As Kamaria's journey unfolds, she discovers the true nature of power and the sacrifices that come with it. She must navigate through political alliances, betrayal, and treacherous plots to secure her place as Queen of Scotland. Along the way, she le...
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As the morning light crept in, a breeze fluttered through the window into Kamaria's chamber within the castle. Kamaria stood beside a slumbering Yelena, tenderly drawing the covers up to her chest. Abruptly, the quiet was shattered by a knock at the door. "Lady Adara, Lady Ananya, and Zahria of Kinross await, Your Grace," Sarah declared, her head bowed in deference to Kamaria.
Upon entering Kamaria's chambers, the three girls found Yelena asleep on the Queen's bed, snug under a blanket, while Kamaria had created a makeshift bed from cushions on the floor. The ladies-in-waiting exchanged shocked glances before focusing on Kamaria, who responded to the servant with a gentle smile, "Thank you, Sarah."
"Did you sleep on the floor while Yelena occupied your bed?" Adara inquired, her astonishment evident as she motioned toward the cushioned arrangement. With a sigh conveying both sadness and empathy, Kamaria addressed her ladies-in-waiting, "We were discussing Collin's situation. She cried herself to sleep. I truly sympathize with both her and Collin."
The girls exited the room in silence, careful not to disturb Yelena, their hushed conversation continuing down the castle's hallway. Kamaria's long white nightgown swept the floor with each step she took. "The French monarchs suspect an English scheme behind Collin's assault on me.
However, Collin revealed to Yelena that it was the work of someone here, a person of high standing in the French Court. It has to be someone opposed to Scotland's pact with France, to my engagement with Francis," Kamaria confided, picking grapes from a bowl as they gathered for breakfast.
Speaking even softer, she added, "England desires my land and my throne. The French alliance is vital to shield Scotland from English designs. I need time before any marriage to Francis can occur. Time that's slipping away if I don't find out who's plotting against me."
𐬿★𐬿
Kamaria stood in the throne room among the King, the Queen, Francis, Sebastian, Prince Charles, and various noblemen, all deep in conversation. "They will pay for this," Catherine proclaimed, raising an eyebrow towards her husband, subtly recalling her days as a wealthy maiden pledged to a prince.
The ladies of Kamaria waited in silence behind them, anticipating the forthcoming verdict. Another betrothal, another alliance that could be doomed. After Catherine's extensive rebuttal, Henry cracked a smirk. "It is only fitting to accept the support of one's loyal subjects."
With a hum and a nod, Catherine agreed, then turned to her youngest son, his eyes wide with excitement, and declared, "She even has a giraffe," bringing forth a beaming smile from the young prince. "Indeed, Madeline is a seasoned traveler. She has come from distant lands, across the sea."
"Will I also get a giraffe?" Charles asked, his interest sparked more by the giraffe than by his future bride.
"As soon as she becomes your bride," Catherine affirmed, her smile radiant as she endeavored to soothe her son's apprehension. At the same time, Henry caught sight of his legitimate son nearing and instructed, "Francis, as a sign of our esteem, I wish for you to accompany your younger brother to the dock."
