Ruena had long set up plans for how to deal with Velcorna, but she hadn’t expected Densooth to show such a hostile attitude considering she was doing all of this on his orders in the first place. Her only guess was that Soral must have gone too far and upset him. Since he was going to be openly hostile, Ruena decided to reply in turn.

  "I sent Her Majesty a personal invitation," she replied. She had sent one with Crystal for her out of courtesy, "Perhaps she did not want to bother her busy advisor with unrelated business."

  "Unrelated business?" Densooth repeated, stepping forward, "You should know I have a good sense for these things. This partnership will leave a lasting mark on Altea. I merely came to see what kind of mark it will leave."

  "Then look all you would like," Ruena told him.

  What was he up to? Was this an attempt to give them his support while seeming like enemies? The entire tone of the gathering had already changed. Not only that, Ruena couldn't help but notice something odd about Velcorna. It has only been for a split second when Densooth had entered, but Ruena could have sworn the woman looked terrified. The usual haughty chill was back before she could be sure.

  "I tried to warn you," Velcorna muttered as she passed by, "It is too late for you to turn back now."

  Ruena watched as the duchess joined the other guests and began to socialize. Everything seemed normal for now, but she would have to keep a close watch on her. Seeing how big the reaction was from her partnership with Soral, Ruena was glad she had not introduced them to Xandus first. Her image would have been permanently linked to Valen, and she doubted that Valen shared her goals. She had to remember that Alodan was her father's legacy as well. She needed to protect what was left of it.

  Now that all of the guests had arrived, Ruena was able to mingle and hear the conversations. She kept close enough to Velcorna to listen in without being too obvious about it.

  "I must say, I am glad to see you here, Duchess Alodan," a noblewoman Ruena was unfamiliar with began, "After what happened last time, I was certain the new heir would misplace your invitation."

  "No matter how much she hates me, she isn't that much of a fool," Velcorna replied with a hint of pride, "If only someone had not taken her away from me and turned her against me."

  "We all know how distraught you were the day she disappeared," another comforted, "Your husband had just passed and your daughter was deceived into believing you had a hand in his passing. I truly pity the poor girl. I am sure you will be able to make her come around."

  Make her come around? Was this what she had told everyone when Ruena had tried everything to accuse her of the murder? A child's words truly were worth nothing, even if they were the truth. Unfortunately for Velcorna, Ruena was no longer a child. She might not be able to prove her guilt in that case, but she would do anything to stand in that vile woman's way of the throne.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "I must say, it is nice she isn't fawning over that greedy advisor," yet another sneered, "I can't stand him. Slipping in as soon as the Queen is ill. Sometimes I wonder if she is still alive in that palace. If she is, he is probably keeping her prisoner there so he can hold Altea in his hands."

  "That is why I have been working so hard to dethrone him. Now that my daughter has come to take care of Alodan, I can focus on the task with no worries," Velcorna told them.

  The idea of Densooth imprisoning the Queen to control Althaedor wasn't an idea that Ruena found pleasant either, but she found the thought of Velcorna on the throne far more threatening. Besides, Crystal was able to visit the Queen frequently, and she didn't seem the type to hold back if her friend was actually being threatened or imprisoned. Whatever was going on was deeper than some cliche power play.

  At least she seemed too busy plotting to take the throne to bother trying to disrupt or take over the event. In a way, that made Ruena even more nervous. Why was Velcorna so calm and confident? Had all her efforts thus far been truly insignificant? No, she needed to back off and focus on the reason behind this event. Where was Soral?

  Ruena quickly spotted him at one of the buffet tables all but forcing food onto those who passed by while eating a fair portion himself in between. She couldn't help but smile. Even in this situation, Soral didn't hesitate to act like himself. It was something she wished she had the courage to do. He could hear the thoughts of those around him and was still unbothered by their opinions. Ruena, on the other hand, was constantly concerned she was going to make a mistake she would regret.

  "Have some," Soral said, suddenly in front of her, holding a small pastry to her mouth, "Don't worry about all the little things and enjoy yourself. This is still a party, after all."

  How did he- No, there was no point in asking that. “Listening in again?” Ruena asked, taking the pastry.

  “You know I can’t help it,” Soral pouted, “Stop eavesdropping and stay with me. The whole point of this is to show off how close we are/ We have others who can report all the juicy details later.”

  “Alright,” Ruena agreed, eating the pastry in one bite. Once she was finished, she met his eyes, “So, where is our stage? Don’t say the banquet table. I am not hanging around food all night.”

  “Of course not. We are going to show off the garden,” Soral told her, as if it were obvious. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along, “You’ll be the first to be granted access. A special privilege of being my partner.”

  Soral did exactly what he said he would. He neither announced what he was doing or tried to sneak away, and as a result, most of the guests noticed. They stepped through a large set of doors that opened on their own through some kind of enchantment. Ruena had to admit that the special garden was impressive enough to catch the eyes of nobility.

  It looked like a wild jungle, but no matter how wild it was impossible for so much rare plantlife to appear naturally in the same place. Perhaps that was why it had such a mystical feel to it. Even in a land full of magic, Ruena couldn’t help but be impressed. Whenever a gap in the wall of trees allowed them to see back into the garden, Ruena could feel everyone’s eyes on them. The plan was going perfectly.

  “You did well,” Ruena complimented, “I’ll be shocked if you aren’t flooded with both guest bookings and employees before the end of the night.”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to stay by your side,” Soral promised, “This is just the beginning.”