Journey home.

The next morning everyone was assembled in the courtyard and Arerto and her party had boarded the carriage. The king and queen wish them a safe journey then the Galtion cavalry led off followed by the carriage and then the Freeconian escort bringing up the rear. From Arerto's former room a pair of eyes stared out at the departing royal carriage. These eyes were filled with venom. Who does she think she is fooling? Everyone knows we are at peace. She is trying to make it seem like we are allies when we are not. I will not let her get away with it.Back in Freeconia in a dark room sat several cloaked women. They were arguing but they all agreed on one thing. Arerto as a Queen was to soft nothing like Queen Alcippe. Change was fine but when change compromised the realm's security and strength then it became a threat. "Our enemies need not fear us. We are no longer the warriors we once were thanks to Arerto."

"She has turned us into a laughing stock. She is no longer fit to be Queen." One of the women said this and another woman nodded in agreement.They decided that the Queen needed to be removed along with her sisters as they were just as weak. The successor must revert the changes made and make Freeconia strong again. The meeting broke up and as the conspirators left little did they know that a shadowy figure was watching them. The figure was dressed in all black and had a long dark cloak that covered her head. She returned to her quarters to put her observations into her report.Next morning the woman who had been watching the meeting from afar stepped out of her room and headed to Lady Cressida's room. Just as the was heppening Arerto's carriage was just arriving outside. Arerto headed to her chambers and was greeted by her two maids Bella and Selina who took her clothes to be washed. Arerto fell into her bed and told Bella that she was not to be disturbed unil the evening.

"I need to sleep. I am tired from the journey. It was long and tiresome.Bella disobeyed the Queens order and let her sleep until the next morning. Arerto was upset but she understood Bella's logic. Bella told her that Lady Cressida had requested a meeting in the garden."Oh more cloak and dagger stuff" said Arerto and they both laughed.Lady Cressida was sitting in the garden enjoying the sunshine when Arerto arrived. "Good morning your Majesty i trust your journey went well""Your Majesty it has been reported to me that there is a conspiracy to remove you as the queen." "Conspiracy? That is news to me. Who would dare try and remove me? "There are those in the military and the merchants guild who are happy with the new changes that have been introduced. They do not understand that it is better to have treaties with former enemies. The military would do it out of pride and honour and the merchants will do it for greed.

"Your Majesty I am not sure you understand how things work in this kingdom."There are those who would love to see you removed from power." "Lady Cressida you have evidence like names?" "Your majesty the investigation is still young but we have atleast ten traitors having secret meetings." Arerto eyed Lady Cressida" in your expert opinion who could they be" "It is not my place to speculate Your Majesty but I will give you my opinion.""Who ever they are it would have to include the military. Any coup could not go forward without the help of the army. The navy i can discount as your lover is in command of them and one of onlly a few who can be trusted. Arerto turned to leave "Lady Cressida continue your investigation and use whatever methods you see fit to use."Before she could reply the queen had gone. Cressida knew she had the full support of the queen as the queen was aware of what methods she could bring to bear.