尝è蝉别-尘补箩别蝉迟é

Part 19

"That's just it, isn't it," Grimmel's eyes narrowed. "He's my father's advisor. He's known him since he was born. There is no way that man doesn't know that I've replaced the king with a puppet."

"I've kept him on too long a leash," Grimmel stated as he narrowed his eyes at the door of the study Drago had departed from. "I want you to watch him like a hawk Krogan."

"As you wish Milord." The rogue stated before disappearing just as quickly as he had appeared.

As the Prince was left alone he began to ponder. His chess pieces were in disarray just because of one woman. The diamond mine that he was promised after he wed Anderson's insipid daughter in return for providing political support seemed to be falling through. Well, he was planning to wash his hands of the girl anyway. She was annoying, he could tell of his one and only meeting with her. Even her letters were childish, asking after his health, favorite food, color... etc. He'd humored her but this girl was just not Queen material........ Not like.... Griselda. Someone cool and calculating. Someone who wouldn't hesitate to get rid of the opposition. Oh, he'd seen how Griselda had looked at Rosalinda. The anger, jealousy..... It was perfect. She was still in the palm of his hand.

"Greetings your Highness," Grimmel was snapped out of his musings by the very person his thoughts had turned to.

Lady Griselda stood poised in front of the Prince. Her head was held high after she had curtsied and her lace gloved hands were holding a sky blue lace parasol for the surprisingly hot day. Her dark hair was in a neat bun and she was wearing a flat straw boater that had the same sky blue lace trimming as her gloves and dress.

The palace maid, acting as a chaperone, standing behind her was carrying a picnic basket. "Where is the Lady off to in such hot weather?" And indeed today was very hot, unusual for the Capital as it lay in the northern area of the continent. Such hot days were seen as a blessing and people generally ventured out more.

"Today a select few of us are going to the lake on the grounds here." Griselda stated. "Remember, I told you a week ago when I invited you," She added.

"Oh right," Honestly Grimmel hadn't been paying much attention at the time. Though he probably should have. Griselda rarely planned social events but when she did do so they were the talk of society for weeks. Only the cream of the crop or those she deemed interesting were invited. Despite her family situation she still thrived in the aristocratic circles.

"Then I bid you a pleasant day Lady Arkas," Grimmel gave a short bow, not noting the sad look in Griselda's eyes. When the Prince departed and was out of earshot the maid decided to speak up.

"My Lady, why did you not ask him to accompany you?" The maid questioned. "There is already news amongst the servants that his engagement with Lady Anderson is not happening. This is your chance to...."

"Mathilda, I don't want to hear it," Griselda grumbled. "Obviously if he had wanted to come he would have said so."

"My Lady, everyone in the palace knows the Prince still has feelings for you!" The maid announced.

"But are those feelings of love or that of caring between cousins. Honestly, Mathilda, I'm beginning to suspect it's the latter." Griselda sighed. "I care about him truly but if he loved me he would not have gotten together with that chit."

"My mother always told me men's hearts are fickle, My Lady," The maid murmured. "Perhaps the Prince needs to realize just what an incredible woman he has willing to stay at his side."

"Mathilda you always know the right thing to say to ease my heart," Griselda smiled.

Meanwhile, Krogan was doing the dirty work of spying on Drago. He frowned as he followed stealthily after the man on horseback. While keeping a distance and in disguise he noted that Drago was heading in the direction of the Markison estate in the Capital. That was worrying as he had previously reported to Grimmel about the advisor sending letters to the estate.