The Plan 1

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CHAPTER 29 – The Plan

"That witch of a lady had the nerve," Era voiced out, clenching her fists into a ball at her sides.

"Calm down, my queen," Aeverie admonished. "We still need proof to fix this whole thing but," she took in a deep breath first before continuing.

"Well, I tried not to alert everyone of your absence seeing as it would only make matters worse. Secondly, it would make them see you as weak and an easy target."

"No worries," Era smiled mischievously at her. "As for Dona, I would deal with her later. For now, I have other important things to handle."

"If I may ask, your majesty, such as?"

"Well my dear Aeverie, I saw something and I would need your help." She let her gaze linger on each one of them till it came back to Aeverie.

"Very well, master. We are all going to be here for you. All you have to do is give the word and we would not hesitate to help you."

"Thanks. First I would need a shed that can house thirteen people with suitable food, water and clothing."

"That can be arranged, your majesty," Aeverie stated. "Anything else? And might I ask for who it is for, your majesty?"

Era looked around first, making sure something or anyone was not behind the door before she drew close to them to speak.

"For some war orphans. I need to cater for them. So please I would be needing a house where I can keep them. I cannot bring them into the palace, yet at the very least. There are so many haters here and I really need to keep them safe and not let them be a target because of me."

All of them nodded at her. It was true though, they really needed help with that.

"Fine, your majesty. I think we can find something. I can house some of them at my place but I do not have enough space to cater for them," Aeverie voiced out. She was already feeling incompetent about the whole issue.

"Same, your majesty. I think I can house like three or four f them." It was Arya who spoke up next.

"Me too, your grace. I can house two of them. I still have two younger siblings I take care fo and a mother who is not so strong."

"Oh no. I would not like to impose," Era said shaking her head.

"Not at all, your majesty. If there is any little way in our own small way we can be of help and help you shoulder this burden, we would love to do it. Please allow us."

"Same here, your majesty. I too can help. We may not be enough, but I believe we all can shoulder it and maybe plead with a maid or two to help out," Azzura suggested.

Era did not say anything. She was trying her best not to so that she could think this properly. For her maids and lady royal, she could trust them but bringing in a third party into this matter, she did not know if it was wise.

But now she needed to make proper plans first, otherwise, those children would suffer in the wild and cold.

Goodness, me, only God knew what wild creatures laid wait outside. Era wasn't comfortable anymore. Finally, she decided to make the decision and go with what they had. At the very least for a short term plan while she looks for land to build a house for them.

She thought about it again. She would look for a place close to the palace but not where could be noticeable and build five rooms, a living room and two bathrooms and two toilets for them.

She had planned not to make it a duplex structure but a bungalow to further hide them away.

Taking in a deep breath, she raised her head to give her final verdict when Aquata spoke, beating her to it.

"Umm, your majesty. I recently just inherited my family house after my parents passed away. It isn't much but it has a four-bedroom flat, with a bathroom and toilet."

Everyone gasped when she said that. For Era she had thought theu were shocked that they had finally found the real deal but unknown to her, their gasp was something else.

"Aquata," Aeverie called out. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, my lady. If it is to help out the young ones, why not. Besides, only I cannot stay in that house if I wanted. And I am here in the palace. Secondly, if I am to get married, I would move in with my husband."

"Well, you can decide to go there with your husband," Alyx suggested.

"I know but then… It is for her grace. I would do anything to help her."

Era felt touched at that moment. She had barely spent time with them and see how they are all ready to help her, pledging allegiance to her.

"I think the big question on everyone's mind is… How come your parents built such a big house?" Azzura asked.

"Hey, what do you mean by that? We aren't so poor not to be able to own such," Aquata defended.

"No, Aquata, you are getting this wrong. She meant to say, that you are an only child, why then did they build something really big?"