"Forgive us, Your Highness!" The three officers went in front of Lauren with their heads bowed. They were too embarrassed to meet her gaze.
"Seeing how nervous you are, I assume you must have been rude," Alec said, eyeing the officers darkly.
Lauren looked at Alec. "Can you make arrangements for these girls? You can let them work in your mansion or somewhere else where they can stay."
"How charitable," Alec raised his brow and she expected him to mock her but it did not come. Instead, he called for his commandant who was with him.
"Matthias, you heard the princess. Make arrangements for these girls."
"Yes, milord."
Facing the three officers, Alec spoke firmly, "Look how big of a man you are, but you are harassing some little girls in public. I suppose it is not part of your job?"
"N-no, milord! It’s not part of our job! Please spare us, we just recently assumed our posts here in the town!" said the fat officer who was sweating bullets.
Even in the far villages where they were stationed in the past, Alec’s name was known even by children. Some portrayed him as a hero in their stories for the countless battles he won for the kingdom, but in other stories he was a ruthless monster who enjoyed slaughtering people’s lives.
"Since you are new here in the town, you better follow the rules made by the council. Do your job right and know who are your superiors."
"Yes, Lord Everston!"
After dismissing the officers who immediately scurried away, Alec turned to Lauren.
"Having some business in the town?"
"Yes, I’m with Vivian," Lauren glanced at Vivian who was standing near the store and waiting for her. "Thank you for the help. I will go ahead. It has been a while since the last time I strolled around the town," she said with a stoic face, still feeling awkward about last night.
"Your wounds on the legs are not fully healed. Don’t strain yourself too much. I’m too busy to take care of you."
Lauren frowned. "Did I ever oblige you to take care of me?"
"No, but it would be insensible for a gentleman like me to ignore my duties as your husband, don’t you think?"
"Right." Lauren gave him a sarcastic smile before turning away.
"Did the lord say something bad? You look annoyed," Vivian said.
"It’s nothing. Let’s go."
They walked past the store to continue their afternoon stroll which took a few hours. The whole time Lauren was observant of the women around, wondering if the woman with ruby and emerald rings was somewhere near.
It could not be a coincidence. She had never noticed someone wearing two diamond rings on her finger with ruby and emerald stones before. However, she did not see any woman with the same rings until it was time for her and Vivian to part ways.
When Lauren returned to the castle, she was welcomed by some surprising news.
Her father had chosen a successor.
She knew it would eventually come but she didn’t expect it to be too soon. She guessed the Supreme House must have issued an order to crown a successor as soon as possible. The power struggle in the court and the disruption in the royal family brought fear and doubts to the people which caused their distress.
"You finally got what you want. I can’t imagine how happy you are," Cassandra said when she found Lauren having tea up on the balcony in front of the garden. The sun was setting and it was Lauren’s favorite spot every time she was having an afternoon tea.
"Of course, how can you imagine something if you don’t experience it yourself."
"You will be the crown princess, that is for sure. But one can never be sure if you will sit on the queen’s throne when the time comes," Cassandra said calmly before walking past her.
Lauren smirked and continued sipping her tea. What was her dear sister planning? Did she plan to be Alec’s second wife and sire him an heir first so she would be crowned as the queen in the future?
Lauren’s eyes squinted. She had studied the laws of the royal family. She did not jump into a battle without equipping herself with knowledge and skills.
Somehow, thinking that Cassandra would seduce Alec for the throne made her blood boil. With Alec having the crown prince’s position now, it wouldn’t matter who his future queen would be because he would still be the King.
But what Cassandra didn’t know was, their father’s reign was about to end. It was only a matter of time now before King Martin had to step down, and Cassandra had no time to do her cheap antics. Lauren would never allow it.
While she continued her peaceful noon tea, she remembered the unknown woman with ruby and emerald rings she came across earlier.
Whoever it was, perhaps did the woman know that she was investigating the origin of deranged humans and purposely went close to her? Lauren couldn’t help but wonder.
She had this feeling that the woman could be the mastermind of the rebels just like Lady Priscilla said. She also felt like this person must be mingling in society under a mask and skillfully pretending to be someone innocent.
That evening, the King requested Lauren and Alec’s presence at the family dinner. He told Alec during the dinner about his decision of crowning him as his successor two days later.
Lauren noticed how strangely quiet and calm Queen Thalia was and she would not be surprised if the Queen and Cassandra had the same idea. All these years of living with them, she had noticed how much they were alike. Their minds worked the same most of the time.
"You shall be the crown prince in two days. Congratulations," Lauren said when she and Alec had gone to their room.
"I deserve a reward, don’t I?"
She turned to him and she noticed his dark and mischievous look.
"I know that look. You want to drink from me," she frowned.
"It’s been more than a week since I last tasted your blood, Lauren. And didn’t I tell you that saving you from that mirror is not free? I have been doing everything to serve you, my dear wife. I deserve more credit, I suppose."