Hertia Cesca.

She was the only bloodline borne between Arundells King Edgar II and was politically married off to the prince of the neighboring kingdom, Crichton. When Edgar II was at the twilight of his life, he did not have any other children. As his death drew near, the old kings troubles deepened. No woman had ever become king in the Kingdom of Arundell. Yet, at the last minute, the old king handed over the next throne to his one only child and daughter, leaving his last will on his deathbed.

His will?

The next king will be my daughter, Hertia Cesca.

Some followed the kings last will faithfully, but others did not. There were dissident voices in play until eventually, some of the nobles conspired to crown the kings cousin, Duke of Lancas, as the next king and locked Hertia in the castle.

The successful coronation of Arundells throne seemed easy to define at first but things immediately turned around when Hertia escaped the castle she was locked in with the help of Crichton.

Hertia quickly embraced Crichtons aristocracy which gained the ire of the Arundell nobles. Of course, her action was only to prove that she too, as a woman, was capable of leading. And she was right. She led the nobles in Crichton because of her intelligence, temperament, and brevity. She was an iron-willed woman who despite bearing a child at a young age, dressed herself in battle armor and rode through the battlefield with her accompanying warhorse.

The civil war and fight over the throne lasted for a year. Hertia and Lancas, who could no longer bear to see their country fall to ruins, met and struck an agreement.

The agreement?

The throne would be passed over to Hertias son, as opposed to her after Lancas passes away.

So the treaty pact was made.

The war had ended and the country soon entered an era of peace. And as Lancas passed away at a young age, Hertias son quickly ascended the throne, but because he was young and inexperienced, Hertia was currently managing all state affairs.

Rihannans mother was of Crichton royal blood who came to visit her relative, Hestia at the end of Arundell and Crichtons civil war. It was at that time Rihannans mother fell in love with her father. And after her mother got married and settled in Arundell, her exchanges with Hertia remained constant and steady to the point that the Queen was willing to become the godmother of her child.

Hertia could never ignore Rihannans letter.

She was the daughter of her beloved cousin.

.Okay

Ned surrendered and raised a white flag. He handed the documents to Rihannan and she began to read the documents and the terms and conditions without much difficulty.

Looking at her, Ned wondered inwardly how she learned of their tax embezzlement. But he didnt have the guts to ask. And strangely, she seemed like an experienced, mellowed adult, and not a 12-year-old-child whod just lost her mother, but someone accustomed to serving countless people.

It was incomprehensible why he thought that way.

Its just as I thought.

As Rihannan studied the documents carefully, she opened several pages in front of Ned.

Id like to hear the opinion of an advisor on the interpretation of these provisions.

Rihannan smiled.

And, of course, it will go the way I want it to. Unless, that is, you prefer rotting in jail instead.

***

When Mary arrived with the carriage, Lawyer Ned Gowan fidgeted around nervously, listening intently to Rihannans instructions. When she finished, he had no time to drink his tea and immediately left in a hurry to carry out her orders.

What did you talk to the lawyer about?

I told him to freeze all my properties.

Rihannan answered Marys question, whose face was full of pure curiosity.

Miss?

My father wont be able to touch it.

Mary nearly threw out another silly question, but alas, it was futile as Rihannan turned her head and looked out the window. She opened the curtains and stared silently at the carriage entering the gates.

The Count is finally here, Miss.

Mary said cheerfully.

Yes. Hell have a guest with him.

A guest? Coming today?

Mary tilted her head, then wrapped her hand around her cheek.

Oh my goodness, what do we do? Im not prepared to welcome any guests!

Its alright. Ill send her back soon as she arrives.

But, Miss, thats not polite

Lets go, Mary.

Rihannan said, releasing the curtains from her hand.