Once Upon A [Hidden] Time - [Stolen] Series IV

CHAPTER 55

MYRA
1 JULY 1415

The other Council members were already present at their respective seats. I took my seat, and Edward sat in the King's seat.

"I am assuming His Highness has not seen this?" the Cardinal asked.

He passed over a folded parchment, placing it in front of Edward. I glanced at the pamphlet. It was a cartoon of myself—I could see that clearly—and Edward is standing behind me, grabbing my boobs, while the King is at my feet, sneering and lifting the skirt of my gown, showing my bare legs.

"What is this?" Edward asked with distaste.

"This is being circulated in the court, Your Highness," Lord Norfolk added.

"Who is circulating it?" Edward asked.

I examined the cartoon again, with the title: The Royal Witch. According to the people around us, everyone thought I was seducing both father and son at the same time. Or perhaps, in their minds, I was bedding both of them.

"We have tried to find the source of it, but are unable to," Lord Norfolk answered.

I observed the Cardinal, his expression darkening upon Norfolk's words. I could sense it was his doing, but he had manipulatively involved himself with Lord Norfolk in finding the real culprit who was spreading rumours—but in truth, I knew he was the one. I decided to stay quiet and not feed doubts in Edward's mind till I had proof.

"Can I keep this?" I asked.

"What will you do with it?" the Cardinal asked.

"I may find the source," I said, observing him keenly. He averted his gaze from me, looking nervous.

"How are you going to find it?" he asked.

"I have some reliable sources, Your Eminence," I faked a smile. "You shall not worry about it."

"Are you offended?" asked Lord Norfolk.

"It is called Freedom of Speech," I announced, directing my words at the Cardinal. "Everyone has the right to express their opinions."

"But the opinions that aggrieve the royals and their subjects are out of the question," Edward grunted. "If we let them express these opinions, it will create outrage in the court."

"I agree, Your Highness—but if we try to stop it, we may not find the root of it," I replied. I picked up the pamphlet and stood from the chair. "I apologise, but I'd like to be excused from the Council."

When I reached the door, Edward grabbed my arm. "Why are you behaving like this?"

Ha! All he cared about was pretence. I jerked my arm away. "When you learn to apologise, then we will talk." Upon that, I left the Council chamber.

When I walked out of the Council meeting, I met James outside, waiting for me. He gave me an encouraging smile. "Shall we take a walk, my lady?"

"Yes, please!"

When we reached the grounds, he started the conversation. "Do you not feel this place is too dark to enjoy the fresh air?"

"I couldn't agree more."

"Let us leave this castle, then," he suggested. "You will have a change from the nuisance, as well." That sounded like a good plan.

"I'd love to." Flashing him a smile, I entwined my arm with his. "Where are you planning to take me?"

"You will see," he said, smiling impishly. He certainly had something in his mind.

As per James' order, the royal carriage came to the front of the stairs, and we stepped in. This was my first time in a royal carriage. I loved how James was treating me like I was some noble lady he wished to court. And on the other hand was my brooding, sexy prince, who had no idea how to court a woman—yet I was utterly and blindly in love with him.