Chapter 123: Brewing Toubles
Flavia stood by the door in the morning. She tried to get in to announce to them that the food is ready, but she couldn’t enter. There seemed to be some kind of spell that stopped her from getting inside.
She was not worried. The feeling she got from that spell was pretty similar to the feeling she had when she was healed after getting scalded by the boiling hot water. Alexandra’s spell does have a scent – flowery- like that of a rose. And it is filled with brightness and excitement. It makes one feel secure.
And so she retreated tactfully bringing her husband too. They have living quarters in the upper level of the palace, but Maximus has shifted their quarters to the same floor as him. She nodded at Pricilla walking in the hallways seemingly surprised she was allowed to stay near the Emperor.
"He wants to keep those who are loyal to him closer, dear," Flavia patted Pricilla’s hand seeing the worry in her eyes.
Surely not everyone can be themselves when they know they are staying close to the Brute. But Flavia knew that he is doing this to help Alexandra like this place a little bit better.
"Thank you," Pricilla nodded. She was doubtful of Maximus’ intent. She’s been hearing a lot of rumors around and it made her wonder about everything. This was the first time she’s been in Lathlin and the splendor of the Royal residence made her oddly frightened.
She talked to Elrich about it and he told her that they can find a place in the city for their stay. And she was very excited about that, but they got an order that they will be staying in the West Wing of the Royal residence.
It made her heart tremble. Her husband Elrich consoled her and told her that it can’t be anything nefarious, but she couldn’t rest her heart. And hearing Flavia’s assurance, she was relieved.
"But Flavia," Pricilla spoke in a hushed voice although there was no one to around. They say walls have ears and she wanted to be careful. She was once betrayed by those she trusted and in a foreign land, she didn’t think she would be any safer than she was in her home country. But she needed to know certain details.
"Is it true that the Dowager has left the residence out of nowhere? The official information was that she is leaving to recuperate in her country home, but some say it is not what it seems like. And the dead consort... who killed her?" Pricilla asked.
Flavia’s heart skipped a beat.
"The dowager left?" she asked, her eyes wide. She had a feeling that it won’t be good.