked as though she read her mother's thoughts. She looked at Reggie expectantly.
"We are still searching for him, my princess. He was last seen on the outskirts of Arvenia. My men are searching for him and when they find him, I'll be sure to let you know," he bowed slightly when he finished talking.
Cleo was quiet and looked like she was considering something. After some time, she sighed and stood to her feet, "Mother you really should talk to Lucien. He is really hurt by everything that happened today and he believes that you don't care about him."
"Why would he ever think of such a thing?" Lucretia asked feigning concern.
"Lucien would be in a better position to answer your questions. So please talk to him."
Lucretia nodded, "Goodnight my child."
"Goodnight Mother." She bent and kissed Lucretia's cheek, then she turned and waved at Reggie, who nodded in response, then she made her way out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
Lucretia sighed in relief. Her daughter was really smart, she thought with a smile. She wished she could hug Cleo and tell her that she was her real mother and not Hadassah. She wanted Cleo to know that she came from her womb and looked just like her when she was her age.
"Such a smart young woman she is," Lucretia mumbled fondly.
"For a second there I thought you would crack under pressure," Reggie smirked, clearly impressed with the woman's performance earlier.
"What are we going to do about the mole?" Lucretia asked, her forehead creased with worry.
"If it is the mole she wants, we will give her the mole then," Reggie answered spreading out his arms.
"We can't give her the mole, he will expose us," She looked at Reggie, wondering if he had lost his marbles. If they provide the mole, he will expose them and tell Cleopatra about their plan. She couldn't have her daughter hate her. Cleopatra must not find out, she repeated to herself.
"We will kill him before he gets a chance to expose us. Don't worry about it, my queen." Reggie picked up his walking stick. "I will take my leave now." He bowed.
Lucretia watched him limp as he left her room. She had always wondered what happened to his leg, she had asked him severally but he had brushed the question away cleverly on each occasion and replied simply, "One day, I will tell you the story of my life." Reggie was an older man with full black hair that was greying at the temples and Lucretia liked him because of his wit.