The Crown's Obsession (WN)
chapter-677

With the door closed, Morganna stood up from the bed and glared at the minister, "Did you forget you should wait for me until I tell you to come?" she asked in a low, threatening voice.

"Forgive me, my Queen. The servant just led me here. I didn't know the King and the others would be here," he apologised. "Are you alright, Queen Morganna? I can-"

"I called you here to know the progress of the case that went to the High House. Where do we stand when it comes to Calhoun's bodyguard Theodore being framed and set for execution?"

Minister Arthur had a grim look on his face, and he said, "About that... there has been some new findings in the case."

Morganna narrowed her eyes and questioned, "And what is that?"

"The High House has their eyes on you because the spot where the supposed death took place, they didn't find blood there."

"What rubbish are you speaking, weren't you the one to kill the woman and have her blood spilt?" demanded Morganna, and the man nodded his head.

"Yes, milady, but someone must have gone back to the murder scene and changed the planks of the floor. The blood was not blood but beetroot juice. Right now they suspect you have something against Calhoun and they plan to interrogate you about it. I tried-"

"Get out of the room," whispered Morganna, closing her eyes to control her fueling rage. "Get out!" she yelled.

The minister turned alarmed and was quick to scurry out of the room. He was heading out of the castle, walking down the stairs, and sat in the carriage. He closed the door, when he caught sight of Calhoun sitting next to him, his heart almost jumping out of his chest.

"Advisor Calhoun," came the shocked voice of the minister.

Calhoun offered the man a smile, "Minister Arthur, I wanted to discuss something with you."

"I-I don't know what you are talking about," stuttered the man in fear.

Calhoun put his hand around the man's shoulder, "Don't look so scared, I haven't even done anything to you...yet," and the minister gulped.

When the night arrived, Morganna started to lose her mind with the way things had spiralled out. Not only was Calhoun trying to put her against her son, but also the High House who had come into existence were watching her. Pacing back and forth, she finally took the parchments that Calhoun had given to her.

She read them several times, and when it was time, she ordered a maid to bring Calhoun to her.

"Before I sign, I need you to sign it," she said to Calhoun.

Calhoun chuckled, "Seems like we have some trust issues in here, but that's alright." He picked the quill that laid next to the parchments, dipping it in the ink bottle before signing his name at the end of the parchment. "Your turn now, grandmother."

Morganna gave Calhoun a suspicious look, and she then signed her name in the parchment before handing it to him.

"I look forward to your plans, grandmother in dethroning father," he smiled as he rolled the parchment.

"Never would I have imagined joining hands with you," stated Morganna, "But if we both are going to benefit from it, and neither of us are going to expose each other's secrets, it should be fine."

"So what is your plan, grandmother. I have been eager to hear it," said Calhoun.

"Patience. You will find it tomorrow," replied Morganna.

"I cannot wait."

The next morning, in the royal court room, the Queen had gone back to occupy her seat next to the King.

"We should have a feast to celebrate the recovery of the Queen's heath," proposed Calhoun in the royal court room.

Morganna's eyes narrowed. She had told him that she would be the one to run the plan of giving the throne from her son to Calhoun so that her grandson would get off of her back, but with his current behaviour, she didn't know what he was up to.

"I agree," said another minister, "We should all drink and eat for the Queen's health."

King Laurence didn't have money to spend for the welfare of his subjects, but on hearing the proposal of celebration to drink and eat delicious food, he was quick to agree to it. "I demand from the royal kitchen to start cooking for tonight's feast for the ministers and the royal family! Get on it right now!" he ordered the servants.

"I haven't seen Lady Selene today. Where is she?" questioned Laurence. "I thought you wanted to question something about the transactions, Calhoun."

Calhoun smiled at his father, "Lady. Selene is at her home, my King. It seems she fell sick and I sent Theodore there to see if she needs anything." He paused for a moment before saying. "Also, I thought it won't be good to bring up the matter right now, when we are in the celebratory mood. We can clarify about it when Lady Selene returns."

King Laurence nodded his head and turned to his mother and said,

"There is something I would like to give you today, mother," He raised his hand for the guards who were standing behind him, to start walking. One of them carried a velvet box and came to stand next to the King.

Everyone turned curious as to what the King wanted to give the Queen and on seeing the blue velvet box, they guessed it was jewellery.

Morganna, who was excited by her son's words, her face turned sour when the box was opened for her to see the chain.

"How about you wear it tonight," said Laurence to his mother, a proud smile on his face.

Morganna smiled, and said, "The jewel looks truly precious. Maybe I will," she smiled. The last thing she wanted was a cursed hanging jewel around her neck. She didn't know why, but it felt like her days had been coated with bad luck. "Thank you, my King for your generous gift."

She took the box and kept it with her.