Set The Fire

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CHAPTER 33

Although inside the house was dusty due to lack of use. It still looked very durable and okay.

"I am sorry for the mess, your grace. I normally clean the house twice a month, once every two weeks to keep it fresh and okay but recently, I haven't had much time and I have not cleaned it after three weeks now."

Raising her hand, era stopped her from speaking more. "I have no problem. You do not need to explain anything to me. All I care about is that they are somewhere safe."

"Thanks. I would remain this night, so I can clean up the place for them," Aquata volunteered.

"No need. Just focus on getting the kitchen clean and their rooms. Once I arrive at the palace, I would ask Azzura to come and join you in doing the chores."

"Yes, your majesty."

"For now, you four would take daily turns in caring for the children. I would get food and some other necessary things smuggled out here for you."

"Oh no, your grace. If the king finds out."

"That is why it is going to be discrete. Secondly, I still have my weekly allowance. I would take advance for this month, sell a few pieces of jewellery and have them make beds for them. Do not worry, whenever I am free, I would come here once every two days to cater for them as well, so you girls can also do something else in the palace and your absence is not noticed."

"Do not worry,"Aeverie chipped in. "I would be here every two days. The days her majesty wouldn't come, I would feel in and when she does, I would cover for her in the palace," Aeverie suggested.

"Thanks, Aeverie. Now, let's get these little ones settled in. Where can we get water, please?"

"No, do not dirty your hands, my queen. We can do the work."

"Nonsense. The more hands on ground, the faster the work would be."

"Yes, your majesty. There is a well right outside the house at the back yard."

"Good then. That settles that problem. Do you have any foodstuff at home?"

"Unfortunately, no, my queen."

"Alright then. Good thing we packed some already cooked porridge and bread from the kitchen. Aeverie, you would warm the porridge up, while I get them out of their clothes for a proper shower and Aquata, just get water and then we bath them. If only we have change of clothes for them. Those clothes are too dirty."

"Luckily, we do, your grace. My clothes when I was still young are all neatly kept in my room. I would get them out for you and then go arrange for water for them."

"Very well. You may go." As soon as she said that, Aquata bowed before her and left.

Just as she was about moving past her when Era held her wrist, preventing her from taking another step forward.

GASP!

"Your grace…."

"Shh, when we are here, call me Ava."

"As you wish, your maje…. Ava." Era smiled at her. "It would be hard."

"Do not worry, you would be able to do it. Thanks again for everything."

"Anytime." She returned Era's smile and walked away to carry out her duties. Era turned her gaze to Aeverie. She saw the older lady smiling at her.

Just that smile alone was more than enough to sooth and comfort her that she was doing the right thing.

***

Soon enough, the next day came and everything went on as usual. Since Vidor had commanded that she no longer showed her face again before him, she did not bother with breakfast and had it sent to her.

Quickly, she ate some and ordered more from the kitchens before having Alyx prepare to take the rest to the children.

Once that was cleared, she called on Arya to give her any information she got from spying on Diona.

"Your majesty, there was nothing suspicious but I did notice one person visit her."

"Who?"

"It was the head stable attendant."

'What?" It was Azzura who exclaimed. She knew something was fishy when he did not stop Era from riding the horse that she did go with. "I knew it."

"Azzura," Aeverie called out her name cautiously.

"I am sorry, my lady but, I knew that man was despicable." Her brows furrowed just thinking about how wicked they could be. She did not hide her anger one bit. She was very mad.

"It is okay. So, this means that we know who plotted to harm me," Era stated, smiling to herself and leaning back against the chair she sat down on. "Interesting," she commented under her breath.

"Yes, but just saying it is not enough, we need proof, my queen," Aeverie advised.

"Indeed we need proof. And judging from her kind of person, I do not think Lady Diona would let it slide easily without covering her tracks," Azzura added.

"What do we do?" Aeverie asked. "If I am not right, his majesty might not be bothered about this issue as much as he should."

"And if you let it slide, she may think you incapable and try to hurt you again," Arya reasoned.

"Yes, you all have spoken well. Nevertheless, do not worry, I would get her one way or another. I think it is time to start setting the fire in the rabbit hole and make it run out."