Chapter 35
"That is how I wish to appear to others in the castle. Act like I am already defeated while I gather my own things. I have to plan carefully before revealing the cards that I hold. I want to buy up as many properties in my name as possible and gather my own people from them. The money you gave to me was useful last year," said Amelia.
Margaret became curious about the amount of land Amelia owned so far. The excitement started to build up within her as her curiosity grew. "What did you use that money for? Did you buy other lands?"
"I bought land close to the border. If my father ever wishes to march his men through that land to go fight the northerners, he will have to converse with me. Most likely my answer would be no as we do not need any more war. It’s not clear yet but I have a feeling that we are losing."
Amelia only knew about what happened when Killian killed all the men surrounding her carriage. She was using gossip from the guards in the castle to keep up with what was happening elsewhere.
There were rumors of Killian winning each fight he faced while others said the Blackwells were winning. She could only try to piece together the stories to find the truth. Though her father captured some of Killian’s men, she couldn’t dismiss the way Killian’s men killed her guards easily. Killian did not even take part in it.
"We are most definitely losing," Margaret had no shame in admitting that. She had been in the court long enough to see the way the court minister thought their bright ideas would work. "Those men in court don’t like listening to others’ suggestions. The court needs to have more men who will go against your father’s orders."
"All the court ministers are coming from the same families over and over again. Commoners who show good promise are being turned away. Honestly, before this war becomes even worse, someone should talk to Killian to form a truce. Most likely it would have to be me."
Amelia considered the fact that a second meeting with Killian wouldn’t have her leaving as freely as she did the first time. However, as a royal, it was her duty to try whatever she could to prevent war and save lives.
"How would you seek him out? That man could be anywhere in our kingdom. I don’t see how they were able to lose a man with groups of men entering our soil. You would have to find a way to lure him out."
"Or perhaps, he will find me first," Amelia mumbled.