"Mother, I knew that girl was ungrateful. I should have killed her," Duchess Anita complained to her mother. She had just finished recounting her conversation with Anastasia to Lady Robert.
Lady Robert smiled. She was not surprised by the outcome. She had warned her daughter about Elizabeth’s behavior, but neither mother nor daughter had listened.
Back then, if Elizabeth had properly apologized and accepted her mistake, Anastasia would not have had an excuse. Moreover, Anastasia had already allowed Isabel to join her court. This was a good sign for the Robert family. They had no reason to be at odds with Anastasia.
"Let it be. The two do not get along," Lady Robert said after a short pause.
"Mother!" Duchess Anita exclaimed. She hadn’t expected such a conclusion from her mother.
"I warned you back then. You were the one who spoiled your daughter. Even if I wanted to help, she has already become queen. What can either of our families do?" Lady Robert asked.
Duchess Anita frowned. Anastasia had indeed become queen what could her displeasure possibly achieve?
If her mother was unwilling to help, then her father might be the same. In the end, she was the biggest loser.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Unfortunately, Anastasia was no longer the girl whose fate she could decide. She regretted not dealing with Anastasia when her mother had died.
The first royal court after the coronation was held in the Hall of Echoes, a vast chamber of marble pillars and gold-etched ceilings, where matters of the realm were brought before the throne. It was not merely a gathering—it was a test, a performance, and a declaration of power.
King Edward sat upon the Lion Throne, draped in robes of crimson and black, the crown resting firmly on his brow. His gaze was sharp, composed, and unreadable.
Beside him, slightly elevated on the Queen’s dais, sat Anastasia. Her crown was lighter, more delicate, but no less significant. She wore a gown of deep violet velvet—the color of royal authority—and a thin silver chain around her neck, bearing the sigil of the royal house.
Nobles lined both sides of the hall, whispering in silks and furs. Some bowed deeply to Anastasia; others gave shallow nods, still gauging her position—uncertain whether she was truly favored or merely tolerated.
The chancellor stepped forward with scrolls of pending matters. Land disputes, military appointments, and a request for trade with a border duchy were brought before the throne. Edward spoke little, allowing the ministers to read the reports, but when he did speak, his words settled the matter.
Anastasia watched attentively, her expression calm but her mind alert. Then came a petition regarding aid to a village ravaged by bandits during the war.
"Has relief already been dispatched?" King Edward asked, looking directly at the Minister of the Interior.
The man fumbled. "Your Majesty... the paperwork is in progress."
Anastasia tilted her head. "Is there a reason why hungry mouths must wait for ink to dry?" Her voice was not loud, but the hall was quiet, so everyone heard it.
A murmur ran through the court. Edward glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable.
He had just become king, and of course, helping the people was expected. If relief wasn’t sent to those areas suffering from bandits, what if they became grounds for a rebel army?
"Dispatch the grain from the western storehouses," King Edward said. "If the treasury must account for it later, then let it do so. Nixel’s people bled during the war. The crown must answer swiftly." He added this part to show his support for Anastasia.
The minister bowed deeply. "At once, Your Majesty."
Once the routine matters of the kingdom were addressed, the chancellor unfurled the next scroll; this one adorned with a red seal, signifying the commendations and rewards for those who had served with distinction during the war.
"By order of His Majesty, King Edward of Nixel," the chancellor began, "the Crown recognizes those who displayed loyalty, courage, and service in the defense and honor of the realm."
The generals were rewarded with lands and gold. The deputies also received gold, with only one promoted to general, as his superior had not survived his injuries.
The Second Prince was duly honored for his contributions, receiving a generous grant of lands and the esteemed title of Chancellor, securing him a seat on the Privy Council to advise His Majesty on affairs of the kingdom. In addition, the king conferred upon him a private estate and various precious gifts drawn from the royal treasury in recognition of his service and loyalty.
After the Second Prince’s reward, Ernest, who had earned the most merit during the war, was rewarded next.
"Colonel Ernest of the Royal Vanguard," the chancellor announced, "is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General of the Second Army. For bravery on the field and exceptional leadership during the siege of Black Hollow, he shall also receive a grant of land in the Eastmarch region."
Ernest stepped forward, his expression a careful blend of humility and pride. He knelt before the throne. The rıghtful source is novel_fіre.net
Edward inclined his head. "Rise, Lieutenant General Ernest." King Edward nodded in satisfaction.
As Ernest returned to his seat, several others were similarly honored. Then came the judgment.
"By order of the King, Colonel Simon is fined one year’s wages for disobedience. His life is spared at the request of Lieutenant General Ernest. Though he erred, his contributions to victory are noted. He is granted clemency but will serve five years guarding the northern border."
Colonel Simon stood rooted to the spot. When he attended the court session, he had thought that even if he didn’t lose his head; he would certainly be dismissed. He did not expect to not only retain his life but also keep his rank. What shocked him the most was that Ernest had pleaded on his behalf.
This came as a surprise—after all, he had always seen Ernest as a rival.
"I thank His Majesty for his grace," Colonel Simon said, bowing deeply to the king. He felt fortunate to have survived.