"Wait a second, are you saying BOY?" Kelly exclaimed.

In the world of Shrusthi, it is matriarchal, as women have more magical capacity compared to men. Generally, all kingdoms are also ruled by women. But in Kelly's eyes, it doesn't matter if it is a boy or a girl. To her, all are tools to reach her destination of conquering the world.

"Can you find where the boy is located to Maruna?" Kelly asked.

"It's better to snatch the kid now before he knows the ways of the world," Kelly thought.

Maruna said, "The destiny boy is born to Emily Lian."

Hearing this gave Kelly a headache, as it wouldn't be easy to snatch the baby from Emily. Some soldiers treat her as a war hero for her service in the previous war. However, whatever is in the land of Valishinia belongs to her. So, even if blood must be spilled, Kelly thought it's better to snatch the baby.

Maruna stopped the queen from leaving the room with a gentle touch on her arm. "Instead of force," she said, "it is better to make the boy loyal."

"How?" asked Kelly.

"By arranging a marriage with the Crown Princess, Neha Warknight," answered Maruna.

Everyone in the palace knew of Maruna's fondness for Neha. It was right to say that in Neha's eyes, Maruna was more like a mother than Kelly herself. Neha was born without magic, her core for handling magic shattered in the womb. All in the palace knew that when the time came for the crown, her siblings would likely kill her. It was understandable why no fractions supported her, as nobody wanted to support someone talentless.

It was a pity that, even though she was mature for her age and had wisdom beyond compare, without magic, her fate was sealed. So why arrange a marriage? Only one thing explained it - for protection.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Kelly knew what Maruna wanted. A sigh escaped her lips; she still couldn't understand why Maruna desperately wanted to protect Neha, what she saw in this little girl.

As if reading Kelly's heart, Maruna explained, "I see this child as my daughter. I know I am not her mother, but I feel as if she is my daughter. I have to protect her. In my eyes, a child's talent doesn't matter when it comes to my affection."

Everyone in the palace knew that it was only due to Maruna's influence that Kelly had put Neha in the position of Crown Princess. If not, the title would have been replaced a long time ago.

Kelly pondered the idea of arranging a marriage with the crown princess, believing it to be a wise solution to multiple problems. The marriage would secure the boy's loyalty, and there would be no need for bloodshed. It was like arranging the marriage in words alone, with no actions taken until the time was right. Kelly planned to eliminate Neha and arrange the marriage with the more suitable Third Princess when the time came.

For the time being, it is wise to follow Maruna's words and arrange the marriage of the boy with the Crown Princess, Kelly concluded.

"Oh, Maruna, if it were not for our friendship, I would never agree to your proposal," Kelly added.

Upon hearing this, a smile formed on Maruna's face, and she replied, "Thank you, your majesty. I will remember this favor for a lifetime."

"Shall we go to Pensavalia now?" Kelly asked.

"Yes, majesty," Mariana replied. "Also, can we take Neha with us?"

Without waiting for the queen's response, Maruna dashed into the palace corridors, asking the maids about Neha.

The queen watched the scene with amusement and did not stop Mariana. She believed that giving carrots once in a while to her subjects was how Kelly ruled. Kelly showed no mercy to anyone if there was no need for it.

Kelly had befriended Maruna only because of her ability to predict the future. Otherwise, she would not have paid any attention to Maruna.

After a brief moment, Maruna returned, accompanied by a girl who looked around six years old.

Kelly observed Neha under her brief gaze, and she noticed that Neha did not withdraw or flinch, but neither did she step forward to be seen. Despite already having the beginnings of womanhood, Kelly doubted that Neha was more than halfway through her teens. Neha's stare was the same as the other girls around her, designed not to reveal any emotions. She hid her delicate side behind a paper wall, keeping her natural smile under lock and key. If Kelly were to talk to her, Neha would be excessively polite and deferential, but Kelly sees Neha as a failure.

"Can we go now?" Kelly asked impatiently.