The Lady Justice

Chapter XI: Strolls and Secrecies

Crown Princess Consort Juliette Seymour of Monrique

10 October, Year 32 of King Frederick V of Monrique's reign

Bordeux Castle, Bordeux

Monrique

"By God," Lisa shook her head heavily, "thank goodness Tess had the presence of mind to take control of the reins when she did."

Lisa and I were listening to Liv in my chambers, with increasing horror, as she recounted her near-death experience on her way to the village with Tess today morning.

Liv nodded, her countenance still pale. "She has always been the braver of the two of us," she smiled faintly, "I would have never been able to even think of breaking through the glass in that moment, let alone do it."

As they conversed, I was reading through the note left on the horseman's seat by their enemy Rex, deeply disturbed. I had anticipated that Tess's petition will draw the ire of the menfolk when it became common knowledge, but I had not expected it to happen this soon, especially when we had yet to even meet the potential signatories.

How did this Rex discover what we were planning?

I felt a small kick against my stomach at that moment. I placed a hand gently against it, sighing. My baby was fast picking up on my moods these days, and at times, I worried that they may have a negative effect on her.

Shaking my head, I returned to the matter at hand. "We must find and round up Rex and everyone who is working with him as soon as possible," I folded the parchment, frowning, "but more importantly, we must make sure you and Tess are safe until then. I will call up the Captains for a meeting - "

"Jules, you are in confinement," Lisa reminded me softly, "and Lieutenant Raleigh has taken over your duties until your baby is born. You cannot go hunting for Rex now, or command your army to do so."

The word confinement did it. Almost at once, I could see nothing else except for the four walls that contained me these four months, and now began closing in on me.

I closed my eyes, gripping the folds of my gown in frustration. I knew I was capable of working while I was with child. My baby was well and strong, and so was I. I hated being trapped in here, unable to do anything while my cousin and our friends were in danger -

A hand covered mine at that moment. "Please do not worry about us, Your Royal Highness," Liv's voice was gentle, "Tess was well aware of what she was getting into when she decided to champion Lady Madeleine's cause, as was I, when I agreed to sign her petition. We will take care of ourselves, as should you."

I opened my eyes and looked at her, taken aback by her compassion.

Liv and I had never gotten along since our childhood days – not until this past year, that was, and only on Tess's insistence. Even then, the best she could manage was civility.

Nevertheless, I was still adjusting to having her friendship, and Tess's, instead of their enmity.

"But – "

"Truth be told, Tess was not inclined to tell you both about this incident," she admitted sheepishly, "but she agreed with me that you should be warned, in case Rex tries to harm you both too. 'Tis why I came here to meet you immediately after we returned."

"Speaking of Tess," Lisa frowned, looking around, "why have you come alone? Is she busy?"

Liv remained silent, her eyes suddenly shifty.

My forehead creased. "Is Tess all right?" I asked in concern, sitting upright, "what else did Rex do?"

"Nay, we faced no more trouble from Rex today," she hurried to assure us, before sighing, "but on our way back from the village - "