CHAPTER 170: THE PLAN [PART 2]

"I find that hard to believe, you don’t strike me as a person who lives out her days in her manor and does nothing but act pretty."

Celia gulped at my words, like I’d uncovered her dark secret.

"I have read everything about the other noble ladies, and it shows each house is famous for something, but not quite involving the woman. What if all that can change?"

"What are you asking?"

"You’re also the voice of the noble ladies. I figured as much when you spoke up rather than indulge in murmurs. Take my proposition to them, I’d like an answer in week time."’

"I admire your visions, Your Majesty. Not even the Dowager or the queen before her has ever thought of what you did today, and for that, you have my respect. But..."

"But?"

"What you’re asking is nearly impossible, for it’s as you said, the noble ladies are entitled brats, why would they think twice about giving up their life of luxury for a serious one. They leave all that with the male leaders of their families."

"True, but there must be some who would run at this chance. I read profiles, and the ladies’ likes are oddly unusual, like their extracurricular activities."

"You’re able to tell all that just by reading their profiles?" She expressed amazement.

"Just like you, Lady Celia, you involve yourself in your family skills even though it’s the men who practice them. Haven’t you for once thought that if you have been upfront about your desires to engage in them, you’d have been given a chance?"

She chuckled. "The more you speak, the more I’m amazed, Your Majesty. You’re right, many of the noble ladies would have held many strong positions. But as you see, given nobles, we’re slaves to a system. A system where we allow men to lead."

"Then let us break the system."

Her mouth went agape at my words.

"Two already did. Sloane was made the leader of her house and became an influential woman. The rest of you are capable of this. And the Dowager ruled for years."

"Lady Sloane is a leader because she was the only heir. The Dowager’s was due to the war times."

"But they did become leaders."

"Yes?"

I smiled, closing my eyes. "Then there’s a chance for the noble ladies to be involved in much bigger activities."

"T-True."

"Do you doubt me, Lady Celia?"

"The other ladies won’t easily agree to this."

I placed a hand beneath my chin and nodded. "Yes, they won’t, but it’s worth giving it a try."

Celia looked anxious, but I could tell she was interested in this.

"In a week time, I shall call a meeting, and I hope for good results. If this works, I shall create a function for the noble ladies that will benefit them as a whole. They will be more involved in society, leadership, trade, health, and more. The choice is yours... and theirs."

~•~

I walked the corridors with my company behind me.

"Is that wise?" Diana asked beside me. "You basically showed all your cards. You can’t trust her. I don’t like her."

I understood why Diana did, and I promised I’d make it up to her when the time comes.

"She is what I need to make this work."

"You only mentioned making the inner court yours and not targeting just their respect. You never said anything about creating a court with women. You have enough power, half of Drevon’s army, my court, and Ravyn’s support."

"This is different, Diana. It’s not just about power. When I read through the profiles, I realized there can be opportunities.

"Opportunities?"

"In Beloria, women are not involved in anything. It’s all about marriage. But here? There is a chance that things can be different. If I’m to be queen, then I must seize this opportunity and make a change."

"Hmph! In the end, you related to them."

I chuckled. "I guess I did. They may be entitled spoiled brats, but they are no different from us. They are just a voice waiting to be heard."

Diana smiled. "Only you can make that happen."

"I hope so. Am I late, Osha?"

"You still have four minutes to spare."

Good. I was already panicking that I wouldn’t be there on time.

"Have patience with me, Talia. Soon, everything will fall in place."

"I know...not having patience now will be a bad move," she replied. "I’m leaving everything in your hands."

I knew she felt tense after seeing Sloane. Soon, my Talia, you can go to bed knowing the person who scarred you for life has paid for their crimes.

I won’t stop at just Sloane. Her entire house will go down, too. I’m taking a page out of Drevon’s book when he dealt with House Vale.

We finally arrived, and I stepped into the room alone, my eyes on the canvas, the colors, and then on Drevon speaking with the artist.

Upon seeing him, I felt like jumping at him and kissing him senseless, but I composed myself.

Drevon turned to me, his eyes glimmering.

"I hope I’m not too late," I said, coming closer.

"Not at all." He leaned down to me and gave me a soft kiss on the lips.

"Your Majesty," the painter bowed.

"Hello."

"We can postpone this. I know you have been working tirelessly."

"It’s alright, if I feel dizzy, we’ll stop."

"Sure?"

I nodded.

"Well then, let us get down to it. The Royal Portrait of the Monarch and Queen Consort," The painter said, walking to his station and picking up a pencil.

Drevon took my hand and helped me up the stairs. I sat beside him, adjusting my skirt, a bit nervous.

The painter pinned his attention on us as he got to work, and that only spiked my nerves.

I have never had my portrait done, and I was conscious of how it would end up. Osha and Talia had dolled me up, and I wore the finest royal attire, matching Drevon’s, but I remained anxious.

However, Drevon’s hand held tightly against mine gave me confidence.