The incidents of the Divine Unity Festival continued to haunt Queen Emma's thoughts as she dressed, her mind consumed with schemes to ensnare Lady Runa in a way that would surely bring her down.
"I still can't believe what I witnessed, Your Majesty. How dare that girl behave so disrespectfully toward you, the queen of this kingdom?" Lady Heidi recounted the incident in front of the church, even though Lady Runa had remained silent throughout the entire ordeal.
Lady Rafaela, on the other hand, held no animosity toward the former princess. Instead, she found Lady Runa to be exquisite and grounded. She couldn't help but notice how composed Lady Runa remained during her confrontations with Queen Emma, a feat that was no easy task.
"I refuse to remain idle. I must take action," Queen Emma groaned, although she lacked any clear ideas on how to achieve her nefarious goals.
Always ready with devious schemes, Lady Heidi chimed in, "Your Majesty, what is the punishment for theft?"
"What? I'm not sure. Perhaps imprisonment or whipping?" Queen Emma replied, still unaware of Lady Heidi's intentions.
"In that case, Lady Runa can be imprisoned, unless you prefer she be whipped for her supposed crime," Lady Heidi suggested.
However, the queen remained confused. "What are you implying? Lady Runa has not stolen anything."
Seizing the moment, Lady Heidi revealed her plan, saying, "Then, shouldn't we orchestrate a situation where she appears to be stealing something?"
Queen Emma swiftly turned around, catching the servants off guard and causing Zara to stumble in the process. A wide grin spread across the queen's face as she looked at Lady Heidi. "Lady Heidi, you are truly brilliant."
Lady Rafaela, who had witnessed many of the queen's dark sides, was taken aback by the extent of her cunning. While Queen Emma had often been quick to anger and critical of others, Lady Rafaela hadn't anticipated her stooping to such wickedness.
Until now, Queen Emma had justified her deep animosity toward Lady Runa as a motherly intuition, perceiving her as a wolf in sheep's clothing. However, this plan was a stark departure from that reasoning. Queen Emma was deliberately painting Lady Runa as a villain, regardless of the truth.
"Zara, prepare my most precious and expensive necklace, and summon Lady Runa to my presence," Queen Emma commanded, ready to lay the trap.
***
Lady Rafaela, though she didn't agree with the queen's methods, knew that her survival depended on pleasing Queen Emma, at least for now. Stepping forward, she volunteered to summon Lady Runa in place of Zara. She had to demonstrate her value to the queen in order to maintain her position.
Reluctantly, Queen Emma allowed Lady Rafaela to carry out the task, cautioning her to perform it well. Lady Rafaela felt slighted by the implied lack of trust, considering that the task had previously been entrusted to a maid. Nevertheless, she held her tongue and proceeded with the assignment.
As Zara completed Queen Emma's attire and the other ladies-in-waiting assisted with her makeup, hair, and accessories, Lady Rafaela left the queen's chamber and made her way to Lady Runa's quarters on the first floor.
As Lady Rafaela descended, her thoughts were consumed by her unfortunate circumstances.
Her grandfather had once been a wealthy and influential baron, but her father lacked the same leadership qualities and was easily swayed by women. When he married Lady Rafaela's mother, the daughter of a bankrupted baron, he squandered the family's assets to support her mother's extravagant lifestyle.
This excessive spending wouldn't have been a problem if her father knew how to generate income, but he did not, and the family business soon crumbled.
With the passing of Lady Rafaela's grandfather, the burden of providing for the family fell on her shoulders. Quitting the palace was not an option, as it would mean her mother, the baroness, would have to give up her indulgent lifestyle—a prospect she would never forgive Lady Rafaela for.
"Good morning, Lady Rafaela!"
The cheerful greeting snapped Lady Rafaela back to reality. She turned to find Thea, Lady Runa's maid, pushing a cart.
As Lady Rafaela's gaze shifted to the array of dishes on the cart, Thea offered an explanation without being prompted, "I'm delivering Lady Runa's lunch."
"That's quite a spread," Lady Rafaela spontaneously commented, knowing that even Queen Emma's lunch could be carried on a single tray by Zara.
Thea blushed and replied shyly, "My lunch is also included. Lady Runa enjoys sharing her meals with me. Food tastes better when enjoyed together."
Upon hearing that, Lady Rafaela felt a surge of disdain. For reasons unknown to her, she detested the idea of Lady Runa and Thea dining together. She could envision them laughing and savoring their food in each other's company.
Gritting her teeth, Lady Rafaela turned away from Thea. "Her Majesty has summoned Lady Runa. The lunch can wait," she declared firmly.
"But..." Thea began to protest, but Lady Rafaela refused to engage.
Standing in front of Lady Runa's chamber, Lady Rafaela remained still, her gaze fixed ahead. Thea hurriedly opened the door and announced Lady Rafaela's arrival to Lady Runa, who was seated on the sofa, engrossed in a book.
Lady Runa turned her head to catch sight of the visitor. "Please, come in, Lady Rafaela," she invited.
"I am here to deliver a message from Her Majesty. She summoned you to her chamber immediately, Lady Runa," Lady Rafaela stated.
Lady Runa pondered for a moment while Thea busied herself arranging the plates of delicacies on the table. Then, she looked up at Lady Rafaela and inquired, "Have you had lunch, Lady Rafaela?"
Taken aback by the sudden question, Lady Rafaela wondered if Lady Runa was mocking her or plotting something against her. "No," she replied curtly, suspicious.
Lady Runa closed her book and gestured towards the sofa in front of her. "Then, would you like to join us for lunch?" she offered.
Lady Rafaela stood frozen for a moment. She finally realized why she despised the idea of Lady Runa and Thea enjoying meals together.
It was because she herself couldn't experience it. Queen Emma never regarded her as an equal, and the opportunity to share a meal with her was nearly nonexistent. The queen always dined alone or occasionally invited Lady Heidi to join her.
Feeling somewhat foolish, Lady Rafaela realized that the simple invitation made her feel included and valued, as if she mattered. Tears welled up in her eyes. Someone who had been invisible in the queen's eyes was now seen and acknowledged by someone else.
"Yes," she replied, her voice choked with emotion. Lady Rafaela could feel her heart being filled with the warmth and acceptance present in the room.
***
Lady Rafaela guided Yohana and Thea to the queen's chamber.
"Your Majesty, Lady Runa is here," Lady Rafaela announced at the door.
Zara opened the door and inside, other maids were tidying up after Queen Emma's lunch and preparing tea for the guest.
"Please, have a seat. I have prepared tea for you," Queen Emma invited.
Yohana entered the chamber and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
She took a seat across from the queen, while Thea stood beside Lady Rafaela in a corner of the room.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Queen Emma acknowledged.
"It is my pleasure to see you, Your Majesty. I'm glad to see you in good health," Yohana replied politely. She knew that the queen must have some ulterior motive for summoning her. It was unlikely that Queen Emma would call for her without a scheme in mind.
Zara gracefully poured tea into the cups of Queen Emma and Yohana. As they savored the warm, fragrant brew, Yohana complimented its delightful flavor. Queen Emma, with a pompous expression adorning her face, revealed that it was a gift from a dear friend.
Amidst the casual chit-chat, an uneasy feeling lingered in the air.
Queen Emma gestured with a wave of her hand, signaling Lady Heidi to approach the queen's vanity table. Lady Heidi opened the cupboard, revealing a hidden compartment. From within, she carefully retrieved a lavish box and placed it on the table before the queen.
With an air of anticipation, Queen Emma herself opened the box, unveiling a magnificent necklace that sparkled with unparalleled brilliance. The necklace was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, boasting a striking gold chain adorned with a sizable, deep red gemstone at its center.