The King has left the castle to enjoy a hunt for the day, alongside a dozen knights. They had left the woods after hours, a few deer sat in a cart. They begin crossing a large field when a man rides towards them, approaching the King by horseback causing the group to halt. The knights move in front, ready to defend, and if needed, die for their King. King Lucas, seeing the worry on the man's face, orders his knights to allow the man through. The man thanks him, now only a few stretches away.
"Why have you come?" King Lucas asks
"I've come with urgent news, Your Grace."
"On with it then."
The man clears his throat, glancing at the knights and nobles.
"A uh, discreet matter my King." The man says
The King, uncomfortably hot and unhappy by the hunt, turns to this messenger, clearly out of patience.
"Speak now."
"The Queen has called for the head of Lady Molly, Your Grace. She sent riders out not long after midday."
The King's expression quickly changed from annoyance to stone..
"Where are they both?"
"Lady Molly is at Edwig Manor, Your Grace. Her father called her home upon pressing family matters. Apparently, her brother has caught ill.. Presumed to die. Last I heard of the Queen, she has kept a secure position in the castle, in the Tower, guarded by an unknown number. She has not left, last I was informed."
"How many riders?"
"It is unknown, Your Grace. I overheard two speaking in hushed tones about Her Majesty's plot after you'd left the castle. There were no specifics but time. I sent word and took to coming straight away, seeing none on my path."
King Lucas turns his attention to his knights.
"Half of you shall go to Edwig Manor at once. The others shall ride with me back to the castle. This matter will be handled discreetly and without delay. ." King Lucas commands before snapping at the reigns, not concerned that he'd taken off ahead of his protection.
Tensions are rising as the groups take off. King Lucas races through the meadow and down the hills. Whilst they ride, King Lucas loudly gives his instructions towards his knights. They would ride through the kingdom and up to the castle. They were to split off- one to inspect the Queen's chambers whilst the other quietly and discreetly taking the Queen into custody on the false statement that the King was awaiting her inside her chambers. There she would be confined until Lady Molly was accounted for and a decision was made on how to approach the Queen's actions. Would King Lucas handle this matter privately?
Would he truly put his pregnant Queen on trial?
The townspeople scurry out of the way, not expecting his sudden arrival. As he makes his way up the path, King Lucas spots a messenger standing at the ready. King Lucas moves towards him, dismounting his horse.
"The Queen has been confined to her quarters, Your Grace. Word has been sent that Lady Molly along with her father are doing well."
The King's eyebrows furrow at this.
"Just her and her father?"
The man nods solemnly.
"Yes, Your Grace. The knights were informed that the young boy had passed not long after they'd arrived."
King Lucas sighs.
As ruler, he was always pained when he recieved word that one of his citizens had passed. In fact, he had commanded it be reported to him each morning as he got ready to prepare his duties, sending condolence letters to the families of the deceased.
"Send a letter to the Edwig family with my condolences. They are to be temporarily relieved of their duties whilst they mourn. They shan't return to court otherwise."
The messenger nods, bowing to his King.
King Lucas lets out another sigh unsure of how to handle this situation.
His Queen had called for the head of someone at his court.