Chapter 45: The Fat Lamb and The Crawling Order
Chapter 45: The Fat Lamb and the Crawling Order
Seraphina had left, and with her, the drama.
Grandmother watched her silhouette and then turned—walking away with practised grace, the rustle of her robes sweeping behind her like the remnants of judgment.
With this passing exchange, Oliver understood why Grandmother had to come by herself to deliver this news. If she had sent someone else, Seraphina would most likely have torn that person into banana peels.
The Red-Stitched Sisters followed silently behind.
Unlike Grandmother and the Caretaker, they followed on foot, jogging the distance, as it was required of their kind.
Meanwhile, inside the chariot, the heavy curtains sealed off the world.
And as the wheels rolled into motion, the Caretaker turned slightly toward Grandmother. Her voice was hushed but firm.
“Grandmother, are you sure this was the right move? Lady Seraphina holds considerable sway within the Empire... especially with the emperor himself. Getting on her bad side now—when the church’s power is this...fragile. It feels a bit too reckless.”
Grandmother exhaled slowly and leaned into the velvet cushions. “Oh, I know,” she muttered, weariness coating her words like dust. “I had no choice in the matter. The moment I received news about the 'state' of Seraphina’s incoming vessel... I had to act. It was too ripe a chance. If we had delayed even a day, others would have forced this verdict anyway. Even nobles beyond the Vontell line want to see her stumble.”
“You mean the 'Vontell' competition,” the Caretaker corrected softly.
Grandmother waved her hand dismissively. “Competition, enemies, scavengers—it makes no difference. Seraphina has drawn too much favour. The wolves have waited long enough, and today, they saw blood. I wouldn’t have minded had it been another noble daughter. But Seraphina has a habit of going too far... she laid herself bare. A lamb among jackals. Fortunately, a fat lamb.”