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The capital was dressed in pomp and splendor everywhere announcing the banquet later. The entertainment court of the palace grounds started to get busy with the arriving carriages of the lords and ladies. Almost everyone arrived in groups of their immediate family members. The grand hall was filled with the chatter of empty greetings and hollow praises. Almera arrived escorted by her four brothers and father wearing the lilac gown that Mira had designed for her. She was soon pulled away by the Buckworth sisters. Thomas had arrived earlier along with his parents and younger brother who was only ten years old. His eyes followed his beloved from the moment she entered the grand hall. He wanted to rush to her side and tell her how beautiful she looked… if only he could escape from the drooling of those boorish men… but he wasn’t lucky… not tonight! Almera giggled as she saw his terrible plight as she chatted with the Buckworth sisters. “Your best friend is here.” Patricia curled her l
Thomas’s situation wasn’t any better than Almera’s. He threw a side glance at her. His intention was to comfort her even though he himself was troubled. He was taken aback when he saw Almera giggling. “Has your dukedom paid the dowry to the dukedom of Amberton?” Cornelius repeated her accusations in the form of a question. “Yes.” “For clarity of this court, what was it that was paid in dowry?” “10 percent of the armed forces of Soren.” Danielle threw Almera a disdainful look and continued feigning a respectful expression “And 25 percent of the forces of the Soren at the beck and call of Amberton.” “Is this true?” Cornelius turned to the Duke of Soren, who could only nod. He then turned to the Dowager who too nodded. “Very well. Justice has to be served. I, Cornelius Richard the fourth am not only a just ruler but also a benevolent father and godfather.” Cornelius paused taking in the reaction of his subjects that were holding their breaths. “I decree not only as a godfather but
Thomas and Almera were both powerful in their own right… Thomas was probably the most powerful Lord in the country, second to none other than the crown prince and yet they needed the intervention of a simpleton. That is because, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge and time. Even the king will be a victim of time if not used appropriately. Mira was fortunate, blessed by the heavens with the knowledge…. How she chose to use it was her discretion! Almera couldn’t wait to fly over and tell Mira all the gossip. But tonight, she didn’t have a chance. She had to first deal with her family and Thomas’s. Both she and Thomas swore inwardly that they would be Mira’s strongest backer, her shield. With the Queen’s indulgence, they both knew what Mira had forfeited for their happiness. Once the banquet was over and the crowd dispersed with the King and Queen leaving the banquet hall, the reaction of the crowd was vivid. The Dowager duchess of Amberton along with her bodyguards rushed o
In Thomas’s apartment, the Duke and Duchess discussed the guest list, Arac was responsible for their accommodation and security arrangements, Food was Ferran’s responsibility. Tyson volunteered to organize everyone’s wardrobe for the event, but no one nodded. He pouted complaining about not being taken seriously and made a ruckus till Thomas gave him an important job, pass messages for him to his fiancée. Mira was working on the third blanket when the bell rang. She looked curiously at Jack. They weren’t expecting anyone. They had gathered with family on both sides on Friday. They quietly came out space and Jack opened the door. Almera and Thomas had runaway from the wedding madness to spend some time with Mira and Jack. They knew the couple didn’t need a ‘thank you’ so decided to cherish and protect the friendship. Almera ignored Jack’s shocked reaction and walked in “Mira, I have decided to take you up on the peace and quiet offer.” “Come … come…” Mira giggled as she invited the
“Love, why did you refuse to attend the wedding?” Jack asked as they relaxed in the hot spring. He knew how much she valued Almera to give up her opportunity so that Almera could succeed and be happy. “The wedding will be huge… everyone who is a who’s who in the country and court will be there.” Mira whispered as she snuggled comfortably in his embrace. “I don’t know what your aunt has against you being in court… and us going to the wedding will bring unwanted attention on you.” She drew circles on his chest. “That will defeat the purpose of whatever aunt has been doing.” She raised her head to touch his face “Nothing is more important than you… not even Almera’s wedding.” Jack felt that his heart was dripped in honey as pink bubbles burst in front of his eyes. His lips curled up into a charming smile that Mira stared in a daze. She cutely pointed at her lips and demanded a kiss as she felt lazy to stretch and kiss him. Jack chuckled as he indulged his wife… but we know where the
“Love… it’s me.” Jack chuckled as he turned Mira to face the mirror. “AAAAHHHHH” Mira screamed again as she saw an unfamiliar lady from far east country staring at her…. Wearing her clothes…. The shop keeper laughed happily “That is attestation that I am very good.” Mira blushed as she realized what Jack was up to… she was truly impressed. Her husband was very clever. They changed quickly, paid the gold coin that Jack had promised and got on the carriage prepared for them and left for the Royal cathedral. The cathedral was packed with anyone who is someone in the country. The guards diligently checked every invitation. Arac frowned as he saw the couple from the far east country. The reason for him frowning was as Thomas’s closest friend after Orseus, he didn’t know of any friends that Thomas had in far east country. But they had the card that was personally signed by Thomas. Thomas only signed a handful of cards…. The rest were done by staff of the Amberton estate. He wasn’t going
Everyone returned after a day of celebration and merry making. Although Orseus joked in front of everyone, his gift for his sworn brother was their love nest, a beautiful palace with ornate gardens. This was where the newlyweds returned after their wedding. They named the beautiful palace ‘Love garden estate’. Although they received numerous gifts that were rare and precious, the one that had perked Almera’s interest and curiosity was the large lace silk bag from Mira. She didn’t look at it at the time as she didn’t recognize her and by the time she did, the line behind them had grown considerably. In order to not annoy the impatient lords, she decided to look at it later. The address on the top brought a smile to her lips. Thomas looked over to see the reason for his wife’s happiness and saw the inscription ““For a dear sister and her Marquess” --- “From your little idiot and the love of her life.” “Am I not the love of your life?” Thomas feigned a wronged expression. “You are.” A
By Friday morning, Mira was bored out of her skin and couldn’t wait to go to the shop. Almera was waiting for her as usual, the only difference being that her face had the blissful smile of a married woman who was loved and cherished by her husband. “You’re here.” Almera smiled as she pursed her lips mysteriously “I have something that will make you happy.” “What is it?” Mira asked in excitement. Almera took out 4 gold sheets and extended it towards Mira “This was delivered by the palace messenger as a payment for her beautiful gown.” “Really???” Mira’s eyes widened. She didn’t expect to get a payment for the work. “Um” Almera nodded. “The cloth was also delivered by the queen.” “Don’t feel bad. She paid me for the dressmaking as well.” Almera giggled “Our queen is very rich, don’t worry.” “In that case…” Mira smiled as she snatched the gold sheets and kept them in her square shaped pouch. She handed the four completed work and Almera paid her 75 gold coins for each work. She ha
The king’s men actions were swift. It took them a day to find the truth behind Jack’s drugging event and submit their report. Meanwhile, the Slegh’s gathered in the old master’s study to discuss counter measures. Old master Slegh rubbed his chest uncomfortably as he listened to his sons quibbling.“Father, the only solution is to give up on Lotta.” Cole decided to be the devil’s advocate. Cain frowned; It wasn’t that he had any love for the bastard, but his intuition told him that Lotta was just the tip of the iceberg.“What are your thoughts?” Old master Slegh looked towards Cain. Caster and Cole followed the old master’s gaze.“Somehow, I doubt that will be enough.” Cain shook his head as he slowly lifted his face “Father, do you think it’s old debts catching up with new ones?”“What old debts??” Old master Slegh furiously tapped his walking stick on the ground “Don’t speak carelessly.” His fury shut their mouths but not their doubts, which danced all over their faces in the form o
“Come... come… let’s talk inside.” Matthew invited everyone inside.“Dad…” Almera stood up in surprise as she saw the newly arrived guests “Why are you here?”“Have you finished dinner?” Aldrin asked Jack before anyone could respond.“Um” Jack chuckled although he was curious why the Dulstons were here.“It was …yumm…” Thomas rubbed his tummy with an exaggerated satisfied expression. Aldrin pursed his lips into a dissatisfied pout while everyone laughed, breaking the awkward situation.Jack invited everyone to take a seat while Mira and the ladies withdrew to the dining room. Orseus and Bernard came out and took their seats with faces full of jouissance, ready to watch the show. Almera stood at the doorway between the two rooms and repeated scrunching her face “Dad, why you here?”Cyrus sighed not knowing where to start.“It’s a long story.” Albert spoke in an unhurried tone as he couldn’t bear to see his father’s embarrassed face.“Start from the beginning.” Almera crossed her arms as
“Erm…. I have not seen them before, so I don’t know… but there was a man who was leaning back against the cart…” Ursula squinted as she tried to think back “He looked very miserable… like he was on his last leg….”“Can you try and think where he was hurt?” Orseus asked excitedly.Ursula pursed her lips downwards as she tried to think back “Not sure… but his shirt was dyed red…. The lady…. I mean Jack’s mom had a wound to the left side or may be right….” Ursula frowned “She had a wound that was oozing blood on one side… I remember because she was clutching this wound as she was urging me.”“Aunt, do you remember anything?” Jack turned towards Beth.Beth shrugged pursing her lips before whispering “It was a complete shock…. One minute we were happy and looking forward to the future… the next second everything came crumbling down.” No one thought more about Beth’s mumbling.“Ummm” Thomas hummed as he narrowed his eyes in thought “Looks like we have to unlearn everything we know and start
Thomas continued with the narration-“By the time they returned, it was 3 years later and never a word of the trouble brewing in the heart of the city. The letters your father sent kept them abreast of state and political affairs but never his personal affairs.” Thomas shook his head helplessly “They knew something wasn’t right but couldn’t do anything from where they were.”“When they got back, fate wasn’t generous. There wasn’t much time for them to even ask your father about things as trouble broke out in the southern borders and they were deployed again. Your father urged them to go and would discuss when they got back.”“He didn’t go along with them which was very unusual for him given the enormity of the trouble at the southern borders.…. He didn’t state his reasons, but father said that he thought that it must be due to trouble at home.” Thomas pursed his lips “Father said that Uncle Alex would never let them wander into death’s lap without him…. this was the first…. but who kne
Mira ignored him and continued to ask Thomas hinting at the extra guests “Should I get Harrison to entertain them while we go down?”“Big sister” Tyson called smiling sweetly shocking Almera and Thomas. When did the little devil turn sweet?“I will be bored if I sit with you all. Are there kids in my age-group so that I can play with?” Tyson blinked innocently looking at Mira with his most adorable expression. Thomas raised his eyebrows skeptically as he heard his brother’s strange request. ‘When did his brother think adult company was boring? When did he start enjoying the company of kids his age? Didn’t he think they were silly?’“Oh… how silly of me!” Mira tapped the back of her head as she pouted “There isn’t anyone your age” She twisted her lips “Jack’s cousin is much younger than you…. but she can show you her pet bunny if you like.” Mira tried to entice, thinking Tyson wouldn’t be interested.“Alright.” Tyson shrugged feigning an unwilling expression and muttered “Better than ad
“What case?” Martin turned around curiously before realizing that he was the butt of the joke and sitting back crossing his arms resentfully.“Hur…hur…hur….” Oden and Jack burst out laughing along with Mira “Puchi….”In the evening, everyone started arriving as planned. First Matthew and Harry arrived with Ursula and Agnes.“Your mothers didn’t want to stay at home on their own.” Matthew shrugged when Mira raised her eyebrows quizzically.“We came to keep Beth company.” Agnes walked forward ignoring the skeptical gazes of the boys and Mira.“Yes… yes… we came to give Beth company.” Ursula nodded with a guilty smile.“And not to spy on us.” Mira raised her eyebrows in a playfully taunting manner crossing her arms.“Would we?” Agnes blinked innocently as she whispered to Mirah “Even if your fathers have that intention, do you think we would betray our dear girl?”“Old woman, are you digging my grave?” Harry put on a pitiful expression which led to a bout of laughter.Mira quirked her eye
“I don’t think I heard anything confidential that warrants his fear.” Oden knitted his brows as he opened his mouth for the first time since he entered the room.Jack nodded to agree but Mira pursed her lips and knitted his brows.“What is it love?” Jack noted that she didn’t agree.“Maybe… maybe not…” Mira’s expression didn’t loosen as she continued “Think about it…. this is knowledge that only a few share…. Knowledge that could if used by those with malicious intent, incriminate the king of a treacherous act. One if instigated in the right amount could even start a rebellion.”“But what puzzles me is why the old master decided to take it sitting down.” Mira twirled her finger around a loose hair strand “The Haribeort’s must have had some clout to be able to write their own law of inheritance that didn’t conform to the normal laws of the land.”Mira kept twirling her hand as she spoke “He must have been betting on his grandson… something must have reassured him that there was no need
Carl took a deep breath as he regained composure “We were later told by the old master in confidence that we were not to ask any questions and that the dukedom would be annexed to the Royal estate due to lack of heir. We were strictly forbidden from contracting this version of the story.”“The current king as far as I have heard is righteous.” Jack pursed his lips skeptically “If this property was annexed unlawfully, then he would have passed it to its rightful heir and never kept it, let alone gift it to another.”“Your Grace, the inheritance rights of the Haribeort family are not widely known. Only a select few are preview to this knowledge and are not allowed to reveal it to another soul. Other than the Haribeorts, the king and the chief of chamber of inheritance rights no one has the privilege to know this.”“Usually after the new king’s coronation, there is ceremony where the chief of every governing body in the country will have a meeting with the king… something like a rite of p
“This current understanding is that Southamberston was annexed under the management of the king’s estate as our master died without an heir…. But that is not true.” Carl started at the beginning.“Is that not the case?” Mira raised her eyebrows.“Not in its entirety.” Carl shook his head. His eyes reflected a deep-seated regret.“Continue.” Jack waved his hand.“The Haribeorts who are the original owners of Southamberston do not follow the norms of inheritance. The father to son or closest male relative rule for inheritance does not exist for Haribeorts.”“Their legacy has always been father to the oldest offspring, whether it is a male or female.”“The only exception is when the heir passes the inheritance to the next in-line.” Carl continued “Let’s say, the eldest daughter who is the heir marries off to a distant land or another dukedom where managing both estates is more than she can handle; She can pass her birthright to her next sibling.”“That is such a fair system.” Mira nodded