191: Interlude

Marie Belwyn had just returned from the Valrith residence, meeting that old fool after his confrontation in the market. Throwing off her coat, she wandered the empty halls of her manor. Things had gone pretty well so far. Getting appointed head of the military and being cleared of involvement with House Havenel — it didn’t help that the pathetic worm Oliver still tried to snitch on her.

The meeting proved only one thing to her as she took a seat in her office: that old fool would likely be dead by nightfall. Direct confrontation with Trevor was likely the worst possible response. However, she could think of ways to twist this, turn it into a positive once the old man was removed.

She could go to the King after his death and press just how dangerous this child and his beasts were, and insist he has a handler, someone who is able to direct him.

This brought a smile to Marie’s face as she thought of all the ways she could use that power. Her very own personal assassin? Her mind wandered, all worry of her original plans being disrupted gone.

The next afternoon she was rather surprised to not hear that the old fool had been destroyed, and her day was ruined when she discovered that the King had fully sided with the boy, which all but confirmed the likelihood that convincing the King he was after the crown and driving a wedge now would not work, and would only serve to paint a target on her own back. All attempts to contact the boy himself and get a meeting had also so far been met with a dead end, and clearly confronting him on the street wasn’t an option, which just left the upcoming dinner.

She read the message several times. Perhaps there was an angle she could work here to still get a positive result. All she had to do was incite Corin into overreacting, and she could gain some control of the remains of his house and income as it fell apart. Her eyes moved back to her dark wooden desk. It would be a nice change from all the Portland news. The King had gutted that town, attempting to remove corruption right down to the crafters, so there was little money to make anymore. She even had to remove a couple of messengers she had used, in case they spoke.

With a sigh, she placed the message back on the desk. She’d need to deal with this delicately.

Several days had passed without anything unfolding. However, plans were in motion for today. She had encouraged Aiden to visit the store that was opening, despite his hesitation, convincing him it would be fine to just visit. It’s not like he was there to cause trouble.

“Lady Belwyn, Aiden was attacked out the front of the store and driven off by Royal Guards and the orphan’s cat,” a plain-dressed servant who had been sent to scout reported.

“The beast attacked? Interesting…” Marie muttered, plans forming immediately.

“Also, they are serving tea that has the effects of a moderate speed potion, only it lasts for several hours, and is given out for free,” the servant continued.

Marie dropped the paper she was holding, staring at the man in disbelief.

“You’re sure?” she confirmed.

“I am.”

“I need you to run a message to Lord Corin immediately. Have him destroy the note, or you do it when he storms off. Do not come back here unless it’s done.” Marie said, quickly scribbling down a note.

Dear Lord Corin,

It has come to my attention that Lord Ashmoon may have stolen your speed potion recipe and is handing it out for free at their shop, which opened today.

M.

“Yes, your grace,” the servant said, bowing before running out of the room.

This was just the spark she needed. This, in combination with Aiden complaining about being attacked, would be all that’s required.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

It only took a few hours before another servant appeared in her office.

“Lady Belwyn, we have confirmed that Lord Valrith has been arrested by Princess Kathrine and taken to the King immediately,” the servant reported.

“Thank you. You may leave,” Marie said.

The moment the door shut behind the servant, she let out a laugh. This was perfect.

Everything was going to pla—

There was a thud outside her office door, which soon opened, and an ethereal-looking beauty stood there in an emerald green dress. Behind her lay the unconscious form of the servant who had just delivered the message.

“Hello, dear. We are going to have a little chat.”

***