***

Lady Raine made her way to her room with ease. She was very sour as the king was stronger than was expected, even at an age of fifty-four, especially after he insisted to go another round in the study when he caught her as their paths crossed. She had not thought that after they were done, Lady Steinhouse would appear. Still, he did not seem to let her go even after the lady had left.

Her maid saw her approach and frowned. That nasty king, did he think her mistress was a woman from the brothels? She helped her mistress into her chambers and closed the door before expressing her dissatisfaction.

“How long do we have to keep up with this? My lady, marrying the king will not give us assurance,” the maid protested.

“Think about it, Ria. The antidote may be in the queen's crown, but the mantle pins for the crown are with the kingdom's holy tower. That woman had it kept there so that even if we could get the crown, we can not dismantle it to

get the antidote. I need to get my hands on it. The only way is to become queen; that way, I can not only step on her but that smug brother of hers,” Lady Raine smiled viciously.

“But, my lady, your mother....” Ria started to ask.

“Do not worry about that. The crowning of a queen of a first-rate kingdom means the king of Northern Lan has to make an appearance himself. He never leaves for long distances without taking mother. His kingdom may be impenetrable for me, but this is my territory. Have the guards prepare everything before you leave,” she instructed Ria.

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“Where would I be going?” Ria frowned. She did not want to leave her mistress in a place such as this.

“You will go to the meeting point outside the capital; the one that was never used. Take my command tablet and dispatch the Jade Hand. We must stake it all if we intend to bring mother back,” Lady Raine instructed and Ria frowned. She did not want her mistress to be here all alone. Not again.

“But...” she started to say.

“I know what you are worried about, Ria. But do not forget, I rule this palace. That woman is so busy sticking her hands into the matters of the kingdom, she forgets the matter of the household. Every guard over the years has been changed to mine. Even those that serve her,” she reassured her maid.

“Okay, I will do as you say, my lady,” she nodded obediently.

“Now, we must make sure the queen is too occupied to bother with us. I heard you changed her guards again,” Lady Raine asked, seeing that her maid had agreed to be obedient.

“She had thought of meeting the king last night. Her maids said it was something about the Prince. I was told she took special time to dress up nicely and wear something thin,” Ria said.

“This lady's man, did she think it's easy to touch?” Lady Raine sneered and Ria frowned. Did her lady really like this king?

“I changed her guards to much skilful once,” her maid said with a hidden meaning only they understood and Lady Raine laughed.

“Since she likes strong men who can take her at the same time in bed, this lady will give her enough men to fill her fantasies,” Lady Raine said with glee

.