Chapter 519: A Sealed Decision
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Once tense and rife with drama, the mansion had finally entered a rare period of calm.
No further quarrels or altercations occurred—a much-needed respite even as the number of occupants increased with the arrival of Mary, Scarlett, Rania, and Helen.
Their presence lifted the servants’ spirits, many of whom delighted in having female colleagues.
Rania and Helen settled in quickly, aided by Mary and Scarlett, who were already familiar with the mansion.
Even Helen, once a royal governess, embraced her new responsibilities without complaint. As promised, they proved to be skilled, dependable, and well-versed in their roles.
That morning, the household was busier than usual, for the mansion welcomed a visit from the palace—Queen Emelda herself, accompanied by her daughters, Princess Laura and Princess Lilith.
"I’m so happy to see you, Your Majesty," Anna said warmly, holding the queen’s hand while Kyren sat beside her.
At their side, Laura and Lilith beamed with joy as they clung to their beloved uncle and aunt, whom they had dearly missed.
"I feel embarrassed," Queen Emelda admitted with a reluctant smile. "You still address me so formally, Anna, yet insist that I call you only by your name. Your rank surpasses mine. It feels improper."
"Hush, don’t say that. Aren’t we family?" Anna replied. "Besides, my grandmother entrusted the Raychards with ruling this blessed land. It wouldn’t make sense for me to overturn that. And I’m a Raychard too. I never once felt you were beneath me. We are equals."
Content with that answer, Queen Emelda’s heart warmed. She had always admired Anna’s humility. The affection the young princess bore for Kyren was evident in her eyes—emerald irises that softened every time they fell upon her husband.
Rumours had spread quickly after Anna’s true lineage was revealed. Many whispered about a possible shift in power, wondering if Kyren and Anna would claim the crown as their own.
But those gossips died swiftly after the grand duke publicly declared that his wife, the rightful Empress of Ro’an, had no desire to claim authority.
Even Sir Ashburne’s proposal for Anna to return to Ardel and continue the Ardelian dynasty was firmly rejected. Instead, the princess had suggested that the Ardelian Commander himself serve as her regent.
Yet, he had refused just as firmly too, leaving the succession of the kingdom’s empty throne unresolved.
"Truthfully, His Majesty and I would not mind if the two of you chose to rule," Queen Emelda admitted. "It feels right."
There was no jealousy in her voice. She had wed Kyden when he was still a prince, and Kyren was the Crown Prince then, supposedly destined to be the next king.
Becoming a queen had never been her ambition. It was a duty she had accepted at the grand duke’s request, and to support her husband, nothing more.
"You already know our hearts," Anna said, gently squeezing the queen’s hand. "We only wish to settle quietly in Gerhard. I’m sorry if our decision has burdened you and His Majesty."
"Does this mean Uncle Ky won’t be coming back to the palace anymore?" Laura asked in her tiny, curious voice.
Though still so young, she seemed to grasp fragments of the adults’ conversation.
"Of course not, my dear! We’ll always come to visit," Kyren assured her. Then, trying to phrase things simply, he added, "It’s just that Aunt Anna isn’t feeling her best right now. She needs plenty of rest at home."
At that, little Lilith leaned forward and placed a hand on the princess’s abdomen, her nose wrinkling in thought.
"Mother said there’s a baby in Aunt Anna’s belly. But... how did the baby get in there?"
Kyren froze, his ears burning crimson.
"Umm... well... aaaa..." He fumbled, completely at a loss.
Explaining that to a five-year-old princess was a lesson Eric had never covered in class.
Queen Emelda cast her eyes downward, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to hide her laughter, while Anna diverted her gaze shyly.
Just then, Helen, who had been summoned earlier, entered the main hall and bowed gracefully.
"Helen!" both princesses squealed and sprang from their seats, already forgetting the unanswered question.
They darted across the hall and flung themselves into the arms of their beloved ex-governess, who had knelt to welcome them.
"We missed you!" Their gleeful voices rang through the hall, threaded with genuine longing.
"Oh, I missed you too, dearly!" Helen replied, embracing them tightly.
With a gentle smile, Queen Emelda said, "Would you mind taking the princesses with you for a little while, Helen? They’ve been wanting to catch up with you."
Helen understood at once. There must be something the queen wished to discuss privately with the grand duke and the lady.
"Of course, Your Majesty," she answered.
Taking Laura and Lilith by the hand, Helen guided them out of the main hall. Their excited chatter and laughter faded down the corridor, leaving behind a calmer, more contemplative silence.
The conversation continued after the couple’s slight embarrassment faded.
"I know you’ve already said you want a peaceful life," the queen began, her voice low. "But the truth is, both of you are at the centre of everything now, whether you wish it or not."
Her light countenance shifted to one of concern.
"I understand the sentiment to see Anna on the throne is strong, being who she is..." said Kyren, "But we have spoken at length and agreed that Kyden and you are far more suited to governance. You are both steady, poised, and able to navigate matters of state with clarity."
"Kyren is right. Just look at me the other day. I let my emotions take hold and nearly made terrible mistakes. I could never adjust to the role of a ruler. Not in the state I am right now," Anna admitted sincerely.
The grand duke then took his wife’s hand in his, both sharing the same tender smile.
"Our focus now is on our child. We only wish to cherish this moment together, free from politics and intrigue. But," he inclined his head, "we will always give His Majesty our full support."
"Have you spoken of this with him?" Queen Emelda asked thoughtfully. "His Majesty wanted to visit you, but the palace has demanded his every moment. There has been a reshuffling of the royal cabinet... swift changes among ministers and officials. It has been chaotic since the trial."
There was a heaviness in her tone. Though Kyren had heard some reports, he had chosen not to interfere, believing it was King Kyden’s place alone to decide.
"I heard about it. Even your ladies-in-waiting have been replaced, it seems," the grand duke remarked, glancing toward them who stood quietly by the main hall’s door.
They were all unfamiliar faces to him, and unlike the previous ladies, none dared to meet his gaze with bold or flirtatious eyes. He thought briefly of Sarah, the most notorious among them.
"They were indeed replaced," Emelda confirmed. "Right after your knights reported the confession made by Lady Lynn and her servants. Though it was a sweeping change, I’m relieved. It tore me deeply to learn what that vicious Lady James had plotted against Anna, behind my very back. Her schemes even backfired on Admiral James."
Anna’s eyes widened in shock.
"What do you mean by backfired on Admiral James? What happened to him?" she asked, her voice tight with anxiety.
"You didn’t know?" Queen Emelda looked surprised.
"I heard that Lord James and his daughter were arrested," Kyren replied gravely. "But I never heard anything about him."
"His Majesty must have kept it away from you. Even he also finds it difficult, but an action has to be taken and..." Queen Emelda took a moment before spilling, "...Admiral James has been apprehended too."
"For what reason?" Anna exclaimed, her voice breaking with disbelief.
Kyren, too, looked stunned by the revelation.
Queen Emelda lifted her gaze, her tone grave.
"He is a James. His sister committed treason, not merely an offence against anyone, but against you, the Great Khasif. Under the old laws of Ro’an, the entire James family must bear the consequences."
"No!" Anna turned to Kyren, shaking her head in alarm. "Admiral James saved me, Kyren! I cannot allow this to fall upon him. We have to do something, please!"
Kyren gripped his wife’s trembling shoulders, steadying her.
"Breathe, Anna. Slowly," he urged, voice calm though his own heart pounded.
Pregnant and vulnerable, Anna was quick to flinch even at small matters, let alone something so immense, concerning the very man who had once protected her during captivity.
"Adam is not just your saviour. He is my childhood friend and my comrade, too," Kyren said. "We trained and fought together. I will not stand by and watch harm come to him."
Queen Emelda’s eyes softened, but her words remained weighty.
"It is for you to decide, Anna. You hold the highest authority now. The punishment of those arrested rests with you. This is not only about Admiral James, but his father, Lord James, Lady Sarah James, their household, and anyone who conspired in the accusation against you."
Anna went still, her face pale. The sheer gravity of so many lives hanging in her hands made her mind reel.
This was not easy to determine. She was severely hurt by most of them, especially Sarah, but it wouldn’t be fair for Adam to face the same punishment.
Seeing her distress, the queen leaned forward gently.
"I know it is difficult to decide where forgiveness should end," Queen Emelda said softly. "Even His Majesty carries guilt to this day, blaming himself for ever allowing such accusations to take root. But sometimes... fate wounds us so that hidden rot may be revealed. Without the trial, we might never have seen how deep the corruption in this palace ran."
Her eyes lingered on Anna with quiet conviction.
"Now His Majesty is cleansing it, which is why you’ve seen such sweeping changes. He did not ask me to press this upon you, but I know this much, that you, Anna, are the one who can untangle this knot. And perhaps, in doing so, you may lighten the burden of guilt he bears."
Anna looked solemn. Her heart was not yet mended, yet she knew the queen spoke truth.
The wounds of betrayal still throbbed within her, but so did the memory of Adam’s kindness, loyalty, and unwavering care when she had been at her lowest.
"I want Admiral James to be released, but..." Anna faltered, her lips pressing into a thin line. "...wouldn’t he be devastated if Sarah and the rest of his family were punished?"
"He would," Queen Emelda admitted. "No matter their faults, family is still family. Adam may have disagreed with them, but he is a filial son and a caring brother. That much, I cannot deny."
Silence fell. Anna’s thoughts drifted back to the memory of the admiral’s desperate pleas—his voice breaking as he begged her to spare Sarah. The echoes of that moment pulled at her heart, making her resolve waver.
"Anna..." Kyren’s voice softened, almost imploring. "Adam deserves pardoning. He stood by you when others doubted. Do you remember?"
"I know," she whispered solemnly. Her gaze dropped, lashes lowering as she exhaled a heavy breath. Then, blinking aside, she asked abruptly, "What about Sarah?"
Queen Emelda exchanged a glance with Kyren before responding, slightly curious about why the princess was asking her ’enemy’.
"She’s in the dungeon. His Majesty ordered her confined the moment you departed the royal court."
Anna nodded faintly, acknowledging.
"And her injuries?" Her tone bristled with restrained emotion.
"As far as I know, she has received no treatment. No visitors are permitted either," the queen replied.
The princess’s eye twitched, a flicker of unease running through her. Sarah was surely in terrible pain—but who could she blame but herself?
Her silence stretched, and Queen Emelda’s hope began to wither. It seemed like the princess did not want to participate in the decision-making. Therefore, everything would proceed according to the law.
She had not expected Anna to show mercy toward Sarah, but Adam was another matter. Not only was he Kyren’s friend, but also King Kyden’s. For days, she had seen the king’s spirits darken under the strain of this unresolved matter.
At last, Kyren broke the quiet.
"I will speak with His Majesty about Adam. As for the others... their fate is his decision, not mine." His tone was firm, decisive.
"Please do," the queen said with relief. "His Majesty is already swamped. The major reorganisation has delayed several delegations’ meetings and overburdened his schedule. He hardly rests. Even the envoys from Cilleon are growing impatient."
"Cilleon?" Kyren raised his brows. "They’ve come again this winter? I thought their visit was scheduled for last autumn."
The queen explained, "It was. The envoys came twice. The initial negotiation about trading our weapon-making skills for their steel went well, but now they’ve increased their demands because they’re offering Salvron this time."
"Salvron?" Anna echoed, her curiosity alight.
Kyren inclined his head.
"It’s a superior steel. Much harder, lighter, and sharper. Blades forged from it are resilient. Combined with our techniques, the result would be formidable and perfect for dexterity and durability. I understand why His Majesty is tempted. After the war with Barges, retaliation is always a risk. We must be vigilant, and strengthening our army is prudent." He turned to the queen. "And their price?"
"A diplomatic gift of goodwill," Queen Emelda replied. "This will grant them recognition, legitimacy, and trade privileges. They are distant people and difficult to appease, but their persistence shows how much this alliance matters. The gift must be of exceptional worth."
Kyren nodded slowly.
"Understandable. They’ve travelled far, and Salvron is no small offering."
Anna’s eyes gleamed. After a long moment of reflection, she turned to her husband.
"Kyren..."
"Yes?" He met her gaze.
"I want you to do something for me." Her voice was quiet and deliberate.
Anna had made her decision.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Bring me Callis."