Lucy Wickshire 194 Chapter Twenty-Two 15

The next day came faster than one would wish. The streets of the capital were still as silent as the night of the b.l.o.o.d.y invasion. In n.o.ble homes, many prepared for Prince Thelmus' coronation. It had been only two weeks sine the b.l.o.o.d.y invasion; but two days after the invasion, they had all received threatening invitations to attend the coronation. Those absent will have their entire family line executed; was the message. Even though many knew that the prince had the backing of Isne soldiers, they had cared not for this threat. They too, had forces awaiting their orders. All through the entire invasion, Juhntt soldiers had more or less not moved at all to protect the capital. This was because they had not received orders from the king to move. The invasion happened so fast, one did not understand how it was possible that the palace did nothing to counter. After they discovered that the king was no more, they retreated back to n.o.bles for orders.

The n.o.bles already thought Prince Thelmus unworthy of the throne the moment he betrayed Juhntt, so they did nothing. They waited for an opportunity for a new bloodline to stand up up and rally them together. If pleased by this new line, they will lend a sword to take down the prince.

This was such an opportunity; the prince just needed to act on his threat. One family captured for not attending the coronation and they would raise a war; an excuse to end the royal line and start a new one. But their plans were cut short when another letter arrived them. This letter urged them to go. This letter stated the Prince Thelmus will not be able to take the throne; King Larken had made preparations before his death; Lady Wicks.h.i.+re will dispense the king's last words.

Now, this was interesting. Lady Wicks.h.i.+re telling them to move, was a higher motivation than a threatening letter. She was an existence that the ancients feared. If she decided to take care of the issue, it will be taken care of. They had always known that this kingdom was more or less under Lady Wicks.h.i.+re's protection. Their suspicion was confirmed during the last queen's execution. Now, they wanted to attend the coronation and watch a show. Many that had returned to their country homes for the white cold started travelling back.

As midday struck, the fate drums sounded from the heart of the palace, throughout the entire capital. Not long after, one could see n.o.ble carriages moving towards the same direction; no one need telling that this was for the coronation. Prince Thelmus would be crowned today, yet the dark carriages rolling by looked like a funeral match. No shouts of celebration could be heard; no blue ribbons hung round the capital; only silence and curious eyes peeping through window sill, followed the n.o.bles on their way to the palace.

In one of these carriages, sat Lord of Merve, Amie and a veiled Queen Raine; sitting opposite the two, none too quick to speak.

"Where is Lord Morge?" Queen Raine finally asked.

"He will be leading the raid as the coronation takes place." Lord of Merve answered.

"You are still to say what the plan is."