**3rd Person POV**
The wedding was a success and when all was said and done, Regina wished the newlyweds goodbye. The guests too returned to their respective packs. However, the twins followed Harlin back to their pack. It was now two weeks left to the wedding ball they had been invited to in the Kingdom of Dome. The three thought it would be best if they all went together. Although for now, Reginald was only interested in seeing Lady Francesca who was an irresistible beauty. Harlin had spent half the time talking about the forbidden fruit that was Lady Francesca.
It so happened that when Reginald would meet Lady Francesca it would involve a formal apology from Lord Lowell, his wife and her best friend, Lady Francesca.
“You requested my audience, Lowell,” Alison said, deliberately leaving out the ‘lord’ from his name. She wanted to be clear about his place in the pack. Lord Lowell wanted to protest the use of his name without adding Lord but he bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from saying something he would regret. Now was not the time to act cocky. This experience had convinced his father that they needed to stage a coup against Alison. It was no longer enough that they used their affluence to rule indirectly. They wanted to be the ones giving the orders. A smile formed on the inside of Lowell, a day would come when he would not only throw Alison into a prison cell but he would do very nasty and painful things to her that she would beg him to stop. And when that day comes, her cries would be music to his ears.
“I came to apologize for my impudent behaviour. It was unbecoming of my character and to show you my sincerity I have brought a token to Your Royal Highness,” returned Lord Lowell. Lady Francesca came forward and presented the box to Alison. When she opened it, the box contained several gold earrings. The earrings were so exquisite that the sight of them took Charlotte's breath momentarily.
“I accept your apology, Lord Lowell,” Alison's response elicited a smile from Lowell. He knew anyone could be swayed with money. He was not anticipating Alison's next response, “Although, I must refuse your gift. You cannot buy the forgiveness of the crown.”
Lowell could not hide his frown. He glanced briefly at Lady Francesca whom he had brought along for the sole purpose of seducing the prince. He could tell though that even though she eyes Prince Harlin with unbridled lust, his eyes were elsewhere.
Lowell swallowed; this was not good. If he wanted to oust Alison from power, he was going to need more than money. He had discovered bitterly that he could not buy Alison's military. He had tried but either they were too greedy and wanted more than he had offered or they actually believed in the concept of loyalty.
“Your Royal Highness, I would never attempt to buy the forgiveness of the crown. I could not even if I wished to,” said Lord Lowell. He wondered why Alisom was being so uptight now. She had never had problems accepting the generosity of the Lowell family.
“If you understand that then you will shut that box and leave my court,” was Alison's response. It took a lot to get Alison angry but once that happened it was hard to earn her forgiveness. Besides, Lowell had disrespected her in front of Charlotte, she was not going to appear weak in front of her niece by accepting some earrings.
Harlin was happy with his aunt's position on this matter. He had been trying to make Aunt Alison see the truth about the Lowell's for a long time and finally, she shared the same sentiments he had. He was however angry at Lowell's attempt to seduce him. He would be lying if he said it was not working. It was taking him every part of his being for him not to look at Francesca whose movements were graceful and yet tinged with seduction.
Reginald could see his cousin struggle and without saying a word, he used his facial expressions to tease Harlin. Now Harlin had two places he could not bear to look_ Lady Francesca and Prince Reginald.
Reginald could understand Harlin's struggle. Lady Francesca was exquisite; she dripped of sex and he would try his luck on her if it were not that Harlin was still very much into her.
Lady Francesca turned to look at Lord Lowell waiting for a signal on what to do. Lord Lowell nodded once meaning, she should close the box and step back which she did. Lowell turned to his wife; it was time for her to say her piece.
Lady Lowell cleared her throat; she did not want to apologize to Princess Alison. She wanted to thank her. The two weeks her husband had spent in a cell had been the best time of her life. She had not had to endure listening to her supposed best friend moaning under the touch of her husband.
“Your Royal Highness, I am sincerely sorry for what happened. I should've been the one in that cell, after all, it was my birthday my husband was trying to celebrate,” Lady Lowell's clear voice was like the trees whispering on a windy night. Reginald had been so distracted by Lady Francesca and Harlin that he had not paid attention to Lord Lowell's wife.
Her voice however arrested Reginald’s attention.
“Lady Lowell, the crown is forgiving. I hold no grudge against you or your family,” replied Alison. She was beginning to tire of this apology. Lord Lowell had undermined her authority and she was not going to let him walk away thinking that he could continue to do so. It was what he was trying to achieve with his so-called gift.
“I understand Your Royal Highness. I hope a day comes when you will be open to accept our token of appreciation for your kind heart. I did pick out those earrings myself and I put in a lot of thought in putting together this gift.”