Chapter 76 The Court of Fools
The royal chambers.
Heinrich and Wulfhelm sat in the indicated chairs. Like the other nobles, they had witnessed the coronation and the departure of Valero and the others.
Wulfhelm: I am at your service, Your Majesty.
Heinrich: The queen has my loyalty.
Olivia: The Lord lies very well for a man of honor. The Count feels uncomfortable with his lie.
The young queen paraphrased a quote of her grandfather that she hoped neither of them knew. Esteban and Captain Pedro came out of a room and positioned themselves on either side of the table. Tatiana entered through another door and blocked the only exit.
Heinrich looked at the three warriors and immediately understood that he would not be able to defend either his nephew or himself against them.
Heinrich: It is clear you know. The young man is innocent of this. It is just my sister of the law and me. I accept my punishment with honor.
Olivia: Who else is involved in your plan to kill my father?
Heinrich: The Duchess used the high priest to send messages. He knew about the plan, but not all the details.
Olivia: And what about Lady Marisela?
Heinrich: She only knew what was necessary. Her castle would serve as a fortress for the army when they arrived with the fleet. I used her emotions to manipulate her. She was just a pawn, like the priest.
Olivia: Are you trying to sacrifice yourself to save the people you love?
Wulfhelm spoke before his uncle: Yes. He is trying to protect me and the lady. I am not a coward, Onkel. I only found out about this plan this week. My mother had not told me before. She wants me on your throne, but I do not want to be king.
Olivia smiled sadly: So, you are the only person who understands me now. Danilo, please.
The priest entered with a guilty expression. He sat down on the same side as the other two men.
Olivia inhaled deeply: Now I am the queen, but I have never wanted to be. If I punish all the members who have committed treason against the throne, my court will consist of only one herald who supported the monster who raped my mother. Tatiana, you were the first person to kneel before me. I trust you more than anyone else. Tell me the truth. Can I survive without these people?
Tatiana: No. Your position is weak. If Valero and Octavio tried to seize the throne, they would have more strength and soldiers. If they decided to support you, Aurelio would still outnumber us.
Olivia: So, I am on the throne, and two powerful men want to kill me. And my supporters are lying to me. I will decide the punishments if I remain on the throne after those men attempt to take it from me. I do not think the Herald will tell me the truth. Out of respect, I will not bother Lady Marisela tonight. But you must tell me the truth. Tatiana, please tell me what can help me.
Tatiana: If I can travel to the north, my uncle might support you with his army. He has thousands of warriors. If a Pegasus could take me there...
Olivia: Priest, could you make an order for that?
Danilo: Yes, of course. But the Pegasus must accept her as a passenger. They are not horses.
Olivia: I understand. What can you do for our cause?
Danilo: I have been involved in something related to the conspiracy along with the Duchess. It is a risky thing but it may help.. We have a secret friend in the Ridges. He is going to sell barrels of spoiled wine to the royal soldiers when they arrive. It is part of the plan to delay Aurelio as he marches south.
Olivia peered at his sad eyes: What effect will that have?
Danilo: Hopefully, hundreds, perhaps thousands of soldiers will get sick for three days or more. Their bodies will be weak, and they will not be able to fight. It is a tactic based on an an accident during the conquest of Puerto Blanco.
Heinrich: I know this tale well. Soldiers from the royal army ate unripened elderberries. Hundreds spent the battle the next morning in the woods rather than their formations. If that were to happen to some of his troops and the army of Blasser Hafen attacked, we would gain a few days at minimum.
Danilo: Your Majesty, you can decide who will be the Duke of Puerto Blanco. The order that makes Lieselota the duchess comes from a dead king.
Olivia thought for a few minutes: If I say something, will it become law after a document and a signature?
Esteban: Yes. If the royal court supports you, then yes.
Olivia: Vulfhelm, Heinrik, will you kneel and declare your loyalty to me?
The man and the young nephew stood up and knelt on one knee, with their left hand over their heart and their right hand on their daggers. The tradition was from their homeland and signaled their most sacred of oaths.
Both in their language and hers: Mein Stahl und mein Blut werden meiner Königin mein ganzes Leben lang dienen. My steel and my blood will serve my queen for my entire life.
Olivia: From this moment on, Vulfhelm of Veisse Halle is the Duke of Blasser Hafen, and Heinrik of Veisse Halle will be the regent until the duke turns twenty years old. Duchess Lieselota holds the title of Duchess Mother, but her power is immediately transferred to her son. I will decide on the succession if these men serve me and help me remain on the throne. Please stand in loyalty.
They both stood up and bowed deeply, according to the custom of their castle.
Olivia: Everyone, think about how we can win against Valero and then against Aurelio. Esteban, you have any power you need. Find more soldiers for me. Nothing I decide here means anything if I am dead. Each of you chose me to be your queen. i believe you are fools for this choice. Please give me a chance to be a good queen.