Chapter 18 - Queen Flora, Tiara of the Grand Kingdom, The Lord of Death’s Consort

I’m still not quite sure how to be a queen. Ever since I moved into the palace, it’s been a nightmare. I wear a fancy dress now, but the tiara goes on top of my executioner’s mask. Even the mask isn’t mine. I’d never worn it before my husband, Sidney, was crowned king. He had an extra and felt like we should match so we’d be an obvious pair.

I guess it does make things easier. Nobody can see my face, so nobody can see how nervous and confused I am. If I didn’t have the mask, I’d probably spend more time hiding in my room.

I was educated to serve as an attendant in a merchant’s household. The palace is so many steps up from there! Even the maids are scary! They wake me up every morning and escort me no matter where I go. I’m not even alone in the privy!

If that wasn’t enough, it’s obvious that they know my job better than me. If I could trade with them, I would! Whenever I make a mistake, they pull me aside and calmly inform me what I should have done instead. I can feel them watching me all day long. It’s unending!

If there is one upside, it’s my new children. Sidney and I had despaired that we would never have our own. We’d tried diligently for years and years. I’m old enough now that it’s becoming more and more unlikely.

On the other hand, Letta, my newly adopted daughter, is going to be trouble. She just lost her only surviving parent, the previous king, plus two of her younger brothers. I can’t even imagine how she’s dealing with it! Then, without giving her any time to cope or adjust, I’m thrown in as her new mother. I don’t have a bit of experience, except babysitting for my neighbors!

Even so, Letta is more unruly than the worst teenager that I’ve ever heard of. She’s already reached this age and apparently chosen the path of rebellion before I ever appeared. Now, she pretends I don’t exist. She avoids me whenever I try to speak to her. She’s even tried to poison me! I’d feel bad about that, but she did the same to poor Henry, her younger brother. I don’t even know where to start!

A few nights ago, I got a report that she escaped her chaperones and was seen afterwards about town with an elderly man. I redoubled her guard, but she’s sneakier than anyone expects. I can only hope that she hasn’t done anything that she’ll regret later.

In contrast, young Henry has been a delight. He tells me all his worries, listens carefully to my advice, and does his best to enact forward progress. He’s been making great strides in his lessons and I can guess he’ll make a fine statesman or general. I know that Letta is older, but I can’t help but wish we could make him the heir instead.

In that case, if I can’t make him the heir, I’ll find other ways to improve his standing! That’s the reason for today’s tea party. I’ve come across some interesting tidbits of information through the palace spies that may help him in his efforts.

Unfortunately, I’ve only recently learned tea party etiquette. I have my maids to help me, but it isn’t enough. My mistakes have become less and less glaring, so there’s that. Lately, the maids do less glaring themselves too. Maybe, eventually I’ll get through a whole event without some glaring disaster?

When the knock comes, I am ready, waiting at the table. My maids open the door to reveal Henry, surrounded by his own staff. “Mother! How kind of you to invite me!”

“Of course, Henry! I’m always here for you!”

Stolen novel; please report.

He takes his seat and his attendants move to stand waiting nearby with my maids. There is no further need for them because I’ve set a new policy that we can pour our own cups. This was one of my few demands. I won’t allow myself or the children I raise to be completely incompetent.

“How have you been doing in your studies?”

“Frederick, my head tutor says that I am well ahead. Edward, the swordmaster, says the same. He’s ready to advance me to more advanced stances.”

“That is good to hear. I wish all of my children were so motivated.” This was an unfair jab at his sister. But, perhaps my maids or Henry’s attendants will relay the message to her.

I’m not sure if he understood my meaning or not, since he simply sips his tea. Of course, it wouldn’t be wise for him to snub her. There’s no telling what will happen the day she becomes queen. His days may be numbered.

“How have you been, Mother? I see that you still wear your mask.”

“I’ve been adjusting well. Each day is better than the last. However, I hope the mask will become a symbol of our kingdom. Maybe a requirement expected for future rulers.”

Now, that’s an idea! I have no doubt that Princess Letta would refuse any such requirement. If she gave up on her desire for the throne, maybe we could marry her out instead!

On the other hand, her marriage prospects seem to be the heart of the problem. She doesn’t want to marry anyone that she doesn’t already know or that doesn’t fit her status. Those two requirements directly conflict. There's nobody else within our kingdom who fits her status, and none outside our kingdom that she already knows. Marriages among the nobility are always arranged. Worse, as a princess, the only likely candidates are from other countries. In other words... hmm...

While I am lost in thought, Henry appears to be considering my statement. Eventually, he comes up with a question, “Should I start wearing a mask as well?”

“Ah, no… that isn’t what I meant.”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“Mmm… I should ask the king what he thinks.”

“Thank you mother.”

“Of course! Now, let’s move on to the main topic.”

I knew I was being hasty. I could see the maids glaring at me again. But, I didn’t know how to move the conversation along as deftly as they could.

“Mother, what is the main topic?”

“Mmm… I should move closer so we can whisper.”

“Oh? Is this a secret?”

“Yes, quite secret. You’ll need to decide what to do with it.”

The maids covered their eyes so they wouldn’t have to see as I scooted my chair over to him. I’m sure there’s some proper protocol for chair scooting, but I wasn’t about to bother learning it right now.

Once I situate nearby, I bend my neck down to whisper into his ear. “I have it on good authority that Guildsmaster Utherick is courting Truck-chan.”

Henry blinks three times. Clearly he’s lost. “Why is this a secret?”

“Well, it’s just a rumor, so the secret is that my spies have confirmed the truth of the matter.”

“I see. You don’t want to reveal how effective your spies are?”

“That’s part of it, yes. The other part is that you may want to … do something.”

“Do something? Like what?”

“Heroes, by their nature, amass great wealth and prestige. Marrying one is a sure way to retain your position among the high nobility. In fact, if you were married to Truck-chan, the common people would likely see you as the obvious choice for the throne.”

“I see.” He’s very skilled at keeping his emotions off his face. But I can see the sparkle in his eyes. I imagine his sister is just as much an embarrassment for him as she is for me.

“That’s all I have, except you’d do well to mention this only to your most trusted advisors. In confidence, of course!”

“Of course!”

I have to admit, I’m quite pleased by the way this is going. Luckily, I’m wearing a mask. Nobody can see my smile nor read my lips. There will only be a rumor that I whispered some secret to the young prince.

Hopefully, Letta won’t think I’m conspiring against her. I’m not, as much as I want to! Or am I? Well... I guess I am. Just a little bit.