Chapter 44

“I never forgot, Your Majesty. I will be the Vesta candidate of the aristocratic faction with Prince Corean as the king of my choosing.”

Breathing heavily, Queen Aurina took the tea cup gently. She just played with it as her gaze shifted outside the room and to the visible northern castle where the second prince, Prince Corean, resided. “That son of mine should be ready for the hunt! It will start in two months yet he’s not as busy as Prince Lauren. I heard your sister is busily being prepared by Marchioness Susana.”

Oh, Marchioness Susana. I will let you enjoy it first. After all, all good things come to those who wait. And I am patiently waiting for the time that I will crush you like I crushed Duchess Castaña.

Taking the tea to her thin blood-red lips, Tori chose to stay silent and let Queen Aurina vent her frustrations. Her demeanor was gentle as the autumn breeze yet her crimson eyes hid a malevolent storm.

It was