“If you’re wondering why, My Queen. It is not because I owe His Majesty, but on the contrary, His Majesty owes me.”

“!”

Alicia’s eyes trembled

“My husband and I supported the young king when forced to pick a side. I persuaded my husband, who could not decide whether to back the queen or the young king at the time. I was once head of noble society. At one word I could sway the decision and thoughts of the aristocrats. I saw the king’s potential. My eyes are often precise, My Queen. The king knows this strength of mine well. After the death of my husband, His Majesty requested that...