Chapter 47: A Garden to remember

The morning was serene, the golden rays of the sun spraying across the green garden as Rieka wandered through its paths. She had arisen early, feeling the need to connect with something pure. Her hands glided over the vibrant blossoms, before she bent to pluck a few daisies, their fragrance assuaging her restless thoughts. "Your Grace," Daisy's voice interrupted the serenity. Rieka turned to find her maid hurrying toward her. "What is it, Daisy?" "Delegates from the Dawn family have arrived," Daisy told her. "They are waiting in the grand hall. It would seem they've brought gifts for you." Rieka straightened, brushing her hands together. Her mind flashed back to the last encounter with the Dawn family. Their intentions had shrouded in pretence, and she highly doubted that their generosity came without strings. "Very well," she said, steeling herself. "Let's go meet them." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The grand hall was a picture of opulence: marble floors gleaming, sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows. The Dawn delegates stood in a cluster, their smiles overly saccharine. "Lady Rieka," one of them greeted, bowing deep. "We come bearing blessings and gifts in honor of your union with Alpha Lleus." Rieka smiled graciously, though her instincts whispered caution. 'Your presence is most welcome," she said. 'Please, show me these gifts you've brought." Servants carried in an array of offerings: gilded chests filled with silk, crates of rare wine, and an intricately designed necklace that sparkled under the hall's light. 'We hope these humble offerings please you," the delegate continued. 'They do," Rieka replied, her tone polite but measured. 'You've been most generous." She nodded to take the gifts away and passed some small talk with the delegates. When the meeting was almost at an end, a loud alarm suddenly reverberated within the palace, its shrillness piercing the moment. "What is happening?" Rieka asked, her voice firm. A servant ran in, pale and breathless. "Your Grace, there's been a theft! The former queen's jewelry has been stolen." The hall was filled with gasps as delegates exchanged uneasy glances. Rieka's heart missed a beat, and her mind ran riot. Who would have the audacity to steal something so priceless—and why now? Moments later, Kael entered with a sense of urgency. "Your Grace, by Alpha Lleus's command, the palace is on lockdown. No one leaves until the thief is found. Everyone will be searched." Immediately, bedlam broke out in the palace. Guards searched everywhere, interrogating servants and searching rooms. What once was serene became tight with suspicion and fear in the air. Rieka watched the unfolding pandemonium, her gut churning. Her mind wandered back to two maids whom she had caught whispering suspiciously days earlier. Could these maids be responsible for what transpired today? Daisy came to her, her face troubled. "Your Grace, I think you're right about those two maids. They've been acting strange lately." Rieka nodded, her resolve hardening. "Let's find them." But before she could act, a guard appeared. "Your Grace, the two maids in question have already reported to the Alpha. They claim you stole the jewelry to frame them." Rieka froze, the audacity of their accusation momentarily stunning her. "They what? The guard hesitated. "The Alpha is furious, Your Grace. He's asked for you in the Mansion room." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Mansion room was thick with tension as Rieka arrived. At the very center of the room, Alpha Lleus stood dark and tempestuous. Before him were the two maids, both faces so flawlessly portraying victimhood. "My wife," Lleus started, cold, "do you have any idea how grave this accusation is? Rieka met his gaze with equanimity, her head held high. "I do, my king. But I assure you, I am not the one who stole your late mother's jewelry." The maids exchanged glances, their feigned innocence an infuriating sight to behold. "Your Majesty," one of them whimpered, "all we want is to serve faithfully. We saw her take the jewelry with our own eyes. Rieka clenched her fists. They had planned this perfectly, preying on the Alpha's grief and trust. But she had anticipated their move. Turning to Daisy, she gave a subtle nod. The maid stepped forward, clutching a small recording device in her hands. 'Alpha Lleus," Daisy said respectfully, 'with your permission, I'd like to present evidence." Lleus raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. 'Go on." Daisy hit the button, and instantly, the two distinctive voices of the maids filled the room. "She is getting too comfortable," the first voice sneered. "Time to teach her a lesson," the second responded. "We will take the jewelry and make it look like she did it. That will show her who doesn't belong here." The room turned silent as the recording went quiet. The faces of the maids went ghostly white as their charade was exposed in that single instant. Lleus's eyes turned dark as he faced the pair. "Is this true?" he asked. "No, Your Majesty!" one of them exclaimed. "It's a frame-up! She—" "Enough," Lleus sliced her off, his voice as cold as a whip. "Guards, seize them!" The maids cried and begged as they were dragged away. Rieka relieved herself of a sigh she hadn't known she was holding. Ileus turned to face her "My king," she said, "I would never disrespect your mother's memory. I hope this has proved my loyalty." He watched her a moment before he nodded. "It has. And I owe you an apology. I should not have doubted you." Rieka inclined her head, though her heart still ached from his initial distrust. Later that evening, Rieka sat in her suite, her mind replaying the events of the day. The visit by the family of Dawn, the theft, and the false accusations-all seemed to be a noose interwoven to try her. She stared out of her window into the night sky, her thoughts heavy. There were many enemies of the palace, and she just couldn't afford to drop her guard. The door opened, and Lleus entered, his presence filling the room. 'Rieka," he said softly. She turned to him, her expression weary. 'Yes?" He approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'You handled today with strength and grace. I'm proud of you." 'Thank you, your majesty," she said, Lleus seemed to sense her lingering hurt. 'I won't make the same mistake again, Rieka. You've earned my trust." She nodded, though her heart whispered caution. Trust, once shaken, was not so easily restored.