Agatha woke up from her sleep, rubbing her eyes. Xavier put the book away, seeing her waking up.
"Awake?" Xaver tucked in a few strands of her hair. Agatha lazily nodded her head before resting her head on his shoulder. Her eyes closed, and a few strands of her hair hid her face. Xavier gently tucked them behind her ear, as he glanced over her calm and relaxed face.
"If you were still sleepy, why didn't you sleep inside?" Xavier mumbled, watching her.
"Inside doesn't have fresh air like this. If I could, I would never leave the garden." Agatha responded, slowly opening her eyes and sitting up straight.
"I have stayed inside for most of my life. It might be the reason the outside always calms my nerves…" Agatha continued with a smile appearing on her lips. As her eyes gleamed at the flower beds.
Xavier silently watched in the direction she was looking at. Mesmerizing it was but the fact she looked rather happy watching those gave Xavier an idea of what needed to be done.
"Still go to rest in the bed-chamber." Xavier urged.
Agatha heaved and agreed to him. Xavier placed a kiss on her head, getting up to leave, "I will meet you at breakfast. I have to check some paperwork before we leave for the capital." Xavier bid her farewell and left with Reginald, who was waiting for him a bit afar.
Once Xavier was gone from her sight, Stanley returned to her side. "Stanley, invite the princess over tomorrow for tea," Agatha informed, getting up to leave.
Stanley hesitates to agree to her orders. The King and Queen finally seem happy with each other. What if the rumours about the princess and kings create a rift between the two? The castle has ears, and word of mouth spreads faster than a plague. Yesterday's incident was already known among the servants. Even though Luna wasn't hanged for such thoughts she was still fired.
Rumours suggested that the new queen instigated it, and shifted all the blame on Luna.
"Stanley?" Agatha called out, hearing no response from him.
Stanley woke up from his train of thoughts, looking to find Agatha standing in front of him, her brow raised in query.
"Yes, Your Highness," Stanley said, lowering his head.
Agatha was dubious seeing him lost in thoughts. It was rare. Something must have happened in the castle that was sitting on his mind, "Stanley, did something happen in the castle?"
Stanley tried to act usual and with a polite tone he answered, "No, Your Highness."
Agatha took a glance at the maid and it didn't take her long to notice that Luna was nowhere to be seen. A lady's maid not with her was unusual. Her gaze returned to the man standing in front of her with his head lowered.
"Where is Luna?"
Stanley finally looked up; bewildered. It was strange that she was asking about the maid she fired.
"Your Highness…" Stanley was hesitant to speak.
"Stanley, what happened to Luna?" Agatha squinted her eyes, suspicious of how they were acting at the mention of Luna. Even the maids glanced at one another.
"His Majesty dismissed her after…" Stanley didn't continue any further. Even saying it aloud was taboo.
Agatha understood even without him saying. It was about yesterday. It was not like she cared about Luna. She was the same maid she treated like her little sister and in the end, she was the one to betray her. Mistakes can be forgiven but not a felony and Luna committed a felony.
However, dismissing her wouldn't solve anything. If not her, they will ask another maid. With Xavier interfering, her plan was ruined. She needs to get Luna back, close enough by her side to know every moment of her.
Agatha took a deep breath storming towards Xavier's office, bursting into his office furious at his decision.
Xavier was sitting behind the huge oak table, surprised by her sudden interruption. He stood up from his place, his brows furrowed together confused by her action.
"Did you dismiss the maid from yesterday?" Agatha directly questioned, stepping closer.
Xavier glanced at Reginald and two guards standing there, he gestured to them to leave. Reginald nodded, taking the guards out and closing the door of the office.
Once they were all alone, Xavier stroked her arm, whispering in her ears, "She is locked in the dungeon."
Agatha was perplexed by what his plans were. If he was whispering it, that means no one knows about it. That makes Xavier either the main culprit or her partner. Which one seemed like a question?
"Dungeon?" Agatha inquired, waiting for her answers.
"Yeah. Don't think I am keeping her because of yesterday's matter. She was spying on us for Edgar. I found a half-written letter in her belongings." Xavier explained, pulling out a half-written letter from the drawer.
Agatha took the letter and read through it.
My dearest Edgar,
I wanted to inform you that I had been successful in my mission. She has promoted me as her Lady's maid. I am close to winning her trust.
However, I also have unfortunate news to tell you. The king and she spends every night together. The king seemed to be bewitched by her….
Agatha glanced up at Xavier. It was clear Luna wasn't only a spy. She was having an affair with Edgar and from the way she talked in the letter, it was quite clear she was deeply in love.
Edgar, a widower with grandkids was having an affair with a palace maid. News like that would taint the reputation he had gained. Agatha didn't believe Edgar would fall for a maid. He was known to love his reputation more than anything.
"I am assuming you already knew about this," Xavier spoke, staring into her.
Agatha went silent for a few seconds, lost in her thought, "Why do you think I would know about a maid's affair?"
"You know Edgar instructed Luna, didn't you?"
Agatha chuckled, putting the letter on the table, crossing her arms, "If I knew I would have not made her my Lady's maid. You are overthinking."