Shilla sat in Lucy's carriage calmly. For some reason, she felt no anxiety. Going to the palace in the life of a maid is a big deal; more important than one's wedding day. She understood that she should feel excited, but she felt no such joy. She noticed the guards did not stop her carriage at all. It seems all knew that one ought not to stop Lady Wickshire's carriage. She guessed that they assumed it was the lady herself, that was sitting in the carriage.

All, except the royal family, usually had to stop at the palace gates and walk-in; but she was not stopped. It was a smooth journey. The carriage stopped, yet she did not attempt to come out. The carriage driver rushed over to open her door and she descended to the ground.

Maybe because this was the palace, even the sand beneath her feet seemed to look like gold. But this made no change to her expression. She understood no luxury could compare to the luxury of walking by her lady's side.

The palace head maid and servants waited by the entrance to welcome her. They had complicated looks when they realised this was not Lady Wickshire but kept silent. It seemed His Majesty was informed it was not the lady that was coming, but a representative; given that he always came himself to welcome her.

Shilla flashed Lady Wickshire's token and they bowed after a moment of hesitation. She acted as though she did not see them hesitate and turned to the head maid.

“How is His Majesty?” she said and the maid froze.

How were they supposed to answer that? The maid smiled stiffly and glanced at her entourage.

“His majesty is fine...Shall we?” she asked permission to lead Shilla in. Shilla nodded and they led the way. Shilla had not informed them who she was here for, but the king had already been informed that someone was coming on Lady Wickshire's orders. The king was in his study speaking with one of the ministers when he was informed and he and the minister went to the sitting room to receive her.

Shilla walked in to find two men and some maids. It was an entire entourage. The maid leading Shilla and curtsied to the man seated in front.

“Your Majesty,” Shilla nodded at him subtly, but one could have missed it. The minister frowned at her action.

“You are in the presence of the king! No matter your person, you must bow!” the minister scolded Shilla, who did not flinch.

“I’m here to meet her. I've come bearing gifts. Early wedding presents if, you please,” Shilla said before taking a seat. The king frowned. He knew who she referred to, so he asked the ministers to leave. No one but himself knew who he is to marry. He had no intention of letting his minister find out. The minister frowned but left with everyone.

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King Larken was not offended by Shilla's lack of awe for his presence. She came to the palace with the Wickshire insignia. That told him, he dared not look down on her. He asked for maids to call his wife-to-be and serve deserts.

“The lady would have come, but she has things to do. Since it's but a little matter, she had me handle it myself. So forgive my small presence, Your Majesty,” Shilla said and the king shook his head.

“Of course not. She cared enough to send you, that's more than I deserve,” the king's response caused Shilla to harrumph in her mind.

Her lady's name was capable of making the king polite to a maid like her. Soon, a lady arrived with her maid in tow. Shilla did not get up to greet the two that had entered, they too came in and the lady sat.

Lady Raine had heard that someone arrived with the Wickshire insignia, but to hear that this woman came for her, was shocking.

“Lady Raine, you are looking well,” Shilla said and Lady Raine froze. She underestimated Lady Wickshire's knowledge. No one outside the palace knew she was to become queen, but Lady Wickshire knew.

“You coming all this way, help me thank the lady for her grace and concern,” Lady Raine said politely. She did not know who this young woman was, but Lady Wickshire must have had a reason for sending her.

“My lady received an invitation to your marriage and decided to give you an early present. She heard you've been looking for your mother,” Shilla said and Lady Raine started shaking.

“Your mother is at Lady Steinhouse's. Lady Steinhouse is loyal to His Majesty, so she was a good option to take care of her after she was retrieved from the king of Northern Lan. Take your time and go see her,” Shilla said and Lady Raine bowed. She was grateful, but she understood, that Lady Wickshire must have had her reasons for helping her out. The lady not only helped her but sent a trusted person to inform her of it. Though Shilla finished talking and turned to leave, Lady Raine still stopped her.

“I will repay this kindness... But I’m not sure what I could possibly do for the lady,” she said and Shilla paused at the door.

“Why do you think so?” she asked.

“The lady seems capable, why would she help me besides that?” Lady Raine asked.

“If my lady wished your help, would you say no?” Shilla asked curiously.

“It depended... Offending Her Ladyship is not something we wish to do,”

“This was not a favour, this is a trade. When time comes for you to pay your debt, you must do well,” Shilla said and left. Lady Raine turned to her maid after Shilla left.

“Get me a carriage! Quickly!” she instructed.