~
By nightfall, Saint stands before the royal council, reading aloud the new decree with unwavering clarity.
"Emilia Gregorio, first daughter of the Markham family, is hereby stripped of her family name and will be crowned as the next Queen in three days."
Gasps ripple across the hall.
"By the late King's mercy, the rest of the Markham family will be spared. Catherine Markham is named a concubine of the King, bronze rank, effective immediately."
Murmurs erupt as Saint continues.
"She will be assigned to one of the bronze quarters. No wedding ceremony shall be held — it is her punishment."
The Prime Minister, Collins rises abruptly.
"Your Majesty! Even if the family is spared by the late King's will, how can a traitor's daughter be crowned Queen? Isn't that a threat to the hole kingdom?"
Others join in, voicing outrage.
Dalton, the minister of justice says nothing as they continue to voice their displeasure.
Among the officers, he is the only one related to Emilia's late mother, but didn't dare to speak up for Markham for fear of his own family. After all---their family has lost power for a while.
He remembers the late King's words just before his death — the man had been confident that Markham and his lineage couldn't be erased so easily.
This must have been his plan all along.
"She is still the daughter of a criminal," another minister shouts.
"Even if Markham's family will be spared, his daughter cannot hold power!"
"She is no longer a Markham," Lucas says calmly.
"But—"
"Collins," Lucas snaps,
"are you questioning my authority?"
Collins drops to his knees.
"Never, Your Majesty. But I urge you to reconsider. We should delay this appointment. Emilia is clever, capable — it's only a matter of time before she rises beyond our control."
Most of the officials nod in agreement, their eyes filled with unease.
"Your control?" Lucas repeats his word, and Collins fell silent.
In his anxiousness not to let everything he has worked for so far be in vain, he actually misspoke.
"Your majesty, I believe the prime minister is being unreasonable. Even if Emilia becomes the Queen, what damage can a girl like her do?" Dalton step forward.
Lucas doesn't reply immediately.
He still wonders why Emilia insisted on this — why she would marry him after her father's execution. But the law is clear.
"I'm not here to ask for your opinions," he says coldly.
"The ceremony will proceed in three days — unless you want to go against the late King's will."
A heavy silence falls.
To oppose the late king's edict would be treason. One by one, they lower their heads in submission.
"Prepare the palace," Lucas tells Saint.
"It will welcome it's new Queen in three days."
The officials bow and exit quietly, leaving Lucas alone with Thomas.
Relief floods him — but unease still lingers in his mind and he rubs his temple gently.
"Your majesty, are you sure…" Thomas's voice trails off.
"Let's be patient and see what happens from now on." Lucas replies and stood from his seat.
"Let's go pay my mother a visit." Lucas mutters, making his way towards her chamber.
~
Lucas arrives at Georgina's chamber, stopping the servants from informing her of his presence and head straight into her room.
Her startled maids barely have time to react as she rises in surprise.
"My King," Georgina bows slightly, totally taken aback.
It's the first time he will come to her in five years.
"To what do I owe this sudden visit?"
Lucas sits down, reading her expression.
She doesn't know yet.
"In three days, the Markham girl will be crowned Queen. I want you to oversee the entire ceremony and ensure her safe arrival to the palace— nothing must go wrong."
Georgina reels in shock.
"Emilia? You can't be serious. The daughter of a criminal—" She stops abruptly and bows.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. But you must reconsider. She is not fit to be your wife. You promised me you would never have anything to do with anyone names Markham. How can you now—"
"Why should I keep promises to you," Lucas interrupts sharply,
"when you keep breaking yours?"
She flinches.
"What do you mean? I don't understand."
"You know exactly what I mean," he growls.
Georgina sinks to her knees.
"Queen Henrietta as poisoned with dragon web before she was brutally killed." Lucas says and Georgina's heart thudded to a stop.
"What?" she mumbles.
"The poison is only owned by your family, there is no way you didn't know of it's existence in the palace." Lucas continues and her head spins a little.
"The Queen died from the wound stab on her body, even if the poison that belongs to my family is found on her. It doesn't necessarily mean I did it." Georgina tries to defend herself and Lucas scoffs.
"Are you saying someone else in the palace stole from you to harm the Queen?"
"That's not what I meant." Georgina responds, trying to remain calm.
"Your majesty, I might not be your birth mother but I am still your nominal mother who saved your life, you can't accuse me of such crimes without an evidence."
Lucas sighs, closing his eyes for a second.
He didn't expect her to admit to the crime, and the other person who interfered and killed the Queen instead, is definitely not aware she has been poisoned.
Lucas walks to her slowly, kneels beside her, and whispers into her ear.
"If you really want to clear yourself, then make sure nothing happens to the new Queen. If a fly as much as touch her hair, I will make you pay twice for your crimes."
He stands abruptly.
"Thomas — have the servants assist the Queen Mother with preparations. Make it grand," Lucas commands.
"After the ceremony… she is to be confined to her room for a month--to pray for the dead Queen's spirit to find rest."
He walks out without another word.
Georgina collapses back into her seat and her maids rush to help her.
"How did he still find out about this?" she whispers, more to herself than to them and presses her hand on her chest.
Then her voice hardens.
"Prepare a cloak and a horse. North gate. Tonight. Eight."
"Your highness," one of her maids step forward.
"I don't think it's wise to visit the temple in the next few days, it's better to wait." she advises and Georgina exhales.
"Fine, send a message to my cousin and ask him what happened. Why is that wench becoming the Queen?" she yells
One of her maids hurries out, while Georgina's mind races with desperate thoughts.