Vol.7 Ch.412 Just Think About It

Rya balked at the idea of letting that annoying redhead marry her fiancé. She finally made a breakthrough with Hilda during the Coming of Age party a few days ago, and now she will have to accept her as a Sister Wife. Over her dead body.

“You seriously can’t be serious, Octavius!” Rya spat, her composure cracking for a moment, a flash of fire in her eyes. “After everything I’ve done for this Kingdom! After everything I’ve done for this family! You want me to share my husband with that… that brat!?” The words hung in the air, a raw, unvarnished expression of her fury, a glimpse of the passionate woman beneath the carefully constructed facade of the royal princess.

It was Quinus’s time to calm Rya down before she did something drastic. He gently squeezed her hand, a silent message of support and reassurance. He knew that this was a bitter pill for her to swallow, a compromise that went against her very nature. But he also knew that it was the only way to secure the votes they needed, the only way to break the deadlock and move forward.

“Rya… He’s willing to listen. Let’s talk this out before we cast the final votes,” Quinus said, his voice a low, gentle murmur that seemed to calm the storm brewing within her.

Rya took a deep breath, the air in the room heavy with the weight of the moment. She looked at Octavius with frustration, but she knew that Quinus was right. She had to play the game, to navigate the treacherous waters of Fiafyrian politics, to secure her place as the Crown Princess. She had to compromise, even if it went against her very nature.

“Alright… Besides this weak belief in keeping this ‘Peace Treaty’ with those zealots. Why are you so adamant about Hilda being the one to bear the heir?” Rya asked, her voice a measured hum, her mind racing to understand the Viscount’s motives. She suspected there was more to this than just a desire for peace.

Octavius looked at the Dark Elf, a flicker of something that felt suspiciously like guilt in his eyes. “I understand that we’re asking a lot from you, Princess. But the fact of the matter is, we don’t know if you will produce an heir. Princess Hilda will be able to do so in a timely manner if you do struggle, and she has the pedigree to give us a strong heir.”

“Is that all you care about? Having a woman give Quinus a strong heir!? This is ridiculous,” Rya snapped. She looked over at Quinus, a silent plea in her eyes, a desperate hope that he would understand, that he would see the absurdity of the Viscount’s proposal.

“I think what Lord Blackwood is trying to say, Princess, is that we need to ensure the continuity of the Meredydd line. It’s a matter of national security, of stability, of the very future of the Fiafyr Kingdom,” Earl Nathaniel said, a pleading look in his eyes.

“Princess Rya. We aren’t saying that the Prince needs to have an heir immediately. However, there aren’t any other human women of Hilda’s stature to keep the peace with the Divine Three. And there aren’t any other women besides you who have proven they will be a great Queen,” Caldorian said, trying to reason with the princess.

Rya thought to herself as she was getting annoyed. She looked at King Cyndre and Queen Rianna to see what they thought about the idea. But they both looked stoic.

“So, is that the only reason you want her as the second wife. Because of her… pedigree?” Rya said, her voice a low, melodic purr that was laced with a subtle, icy edge. She looked at Octavius, a flicker of something that felt suspiciously like suspicion in her gaze.

“Can you say that she isn’t worthy of the Crown Prince’s bed? She’s the Third Son’s daughter, after all. She’s a member of the Divine Order’s most powerful bloodline, third only to Prophet Paul and King Rolmund Aguilar III,” Octavius said, a hint of challenge in his tone.

Rya wanted to scoff, but she remembered that Hilda had a Demi-god level Mana Vein that was so underdeveloped that it couldn’t send Mana into her mage veins. It was true that if she got pregnant with Quin’s kids, they would be formidable. She hated to admit it, but Hilda could be a powerful woman with her Demi-god Mana Vein alone. Who knows what type of mage she is? The only other humans on Tertius with a Demi-god Mana Vein were the twelve-year-old boy Sid, whom Amelia had a crush on, and the stable boy, Ben, from the Dule Estate. Hilda was the only human female that she knew of who had a Demi-god Mana Vein.

Rya had a thought that if Hilda was trained properly by a high-tier mage, she could be a formidable mage who could defend herself from her stupid family and religious zealots back in the Divine Three. But as of right now, her powers are dormant, and she wasn’t going to help her until she knew she was out of the marriage picture.

Octavius noticed that Rya was deep in thought, and he needed to give her another nudge to consider his proposal.

“Listen, the benefits of having Hilda as the second wife can help our kingdom in a few ways, Princess Rya. The first one being that it could prevent war with the Divine Three—”

“They will declare war, Lord Octavius. They won’t sit idly by knowing that a Dark Elf has married into the Royal Family. And their religious dogma would force them to try and ‘cleanse’ our Kingdom. The only thing that is preventing that right now is the fact that they don’t know that Princess Rya is here. And we have Mages that can go toe to toe with their Paladins,” Lord Brice cut in. He then looked at Rya and continued, “We need to be prepared for war, not try to avoid it with a marriage alliance that will only give the Divine Three more control over our Kingdom. That’s been their history for the last two hundred years. The last five kingdoms that allied with them are now gone or have become nothing more than puppets. The Kingdom of Kartoll is the only one that was able to withstand their subjugation.”

Octavius’s jaw tightened. He looked at Lord Brice, a flicker of anger in his eyes. He knew that the Lord was right, but he wasn’t finished explaining his plan. He had to make them see that it was the only way, the only way to keep the Fiafyr Kingdom safe from the coming storm.

“I understand that the Peace Treaty only has a one percent chance of succeeding. However, it’s a zero percent chance if we don’t marry Hilda. And I’m going to trust you, Princess, that you will defend us with your magic, that’s why having Hilda will be crucial to my other point. Fiafyr can lay claim to Alliance territory by birthright of her children—”

“Ahem!?” Rya cleared her throat and gave Octavius a glare that could have cut through steel.

“If his Highness and ladyship allow Hilda to carry a child, then Fiafyr could have a claim to the Alliance’s territories if we can keep Hilda’s kids from the Divine Order’s grasp,” Octavius said, a hint of desperation in his tone.

“Plus, there isn’t another Princess of her pedigree on this continent and she’s easy on the eyes. If she’s married then we don’t have to search for another woman if you have trouble with conceiving. Just give Hilda a spot in the palace to do her own thing for a few years and then use her if need be. That’s all we are asking for, My Lady,” Caldorian added.

Rya had to admit to herself that the idea was a tempting one, but she would be damned if she let that brat have her Quinus. ‘He’s right… If she had a son with Quinus, then I could use that connection to our advantage. No! That’s stupid! Ugh! When I thought I was done with Hilda she comes back to bite me in the ass. And there’s no fucking way that she would agree to this. She probably get reinvigorated and try to steal him from me again! And that little Dori girl would help her. I’m going to have to—’ Rya’s train of thought was cut off by a gentle pat on the back from Quinus.

Quinus could feel the tension in Rya’s body and he knew that this was taking a toll on her. He also knew that she was thinking about the pros and cons of this proposal.

“Are you alright, babe? Don’t let them get to you. We don’t have to agree to this,” Quinus whispered in her ear.

Rya took a deep breath and let out a sigh of frustration. “I know… But… We need their votes to get married.” She turned to glare at Octavius who looked like he was pleading with her.

“You don’t need to agree this instance, Princess Rya… I… Just think it through for a few days and maybe talk to Hilda. That’s all I ask is for you to talk to her. I… I’m only thinking of the best interest of the Kingdom. That’s all I’ve ever done. And you have are votes to become the Crown Princess if you let Princess Hilda Stoneworthh become the second wife,” Octavius pleaded.

Rya’s gaze softened as she saw the genuine concern in the Viscount’s eyes. He was an man, who had a different point of view than her. She could tell he wasn’t just trying to get her to agree to this to save face. He was genuinely worried about the future of the Kingdom. She didn’t like it, but she could finally understand that it wasn’t out of malice.

Rya pouted, “I’ll think about it…” she said, her voice a low, reluctant murmur.

“R-Really!? That’s a—”

“I didn’t say yes. I said I’ll think about it,” Rya cut him off. Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it was firm. She looked at Quinus, a silent question in her eyes. He could see that she was trying to find a way to make this work, a way to secure the votes they needed without sacrificing her own happiness.

King Cyndre, seeing the fragile truce, stood up, his movements slow and deliberate, a subtle reminder that the meeting was drawing to a close.

“So, we are in agreement? If my son and his fiancée agree to your terms, then you will vote for their marriage?” the King asked, a hopeful glint in his eye.

“Yes,” Octavius and Caldorian said in unison.

“Then this meeting is adjourned. We shall reconvene in three days’ time for the final vote after Duval’s defense of his position. I expect you to have made your decision by then, Princess Rya,” King Cyndre said, his gaze fixed on Rya, a silent command to consider her options carefully.

The Lords and Barons began to file out of the room, their footsteps echoing through the vast, empty chamber. Only Baroness Ysandra Fairchild, Baron Zellin Coldforge, and Earl Nathaniel Valerian stayed behind with a few of the Princess’s Entourage sticking around as well.

Viscount Octavius Blackwood and Baron Caldorian Montclair were the last to leave. They paused at the door, their expressions a mixture of relief and lingering doubt.

“We’ll be waiting for your decision, Princess. I hope you’ll make the right one. For the sake of the Kingdom,” Octavius said, his voice a low, serious murmur.

Rya didn’t say a word until the two left and closed the big heavy oak doors to the Council Room.

“Are they serious? A second wife? I just got that bimbo off my back and now they want me to bring her back into my life! As a Sister Wife!? No. Absolutely not!” Rya said, her frustration boiling over. She started pacing around the room, her steps quick and agitated, a caged animal desperate for escape.

“It’s the life of a royal, my dear. We don’t have full day on certain things. But look on the bright side. You get to marry my son,” Rianna said with a small, sympathetic smile.

The Queen’s attempt at levity fell flat. Rya shot her a look of pure disbelief. “That’s your bright side? That’s the bare minimum of what I want, Rianna!”

“Now, Rya,” King Cyndre said, his voice a low, placating rumble. “You need to understand their position. They are thinking of the line of succession. And… they aren’t entirely wrong.”

Rianna glanced over at Yuliana who was looking like she was going to burst at the seams. They were the only two who knew that Rya was pregnant, but the fear of angering the forest spirits by revealing the pregnancy before the mother found out herself had them biting their tongues.

“Father, you can’t be serious about me having two wives at the same time. Not many of the Major Houses practice polygamy anymore. The last one to do it happened about fifty years ago,” Quinus said, trying to reason with his father.

“Not, for the Royal Family, son. Besides the treaty that my brother and I signed to force us to take a single wife, my father, your grandfather had two wives. It funny that Kimberly never had any children, but my father seemed to fancy her over the Queen… Anyway, it’s not unheard of in the Royal Family or the Noble Houses outside of our kingdom, but you are correct… It’s not common practice,” Cyndre said. He looked at Quinus with a thoughtful expression, a flicker of something that felt suspiciously like nostalgia in his eyes. He remembered his father’s second wife, a woman who had brought a spark of joy and laughter into the royal court, a woman who had been a constant presence in his life, a woman who seemed to care for him more then his real mother, the Queen. He shook his head, trying to clear the memories, trying to focus on the matter at hand.

“What would happen if a war between the Divine Three were to break out before Rya had to respond. Surely, they lose their leverage if that were to happen, correct?” Nieren asked, her voice a low, melodic hum that carried a surprising authority.

“That won’t change their minds. Hilda still has Royal blood running through her veins. And it’s very tempting to have another woman of her lineage in our family tree. We would also have a claim to a few of their territories if we could get a child from her, but not all of them. The Divine Three will always see themselves as above us all. They wouldn’t hesitate to kill us all if it meant that we were a threat to their power,” Nathaniel said with a sigh. He looked at the group, a flicker of something that felt suspiciously like resignation in his eyes. He knew that the Divine Three were a force to be reckoned with, a force that would not be easily swayed, and Octavius was right. Hikda was perfect second wife for a king and it was hard for him to argue that point.

“Well… Don’t you find Princess Hilda pleasing to your eyes my—ow!”

Rianna elbowed Cyndre side and gave him a look that could have melted stone, “Cyndre, that’s quite enough. Most of these fools think that, Rya won’t get pregnant, and I would bet that you will be giving us an heir quicker than they think,” she said with a small, reassuring smile. Rianna was hoping Rya would get the vague hint, but alas she missed it.

Rya sour look on her face when she looked at the Queen because she thought she was making light of the situation and was about to say something. But Yuliana had a huge smile on her face and it made Rya nervous.

“W-Well?… I’m trying and it’s sounds like Octavius and Caldorian want Hilda in the picture, regardless of if I get pregnant in the next few years. It would be hard to accept another woman into Quin’s life, but I could get behind it if it is someone I like. However, Hilda!? No! Anyone but her! I think she finally accepted defeat during the party and I’m not about to just waltz up to her and tell her to become our second wife! She will jump at the chance only to try and muscle me out! Stupid, naive, prude!” Rya blurted out.

Zellin Coldforge chuckled at the fiery response. “Well, Saintess. Your fiery spirit is what we love about you. However, that same fire might bring a war to our doorstep if we aren’t careful. Octavius and Caldorian are just being cautious, albeit in a foolish way,” Zellin said as he took a puff from his pipe.

Lord Brice stepped in, “But they do make a solid point, my lady. Princess Hilda Stoneworthh is of a lineage of Royals, and she could be used strategically to lay claim to Holy Alliance lands if they are foolish enough to start a war.”

“But what good is a marriage if there’s a war within the family?” Ysandra said, a hint of disapproval in her tone.

Lord Brice grimaced, “Maybe Princess Rya and Hilda could find some common ground to make a—”

“I’m not going to offer an olive branch to that… To Hilda!” Rya snapped. “I have given her nothing but the benefit of the doubt and she’s tried to pray for me to get fat!”

There was a few chuckles including the Queen.

‘Is that why Rya hasn’t noticed? Because that silly redhead told her that the Goddesses were making her fat? Ugh! You’re pregnant Rya! How can’t you see it!’ Yuliana screamed in her head.

“Hey!? It’s not funny! That’s cruel! Even for someone like her!” Rya huffed.

“I’m sorry, my dear,” Rianna said, trying to hide her amusement. “But you have to admit… it is a little funny. And maybe there’s is another reason why you might be getting… A little more health weight on you?”

Rya crossed her arms and glared at the Queen, “So, you do think I’m gaining weight! Well, I can’t help it! It must be the stress or something… I’ll get control of my eating habits once all this is over.”

Yuliana and Rianna both looked at Rya in disbelief. It was like this girl has never been born with a womb.

Quinus, seeing the two women’s disbelief, chimed in to try and change the subject, “Alright… Alright… We can see that this has been a trying few days for you, my love. But we have to figure something out before the final vote in three days.”

Rya turned her glare from the Queen to Quinus, but it softened a bit. “Yeah… We will figure it out. Until then, we need to figure out what Leandra’s planning to do during the request of repentance. My golems have turned up the pressure. However, the Revelia’s have been on their best behavior. Leandra hasn’t made a move to try and talk to anyone, including Hilda. And we haven’t heard anything from Alaric’s mercs.”

Zellin took a long drag from his pipe and exhaled a cloud of sweet-smelling smoke. “That’s what I’m worried about, Saintess. The Duke is known for playing the long game. His patience is a virtue. And it’s one that we shouldn’t underestimate. He’s waiting for you to be distracted, for your guard to be down. And then he’ll strike.”

“But we can’t avoid, Leandra. It would look bad on the Royal Family if the Queen and Princess don’t show up at the Mage’s Guild. For all we know, Leandra might be hoping that we are overthinking things,” Ysandra added.

Rya nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “She’s right. We need to be there. But we also need to be prepared for anything. My golems will be watching, listening. They will alert me if anything seems out of the ordinary.”

“And I’ll have my knights on high alert,” Quinus added, his expression a mask of grim determination.

“Frankly, you don’t really have to show up to this meeting, Rya. You haven’t been officially made the Crown Princess yet, and there for you’re not obligated to attend. Her Majesty is the only one required to attend this meeting with the Ladies of the Court,” Lord Brice said.

“Have you forgotten me, Lord Brice?” Ysandra said with a smirk, “Have I become so boring that you’ve forgotten my position? As one of the King’s most trusted allies, I will be there to support Her Majesty. I will also make sure Leandra and her cronies don’t try to pull a fast one.”

Lord Brice raised a skeptical eyebrow, “I didn’t want to speak for you, Baroness Fairchild. But your presence will be appreciated.”

“But what if they try something to hurt the Ladies of the Court? Rya is the only one who can heal you if things go sideways,” Yuliana said with a concerned expression.

Zellin Coldforge chuckled, “The Mages Guild are more than capable of handling the Duchess and her cronies. Besides, our little Saintess can handle anything. Whatever she decides to do is fine by me.”

“I… I think it would be unwise for you to go, Princess,” Earl Nathaniel chimed in with a concerned look. “Your safety is paramount. If something were to happen to you, it would be a devastating blow to the Kingdom.”

Rya thought for a moment as she looked at Quinus. She didn’t want to leave the Queen and her friends to a cornered rat that is far too cunning for her own good. But if she was there, it might make Leandra do something foolish. She then looked over at her mother and saw the concerned look on her face. It was a look that made her feel a little guilty for making her worry so much.

“You have a good point, Earl… But my mother has a point too… If I’m to become Quinus’s wife, I can’t hide like a coward. If she’s planning a trap, then all the better to rid her once and for all,” Rya said, her expression a mask of grim determination.

Nieren couldn’t have agreed more, she wished she could join the other Ladies of the Court when the Duchess made her move. But she knew that Rya needed to have the glory of taking down the snake that was Leandra Revelia.

“Showing strength now is what we need. This is my fight, and I will be there to see it through. Besides, it will give Octavius and Caldorian another reason to reconsider their ‘backup plan’. After they see what I do to Leandra,” Rya added.

Yuliana couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in her daughter, but the worry was still there. Rya was pregnant and it wasn’t the best to put herself in danger. If only she knew.

“Then it’s settled. We will put the Knight on high alert for tomorrow meeting with the Duchess. If my brother is up to his tricks then he will make his move tomorrow. His last chance to abandon his foolish ambitions should have been years ago, but it seems he’s determined to go down a path of treason. He will be dealt with. Permanently,” Cyndre said, a grim determination in his eyes.

Zellin Coldforge smirked, King Cyndre has become more confident than he’s ever seen him. He was happy to see the King take control and make the tough decisions.

Rya looked at her mother and saw her still worried face. She gave her a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful. I promise.”

Yuliana gave a small nod, trying to muster a smile in return. “I know you will, my dear. But I can’t help but worry. You are my daughter, after all.”

Quinus smiled at the green haired elf, “She’s fine, Yuliana. I will do everything to protect her.”

“I know you will. You’re a good man, Quinus,” Yuliana said, a genuine smile on her face. “Now, only if my biological daughter could find a man half as good as you, then I can rest in peace.”

Nieren blushed in embarrassment, “Mother!? Stop it! There isn’t anyone close to my prin—I mean, his Highness! I’m my sister’s retainer and lady-in-waiting. I’m going to be single for a long while,” Nieren said, her cheeks a bright shade of red.

Quinus let out a chuckle, “Well, you never know. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, Nieren.”

Nieren’s blush deepened, but she couldn’t help but smile. “I… I would love to believe that… My sister is lucky to have a man like you. I… I can’t think of any other man that I would want her to be with,” she stammered, her eyes darting to the floor, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

Quinus looked at Nieren with a gentle expression, a flicker of something that felt suspiciously like understanding in his gaze. “Don’t lose faith. But don’t force it either. I believe you will have the man of your dreams.”

“Oh, I’m not—”

“Princess!?”

Nieren was cut off by Quinus and she was startled and looked into Quin’s big golden eyes that draw her in. She almost wanted to lean in but she snapped out of it.

“Yes, Your Highness?” Nieren said, trying to hide her flustered state.

“You are a beautiful, talented, woman, Nieren. There’s no denying that,” Quinus said as he leaned closer, but she was still ten feet away. “You will get your man. I believe it.”

Nieren’s heart was beating so fast that she thought it was going to jump out of her chest. Every time Quinus looked at her like this, it made her feel… things. Things she shouldn’t be feeling for her sister’s fiancé. It was a confusing and exhilarating mix of emotions that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

“Yeah, Nier! You are too hard on yourself. You’ll find your guy. Plus, I can totally help you if you’re nervous. I’m a pretty good wing girl,” Rya said with a wink, oblivious to the fact that Nieren had a crush on Quinus. She saw it as her neive older sister being nervous about her future.

Yuliana sighed as she saw her daughter’s flustered state. She knew Nieren had trouble with finding a boyfriend ever since they had to leave their home. She was an elf and it was hard to find someone in a human kingdom who wouldn’t be intimidated by her elven beauty. Not to mention her royal blood. Most human men were either too intimidated or too eager to get their hands on her inheritance. She just wanted her daughter to be happy, to find someone who would love her for who she was, not for what she could give them.

“Thank you, sis… I’ll keep that in mind,” Nieren said, her voice a little shaky as she tried to regain her composure.

“Well, if there isn’t anything else to discuss. I think I could go for supper. These past few days have made my appetite bigger than usual,” Rianna said as she rubbed her belly. She had no clue why she was so hungry. She thought it was the stress but like Rya, the Queen misread her body’s signs as well.

Cyndre raised an eyebrow at his wife’s sudden hunger, but he didn’t question it. He was just happy to see her in good spirits, especially after the stressful meeting.

“Of course, my dear. I’m sure the staff has prepared a feast for us. We have much to celebrate,” the King said, a warm smile spreading across his face.

“Man… Your mother took the words right out of my mouth,” Rya whispered to her fiancé.

Quinus just smiled and stood up. He offered her his hand, which she happily accepted. “Then let’s not keep them waiting,” he said.

Everyone quickly made there way out of the West Wing of Parliament and headed to the dining room including the King’s Council members, who would join them for supper. The walk was a short one, but it was filled with a lively chatter. The nobles were in high spirits, their faces alight with a newfound sense of optimism. They had been through a lot in the past few months, but it seemed that the tide was finally turning, that the Fiafyr Kingdom was on the cusp of a new era, an era of peace and prosperity.

Sir George could only smirk and Lady Nelumbo couldn’t help but notice his goofy grin.

“What’s that smile for, Sir Knight? Do you have a new lady you’ve been courting?” Lady Nelumbo asked, a playful glint in her eye.

Sir George was startled by the question and put on a facade of confidence. He had to think on his feet for a moment.

“I’m just glad to see that things are finally looking up for the Crown Prince,” Sir George said with a warm smile.

The Queen’s bodyguard knew that George was full of it. “Is that so? Or are you hiding something from me? I know that look, Sir George. I’ve seen it many times in my years,” Lady Nelumbo said, her eyes narrowing to dangerous slits.

Sir George’s heart started to beat a little faster, but he maintained his composure. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, my lady. I’m just—”

“George? You’re stalling,” Lady Nelumbo said, a sly grin spreading across her face.

“W-Well? My research on courting Dark Elves is nearly complete. I dare say it’s my best work yet and if there was another Dark Elf in the Kingdom. I surely could help any poor soul get them with ease! And that’s all I’m going to say,” Sir George said with a proud smile, trying to salvage the situation.

Lady Nelumbo let out a hearty laugh, a sound that echoed through the corridor, drawing a few curious glances from the other nobles. “Oh, George, you’re hopeless,” she said, shaking her head in amusement.

“You doubt me!? I swear that if another Dark Elf woman comes to the capital, I’ll have her with a man within—”

“Other men? Why not you? You’re a handsome, brave, and honorable knight. Surely, you wouldn’t let a chance like that slip through your fingers, Sir George?” Yuliana chimed in with a smile.

Sir George’s face turned a shade of crimson, but he managed to maintain his composure, a feat that he had perfected over the years of serving the royal family. “I… I am a humble servant of the Crown, my lady. My duty is to protect the King and his family… Plus, I’m not a one woman man.”

Yuliana’s smile widened. “I see… A humble knight who doesn’t want a family of your own? That’s a shame. A man with your qualities would make a wonderful husband and father,” she said, a hint of teasing in her tone.

“Well if course I would be the ideal husband and father… But Dark Elves are a one partner for life race. And I’m a free spirit… I’d rather not be shackled down like that. Plus, I’m a Love Sage on the side. No man would respect me if I was saddled up with only one woman,” Sir George said, a little too quickly.

Nelumbo rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but smile at the knight’s flustered state. She had known him for years, and she knew that he was a good man, a man who was loyal, brave, and true. She also knew that he was a man who was afraid of commitment, a man who was afraid of letting anyone get too close, a man who was a little too naive for his own good. But he was her friend, and she was happy to see him happy, even if he didn’t know what happiness was.

“You’re a fool, George. But you’re good fool,” Nelumbo said, a sly grin spreading across her face. “And I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“Fear not, my lady! I will find it! And I shall share my findings with the world! I am, after all, a Love Sage!”

The Queen’s bodyguard couldn’t help but laugh again, a sound that echoed through the corridor. The King and the rest of the Royal Coalition had arrived at the grand dining hall. The massive oak doors were thrown open, revealing a room that was a feast for the senses.