383: Doubts About Queen

Doubts About Queen

After her visit to the King, Oriana made her way to the guest mansion. Some time later, a servant informed her that Erich Winfield had arrived to check on her grandfather.0

In a hurry, Oriana descended from her chamber and headed to the patient's room. Commander Loyset was already present, watching Erich as he tended to the elderly man. Oriana patiently waited for Erich to complete his examination.

Once he had finished, Oriana inquired, "How is my grandfather, Master?"

Erich turned to the voice he recognized and was stunned to find the young woman standing before him. She was his apprentice, but why was she referring to this old man as her grandfather, and why was she dressed in women's clothing? Hadn't he been instructed to treat the important guest, the Crown Princess's grandfather?

"Mister Winfield, I believe you've recognized your apprentice," Commander Loyset interjected. "She is our Crown Princess."

Erich could only look at her in disbelief, to which Oriana nodded and approached him. "How is Grandpa?"

"Not well, I'm afraid," Erich replied. "His body is severely weakened and damaged. I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee the outcome."

"Will he wake up?" Oriana asked with tears welling up in her eyes.

Erich didn't sugarcoat the truth. "I can't say for certain. He may wake up, or he may leave us."

Tears began to flow down Oriana's cheeks. "I wish for him to wake up and speak with me. I was away for so long and couldn't even return to him. When I finally did, he was..."

"We'll do everything in our power. Don't lose hope just yet," Erich reassured her.

She nodded resolutely, wiping away her tears. "I won't. I want him to wake up."

The commander left the two alone, allowing Oriana to explain everything to Erich.

"What's your plan?" Erich inquired. "Is there anyone you can seek help from?"

Oriana sighed. "There is no one."

"Perhaps you could talk to King Drayce. He's a close friend of Prince Arlan."

"They are indeed close friends, but I know King Drayce would side with his friend. Even if they were willing to help me, I don't want to put him in a difficult position. This is my family's matter, and it's not right to involve them and jeopardize his friendship with the Prince."

"You have a point there."

"Do not worry, Master. I've always managed to find a way out of difficult situations. I'll handle this."

"Very well."

-----

Once Erich departed, the commander returned to Oriana.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty, the Queen, has returned to the palace and wishes to meet with you."

Oriana wondered, 'Back to the palace? Was she away somewhere?' Then looked at commander, "Do I need to go now?"

"Yes, she has summoned you."

She sighed inwardly. "Alright."

They prepared to depart. As Oriana stepped out of the carriage, all the servants along the way cast their gaze upon the veiled woman and bowed respectfully, sensing her noble status as the Crown Princess, even though it hadn't been officially announced. However, they could only extend their courtesy as they would to any other noble.

Walking down the corridor, Oriana encountered a familiar woman who respectfully bowed to her. 'This woman...she visited the Prince's residence that day. She's said to be Prince's nanny, Lady Karla. I just got to peek and listen to their talk. Seems like the Queen is not that fond of this woman.'

Oriana chose not to reveal her recognition and continued on her way. Even if this woman must have seen Prince's personal aide Orian somehow, she won't recognise veiled Oriana.

Walking down the seemingly endless hallway, Oriana finally arrived outside the Queen's chamber. It was her first time visiting this exclusive space. Oriana was always curious about this place, especially the rear side of the residence which was eerily quiet.

'Forget it,' she frowned, 'I don't have anything to do with that Prince and his problems. It's none of my business, even if he were to meet an unfortunate end and dies."

Upon reaching the Queen's chamber, a servant went inside to announce Oriana's presence. After a short while, another servant emerged, bowing to Oriana and the Commander before hurrying along her way. Oriana's keen eyes couldn't help but notice something crumpled in the servant's hands.

'Isn't that the scarf the Prince bought for Her Majesty from Othinia? Why is it in such a dreadful state? Who could have torn it so brutally, and for what reason? Did Her Majesty not like the gift and tore it? But she appeared pleased when she received it. What exactly is going on?'

A bit later, a middle-aged lady-in-waiting for the Queen emerged from the chamber and bowed to Oriana. "Your Highness, please follow me."

Oriana nodded and turned to the Commander. "This veil?"

"Keep it."

Oriana retained her veil as she entered the chamber. Inside, the Queen sat gracefully in her chair, exuding her customary elegance and a serene smile, giving no indication of any distress or anger.

But Oriana could not get her mind away from the fact that the precious gift brought by her son ended up in bad condition and why?

Oriana offered a graceful bow and greeted the Queen, her voice soft and gentle. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Queen rose from her seat and approached Oriana. "I'm delighted that we've located you. I trust you find the arrangements satisfactory. I've been away from the palace, and regrettably, I couldn't oversee matters."

"Everything is in order, Your Majesty," Oriana assured her.

"Good to hear. Please, have a seat," the Queen guided her toward a chair.

Oriana knew this queen was gentle and sweet the way she treated her family and she was being the same with her. But she had few doubts and wished to keep her guards up against this Queen.

"Oriana, isn't it? Such a lovely name," the Queen remarked.

Beneath her veil, Oriana smiled while her eyes scrutinized the Queen.

"Allow me to apologize for my son's actions in a moment of anger," the Queen said.

This unexpected apology for Arlan's behavior was the first Oriana had ever received. It was unexpected but surprisingly comforting to hear the Queen's words.

"How is Lord Verner faring now?" the Queen inquired.

"We are making efforts to improve his condition, but he's still quite weak and not out of danger," Oriana replied.

The Queen contemplated for a moment. "Hmm. We have a skilled physician here, Erich Winfield. I'll arrange for him to treat your grandfather."

Oriana was taken aback by the Queen's offer. She had to negotiate with the King for Erich's assistance, but here was the Queen, willing to provide it without any conditions, showing her kindness.

'Are my doubts about this woman wrong?' Oriana wondered. The Queen appeared genuinely concerned for others, which contradicted her earlier suspicions.

Oriana regained her composure and responded, "Thank you, Your Majesty. His Majesty has already granted his agreement for this."

"Ah, that's excellent news. I have faith that Lord Verner will recover soon," the Queen remarked and then inquired, "Why the veil?"

Oriana explained, "I'm not entirely at ease with facing everyone just yet. So, I prefer to maintain it for now. I hope Your Majesty doesn't mind."

The Queen was understanding. "Of course, I comprehend your discomfort in the presence of strangers. You are free to do as you wish."

Oriana expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

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