Reinforcement from Weiss

The ambassador and his family from Weiss arrived at the palace the next day with more soldiers and guards to add to the queen's men under her dispense. Queen Elesha and King Hans welcomed his three daughters and his wife to court. They were given rooms in the palace, and she made certain that their every need was met.

"Your Majesty it is an honour to serve you here at Rubicund court, we will do the best we can to help in every way possible as you fulfill your duties as queen," declared Sir Carl his wife nodding her head in agreement.

"You are most welcome to help me, Sir Carl I look forward to your aid and expertise at court, I'm sure you will represent Weiss well."

"It is rather dutiful of you to leave your lands in Weiss and travel all this way to serve your queen," remarked King Hans."

"I do all I can for my country, Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to serve."

"My daughters are of age, Your Majesty and I was wondering if it were possible for them to be invited to the Summerset Ball, so that they might find suitable matches."

"Of course, Sir Carl I shall make sure all of you receive invitations from Lady Summerset," replied Queen Elesha.

"Thank you Your Majesty."

The little party gathered in the drawing room and Lady Celina, Sir Carl's eldest daughter delighted them by playing on the harp a tune that was very popular in Weiss called "Raindrops Under Sunshine". The music was lovely and brought back nostalgic memories to mind of her homeland. As Queen Elesha sipped her tea she was reminded of the time she and her sister used to play together as girls in the gardens and in the castle corridors. Lady Celina ended her playing and did a curtsey in front of the King and Queen, and her parents.

"You play well, Lady Celina I hope you never lose your touch on the harp," commented Queen Elesha.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she replied.

They were briefly interrupted by a urgent message that came from Elios the king's half-brother. The King and Queen, bid the ambassadors family a pleasant stay at the palace before leaving the drawing room.

"Brother what is so urgent that you sent for both of us?"

Elios stood in the royal library, when the king and queen entered.

"The palace is crawling with more guards from Weiss I'm a little perturbed."

"That is my fault Elios, after my sister was poisoned, more guards were brought in from Weiss for her protection."

"Right, I understand, just that it's been plaguing me these nights as to why an entire village was massacred by Weiss soldiers, Lystra could have easily been amongst the dead. But that's not all, has anyone bothered to ask these questions, Princess Estella could have been poisoned by anyone for any number of reasons really."

"We are aware of these matters Elios, Queen Elesha will be looking into the reasons Weiss slaughtered a entire village. More answers shall arrive tomorrow."

"I'm requesting if it's possible to have Rubicund guards positioned outside our room, just as a precaution?"

"Yes, you can," replied King Hans.

"Is there anything else you wish to inform us of?"

"Not at the moment, just I would like to be there when you go through the records as to why the Village of Dahlia was attacked."

"You can be present," Queen Elesha answered.

"The records should arrive by tomorrow if my calculations are correct. I shall send word to you once they I have received them."

"I shall also be present, we will look at them together." King Hans confirmed as he studied his wife's features for signs of discomfort.

She showed none.

"Right since that is out of the way, are we to be invited to the Summerset Ball?"

"The topic that seems to be the main concern of the season," remarked King Hans sarcastically.

"Well if you want invitations we can ask them for you," replied Queen Elesha.

"I'd like to be there, nothing like getting into the spirit of life that comes with the summer season," remarked Elios with a smile.

"I shall ensure you receive invitations then," replied Queen Elesha.

"I'd like to speak to Lady Lystra if that is alright, in private," said Queen Elesha.

"That can be arranged Your Majesty. When do you wish to speak to her?" asked Elios

"Why does it have to be private?" asked King Hans with keen interest.

"Ladies affairs, dear gentlemen I'm sure you would not want to be in attendance," replied Queen Elesha with a smirk.

"Today if it's possible an hour from now," replied Queen Elesha looking at Elios.

"That is soon, very well I shall be off then," said Elios taking his leave.

King Hans sat down near the fire and said " I shall be here if you need me, I plan to do some reading."

"I suppose I shall have to entertain her in the gardens," commented Queen Elesha as she turned and left the royal library.

"Your Majesty you wished to see me," asked Lady Lystra an hour later. Both ladies sat in the pavilion sipping tea, admiring the gardens as the sun began to set in the west.

"Lady Lystra,do you have any reason to suspect there was more to the ravaging of Weiss armies over the Village of Dahlia?"

"I honestly do not know Your Majesty it was rather sudden and unexpected."

"What do you mean unexpected?"

"Well usually wars were announced when armies gathered word spread."

"This happened without any warning, everyone was taken off guard."

"Do you have any reason to suspect someone could have been after your life?"

"Why would someone want me dead Your Majesty?"

"Based on the rumours that you carried King Hans child, instead of his brother's?"