The Oreans

Chapter 42

Chapter 42
A New Bombshell

The old prime minister's fall from grace had not made much impression on the people of Rosienne. Many had shrugged their shoulders over this latest development and dismissed the matter as a part of the royal drama. A few, the Argentines headed by Count Draco among them, had expressed contempt for the Circle of Ministers, but retracted after the regent promised he would treat them as well as the old one had. Only the Oreans really felt relieved over the fact that an enemy of the state, possibly the worst, had finally been discovered and locked up.

Notwithstanding the public's indifference, the Circle of Ministers believed that it was their duty to honor the hero of the time. It was thus nearly a week after the Duke de Lys' sentence when Alen, along with his comrades, received an invitation for a ceremony to be held in the Reinrose Palace in honor of "Sir Rafim of Lila".

Alen was glad to see that far from envying Rafim Adrien and Divan congratulated their friend heartily and started to plan for the ceremony at once. Adrien began on the details of Rafim's clothing, which in Alen's opinion (despite his lack of knowledge on fashion) could not have been done unless Adrien hired the best couturier in the city. Divan, meanwhile, talked of getting her a new combat horse as her old one, Alon, had been left behind in Faunea along with the others.

Despite her obvious discomfort, Rafim accepted their congratulations and all their suggestions gratefully, smiling at the absurdity of some of them, something which she seldom did. They were all therefore in a nice mood when a knock at the door, the second that day, broke into their discussion. Alen opened the door to find a messenger bearing a letter from Faunea.

"A letter from Miel!" he announced when he returned to them.

"With de Lys' arrest, I think it's safe for the princess to return," Divan said. "What do you think, Adrien?"

"I don't know," Adrien replied. "Archduke Guilem seems to think it's better for her to stay abroad and that her whereabouts remain unknown for the meantime. But if the princess is having a hard time there, we have no choice but to take her and the young ladies back. Can you read the letter to us, Alen?"

"Of course." Alen then opened it and began to read aloud.

Written with frankness that was the mark of Miel, it told of how Rafim had deceived them into believing that they would become royal servants. The fact was Queen Lalaine had known all about them and treated them into all the comforts the Faunean court could offer. Hearing this, Adrien and Divan glanced inquiringly at Rafim, but did not bother to press her when she maintained her silence.

A portion of the letter brought their eyes back on Rafim however: the mention of her secret. Miel had almost had a falling-out with Erin over the latter's silence concerning it. Alen felt sorry that he had read it, afraid that the two would ask what that secret was. Adrien and Divan though still said nothing. Somewhat relieved, he hastily read on the conclusion, which narrated how the two girls had reconciled.

"I think that's enough, Alen," Adrien cut in as he was about to read the postscript. "We've learned all that we need for the meantime. The princess was in good condition—thanks to Rafim. I guess that means they can stay there until we're sure that all danger has come to pass. "

"But there's a postscript," Divan said. "It might be important."

Alen saw that it was a short one. Ought of curiosity maybe, Miel was asking if he had had any strange dream in the last few days. Indeed he had and it was no trivial matter for him, but it certainly did not concern them. He told them so.

"You must write back to the young lady and tell her what has come to pass here," said Divan.

"Just warn her to be careful on how she delivers the news to the princess and the other young lady," Adrien said.