Lilith returned to her bedchamber and awaited news of Richard’s state. Mary came later, carrying Lilith’s dinner and the gossip she had gathered.

Mary entered the chamber and set a tray of food down upon the table. "Nothing much has been said yet, but I hear the doctor’s chamber where he resides has been quiet, with only his son’s cries heard once in a while."

Mary poured water from a jug into a glass. The jug clinked softly against the rim as she set it down, then lifted the glass to taste the water. After confirming it was fresh, Mary filled another glass for Lilith.

"No one seems to suspect that there was any foul play. The day shall end on a good note," Mary said, relieved.

"It is not ending well until I hear of his death," Lilith replied, impatient for the announcement. "Did you see the way Diana looked at Cassian? When Cassian went to her side, it seemed as though she thought it was he who went after Richard."

"I did not see it, Your Majesty. Next time, I will pay closer attention," Mary promised.

Lilith smiled, amused to hear Mary speak of a next time. "Let us hope we don’t have to face another enemy soon."

"What of Virgil and the queen?" Mary reminded Lilith.

"Well, I hope my dear husband hunts and cages Virgil for me. As for the former queen, I don’t think we shall be hearing from her soon. Is there anything more you noticed?" Lilith asked, rising from the chair where she had been braiding her hair. "Any secrets I should know? What about my guards?"

"Forgive me, but they aren’t easy to read. They only speak if you are in their presence, and they are both guarded. I don’t believe they have taken a liking to you," said Mary.

"I’m sure they haven’t. I can’t trust those two with my life, but they are all I have for now. Are they still out there?" Lilith asked, glancing towards the oak doors.

"No. They left as soon as I came with the food, but the soldiers are still outside. It seems they only have to watch you when you roam the castle or the town. They should rest now so they won’t fall asleep while guarding you."

Lilith sat down at the table and began to eat. "Sit, Mary. You need to eat as well. We might need to mourn soon, so there won’t be good food." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Mary smiled and sat beside her, delighted to share the moment. "Oh! I did see that Lady Diana’s maid seemed to be frantically searching for someone. When she noticed your guard and me, she panicked and went the other way."

"I suspect Diana was planning to kill Richard, but her plans weren’t quick enough," Lilith said, her curiosity piqued at how Diana had intended to do it. "I need to watch her."

"You have a truce with her," Mary reminded Lilith.

Lilith chuckled softly. "As though that will end our troubles for long. A nice little secret would keep her quiet. I can’t use the fact that Richard seemed to be in love with her."

Mary choked on the food she had just placed in her mouth.

"It surprised me as well. Courting his late brother’s wife makes him a bastard, so I don’t regret what has occurred. It does anger me that I no longer have a secret to hold over Diana should she forget our truce. Perhaps I might be fortunate enough to learn another," Lilith said, picking up her fork.

Mary patted her chest, trying to help the food go down. "How did you come to know this, Your Majesty? I have been watching her for your safety and never noticed it."

"I noticed it briefly because of his drunken state. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to glimpse little secrets. You must hurry to eat as Cassian may return to the chamber at any moment, and you will have to leave," Lilith said, pushing a plate towards Mary.

The chamber fell into silence as both ladies filled their stomachs.

Meanwhile, in the chamber assigned to Diana, she paced back and forth as Sarah had yet to return.

Diana bit her nails, a habit she had not indulged in since childhood.

"Where is she?" Diana muttered, worried that Sarah had been noticed. "Should I have held it off?"

Diana walked over to the bed and sat down, the mattress sinking beneath her weight.

Richard’s state was gnawing at her nerves as she had no news of whether the bastard was dead yet or pulling through to live. She needed a distraction, and what Sarah had in mind was a much-needed one.

Enough time had passed for the guests to have settled, with only servants roaming the castle corridors.

Diana gasped, startled by a knock upon her door. She placed her right hand upon her chest, taking deep breaths to calm herself. "Come in!" she called.

The door opened, revealing Sarah, who entered with her head bowed.

"Forgive me, Milady. I had to take longer paths to ensure we weren’t followed," Sarah said, raising her head as she glanced back.

Gerald entered the chamber and closed the door before a passing servant could see him.

Diana slowly rose from the bed. "You are certain that no one saw you?"

"Most certain," Sarah assured her. "If anyone witnessed it, it will merely be the king’s guard passing on news for you. I shall walk the corridors to ensure they are empty. Good night, Milady," Sarah said, excusing herself.

Diana waited for Sarah to leave before turning to Gerald. "You may raise your head, Gerald. We are alone now. Have you heard news about Richard?"

Gerald looked up, though not directly at Diana, as she stood in a flowing white nightgown. "I have not, since I was at the queen’s side. The queen is-"

"I don’t care to hear about the queen right now," Diana interrupted, stepping closer.

"She did nothing of my interest today. In fact, she got the best of me, and I find it infuriating. Richard has troubled me as of late. Gerald," Diana said, stopping to touch his face, her fingers lingering against his skin. "Can you distract me?"