The Raven-Haired Mistress

Scandal

Monroe rolled over in Adler's bed and rested her head on his chest. The vote was tomorrow and she feared the worst although Tristan and triple checked all the votes and found that they had eight for and four against. She shouldn't have been worried, but the men could have easily lied. This would determine her future. She would either be Adler's wife and queen, or his mistress until Regina were...gone.
Adler stretches his arms and kissed her forehead.
"Morning." He whispered.
"Adler?" Monroe sat up. "Are you worried about tomorrow?" She asked.
"The only thing that I feel uneasy about in regards to tomorrow is the fact that my efforts failed to convince Lord Orvar. When it comes down to it, I know he will be loyal, but he also has a deep respect to the bonds of marriage. He also feared how the people would react, our people and our enemies." Adler explained.
"Enemies?" You mean the Rousans in the South?" She asked.
"Yes, but don't worry about them. I've told you that I intend to bring about peace. Their ambassador has told me himself that they don't mind our choice. They understand that he will be fair and bring happiness to both parties." Adler sat up and got out of bed.
He pulled on his pants and wandered into his washroom. Monroe slipped back into her night dress. There was a knock on the door and Adler's man servants walked in with his breakfast. They left quickly and Monroe's servants came in moments later with her food.
Monroe sat at the table. One servant left and another stayed behind. Monroe looked at the girl.
She raised an eyebrow. "Yes?" She asked.
"Pardon me, m'lady, but I have some information that I think you should hear." The servant said with her head down.
"Tell me." Monroe replied.
The woman lifted her head. "There was a very public argument yesterday that many took witness to and heard from down the halls."
"Who was arguing and why is it important for me to know?" Monroe asked.
"It was your Lady in Waiting, Lady Tullia. She was arguing with Lord Sebastian Orvar. His wife returned to court and the Lady Tullia and the Lord has previously engaged in sexual activity. As you could imagine, his wife was in shock and very angry." The servant stated.
Monroe raised her eyebrows and her jaw dropped. She took a moment to calm herself. How could Tullia do this? Then she remembered...she had done the same thing.
"Thank you for this information." Monroe waved and dismissed the servant.
She sat back in her chair. Adler came out of his washroom prepared for the day.
He took one look at Monroe and asked, "What is wrong?"
"One of my servants just told me that Bash and Tullia were having an affair." Monroe said.
"Bash is married?" Adler asked and joined Monroe at the table.
"Apparently so. Him and Tullia were caught by his wife yesterday and a public argument was had. It's been traveling around the castle." Monroe explained. "This is what the servant told me. I won't believe anything unless it comes from Tullia's mouth."
"And Sebastian's." Adler added.
"Yes...should we talk to them?" Monroe asked.
Adler's eyes widened as if an idea was forming in his head. "Yes, and this could be good for us. We will send for Lord Orvar as well." Adler hopped yo and grabbed an apple from the bowl on the table.
He ran out of his chambers. Monroe quickly finished her breakfast and followed him out.
__________________________

"Your highness, Annabelle was a cruel woman. I loved her at first, but I was younger then. As I aged, I realized how immature, rude, and different she was from me. We grew distant." Bash explained. "I came back to court to learn more from my father. He was the one who pushed for our union since Anna came from a rich family, but he also sees my side now. All this time, Anna was lied to saying that I was on a hunting trip. Then...I met Tullia. I fell for her instantly, hard and fast."
The four of them were stood in the empty courtroom and the doors were closed.
Monroe looked at Tullia. "What about you? Explain yourself."
"Monroe, Sebastian was the first man that I have been met who I can say that I love. He is the only man that I have been with intimately, which you know as my friend. It was unexpected and I did not know that he was married or else I may not of gone down the same path as you...not that you are going down a poor path, but I know that it has been hard on you." Tullia explained.
"Well, lucky for you, there may be a solution for us all." Monroe smiled.
"Bash?" Adler asked. "You said that your father was on your side with your decision to divorce Annabelle?" Bash nodded to confirm. "Well, I think that I can get you that divorce. All it takes is the King's approval and both you and Anna's signatures. If I get you your divorce, then you can marry Tullia, and you can tell your father of all your troubles which will convince him to vote yes tomorrow. If he doesn't agree, then I can't promise my help with your divorce." Adler explained.
Bash smiled. "I like this plan."