Chapter (12): Decree

"Those wretched children have to live this scary life alone."

A woman with a large hat said to another one.

Elizabeth peeked at people then kept her eyes on the cold soil that was going to have their father's coffin. With these cold words now everything was getting grayer than before. The sky was veiled by a white cloud. The snow was revealing its arrival. Steam was clouding out of the mouths approving that guess.

To Luna, they were as if soulless beasts that loved to chew their nerves and they were feeling pity toward them and it was the most horrible thing ever.

"They are beautiful, the court will be glad to have them. They have a lucky ass."

Luna heard that from behind and clenched her fists. She hated that a man was saying such nonsense.

"Not till I am alive so be careful with your mouth, Mr. Reynolds."

Uncle Miguel replied. Luna felt warmth again, squeezing Barbara's hand. The Ethereal finished rehearsing the prayers.

The burial ended fast and people passed by them like ghosts in black. They returned to the mansion for the last memorial ceremony.

The gallery was filled with people who had just arrived. Their carts parked in the yard and the snow began to fall.

"Barbara, send a man to take the riders some warm drink."

Anastasia told her and returned to her husband.

Elizabeth and Luna promised their uncle not to pick a fight with any of those people in there so the girls kept the muteness and sat on a sofa near the window.

A news cart with the badge of the court which was a golden crown rushed inside the yard and the guards went to it. Opening the door, they bowed to the man who came out of it. Luna felt the cold shiver that wiggled down her back. Was he here for them? She held Elizabeth's hand tightly, reassuring her that a frown tugged on her forehead.

"We will stay together, no matter what they want."

Luna remarked that to her. Their previous plan went all mess and it seemed her brightness and plans couldn't work most of the time, unlike Elizabeth's plans that always responded perfectly.

"Who is he?"

"I don't know Elizabeth but let's hope that his news isn't related to us."

"He arrived so fast, maybe he came with the steam locomotive."

Luna shrugged, she didn't know the answer either.

The door grew wide and snatched the attention of those presenters that had kept their greedy eyes on the girls for a long while but hopefully, now they rubbed them off the girls.

"Master Collen, we are glad to have you here." Mr. Smith hastily roamed further and greeted him.

The door slammed back, Charles marched forward, taking the man's cane and heavy fury coat. His uniform showed that he was an important person that wore such flamboyant clothes.

"Please accept my condolences, we lost a great man."

He mentioned, removing his hat, his bald glowing head glinted as the candlelight rays cast on that soft well-razored head.

"Thank you, sir, are you here for the girls? We didn't expect it..."

The man shook his head and raised his palm, his eyes traveled on the girls.

"No, I have brought a straight decree from the Queen and it is not related to the heirs of Lord James."

Mr. Smith gazed at him blankly.

Elizabeth stood up after hearing what the man said, Luna remained seated on the sofa. Her legs were shivering and she loathed to let others find out. Silence landed on the place for a few moments and got broken as the man's footsteps drew toward uncle Miguel.

"I am inclined to hand this notice to the prime member of James' family."

He halted in front of uncle Miguel and took out a sealed letter from his coat. The seal had the QRB badge on it which meant Queen Rose Bolingtone.

"What is this, Master Collen?"

Uncle Miguel.

"The next Lord of Greenwood's name." He smirked, it seemed he knew whose name had written inside that decree.

Uncle Miguel didn't hesitate and opened the seal while the rest of the people around gathered to see what was going on.

He began to read the straight decree that no one was permitted to put protest on it.

"What? Why?"

"Yes, Lord Miguel James, please accept the Queen's condolences. We are truly mourning about this loss. You are the next Lord of Greenwood. We are aware of your dismay toward political aspects but the court needs you to get back."

Whispers arose as the man finished the announcement. Some of them were happy but in some faces, jealousy was the only emotion, especially Mr. Smith who wished for this position.

Elizabeth and Luna smiled because due to law he could desire the girls from Elenore and she couldn't reject the requirement.

"Father is not happy!" Ryan who was standing beside Elizabeth now chimed in, murmured.

Elizabeth quickly gazed at him.

"Why? Would he be forced to accept it?"

"Yes, at least he would do because of you. But he had a terrible past in that court, it was why he chose to be a woodcutter smith man."

Luna heard the words and scowled. She disliked that uncle Miguel was forced to do that because of them so that meaningful glance of Master Collen was related to this. They used the girls to urge him to accept the position.

"I am here to take your response with me."

Master Collen noted.

Uncle Miguel folded the letter back to its glorious black glossy envelope.

"So please, stay with us for tonight. There are things that we must discuss."

Uncle Miguel answered with a rough tone, his eyes averted on the folk around them and the messenger grasped the reason. He nodded and his uncle led him to the table.

Elizabeth looked back at Elenore who was as if a volcano, she was swallowing her rage. But she needed to note that no bad person can make the world round on his side. Her mother was beside her and her bandage was clear to the eyes. Obviously, she gossiped about what had happened last night. Elizabeth sneered at the woman. She could keep that gift forever, gazing at those marks, she could remember Elizabeth James.