Lady In Red

50

Ruby stared at the common grounds of the castle, bile rising up to her throat which she suppressed stepping back and looking away.

The heads of Clark Vincent and his guards over spikes had filled the castle staff with fear and silence. However not one of them was surprised, indicating it had happened before. Ruby walked away heading to her study to meet Regina. She had been taken under her wing after her mother the Dowager deemed unfit to be of influence on the Princess.

All the princes and princesses were now under the wing of Lady Karina. The King's Aunt.

Queen Dowager is unfit to attend court from this day forward due to her declining health. May she stay in good health.

An announcement to the people of the court, those who were corrupted under her influence had been questioned.

The King however had no interest in listening to the pleas of those who went against the court rules and were accepting bribes.

He was busy, very much so staring at his wife from his look-out tower down to the open grounds as she made her way inside her wing.

"She is very brave, to step in the common grounds and watch that" The duke commented.

"She is my wife after all" Xerses whispered, proud when he saw his wife witness the aftermath of what happened.

The grounds were covered in their blood, their bodies at one side in a corner, while their heads on spikes. They will be paraded through the cities, an example of disrespecting their queen and planting seeds for speculations.

"People are talking about the Dowager my king, as you instructed. They certainly know what happened. Although I did my part, I do not think it was wise. The dowager has given rise to many treaties which kept the kingdom afloat during wars"

"She also broke many. She despised humans, no matter their power almost equal to ours"

The duke sighs, "Will you depose the dowager?"

The king never replied, making his silence an obvious answer.

~*~

"I was worried" Ruby took Regina's hand holding it tight. And she walked with her towards her tea table. But Regina stopped, turning to her.

She smiled, this time from the bottom of her heart,"You Majesty,I cannot thank you enough"

Ruby frowned as she curtseys in respect.

"No, I do not have to thank me."

As they sat in Ruby's study for tea, she looked at Regina once, noticing how much better she seemed,"Do you know the verdict passed by his Majesty? Regarding your mother?"

Regina nodded in sadness.

"I could perhaps ask him to have at here while she is kept under watch. She wouldn't have to be taken to the North tower-"

"No, Perhaps my brother's decision is right, I would not go against it"

Ruby didn't press on it any further, changing the subject, "I am glad you can now live as you wish. Is there anything you need help with?"

She shook her head smiling, "Only that you allow me to work with you Madam."

"As your wish" Ruby replied.

"You will have many letters and matters to attend to, Since, my mother will no longer have the authority"

Ruby sighs leaning back, "I believe Lady Katerina would be better. All favour her the most. "

"I believe we shall have to ask her ourselves" Regina stated sipping on her tea.

Ruby smiled remembering something, "The duke is here, in the castle attending the king's matters, and would like to talk to him, he requested an audience with your highness."

Her eyes widened and she shook her head, clearly blushing, "I shall be a chaperon as you talk?"

She didn't quite answer, shy as she was, Ruby smiled.

"Very well then, I shall not force you."

Perhaps the ball coming up might do the trick she though smiling.