The Queen

16. Treason

"Your Highness, Lord Lawrence requests an audience. He says it's urgent."

"Urgent? Show him in."

Lord Lawrence, the kingdom's treasurer, was responsible for keeping record of and protecting Esparcia's finances.

"Your Highness," he said, bowing to the king.

"Lawrence, please, have a seat. What brings you here?"

Lord Lawrence sat down on the chair across from the king, visibly uneasy.

"Majesty... something occurred today that I believe you must know."

Philip narrowed his eyes. "What is it, Lawrence?"

"Her Majesty, the queen, came to see me this afternoon. She made a rather unusual request. She asked for five thousand pounds of gold."

Philip's brow furrowed. "The queen? Samira?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Lawrence kept his eyes lowered to the floor.

"Did she say why she needed that much gold?"

"No, sire. I asked, out of concern for Her Majesty's safety. Possessing such a sum without proper protection could be dangerous. But she refused to give a reason."

Philip leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. "That is strange. No one asks for that much gold without a purpose."

"There's something else. This is the same amount of gold Her Majesty brought from her homeland as part of her dowry at the time of your marriage."

Philip was silent for a moment. "Something is wrong... Did you give her the gold?"

"No, Your Grace. I told the queen I needed a few hours to gather the sum. I used the time to come to you and seek your instruction."

Philip stood. "You did well, Lawrence. Go ahead and give her the gold she requested."

Lawrence bowed and exited without another word.

"Richard!" Philip called to the guard outside.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Find a soldier you trust with your life. Have him follow the queen—discreetly. Report to me if anything unusual happens. Her Majesty must not know. Can I trust you with this?"

"You can count on me, Your Grace." Richard bowed and left.

Later that evening...

"Your Highness, Lady Alice," the door guard announced.

Esma and Samira both turned as Lady Alice stepped into the chamber. Esma stood, preparing to leave and offer them privacy.

"Stay. I won't be long." Alice's voice was directed at Esma, but her eyes remained fixed on Samira. Esma remained standing behind the queen.

"Enjoy your victory while it lasts, Your Highness. You may wear the crown, but the king's heart belongs to me. One way or another, we will be rid of you."

Alice turned to leave, but Samira's calm voice stopped her.

"Lady Alice."

Alice turned back slowly, meeting the queen's unwavering gaze.

"The next time you wish to address me, ensure you request an audience. My ladies will inform you of any available dates and times. You hold no authority here. I am not your peer. I am your queen." Samira's tone was cold and precise. "This time, you are forgiven. I assume your conduct stems from confusion—likely due to the liberties granted to you by certain members of the royal family. However, know this: your behavior is unacceptable. Do you understand?"

Alice clenched her fists tightly, rage flashing in her eyes.

"Lady Alice, I asked you a question. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes, Your Highness," she replied through gritted teeth.

"You are dismissed."

Alice stormed out.

The moment the door closed, Samira looked at Esma—who was now visibly holding back laughter. Their eyes met, and they both burst into giggles.

"That was... incredible, my lady," Esma managed between laughs.

"It was about time someone reminded her of her place."