"Your Majesty, considering that His Highness, the crown prince, is directly involved in this matter, I believe it would be safer for your position to keep Zara within the palace. Banishing or imprisoning her may raise suspicions for Lady Runa, who possesses a keen intuition," Lady Rafaela cautiously stated her opinion.
She continued, "If His Highness were to investigate further, there is a risk of him uncovering your involvement in the scheme. Therefore, I propose a punishment that is not overtly apparent."
Satisfied with the response, Queen Emma wore a smile. "I never took you for a strategist, Lady Rafaela. Perhaps you've been overshadowed by Lady Heidi for too long. I'm glad the spotlight is now on you."
Taking a seat on the sofa, Queen Emma directed her gaze toward Zara, who remained on the floor. "As Lady Rafaela suggested, you will continue to serve as the head maid within the palace."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am eternally grateful for your kindness. Thank you," Zara expressed, finally able to lift her chin.
"However, you will no longer receive a salary. You will work in the palace without compensation for a period of seven years. Only after that will you resume receiving payment as usual," the queen concluded.
The severity of the punishment startled Lady Rafaela, filling her with fear at the thought of experiencing a similar fate. While Zara retained her position, the loss of payment was a harsh consequence. Lady Rafaela had envisioned additional duties or temporary coverages for other maids, but Queen Emma had opted for a more severe form of retribution.
"But... Your Majesty, please have mercy on me. I have a family at home who depends on my salary to survive. I beg for your mercy, Your Majesty. Please... This humble servant needs the money. Please reconsider," Zara pleaded frantically.
Lady Rafaela intervened, raising her up by pulling her arm. "Come on, Zara, you've heard her."
Zara was leaving the chamber devoid of spirit. Lady Rafaela felt deep sympathy for her and, once they were out of the chamber, offered comforting words,
"I understand how you feel. I didn't expect Her Majesty to be so severe with you. Today has been tough for you, so go rest and take care of yourself. Return to your duties when you feel better."
Lady Rafaela hoped that Zara would find solace and regain her strength after the ordeal.
***
After Henrie departed with his knights to escort Lady Heidi to the prison. Yohana found it difficult to focus on her books as her thoughts were consumed by the theft case. Opting to spend her time in the library, she immersed herself in reading while Thea attended to her regular tasks.
When noon arrived, Yohana made her way back to her chamber. To her surprise, Henrie was waiting outside the door, concealing a bouquet of flowers behind his back. Although he attempted to hide the bouquet upon seeing Yohana approach, she had already caught sight of it.
Realizing the awkwardness of the situation, Henrie nervously extended the bouquet of flowers toward Yohana, his cheeks turning red. "This is an apology for my mother's rudeness," he said.
Yohana accepted the flowers and breathed in their delightful fragrance, her face beaming with appreciation. "I was hoping this could be a symbol of our friendship," she playfully remarked.
Blushing, Henrie stuttered in his response, his gaze lowering. "If that's what you hoped for, then consider it a token of our friendship," he managed to say.
"Thank you, Henrie. I trusted you and asked for your help because you're the only one I could rely on. But I also feel guilty for putting you in the middle of this conflict with your own mother," Yohana expressed her concern.
"You're not putting me against anyone, Runa. I willingly enter this battlefield because I can't bear to see anyone harm you, even if it means standing up against my own mother," Henrie declared, his determination shining through his words.
The unwavering sincerity in Henrie's eyes made Yohana wonder what it felt like to be loved so deeply and genuinely.
In that moment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy toward Runa, who had someone who adored her with such fervor. Meanwhile, Yohana had always been a solitary figure, navigating the harsh world on her own.
Yohana even found herself feeling sorry for Queen Emma, despite her hatred and relentless efforts to remove her from the palace. After all, Yohana's engagement to Henrie was merely a facade.
Even without Queen Emma's interference, Yohana knew she would eventually leave the palace. She believed that Henrie deserved someone better than her, an anonymous assassin.
"What are you thinking, Runa?" Henrie asked when he noticed Yohana's silence.
"Nothing," she replied. "I'm just trying to understand Queen Emma's perspective. Every mother wants the best for her son, especially someone in her position as queen. She must have her own considerations when it comes to accepting potential daughters-in-law into the family."
"No one knows what's truly best for someone except themselves. And that includes me," Henrie affirmed. "Queen or not, she doesn't know me better than I know myself. I don't know if it's appropriate to say, but I've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you, Runa. That's a fact that will never change."
***
Yohana felt a mix of emotions after hearing Henrie's confession the previous night. She knew deep down that his affection was not meant for her, but for the real Runa. The thought pierced her heart like a small blade.
"My Lady, did you not sleep well?" Thea asked, noticing Yohana's troubled demeanor.
"No, I slept well. Why do you ask?" Yohana wondered if her appearance gave away her inner turmoil.
"You look rather pale," Thea expressed her concern.
Yohana gazed at her reflection in the mirror and noticed the dark circles under her eyes. She felt guilty for inhabiting Runa's body and causing harm. But she had slept enough. She couldn't understand why she still appeared tired.
"Perhaps you've been reading too much? It might refresh you to spend more time outdoors, My Lady. The flowers are blooming beautifully in the spring," Thea suggested.
Smiling at the genuine suggestion, Yohana agreed. "Yes, you're right. Let's spend time outside. No more library today."
Thea beamed. "I'll prepare lunch and snacks for our picnic, My Lady. I'll also bring the tea set so we can enjoy our time in the park."
After Thea finished braiding Yohana's hair, she got up and gathered her books to take with her. Thea squinted at the sight of the books. "You should rest your eyes, My Lady," she protested.
"Yes, I will. But reading for an hour or so won't hurt. It would be rather dull to sit idly without anything to do," Yohana justified her decision.
***
Thea spread a velvet rug with beautiful embroidery on the grass near the main canal. The soothing sound of water flowing toward the northern lake accompanied the melodic birdsong around them.
She poured boiled water into the teapot and patiently waited for the tea leaves to infuse before pouring it into a cup. Yohana noticed that Thea only poured tea for her and urged her to have some as well. "You should have some too. It's delicious."
"My Lady, a servant like me doesn't deserve such fine tea. I am content with my own water," Thea replied, embracing the worn-out bottle she carried with her.
"I want to share it with you," Yohana insisted, so Thea reluctantly took another cup and poured tea for herself.
As Thea took a sip of the tea, her eyes widened in shock. "I have never tasted anything like this before."
Curious, Yohana asked, "How do you like it?" Expecting Thea to shower her with compliments for the tea she had carefully chosen from the palace kitchen's selection.
However, reality proved to be much more disappointing than Yohana had anticipated. "My Lady, please forgive me. I would love to appreciate this taste, but I can't bring myself to like it. It's bitter, and I dislike the fragrance. Food shouldn't smell like plants."
Thea's honest response brought a refreshing change, causing Yohana to burst into laughter.
It was rare for someone of her social status to openly admit their dislike for certain things, especially when it came to luxurious beverages like tea. Many would pretend to enjoy even the most bitter taste, just to conform to the preferences of the higher social classes.
After rinsing her mouth with water, Thea excused herself, leaving Yohana to her own devices. She decided to pick up the book of Sanctus, which she hadn't been able to finish yet.
Interrupting her reading, someone approached and asked, "May I join you?"