Chapter 35

CHAPTER 35

Back at the King's Library in the West Palace, the siblings were restlessly rummaging through books while waiting for Wolfe, who had promised to return quickly.

“He said he'd be back in an hour. Why isn't he here yet?” Cahir griped, slamming a book shut.

“Maybe we haven’t been here for a full hour yet,” Coen offered, trying to be optimistic.

“We’ve been here for almost two hours,” Conall corrected, his voice tight with worry. “He’s probably busy with something important. What do we do about this?”

“I... I don't know,” Conall replied, running a hand through his hair.

Coen, ever the strategist, spoke up, “Why don't we try looking for him? Or maybe anyone who can take us back to the North Palace?”

“Alright,” Conn agreed after a moment's consideration. “You and Cahir should go. The rest of us will wait here. But don’t go too far, and if you don’t find him fast, come straight back.”

“Is that a good idea? What if they get lost in the palace?” Connan fretted.

“Fine,” Connal interjected, snatching a piece of parchment from a nearby table. “Grab a book, tear pieces off, and drop them like a trail. You can follow them back if you get lost.”

“That sounds much better,” Cahir said, relief washing over him. He grabbed a thin, leather-bound volume and, with Coen, slipped out of the library.

The two boys began their nervous search, walking cautiously through the quiet halls. As they moved, Cahir dutifully tore and dropped small scraps of paper. They soon reached a closed door, slightly ajar. Cahir moved to it, eyes wide with curiosity, and tried to peek inside. He could see indistinct figures and hear voices.

“Who are they?” Coen whispered, clutching his brother’s arm.

“I don't know. Maids?” Cahir whispered back.

“What are they talking about?”

“Shhh. Just shut up and listen yourself!” Cahir hissed, pulling Coen closer to the door.

They pressed their ears to the slight gap, straining to hear the conversation.

“I overheard something not too long ago,” one maid said, her voice dropping conspiratorially.

“What is it? Tell us!” the others urged eagerly.

“I heard the Nanny who takes care of the king’s children at the West Palace is getting very close to the King now,” she said, giggling suggestively.

“The King’s sex slave is getting close to the King? That doesn't sound right,” one maid muttered doubtfully.

“Yeah, it doesn’t,” another agreed.

“What? There are so many things we don't know,” the maids whispered, their voices filled with scandalized excitement.

“Are they talking about Mother?” Coen's voice was a tiny, frightened sound.

“The paper Connal found in his book said the same thing,” Cahir replied, his expression hardening.

A Frightened Reunion and a Glaring Accusation

Back at the King's Library, the remaining children brightened instantly when Wolfe and Lady Jacinta suddenly appeared.

“Lady Jacinta! We've waited so long for your arrival!” Connan exclaimed, his relief palpable. “This man promised to pick us up after an hour, but he didn’t show up until now.”

“He had some important duties to attend to,” Jacinta explained with a reassuring smile. “I just arrived at the palace myself.”

“You can take your leave with her now. I’ll head back to my duty,” Wolfe said, turning to depart immediately.

“Wait…” Jacinta said suddenly, her voice sharp.

Wolfe turned back as Jacinta’s eyes scanned the room, her brow furrowing as she counted.

“There are only four of them here! Where are Cahir and Coen?” she demanded, alarm ringing in her voice.

“I left all six of them here,” Wolfe insisted, bewildered.

“But they’re not all here!” Jacinta exclaimed, panic rising. “The King will behead me if anything happens to them!”

“The same will happen to me if Lois finds out!” Wolfe cried out, the color draining from his face.

“Conall, where are your brothers?” Jacinta spun on the oldest boy.

“Um, they... they might have left a little while ago to look for him,” he mumbled, pointing at Wolfe.

“And you didn't try to stop them?” Wolfe asked, utterly distraught.

“I'm sure you gave them the idea to do it!” Jacinta accused, her attention snapping back to Conall.

“I didn't!” Conall insisted hotly.

“I’m sure you did,” Jacinta repeated, her glare unwavering. Wolfe watched the argument unfold in confusion, his anxiety mounting.

Just then, Cahir and Coen burst into the library, panting heavily.

“We returned as soon as we could, Connal! We didn't find them!” Cahir gasped, clutching his chest.

Jacinta’s eyes immediately went to Conall, who quickly averted his gaze, a fresh wave of guilt washing over him.

Home and an Unsettling Summons

Jacinta and the children finally arrived at the North Palace. They were met at the door by Lois, who looked completely worn out but brightened immediately upon seeing them.

“What took you so long?” she exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her children.

“We were at the King's Library for a very long time, Mother,” Connal reported. “The man left us there for hours and only showed up later with Miss Jacinta.”

“What were you doing the whole time? You should have brought them back hours ago!” Lois asked Jacinta, her tone reproachful.

“Me? I wasn't doing anything,” Jacinta stammered, seeming unnaturally flustered. “I was looking for the King’s Library. I'd only been there once before. It took me quite a while before I finally found it.”

“Why do you sound so restless saying that? Did something happen? Did you run into my stepsister at the palace again?” Lois pressed, her suspicion growing.

“I didn't meet her,” Jacinta replied quickly. Lois sighed, a muscle twitching in her jaw.

“Let's just head in now,” she said, ushering them all inside.

Hours later, night had fallen. The children were tucked into bed, and Lois and Jacinta had been talking in the living room for a long time until weariness finally overtook them.

Lois went to the children's room for a final check. She opened the door just a crack and smiled when she saw them all sound asleep.

“Sleep tight, my beautiful children,” she whispered, blowing a kiss into the dark room.

She quietly shut the door and started toward her own room, only to stop dead when she heard a knock at the main door. She paused, looking around the deserted hallway.

“Who could that be?” she murmured to herself.

The insistent knocking came again. Lois walked to the door and opened it to see Wolfe standing there.

“Thank goodness it wasn't her that showed up,” Wolfe sighed, before realizing he had spoken his thoughts out loud.

“Who?” Lois asked, confused.

“Oh, I wasn't talking to you,” Wolfe mumbled, embarrassed.

“Why are you here? Did he ask for me?” Lois asked, her voice tight with apprehension.

“Yes, the King wants me to bring you to his palace now,” Wolfe replied, his expression serious.

Lois sighed, a knot forming in her stomach. Now? She was surprised and deeply puzzled. Why would the King demand her presence so quickly? It had only been yesterday, and she had hoped he wouldn’t think of torturing her again today.

“I’ll be there,” Lois said, and shut the door.

She walked to Jacinta's room and opened it to find her friend already dozing off. Lois gently poked her shoulder.

“I'm heading to the King's Palace. Take care of the children,” Lois instructed.

“Alright, take care,” the sleepy Jacinta replied. Lois nodded and, joining Wolfe, headed back to the West Palace.

The Reckless Plan and a Dangerous Mistake

In the children's room:

Connal gently poked Cahir and Coen. “Wake up, sleepyheads. It's time.”

The boys stirred, rubbing their eyes, confusion etched on their faces. “Time for what?” Coen mumbled.

“For our plan, dummy! If we don’t hurry now, we might not make it!” Connal whispered urgently.

“Are we going to the West Palace now?” Cahir asked.

“Yes, dumb ass!” Connal replied, his patience wearing thin.

“Is Mother there too?” Coen asked.

“Yes, she is, you Asshole!” Connal burst out in frustration.

Cahir and Coen slowly got up and stretched. “How do we even get there? We barely know our way around here,” Cahir pointed out, his voice laced with doubt.

“I drew out a plan,” Connal said, pulling out a roughly folded piece of paper. He carefully unfolded it to reveal a clumsy layout. “If we use this, we will reach our destination easily. This is our Palace, and this is the road to the other palace, and this…” He explained the rudimentary map to his brothers.

“Did you draw all this yourself?” Coen asked, staring at the confusing layout.

“Yes, I did. Let's go now,” Connal said, gathering his brothers.

They slipped out of the room as silently as possible. From his own bed, Connan rose up and peeked through the door, watching them leave. “Where are they heading?” he wondered to himself, a growing sense of unease settling over him.

Connal, Cahir, and Coen used the rough layout to sneak out of the palace. After a long, tense walk, they finally reached the West Palace and managed to sneak in without being spotted by the palace guards.

“We're inside the palace now. We have to be extremely careful not to be seen,” Connal whispered.

“No problem. Let’s head on,” Cahir agreed. They referred to the layout and continued walking, constantly looking over their shoulders.

They hid behind corners and columns whenever they heard the sound of approaching footsteps, waiting until the sounds faded before moving on.

“Um, Connal, how do we know where we’re heading is the right place?” Coen asked, pointing to the mark X on the layout.

“We’ve only been in the King's room once,” Cahir added, his voice shaky. “Are you sure you remembered the place well?”

“I have a very retentive memory, boy, and I do not make mistakes,” Connal stated confidently, though his own heart hammered in his chest. “You can trust whatever I say.”

They nodded, placing their faith in their brother, and continued walking. After a short while, they reached a doorstep that matched the 'X' on their map.

“Do you think this is it?” Cahir asked.

“There’s only one way to figure that out,” Connal replied.

They leaped closer to the door, trying to listen for any sound. Indistinct chatter came from inside the room.

“There seems to be more than two people in this room. Are you sure we’re at the right place, Connal?” Coen asked, fear creeping into his voice.

“Shush, I’m trying to figure that out,” Connal snapped.

“Oh, there’s a tiny hole here! Let’s try peeking through this,” Cahir whispered. They carefully took turns peering through the pinprick.

“Connal…” Coen started.

“I do not think we're at the right place,” Cahir finished, his face pale.

Inside the room, dozens of burly soldiers were chatting and drinking beer.

“We’re definitely at the wrong room,” Coen exclaimed, barely able to contain his panic.

“Alright, I think you are both right,” Connal admitted, his confidence instantly deflated. “What we need to do now is head back just as carefully as we came.”

They all turned to leave, but froze. A huge, imposing figure was standing right in front of them, blocking their escape.

“What do we have here?” the man—a soldier—growled. “What are you brats doing around here this late?”

“Who is he?” Coen whispered, shaking in terror.

“He's clearly a Soldier, dummy!” Connal shot back, though his voice wavered.

“You got us into this, Connal, you’re the dummy here!” Cahir opposed.

“What are you weaklings chatting about?” the soldier said, grabbing the boys roughly. “Let’s head in. The Boss will have to take care of you.” He dragged the boys into the room.

The loud chatters of the soldiers came to a sudden, absolute halt as the soldier walked in with the children.

“Who are these children, Brad?” the Captain demanded, rising from his seat.

“I met them at the doorstep, Captain. I don't know who they are. They seem lost,” the soldier replied.

The Captain stared at the boys closely, his eyes sharp and scrutinizing. “Why are you here?” he asked the visibly shaking children.

“We were just playing around and got lost, sir,” Coen stammered, his eyes welling up with tears.

“Playing around? There are no children here at the West Palace. If there were, they certainly wouldn't be roaming around this late,” the Captain said, his suspicion deepening.

The children went mute, unable to formulate a believable answer to the scary-looking captain.

“I'll ask you one more time. Who are you, and why are you here?” the Captain asked, his voice low and serious.

“Wait a minute…” a soldier suddenly chimed in, pointing a beer cup at the children. “Could they be... the royal sextuplets? I overheard a maid saying that the King’s sextuplets blah blah…” He trailed off, suddenly 80% convinced.

“The King’s sextuplets? What in the world would the King’s children be doing in our domain this late?” the Captain scoffed, but as he moved closer, he saw the striking resemblance in the boys’ faces.

The soldiers stared at the children for a long moment, contemplating what to do.

The Captain turned to the children once more. “Are you the King’s children?” he asked, needing to be certain.

“Yes…” Connal mumbled, his head hanging low.

The Captain stared in absolute shock.

“Bring them along. We need to go to the King immediately,” he finally declared, standing up and marching out of the room. Connal, Cahir, and Coen were escorted out toward the King's Chamber.

Confrontation

They reached the King’s chamber to find Wolfe standing at the doorstep.

“Glad I met you here,” the Captain said. “We need to speak to the King. Can you announce this for us?”

“Sure, wait here for a... wait. Prince Coen?” Wolfe stopped, staring at the children, his eyes wide.

“Yes. They’re the royal sextuplets,” the Captain confirmed. “My soldiers found them wandering around, and I need to speak to the King about this.”

“How in the world are they here? What will be the King's reaction if he sees them?” Wolfe’s mind raced in frantic horror.

“Are you going to let me in?” the Captain pressed.

“Um, yes. Wait here for a moment. I’ll be back with a response,” Wolfe replied, opening the door and slipping inside, shutting it quickly behind him.

“Pardon me for coming in without being called, Your Majesty,” Wolfe said, bowing low. The King was sitting on his bed, holding a script.

He looked up at Wolfe. “Why are you here?” he asked, his tone impatient.

“The Captain is here to see you,” Wolfe explained, trying to sound calm. “He found some of the royal sextuplets wandering around the palace. He said they probably want to be with you tonight. Should I allow them in?”

The King sat still for a moment, pondering Wolfe’s words. A sudden, unexpected surge of joy rose in him. His sextuplets want to see him?

Alpha Karl rose suddenly. He strode to the door and opened it, revealing the Captain and the soldiers standing on the doorstep with his children.

“I am very sorry for disturbing you this late, Your Majesty,” the Captain said, bowing deeply.

“Huh? Coen, Conn, Cahir, you can come in, boys,” the King said, a warm, happy smile spreading across his face.

The boys, however, were silent and rebellious. Connal took a step forward, his small face set in a stern, accusing glare.

“What did you make Mother do?” he asked.

Alpha Karl’s shock was absolute. His smile vanished.

The Return of the Runaways

At the North Palace:

Lois had returned, utterly exhausted, and had immediately gone to her room to rest. She fell asleep almost as soon as her body touched the bed.

About an hour later, a knock came at the door. Jacinta woke up, groggy. She looked around and saw Lois soundly dozing next to her.

“Thought I heard something just now,” she muttered.

She lay back down to continue her sleep but sprang up when the loud, insistent knocking came again. Jacinta looked out the window; the moon was still high.

“Who in the world would be knocking on our door this late?” she fumed, forcing herself out of bed.

The knock came once more, and she reached the door and pulled it open to see several soldiers standing there. She was momentarily spooked.

“How... may I help you?” she mumbled.

“We're here on the King's order to bring the royal sextuplets back,” one of the soldiers stated.

“The sextuplets? What in the world is he talking about?” Jacinta thought, her eyes widening. She looked down and saw Connal and his siblings standing meekly behind the soldiers. Her jaw dropped in shock.

“Why... why are they with you?” she exclaimed.

“They snuck into the palace, and we found them,” the soldier replied. “The King told us to bring them back safely.”

Jacinta gasped, clutching her throat. “What... How did this happen!” she cried out.

“We have no time for this,” the soldier said sternly. “We'll take our leave now. Take them inside, and make sure they are accompanied by soldiers and an entourage if they ever walk this palace again. The King does not joke with his sextuplets!” The soldier and his men left immediately.

Jacinta stood frozen for a while, completely stunned by the absurdity of what had just happened. “What have I done?” she asked herself, guilt and fear overwhelming her.

Consequences and a Confession

The next day:

Jacinta didn't sleep a wink. She spent the entire night agonizing over what to tell Lois when she woke up. She sat in the living room, waiting restlessly.

Lois finally appeared, looking refreshed. “Morning, Jacinta. You woke up early today,” Lois said cheerfully.

Jacinta didn't reply, managing only a sheepish, anxious smile.

“Lois, there might be trouble…” she mumbled, unable to meet her friend's eyes.

“Trouble? What are you talking about?” Lois asked, taking her seat.

“Well, something happened last night,” Jacinta replied, wringing her hands.

“What?” Lois asked, her interest piqued by Jacinta’s obvious distress.

Jacinta was about to confess everything when the living room door opened.

“Huh, we have visitors already? The day just started,” Lois said, standing up and walking to the door.

The maids opened the door to reveal Wolfe alongside three King’s Guards. Jacinta knew instantly why they were there.

“We're here on the King's order,” Wolfe said, his face stern and unyielding. “The King wants you present in the West Palace right away.”

“He wants me at the palace this early?” Lois thought, staring at the seriousness in Wolfe’s face.

“Can I do something quickly before we go?” she asked.

“We must leave now,” Wolfe opposed flatly.

Lois sighed. “I’ll be back soon, Jacinta. Take care of the kids,” she said, and with a final, worried look, she left with the soldiers. Jacinta watched them walk away, a fresh wave of dread washing over her.

The King’s Wrath

Lois soon arrived at the West Palace. She was led directly to the King's room and urged inside. As she stepped into the chamber, the door shut firmly behind her.

Alpha Karl looked up the moment Lois walked in. Their eyes met, and the look of cold, spiteful anger on Alpha Karl’s face made her tremble slightly.

He stood up and approached her, his movement quick and menacing.

“I showed you mercy by freeing you! And you dared to try to defy my order! What did you tell my children? What was your motive!?” Alpha Karl roared, his voice shaking with fury.

He was truly vexed. He had considered Lois sly, but he never expected she would be bold enough to say such a thing to his sextuplets. The raw, searing look of anger and resentment in his sons’ eyes the previous night now haunted him.

“What… what are you talking about?” Lois stammered, completely bewildered.

“Wolfe!” Alpha Karl bellowed.

The door opened, and Wolfe walked in immediately.

“Take her away,” Alpha Karl ordered, his voice dangerously low.

Wolfe helped the trembling Lois up and led her out of the room.

In a room at the West Palace:

Lois sat in a dark corner, alone and utterly weary. Wolfe had locked her up under the King’s order.

“What is with the sudden outburst? Why did he ask that I should be locked up again?” she asked herself, her mind a confusing mess. Everything that had happened confused her so much. No one had given her any explanation, and the lack of understanding broke her spirit further.

She looked up when she heard footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, and Wolfe walked in with a few soldiers.

“We're here on the King's order to take you back to the North Palace,” Wolfe said.

Lois looked up in utter confusion. “They locked me up not too long ago, and now they are releasing me? What could possibly be going on?” she thought.

Wolfe helped her stand and led her out of the room.

Wolfe and Lois arrived at the North Palace a while later. Jacinta was sitting outside, looking distraught and restless. She brightened with relief when she saw them approaching.

“Take her in,” Wolfe instructed Jacinta.

Jacinta nodded, gently taking hold of the weakened Lois and helping her back into the house.

Lois woke up hours later, having regained most of her strength. She sat up, looked around the room, and then stood up, leaving the room.

She walked into the living room to find Jacinta sitting and staring into space, lost in a deep, troubled thought.

“Why are you here? Where are the children?” Lois asked.

“They're in their room,” Jacinta mumbled.

“Why are you so quiet? Did something happen?” Lois pressed, her own mind still cloudy.

“Did something happen? Do you not know what happened yet?” Jacinta asked in shock.

Jacinta paused, steeling herself to confess. “Yesterday, after you left, the King’s soldiers came here with Connal, Cahir, and Coen. They were found wandering around in the palace late at night.”

“They were at the palace late at night!? Where are they now? Are they okay?” Lois exclaimed, fear instantly replacing her confusion.

“I am not actually mad or happy about this. Why did they leave the house? Alpha Karl was angered they were at the palace and I was punished,” Lois said, the realization finally hitting her.

“I am so sorry about this, Lois. The kids are in their room resting now,” Jacinta said guiltily.

Lois immediately stood up and headed for the children's room. She opened the door, and the children, who had been quietly talking, immediately fell silent as their mother walked in.

“Are you all okay?” she asked, her voice strained with worry.

“Yes…” they replied in unison.

Lois walked over to Connal. “Connal, why were you and your brothers at the palace last night? How did you even manage to make your way there?” she asked.

No reply came from the children. Lois sighed, her anger melting into weary affection, and she hugged the three of them tightly.

“You all should stay in your room always. Going out on your own might pose danger to you,” Lois cautioned. They all nodded solemnly.

Lois left the room and went back to the living room. “I think everything was a misunderstanding,” she murmured to Jacinta. “Karl didn’t realize that early. I doubt he has realized it now though.”

“He released you this morning,” Jacinta pointed out. “He probably realized his mistake.”

The Final Blow

Back at the Queen's Palace:

Sandra was raging, throwing books and various objects around her living room. It didn't take long for Lady Vetta to walk in and calm her down. Sandra finally collapsed onto her seat, panting heavily.

“The plan failed, Mother! He let her go barely hours after she was arrested,” Sandra exclaimed, tears of frustration in her eyes.

“I would say the plan was doomed to fail in the first place,” Lady Vetta said coolly. “All that could have been done was inflict a little injury on her before delivering the final blow.”

“The final blow?” Sandra asked, her frustration momentarily forgotten in her eagerness. Lady Vetta nodded slowly. “What would that be, Mother?”

A while later, Rita was called into Sandra’s room. Sandra brightened instantly as the maid walked in. “Greetings, my Lady,” Rita said, bowing slightly.

“I have a job for you,” Sandra began, her voice low and conspiratorial. “It might be the most important you’ve ever done. If this goes well, and you do it perfectly, I'll reward you greatly.”

“What would be my reward, my Lady?” Rita asked, her eyes gleaming.

“I’ll grant you anything you wish for, as long as it's within my power,” Sandra replied, smiling wickedly.

“If that is so, I would love to be appointed as your new personal maid,” Rita said.

“I see nothing wrong with that. If that’s what you want, I’ll grant it,” Sandra said, her smile broadening. Rita bowed, her happiness radiating from her.

“What is it I must do, my Lady?” Rita asked.

Sandra took a deep, steady breath. “We will be getting rid of the wench permanently tonight. A decoction will be delivered to you. You will plant it in her belongings. Once this is found in her belongings, your job is over. She’ll be done for then, as she’ll be punished according to the rules.”

“If that is all, I’ll take my leave now and return upon your call,” Rita said. She bowed and left the room silently.

Sandra smiled devilishly as Rita left. “This is it, Lois. Enjoy the little time you have left with your filthy children,” she said, letting out a chilling giggle.

Rita walked into the maids' hall. “I'll be going with the squad to the North Palace,” she announced.

The other maids stared at her in confusion. Rita was a maid permanently assigned to work at the North Palace but had chosen to stick at the South due to her hunger for power. She had never volunteered to go back and always complained when she was drafted.

“Why are you suddenly interested in going all of a sudden?” a North Palace maid asked suspiciously.

“It's none of your business,” Rita replied bluntly. The maid smirked and walked away with her friends.

“Why though?” Berra asked, her eyes narrowed.

“It's on Lady Sandra's order,” Rita replied.

“Lady Sandra’s order? Is she planning to do something again?” Berra thought, a cold premonition settling in her gut. “Alright…” she mumbled.

Hours passed, and it was finally time for the maids to go to the North Palace. They were all waiting in the hall because Rita hadn't arrived yet. “Where did she go now?” Berra asked.

Just then, Rita walked in, looking distinctly uneasy. Berra stared at her with suspicion. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“Of course I am okay,” Rita replied sharply.

Berra simply nodded and headed out. The maids all left for the North Palace, soon arriving at Lois’s chamber, where they were welcomed in.

The maids immediately set to work. Everyone seemed busy, and Lois was in her children's room talking to them. Rita saw this as the perfect moment. She scanned the room; no one was paying attention to her.

She slipped out of the living room and made her way to Lois and Jacinta’s room. There were two maids working inside, but she quickly told them to leave, which they did without question.

Rita reached for something hidden beneath her dress—the decoction. “Why is it wrapped so much in pieces of paper?” she thought, looking at the crude package. She sighed and scanned the room again.

She spotted a wardrobe and headed for it. Rita quickly checked to confirm it belonged to Lois, and then, with trembling hands, she hid the drug deep beneath a pile of clothing.

“I am finally going to be Lady Sandra's maid,” she whispered, letting out a small, satisfied chuckle.

Rita quickly left the room and rejoined the other maids. They finished their work a while later and all left for the South Palace.

The Beginning of the End

Back at the South Palace, Sandra waited with feverish impatience for the maids’ arrival. Lady Vetta watched in quiet awe as her daughter restlessly paced the room. “You should be at ease, Daughter. This will surely be the final blow,” she said calmly.

Rita finally walked in. “How did it go?” Sandra asked, her voice tight with eagerness.

“I successfully kept it in her wardrobe, my Lady,” Rita announced.

Sandra sank back into her seat, a triumphant, happy smile spreading across her face.

“I told you it would go well,” Lady Vetta said, nodding in approval.

“You can go now. I’ll reach out for you soon,” Sandra dismissed her. Rita bowed and left the room happily.

“What did you promise her this time?” Lady Vetta asked as soon as the door closed.

“She wants to be my personal maid,” Sandra replied.

“And you’re going to make her your personal maid?” Lady Vetta asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

“Yes. She seems very useful. It would be better if she works closer to me,” Sandra replied.

“What about the current one? Are you just going to fire her?” Lady Vetta questioned.

“I’ll just complain to the King that she’s slacking off. That would do it,” Sandra replied with a shrug.

“If that is the case, I think the case is settled,” Lady Vetta concluded.

“Back to the important thing. How long should we wait until we report it?” Sandra asked, her eyes glittering with malice.

“I think just about now will do,” Lady Vetta replied.

The Trap is Sprung

At the West Palace:

Alpha Karl was in his room, gripping his bronze pen tightly. He was still consumed by thoughts of Lois. He was irked beyond measure. She was just a wench who wanted to jeopardize his relationship with the sextuplets, and he had to be calm while dealing with her.

Wolfe suddenly walked in. “Your Majesty, Lady Sandra is here to see you,” he announced.

“Why is she here all of a sudden?” Alpha Karl thought, narrowing his eyes.

He gave Wolfe a curt nod.

Wolfe left the room, and Sandra soon walked in. She moved gracefully and bowed slightly.

“Pardon my impertinence for coming without being invited, Your Majesty,” she purred, her eyes fixed on his.