*

from his crystal cup, then the chess pieces before him. His opponent, a round study

Haye. As the Duke of Crystal-m

Lord Rhog, n

wants, my friend. Is it wise to openl

een's petty schemes have not a

red for his old-time friend. The queen schemes, yes. But this time, she is dead set on making this happen. She has

u who has not opened a ciere with

queen is clear to those in

en's agitation is not from her enemy but from her supporters. If I can stand on my we

ellden

n and the queen, I am sure the one with pow

nd those who use and even those who see as well. Rumours of Lady Wickshire and whispers are more than whisper

*

in thought, unlike his physician whose b

rt to this," he protested,

nfirmed the potent nature of thi

As king, you can...."

my wife. But I'm sure there shall be protests fr

the potion lives within

try to kill me and this is time more tha

act,

ght she cannot win. It is but her greed a

ng to flush the power of Lady Wickshire is her error. B

nd everyone's service. But trying to fight her head-on is her error. This is

stand against the queen? She seems in

e does something, but when she does nothing. Given that she rarely does a thing, one ought to wonder wha

*

ow sat in the drawing-room waiting for this unknown person with her maid, Shilla standing behind her. Lucy recognized the man that walked in; it was Lord Morge. The grim look on his face set a contrast to his light brown coat and shinny

omething for m

watch, the diamonds went missing," Lord Morge sai

ing it'd be the

ady..

started to lose faith in my ability, this

ive m

an idea who

Mclears are openly

uly are open about

one they fight, my lady. What

now. Be ready to ta

ha

t look on her face innocent, but he knew better. That look was anger. He kissed her raised hand with caution, before leavin

, did you learn

la's eyes fille

what they talked about, what they knew of their families and their businesses, I'd have a system where I'd receive reports;

ir whispers, knowing exactly when they receive a letter, write one, get anythin

ung lady. Those grey eyes pierced her deeply as if they saw all, and she knew that if the head maid or headmistress found out that the

her face as straight as ever, her eyes though trained on her maid, and a look

Lucy asked. The pause was deep, as though everything had frozen in place. A knock on the door

see her," Taylor said. Shilla thought an earthquake

an institutional necessity," Lucy