Godmother of The Seven

The Fifth

The news of Gerald's kidnapping reached the palace on the second day. Stephen had been watching me since I left him standing in the garden. Though he hadn't said anything. Raul and Tybalt were concerned about the sudden departure of the second prince. They seemed to know something was up, especially between Stephen and I. They kept a close eye on their remaining niece and nephew. That changed the day after the news arrived.

"Your lady ship," Tybalt said. I hadn't noticed him, quietly in a nook by the garden outside my chambers, waiting. 

"Yes Tybalt," I answered smiling.

"Please do not lie to me," he said, "were you involved in the second prince's kidnapping."

"Yes," I admitted, his eyes widened, at the answer, or the audacity to admit it, I'm not sure.

"This is treason," he said.

"No," I replied, "This is a coup, and I will do whatever is necessary to protect your nieces and nephews from being involved."

"Including having them kidnapped by a dragon," he asked, though his voice stayed a low whispered, it was no less outraged.

"Sashua will not harm Gerald," I assured him.

"Oh really,"

"His sister attends St. Regis," I waited as Tybalt's taken aback look shifted in realization, "They will be able to visit Sigal, who I am sure is finding out about all of this, if not now, then soon enough." 

"You planned this whole thing."

"Not so much," I admitted, "I thought I'd have more time."

"And does the Crown Price know?"

"He does. That I suspect is why he is so angry with me,"

"He has been inquiring as to the state of our borders and alliances. He will make a good king, in time."

"But not now," I said. "And we need a ruler now."

"And you think it should be you?"

"I am the only one who can challenge the king," I said, "And, I was raised for it. Even if I left for the land of fairies, I returned, and stood by as advisor to my sister and her husband, for the length of their rule. Had grief not destroyed the man who I agreed to aid, I would stand beside still, with you and Raul, and everyone else. But, I can not let him do this. Not when I have the power to stop him." 

"And how will you stop him." Tybalt asked.

"I intend to ask the grand assembly for their support, in removing him from the throne."

"You can't just call a grand assembly, only the king,"

"It has been done,"

"What,"

"I sent out the letters months ago,"

"How,"

"I'm heir to the original blood line, since the king's children are going missing,"

"They wouldn't be missing if it wasn't for you."

"I was able to decree a challenge to the title, nothing more. It waits to be seen if the assembly will happen."

"You jeopardized my," Tybalt stopped unable to continue for a moment as he tried to regain control of his temper.

"I assure you, no harm has come to any of the children, nor shall it." He glowered at me and walked off.

I was alone in the hall for some time, I had to wait, and be patient, the assembly could not be rushed. But, I was running out of time if I wanted to prevent any backlash on Cassandra and Julian. Stephen II was already determined to be involved, and I worried the littler ones would cling on tightly if they got the notion.  I had only one choice. I turned and saw Stephen in the hall behind me.