The Crown's Obsession (WN)
chapter-718

Music Recommendation: Love Never Dies - Jurrivh

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Samuel wondered how he could get Madeline alone. Usually, people who had special abilities were often sharp, and he would have to depend on that one, but he needed an opening to attack her, thought Samuel to himself. He then looked farther behind the couple, his eyes moving around to see no sight of Lucy, Theodore or Sophie. His eyes hardened at the fact that his wife was sent with Theodore.

Away from the four members of the royal family, who were looking for the rumoured animal to hunt it down, Lucy and the others moved in the other direction to look for Sophie's wish to find a stag.

"Did you know the stags antlers can be used against the poison in healing when it is turned to powder and taken in the mouth?" asked Sophie in the know it tone.

"I think I heard something similar to it," answered Lucy. "When father was poisoned by grandmother, brother Calhoun had used his intelligence and had helped father in removing the poison out of his body. I don't think anyone would have been able to act so fast."

"The King is admirable, isn't he?" Sophie chuckled before her mood soured, "I don't know how he ended up with a human who has no single promising quality in her."

Lucy looked behind them to make sure brother Calhoun wasn't around them to listen to what Sophie was saying now. But then Sophie was speaking because Calhoun wasn't here and it was just her and Theodore.

"I don't think it is true, Sophie," said Lucy. "Madeline seems like a nice person. She's polite and kind with her actions."

Sophie waved her hand for Lucy to not believe in those things, "You don't know about that, Sister Lucy. There have been times when she has been rude to me, and she forgets I am part of the royal family."

At least Sophie knew that she was related to Calhoun and wasn't completely blind, thought Lucy to herself.

Her cousin continued to complain, "She is always gloomy, and doesn't speak to me when I tell I want to spend time with her. It only makes me question if something is going on. I mean, there are so many women who have entered the castle, but none have captured Calhoun's attention. It makes me question if she's into some sort of witchery."

Hearing this, Theodore coughed, clearing his throat to let the two ladies know he was right behind them.

"That is some wild accusation, Sophie. I think she's just a wonderful person and rather compliments Calhoun's nature," Lucy was frank with her thoughts. "We should all accept her."

Sophie looked upset again, her lips setting into a thin line, "Are you telling I am not suitable for him? I have been giving Calhoun all my attention and even Theodore supports me with this!"

Hearing this, Lucy raised her eyebrows, and she turned to look at Theodore subtly without him noticing it, and Theodore had a passive expression on his face. Poor Sophie, thought Lucy to herself, to believe Theodore was on her side. Anyone could tell that Theodore supported only the King and no one else.

"Is it true, Theodore?" Lucy questioned him, unable to miss the opportunity to interrogate him.

Theodore looked at Lucy, "I think Lady Sophie is being very vague with her words here. I don't remember making any such promises or statements to her."

Sophie's eyes narrowed, and her eyes snapped around to look at the King's right-hand man. "Advisor Theodore."

Theodore bowed his head, "I have never answered to your questions or statements about your interest with the King as it isn't my place to say anything about it."

"It doesn't matter. She's just not fit, and I-" Sophie was interrupted by Lucy.

"Sophie, brother Calhoun has already made his choice and I think it would be best for all of us to accept his decision. All these years, every person in our family has been married to bring good fortune to Devon or the Hathrone's family, but this is the first time it is for love. I think it is the right thing to do," stated Lucy with a serious tone.

"I love brother Calhoun, what more is needed?" Sophie changed her tone, unhappy that Lucy was not taking her side.

"The thing here is brother Calhoun doesn't love you, but he loves Madeline. Can you tell with a clean conscience that you would love him even if he was from some dirty alley or streets? With no wealth or position and with nothing to offer you except for his love?" Lucy questioned Sophie before looking away from her cousin sister. "I don't think so and you don't have to lie to me," she added so that Sophie would not deny what she just said.

Love was something where one could overlook everything about the concerned person, and nothing would matter except that one person. It would be more than enough to have that person next to them. Her heart turned heavy at those thoughts.

"What about you, sister Lucy? You married Samuel because he was a Duke, you could have married someone else too," taunted Sophie.

"I would have if I would have been allowed to marry whoever I wanted, but sometimes things you hope for don't happen and you finally come to realize how your initial thoughts were wrong," replied Lucy in a curt tone.

Sophie ignored Lucy's words and turned to Theodore and asked, "Do you feel the same way, Theodore?"

Theodore was looking the other way, hoping he wouldn't be dragged into the conversation, but Sophie, who Lucy had shut down, had now turned to speak to him.

"My apologies, milady. I wasn't paying attention," apologized Theodore.

"All these years we have been following family tradition, shouldn't the King marry someone who is agreeable?" questioned Sophie.

"I think matters like these are best to be discussed with the King himself. I am only a humble servant," he replied with a smile on his face.

"I knew it was of no use to ask you questions. You never answer anything," muttered Sophie under her breath, slightly annoyed.

Theodore was glad that Sophie didn't try to stretch the conversation, but Lucy didn't feel the same way about it.

Lucy commented, "It is a habit of his. To skip answering questions as it keeps him on the safer side. Isn't that right, Advisor Theodore?"

Theodore turned his head to look at Lucy, "I never knew I did something like that, Lady Lucy.. If you don't mind me asking, which question did I miss answering? I will be more than happy to answer them now," he spoke in a polite tone.

Lucy rolled her eyes, her lips twisted before she said, "What is the point of asking something that was not answered years ago. It is the same as asking you if I should water the plants and you answering it after it is dead. Isn't that right, Sophie?"

Sophie, who was playing with her bow and arrow, randomly aiming and releasing her arrows, had no idea of the context of what was going on, but she agreed with what Lucy said by nodding her head.