Lucy Wickshire 75 Chapter Ten 1

s.h.i.+lla sat in Lucy's carriage calmly. For some reason, she felt no anxiety. Going to the palace in the life of a maid, is a big deal; more important than one's wedding day. She understood that she should feel excited, but she felt no such joy. She noticed the guards did not stop her carriage at all. It seems all knew that one ought not to stop Lady Wicks.h.i.+re's carriage. She guessed that they a.s.sumed it was the lady herself, that was sitting in the carriage.

All, except the royal family, usually had to stop at the palace gates and walk in; but she was not stopped. It was a smooth journey. The carriage stopped, yet she made no attempt to come out. The carriage driver rushed over to open her door and she descended to the ground.

Maybe because this was the palace, even the sand beneath her feet seemed to look like gold. But this made no change to her expression. She understood there was no luxury that could compare to the luxury of walking by her lady's side.

The palace head-maid and servants waited by the entrance to welcome her. They had complicated looks when they realised this was not Lady Wicks.h.i.+re, but kept silent. It seemed His Majesty was informed it was not the lady that was coming, but a representative; given that he always came himself to welcome her. s.h.i.+lla flashed Lady Wicks.h.i.+re's token and they bowed after a moment of hesitation. She acted as though she did not see them hesitate and turned to the head-maid.

"How is His Majesty?" she said and the maid froze.

How were they supposed to answer that? The maid smiled stiffly and glanced at her entourage.

"His majesty is fine...Shall we?" she asked permission to lead s.h.i.+lla in. s.h.i.+lla nodded and they led the way. s.h.i.+lla had not informed them who she was here for, but the king had already been informed that someone was coming on Lady Wicks.h.i.+re's orders. The king was in his study speaking with one of the ministers when he was informed and he and the minister went to the sitting room to receive her.

s.h.i.+lla walked in to find two men and some maids. It was an entire entourage. The maid leading s.h.i.+lla and curtsied to the man seated in front.

"Your Majesty." s.h.i.+lla nodded at him subtly, but one could have missed it. The minister frowned at her action.

"You are in the presence of the king! No matter your person, you must bow!" the minister scolded s.h.i.+lla, who did not flinch.

"I'm here to meet her. I've come bearing gifts. Early wedding presents if, you please." s.h.i.+lla said before taking a seat. The king frowned. He knew who she referred to, so he asked the minister to leave. No one but himself knew who he is to marry. He had no intention of letting his minister find out. The minister frowned, but left with everyone.

King Larken was not offended by s.h.i.+lla's lack of awe for his presence. She came to the palace with the Wicks.h.i.+re insignia. That told him, he dared not look down on her. He asked for maids to call his wife-to-be and serve deserts.

"The lady would have come, but she has things to do. Since it's but a little matter, she had me handle it myself. So forgive my small presence, Your Majesty." s.h.i.+lla said and the king shook his head.

"Of course not. She cared enough to send you, that's more than I deserve." the king's response caused s.h.i.+lla to harrumph in her mind. Her lady's name was capable of making the king polite to a maid like her. Soon, a lady arrived with her maid in tow. s.h.i.+lla did not get up to greet the two that had entered, they too came in and the lady sat.

Lady Raine had heard that someone arrived with the Wicks.h.i.+re insignia, but to hear that this woman came for her, was shocking.

"Lady Raine, you are looking well." s.h.i.+lla said and Lady Raine froze. She underestimated Lady Wicks.h.i.+re's knowledge. No one outside the palace knew she was to become queen, but Lady Wicks.h.i.+re knew.

"You coming all this way, help me thank the lady for her grace and concern." Lady Raine said politely. She did not know who this young woman was, but Lady Wicks.h.i.+re must have had a reason for sending her.

"My lady received invitation to your marriage and decided to give you an early present. She heard you've been looking for your mother." s.h.i.+lla said and Lady Raine started shaking.

"Your mother is Lady Steinhouse's. Lady Steinhouse is loyal to His Majesty, so she was a good option to take care of her, after she was retrieved from the king of Northern Lan. Take your time and go see her." s.h.i.+lla said and Lady Raine bowed. She was grateful, but she understood, Lady Wicks.h.i.+re must have had her reasons for helping her out. The lady not only helped her, but sent a trusted person to inform her of it. Though s.h.i.+lla finished talking and turned to leave, Lady Raine still stopped her.

"I will repay this kindness... But I'm not sure what I could possibly do for the lady." she said and s.h.i.+lla paused at the door.

"Why do you think so?" she asked.

"The lady seems capable, why would she help me besides that?" Lady Raine asked.

"If my lady wished your help, would you say no?" s.h.i.+lla asked curiously.

"It depended... Offending Her Ladys.h.i.+p is not something we wish to do."

"This was not a favour, this is a trade. When time comes for you to pay your debt, you must do well." s.h.i.+lla said and left. Lady Raine turned to her maid after s.h.i.+lla left.

"Get me a carriage! Fast!" she instructed.