Chapter Three
Royal Study"
Ruperta enters "Greetings, your Grace"
Lance asked thoughtfully, "My Queen, what do you think of this coming marriage?" Ruperta responded, "My Lord, I think..."
Calix enters, "Ah, the Queen's here too. Perfect."
Lance nods at Calix "Anything you want,Son-in-law?.
Calix said, "I got some gifts for my bride. I need a carriage to convey them." Lance called for Dean
Dean enters and bows, "What's your order, Your Grace?" Lance ordered him and Dean bowed and left
Calix continued, "Also, I'll need to transpoet my bride'spersonal staff" and Lance smiled and replied, "You're allowed to do so."
Ruperta addressed the prince, "Are you happy with your bride? I mean, she"s clumsy and all that."
Lance frowned "Ruperta!" Calix smiled, "Don't worry about that. She's the perfect one for me. Nice, down to earth. She knows about public duties too. She exceeded my expectations"
Lance said, "I'mso glad she exceeded your expectation."
Calix said, "Alright, I'll take my leave now" He nods at them and left the study
Ruperta quickly faced the King, "My lord, she marrying into the royal family is going to be a disaster."
Lance replied curtly"It is settled. Now take your leave." Ruperta curtsied " My Lord" and left the study
Melita who was waiting outside for Ruperta ran up to her, "How was it, Mother?"
Ruperta shook her head, "He didn't even listen to me ."
Melina asked, " Why is that, Mother?"
Ruperta replied, "The prince came in when I was talking with your father."
Melita frowned, "Why did he go meet father?" Ruperta sighed "He got gifts for Avena and needed a carriage to convey them"
Melita became jealous, "He cares for her so much. Mother, I have an idea" Ruperta looked at her "What is it?" Melita asked ,"Why don't I marry him too?" "Melita!"
Melita replied, "As long as I can marry him, it doesn't matter if he takes me for a second wife or even a concubine. I can discuss it with him or even father"
Helena joins them, "What are you teo doing here when the kingdom is bustling with activities?"
Ruperta asked, "What's going on?"
Helen replied that the Fifth Prince had ordered the sewing geniuses to make a wedding gown for his chosen bride. He had also summoned high-profile jewelers to make new jewelry and even put a royal order on everyone. Helen shook her head, wondering aloud what he saw in that outcast.
Edwin cut in sharply, telling her to stop calling names. He reminded her that the woman was the highest-ranked person after the king and, with the backing of the Magravian Fifth Prince, badmouthing her could cost Helen her head.
Helen stared at him in surprise. "Brother, how could you say such a thing?"
"I am just trying to help you save your head," Edwin replied.
Melita turned on him. "Brother, how could you support her?"
"Why can't I support her?" Edwin asked. "I heard you had a sword fight with the prince. Be careful and don't disgrace yourself."
"I don't plan to," Melita said angrily.
Ruperta was shocked. "How could you say that to your sister, Edwin?"
"I was stating facts," Edwin answered. "The prince in question is known for his swordsmanship. He doesn't even need thirty thousand men. His strength alone can bring down an army of ten thousand
soldiers. This is what I witnessed the last time we allied with them for a battle against the Valferdi. And where are they now? Not even their bodies were spared."
Later, Ruperta pressed further, but Edwin shrugged. "Since she wants to learn from him, it won't be that serious, will it?"
Ruperta frowned. "You think it's not obvious Melita likes him?"
Edwin grew defensive. "What do you mean?"
"It's the talk of the castle," Ruperta said. "Forget it. The prince only likes Sister Alena."
Ruperta reminded him not to forget that Melita was his younger sister and not that
outcast.
Edwin retorted coldly, "Sister Alena is not an outcast."
Ruperta left with Helen in a huff