The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 43

                                A M A

I jolted awake, panting heavily as I awoke from my forced slumber. I hissed in pain, my mind aching as I recalled the events that had transpired the previous day.

I noticed  my bandaged palms, legs and hands, wondering who had tended to my wounds.

"I don't believe that fire was an accident" A voice spoke up giving me a slight shock. I turned to see Lady Victoria, her expression serene, sipping tea from a delicate porcelain tea cup.

"You frightened me," I replied, settling  back onto the pillow.

"Where is my friend?"

"She is asleep in the next room, she is well don't worry" replied Victoria.

An uneasy silence settled between us, heavy with unspoken thoughts. I sensed as Victoria hesitated to broach a sensitive topic. Her expression, normally a window to her emotions, remained inscrutable, its stoic mask betraying nothing. I turned to face her, searching for a glimpse of her true feelings, but her eyes revealed only a cautious reserve.

"I have learnt his handwriting" Spoke Victoria. I wondered what she was talking about but I soon remembered the task I had given her to forge her husband's handwriting and signature.

"Precisely?"

"Perfectly" She replied while taking a sip of her tea.

"Retrieve a quill and paper" I said and she gave me a questioning look but stood up to fetch the will and paper anyway. After a moment, she returned with the items in hand before sitting back on her original position before staring at me, most probably wondering what I wanted to do.

"Who reigns as King of France?" I questioned.

"Pièrre Francis Laurent"

"Good write down everything I say with haste" I command before sitting up once more.

"Dear King Pierre Francis Laurent

It is with profound regret that I submit this letter, terminating our trading agreements forthwith. This decision may seem abrupt, but I assure you it follows considerable deliberation.

Due to the seasonal fluctuations, our mineral resources have dwindled, barely meeting our nation's needs. Continuing trade would be imprudent. I regret not delivering this news in person, but time constraints prevented my visit.

I request immediate cessation of merchant ships, lest they return empty.

Yours faithfully,

Commander Reginald .N. Spencer."

"Seal it and post it with haste." I instructed.

"Won't Reginald suspect foul play when France halts trade?"

"Hopefully by then we would have destroyed their trading ports," I replied, a calculated risk.

"Replicate this letter for the remaining three, one to Russia, the other Germany and lastly U.S.A, ensure discreet and swift delivery," I said while scanning her face for any signs of uncertainty but thankfully I found none.

"I will try my very best." She vowed.

I watched silently as she got to work, scripting and signing the letters before placing them in separate khaki envelopes, sealing them with crimson candle wax. I was grateful at the fact that she managed to indeed forge her husband's signature and handwriting to precision.

"I believe you are the reason for Sir Micheal's death," addressed Victoria as she placed the letters neatly on the desk. Stacked one on top of the other.

"The fire was accidental."

"Was it really?"

"You ask, why?" I asked Victoria.

"I'm just curious, His body was burnt to a crisp, they could barely make out the head to the toes, you would've been hanged if it wasn't for your horrible injuries making the situation seem like an accident that sadly Sir Micheal did not survive, I believe it wasn't an accident Ama."

"Whether it was an accident or not, we survived and sadly Micheal did not, bless his soul but the incident has already transpired and he is dead, I deem it is time to move on."

Before she could press further I stood up but instantly fell back onto the bed due to my bodies exhaustion and wounds. I hissed at the sudden wave of pain that washed over me, silently cursing my body for being so weak.

"You should rest Ama."

"I do not have time to rest, I need to check on her," I said, standing back to my feet.

I felt a bit lightheaded but I managed to keep a steady pace. I took slow cautioned steps, careful not to fall as I ignored Victoria's protests to rest.

How could I rest when there was still so much to be done?

I made my way to the room Thema was resting in and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw her sleeping on a bed, her wounds bandaged and clean. Her face lit up when she saw me.

"Thank the heavens you are alright," Thema exclaimed and I smiled as I say down on the edge of her bed.

"I am glad you are well too, did they press for information?" I asked and she looked confused for a moment but finally understood what I meant.

"They let us go, Michael's body was almost ashes and due to the fact that we had multiple burns, they took the fire as an accident, your plan worked after all,"

"I told you everything would be alright," I told Thema with a reassuring smile.

"But brace yourself dearest for this battle is not yet over, next week we shall be paying a visit to the Trading ports with paraffin and matches,"

Thema looked at me, confusion plastered all over her face. "Why?"

"Isn't it evident?" I asked, my voice low and intriguing. I beckoned Thema closer, my eyes locking onto hers. Leaning in I whispered.

"To reduce their trading ports to ashes."

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These girlies have a thing for burning things 😂 let us hope it wont get out of hand. Anyway, thank you guys so much for reading, it means a whole lot to me!, I hope you enjoyed this and lastly have a lovely day or night!

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