Chapter 77 Manipulation
The main corridor of the tower.
Esteban stopped when a royal guard and a page carrying a large messenger bag approached him.
Guard: He said the bag is from Herald Gullermo and contains messages for the Pegasus riders and scrolls for the queen to sign.
Esteban offered a copper coin and a silver coin, saying: The copper one is for the messenger bag, and the silver one is for bringing your master before the queen soon, do you understand?
The young page handed the bag to the Count and ran off to deliver the message.
Esteban: I want to see each of these before sending them to the nest or to the queen. Danilo, you will see them too.
The three of them entered a private room and examined the scrolls and messages, looking for anything unusual. Danilo opened the bags that were intended for the riders and examined the coins and attached labels. He paid no attention to the bags themselves.
Tatiana: Everything seems correct and perfect. I can take the messages up. I will change my clothes and then go up to the nest.
Esteban: I can take these to the queen. I want to be with her when Guillermo is there.
Danilo: Esteban, how are things between us? I understand if you hate me now.
Esteban: Right now, we are nothing. As for the future, if there even is a future, I do not know. We are in a situation where, if the queen does not keep the throne, we will probably die. If the queen wins, she might execute all three of us, and rightly so.
Tatiana: Your feelings of guilt will have to wait. We need a priest who can control the Pegasi and their riders. That is the only advantage we have.
Danilo: Yes. Esteban, can I go with her to the nest? I want them to see their high priest. We need them to remember that they are heroes.
Esteban: Yes. We have an intelligent and kind queen. If we can protect her, I believe the kingdom will be better off.
The three of them stood up, and the count embraced his wife. They kissed tenderly.
Esteban: Be careful and come back soon.
Tatiana: Yes, my love. Protect our queen.
Esteban returned the dagger to the priest: You need this. I will never be able to hate you. But my heart aches when I see you. In time, I do not know.
The warrior and the priest prepared themselves to climb to the stone nest. The soldier returned to his queen to receive the herald.
The rooms of the queen.
Guillermo entered with a big smile. He sat down opposite the young queen and the Count of Arms. The captain of the royal guard positioned himself in front of the door to block it.
The Herald: Your magnificence.
The count, Captain Pedro, and Monika had helped Olivia before the man arrived. She learned quickly, like few others. Fifteen years of solitude had forged in her a woman with much fear, but also with great strength. She stared intently at the Herald, just as Esteban and Pedro had instructed her.
Queen Olivia: I needed you to become queen. Tell me, why do I need you now?
The question was created by Esteban. She had practiced it six times while looking into the eyes of the captain. She laughed the first three times because she was looking at a man who made her blush. When she questioned the Herald, her voice and face reflected seriousness and determination.
He immediately realized the danger. He had served for eighteen years under a king who liked to use execution to punish anyone who disagreed with him. He remained calm because he was a good liar and because he knew what a frightened and lonely child wanted to hear. He had his head on his shoulders because he was smarter than the others.
Guillermo: My queen, you have three problems. The first is Count Valero. He wants the throne. He served your father to gain more power, just like I did. He has many soldiers, and many of them are positioning themselves to surround the royal castle.
The expression of Esteban changed slightly. The face of the queen went from confidence to fear.
Guillermo: I know many things. The queen ate almost nothing at breakfast or lunch today. The Count has brought more guards to the castle to fight against the soldiers of Valero and Octavio. I think tomorrow they will try to capture you and seize the throne.
Olivia was unable to speak. Esteban hesitated long enough for the Herald to realize that he was surprised.
Esteban: My guard commanders have not informed me of this. Queen, please understand that this man will lie to you to save his own skin.
Guillermo spoke quickly: The guards closest to the noble houses are in the castle or at the gates of the defensive wall. Those who remain at their posts are being paid with coins from Octavio. I can explain what Valero and his son know and what they do not know.
Olivia recovered slightly: How many times have you told my father that he was a good and strong king? A king who allowed children to starve. A king who raped girls. A king who raped my mother!
Guillermo showed no emotion except confidence: Yes, I lied to your father. But I helped him become a powerful king. People feared your father. Valero never even considered taking the throne from him because the king demonstrated determination. I can help you with Valero.
The young woman felt that most of her followers had lied to her. She saw danger in every face, except for that of Monika.
Guillermo: If you survive Valero, there is a large secret fleet coming from Puerto Blanco. Its sole purpose may be to invade our ports. After that, Aurelio and the army will arrive at the Ridges. When he learns of the death of the king, he will march south to seize your throne. The people of Puerto Blanco hate your father. Aurelio will never serve a queen. He is crueler than your father.
Olivia: How do you know all this information?
Guillermo: For almost twenty years, your father entrusted me with the task of having spies in every corner of the kingdom and in the castles. My spies could be of great use to you. But only if I remain alive.
The queen remained silent for a few minutes. Finally, she looked at Captain Pedro.
Olivia: Captain, if I told you to kill the Herald right now, would you do it?
The captain, tall, strong, and handsome, approached the young queen and knelt on one knee. He kept his gaze fixed on the royal face.
Pedro: You are my queen. You control my swords. I will kill any man you order me to kill.
Olivia: Herald Guillermo, remember this the next time you think about lying to me. Go to your chambers and contemplate how to help me. Tomorrow, my entire court will tell me how to survive.