Investigation and confession.

"Your majesty i have been able to clear General Freya, General Jasmine and General Cassandra. Also i have cleared Lady Giselle as she was with you when the meeting occurred. As for the others of your inner court and the military they are still under investigation." Arerto sat pondering the fact that Lady Helinda or Commandant Bekinda could be involved in the plot."Lady Cressida thank you for your report. I am glad that my generals have been cleared. What about my maids i trust you have also investigated them?" Cressida looked at Arerto "Yes your majesty and i feel confident they have nothing to do with the plot." "Good." replied Arerto.Arerto dismissed Cressida then looked at the file that had been handed to her. She was the Queen and no one was going to stop her plans to improve Freeconia. She knew her mother would never have done the things she was attempting to do. Then their was Katherine she need to tell her that Cressida knew they were lovers and to also tell her how she knew.

Arerto made her way to her chambers and there waiting was Katherine sitting at the table. Bella had just served her some wine and cheese. After Arerto arrived bella left the room leaving them alone. "My sweet Katherine i have something to tell you that you need to know. " katherine looked At Arerto seeing the stress in her eyes" Lady Cressida knows we are lovers" "How do you know that?" Arerto looked deep into Katherine's eyes "I know because i am the one who told her. I told her because i also told her that of everyone you i trust with my life. There is a plot to remove me from the throne and you were the only one of my friends not to be investigated." "Why would anyone want to remove you from the throne you have no enemies and everyone loves you. "They think i have gone to soft and betrayed the Amazonian way of life theat is the reason" There was a knock on the door and Bella came in and said the the generals had requested a meeting. "I shall return my love"

All three generals stood before the Queen and all complained that Lady Cressida had been spying on them. Arerto looked at them " I know she has been investigating you all. It was on my orders i needed to know that none of you were involved in the plot to remove me as Queen. So do not blame her if you need to blame someone then blame me." "But you are to blame" Jasmine said "You are the one who chose to go down this road. "And what would you have done General Jasmine in my place. " "I do not know your Majesty but i would maybe have asked us all instead of having us spied on." Arerto looked at them and knew she had seriously miss stepped. "Freya if you wanted to stage a coup what would you need." Freya looked at Arerto "Weapons, funds, men basically the cooperation of the military" "Exactly and thats why i wanted you three cleared in any involvement. So now you know i need your help because someone behind this plot is in the military.

Has anyone been promoted so as have command of a large body of warriors. Have there been any increase of weapon purchases or any exercises that point to a city attack, Investigate your commands and reprot back to me and me only." "We will do our best to find out what you want" Freya said "But we cannot do it without your help. You are the one who knows the ins and outs of the military better than any of us.Arerto looked at Freya. "I have to defer this to you three because if i start to get involve they will know but you as there commanders will garner no suspicion if you ask question." "You have my word as Commander of the army that we will do everything in our power to help you achieve your goal." Freya said "Our only concern is the safety you and of our people and the future of our kingdom. Nothing else matters.Arerto smiled and apologised for keeping them in dark She then dismissd them to be alone with her thoughts.

What a mess I have made. I should have just trusted them but I was swayed by what my mother would have done. They are my friends and I respect them. How could I have been so stupid.I should have just trusted my gut instead of my mother's words. I should have just known they would be fine. Well it was done now and she hoped that time would heal what she had done. Arerto went back to her chambers and to her lover.Katherine sat before the Queen waiting for her to speak. "Your Majesty" Katherine said "What can I do to relax you" Arerto just sipped at her wine then looked at Katherine. "Just being here with me is more than you know my love." They both stripped and then relaxed on the bed snuggling niether making a move. Both were content to just be in eachothers embrace. This is my Queen and I love her. She is all I have and I would never give her up or betray her thought Katherine. Soon they were both asleep.