Henrie's arrival in Yohana's chamber was marked by a sense of excitement. In his hands, he held a list of individuals more than willing to lend their support as benefactors for the upcoming charity event.
The sheer number of interested parties left both Yohana and Henrie astounded. With just these backers alone, Yohana could already put together a noteworthy charity ball. Yet, Yohana's ambitions reached further, spurred by a greater purpose – to elevate the recognition of the smaller vendors in the process.
As the discussion on the charitable arrangements unfolded, Thea gracefully the room. After greeting them, she presented Yohana with a note, which the accompanying knight had helped Thea to write.
Yohana's eyes swept across the note as she nodded. Meanwhile, Thea played her part in delivering the latest developments. She spoke to Henrie about her recent assignment's success.
"I was entrusted by Her Ladyship to gather information about Lady Odetta," Thea revealed, her commitment palpable in her words.
Curious, Henrie inquired, "And what prompted this action?"
Thea's response was candid, her words conveying the sense of empathy that drove her actions as she recounted the events of that crucial night. "She had been causing distress to Zara. Seeing her in such a pitiful state, I couldn't help but implore Her Ladyship's aid on her behalf."
"I can easily retrieve such information for you. I could even provide you with detailed insights into her family's background," he interjected, his tone tinged with a sense of protest, as he was excluded from this aspect of Yohana's plans.
Yohana, however, gently countered his offer, emphasizing the unique value she sought from her chosen path. "Your information is often constrained to what's presented on paper and what the family wishes to showcase, Henrie. But within the ranks of servants and maids, an unnoticed world exists—a world that holds unseen truths and untold secrets. I need access to those hidden narratives to uncover potential leverage."
As she concluded her explanation, Yohana laid down the note, directing Henrie's attention to a specific part of Thea's gathered intelligence. "Like this," she pointed, her finger indicating a crucial detail.
Henrie leaned closer, his eyes scanning the words that held significance. He read aloud the information, "Lady Odetta is known to have explosive anger."
***
"I heard you're willing to help me," Lady Runa said, her posture elegant as she settled onto the sofa. Positioned nearby, Thea acted as a bridge between Lady Runa and Zara, facilitating their conversation.
Zara, standing resolutely, met Lady Runa's gaze. "Indeed, My Lady. I'm prepared to stand as a witness in court regarding the true identity of the lady in the rumor. Queen Emma had tasked us with tracking those who might have seen Princess Eleanor that night, to ensure their silence. But I'm willing to speak out."
Zara recognized the potential consequences—the loss of her job, the jeopardy to her family's well-being, and even personal danger.
Yet, her upbringing had instilled in her a sense of honor and gratitude, not allowing her to turn away from sincere assistance. With her resolve firmly set, she understood the stakes, willing to risk everything to repay her debt.
Appreciation shone in Lady Runa's eyes, but she was quick to intervene. "I value your noble intention, but I can't in good conscience place you in such jeopardy. Testifying in court could expose you to the queen and her ladies-in-waiting—a risk I can't ask you to bear."
Undeterred, Zara knelt before Lady Runa, her voice earnest. "Please, My Lady, allow me this chance. I can't carry this debt indefinitely without attempting to repay it when I have the means."
With a touch of compassion, Lady Runa implored, "Please rise, Zara. I'm not rejecting your offer, but I have a different role in mind for your assistance."
Instead of thrusting Zara into the spotlight, Lady Runa had a different strategy in mind.
"Your role won't be at the forefront, Zara," Lady Runa said.
She aimed to capitalize on the web of maids and servants that formed the palace's unseen network, turning them into agents of truth behind the scenes.
This approach, she believed, could effectively disseminate the real story behind the lady in the rumor.
She further explained, "I want you to work your influence among the maids and servants. Many of them have undoubtedly heard the rumor. Your task is to share the accurate version of events regarding the lady in question."
Lady Runa paused, taking her time to highlight her last sentence, "Emphasize that your information comes directly from Lady Odetta."
Zara's brow furrowed in contemplation. Lady Runa's inclusion of Lady Odetta in the plan perplexed her, yet she recognized her position to follow Lady Runa's guidance without questioning it.
With a decisive nod, she indicated her agreement to undertake this covert responsibility.
***
Zara knew that a direct conversation might expose her, so she devised a clever scheme. She set her sights on Mila, a servant known for her propensity to share gossip. Mila's domain was the laundry room – a place void of people during breaks.
Zara seized the opportunity when Mila stepped away for her break. She slipped into the laundry room and concealed herself in a storage area.
With Mila's return, Zara orchestrated her plan. She purposefully created noises, capturing Mila's attention. Facing away from the partially open door, Zara embarked on her staged monologue.
While seemingly arranging fresh supplies on a shelf, Zara spoke to herself. "I couldn't believe it! I'm just astounded. How could Lady Odetta confide in me that the lady from the rumor was none other than Princess Eleanor? It's rather daring, isn't it? I mean, didn't she consider the potential consequences if her words proved untrue?"
Zara paused, pretending to weigh the possibility of truth in Lady Odetta's so-called statement. Then, she continued, "But Lady Odetta was absolutely resolute in her claim. She even saw the princess herself in that blue gown when she was returning to the palace."
The strategic conversation echoed through the laundry room. Zara's calculated move sought to ignite the interest of the one person who could carry her message throughout the palace's hidden network of whispers.
Zara's hand instinctively covered her mouth, her eyes widening as if in mock horror. "Oh dear, what have I done? Speaking so audibly like this could easily make people believe it's the truth." She accompanied her words with a theatrical gasp.
The curious thing about human nature is that the more one is forbidden from something, the stronger the inclination to pursue it becomes. This principle was particularly true when it came to gossip.
Zara was well aware of this phenomenon, and she was confident that Mila, the palace's renowned gossipmonger, was already on her way to disseminate the tidbit she had overheard.
With cautious steps, Zara pivoted, verifying her assumption. True to her expectations, Mila had vanished from the room, likely off on her mission to share the latest morsel of palace intrigue.
Recognizing that today wasn't a scheduled supply day, Zara prepared for contingencies. In case Mila pointed any fingers in her direction, Zara had the supply schedule as her alibi.
Any claims could be conveniently debunked by the simple fact that she had no reason to be in the laundry room on non-supply days.