Chapter 74

RYKER’S PO.V

To say that Camilla hated being locked in was an understatement but I couldn’t bring myself to regret the decision. If it were a choice between her happiness and safety, I was going to choose her safety each time without hesitation. As long ast she was safe, I could focus on the most important thing which was finding Frederick who seemed to have disappeared into thin air.

Thankfully, the doctors and physicians were able to come up with a cure and there was only one casualty but it was enough to inspire fear in the hearts of the people. There was unrest and unease and I couldn’t say that I blamed them. Most people still didn’t know exactly what was happening but I knew it was only a matter of time before the news spread so my main focus was quelching it before it became a threat and that meant finding out who was helping Frederick.

It would have been easier if his mother were alive or if she had any family but no one seemed to remember her much because she kept to herself. I managed to find the address of the woman in charge of the maids while Eva was in the palace and I went with Camilla to see her. She lived in a small cottage a distance away from the palace and when we arrived, she was out in her garden picking herbs. The file said that she was around eighty by now but she was still nimble for her age

When she sighted us, she bowed. “Your majesties, I was not expecting a visit. How can I help you?”

“We need some information on the maid, Eva,” Camilla said and I saw her feign ignorance as she tried to wrack her brain.

“There were so many people by the name of Eva while I worked at the palace. It would be impossible for me to remember each one. I am sure the palace has records of everyone. You might find what you are looking for there.” “There was only one Eva who did not have a last name and only one who was having an affair with the king,” Camilla cut by

. Don’t waste our time and – pretending not to know. Believe me when I say that I do not want to have this. conversation as much as you.

The old woman hesitated before finally clearing her throat. “Please, come in.” Despite the fact that she was old and harmless, we still went in with our guards. There was no guarantee that she didn’t have people inside or that she wasn’t helping Frederick. She led us into her house which had a soft feeling to it. There were potted plants lining all the windowsills and fresh flowers on every table. It was clear that she took great care of the space.

She sat on one of the chairs. “I might not be of as much help as you think, your majesties. Eva never spoke to anyone and even if she wanted to- no one would speak to her. It was a well–known secret that she was having an affair with the king and a few despised her for it but that was not why she was a loner, she was a loner

of how horrible she was.”

I sat up straighter. “I’m

delusion that the king was in love with her and was going to make her Queen. He may have told her that himself but the king,” she glanced at Camilla as if she were

be hurt by our words.” “The king was like that. He got bored of women quickly and while he may have. loved her at some point, he definitely got bored later. She didn’t want to believe that and it got worse after she became your mother’s maid, she was so proud of herself for being able to deceive the Queen but the Queen knew, she just wanted to keep her close. What she didn’t

finished and

she was not the same. It was worse when the Queen got pregnant and it was announced that her child would be the heir. I personally overheard an argument between her and the king where he told her that it was

her, they would have needed to provide a motive and that meant. exposing the fact that the king had another child,” Camilla’s voice was

on her son but unfortunately, that is something I do not have. I have never met the boy and I don’t know what

you know this was about her son?” I asked

maids in the palace for thirty years. I know more than half of the people in there. News like this never stays hidden for long especially with that recent attack on the stream. He has his mother’s ruthlessness, that is

on your lists. She worked in the palace for two days Gabby was

a friend about how the king had called. her beautiful and asked to

where the story was going but I found myself inclining my

morning, Gabby was found tied to her bed with a horrible haircut and she was blind. Someone had gone into her room at night and poured washing fluid into her eyes. She would not say who it was but Gabby was never heard of again,” the old woman sat up straighter.

didn’t leave me. Even Camilla seemed to be pondering over her words and I hoped it was enough to change her mind on Frederick. If anything that woman said was true then Frederick was not the innocent and redeemable child that she thought he

asked sounding as annoyed as I felt. “I thought you were

that it is more than that,” one of them spoke. “The people know about

do you mean by that?” the words left me before

are torn on it. He has a lot of supporters among the people and even those who do not support him fear that you cannot defeat him. The kingdom is divided and torn by fear.

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