The Crown's Obsession (WN)

As the feast was arranged for the sake of the Queen's good health, it wasn't just the ministers from the royal court who came to attend it, but even the Head of the High House with some of the members.

King Laurence was displeased that the High House had come to the castle to attend the celebration. He had no idea how they even found out about the celebration taking place tonight, making him question who had invited them. Though Calhoun was the one to tip the High House about it, he hadn't disclosed a word about it, and right now, everyone had gathered in the big hall to have supper.

There was an air of hostility hanging in the room, while everyone sat at the long table that had been arranged to accommodate everyone.

"It is good to hear that the Queen has recovered so quickly," said Helena, who was sitting near the King and the Queen, unlike the other ministers, who sat away from the King.

King Laurence, who was sipping his wine, said, "You seem to be surprised with her speedy recovery, Lady Helena. Did you expect her to be stuck to bed? We are vampires, not humans," came his passive-aggressive tone.

Lady Helena didn't take any offence, but she stared at the King's for the immature words he uttered, "I am well aware of it, King Laurence. But we cannot rule out that there are some things that affect vampires and vampiresses like disease that are rare and incurable. Don't you agree with it?" Her eyes then slowly fell on Calhoun, who was sitting next to Lady Samara, chewing his food.

Hearing this, King Laurence said, "It might be because they weren't good enough vampires like us. Not belonging to the higher social standing. You never know what they eat and drink. Our quality of life is incomparable to the commoners," he said proudly. "How is your High House functioning so far? I heard from my magistrates that you have been seizing all the cases from them. At this rate they will be left with no work to do."

Helena turned her head to look at the men seated on the other end of the table. When their eyes met hers, they were quick to look down at their plates.

"Seizing would be the wrong word here. I am trying to rectify the wrong job done by some of them as they fail to do it. With the High House's help, they will be able to work more efficiently," said Helena.

"Hmph," the King harrumphed, "You know the magistrates have been doing their job, how else do you think the law in the capital and other parts of Devon has been running smoothly?"

Morganna, who sat next to Laurence, put in her own thought in the conversation and said, "I heard you believe that the Kings and the Queens are not doing a good job in giving out justice. Doesn't that mean you do not believe in the fairness of our rule?"

"The High House has been formed to stop the injustice towards the people, my Queen. No one is questioning your rule. When there are people missing, people from the same families or acquaintances, who get killed without the report going further from a magistrate, it makes one question how well the ruling system works. And you have your own men who have joined and are working with us, I am sure they will let you know about it."

Both Morganna and Laurence's eyes narrowed at this. So the woman was aware that their men were part of the High House.

"How about we continue the discussion of work after dinner," proposed Calhoun. "We are gathered here to celebrate for the longevity of the Queen," and he raised his glass.

Everyone raised their glasses before toasting to Queen Morganna's health. In truth, Calhoun had toasted to the woman's death that was approaching her at such speed that she failed to see it.

The night continued, and the friction in the atmosphere didn't reduce. While they were conversing, King Laurence said,

"When my father was the King, he made sure to look after the welfare of each and everyone. The tradition has only continued," boasted King Laurence. "You will be able to see that many villages are being turned into towns by reconstructing them."

"That is good, my King, but something has come to my notice, " said Helena, "It seems people have started to rebel over your rule because of the increase in the tax that you have imposed on them. And they are indeed too high."

King Laurence laughed at this, "The money is spent on them, doesn't it. The commoners have no vision and complain without seeing what we are doing for them."

Away from the main hall now, Helena took a sip from her glass, feeling the dinner time had gone too long. After finishing dinner, she stood with the King and Dimitri and the King's wife when one of the High House men came to speak to Dimitri's ear. After hearing it, Dimitri leaned to her side, and he said something to her.

"Are you sure about it?" questioned Helena, and Dimitri nodded his head.

"Is everything alright?" asked King Laurence, his curiosity peaking.

Helena took a while to grasp what Dimitri just said in her ear, and she then looked straight at the King.

"Before coming to the main subject, I believe that you, my King, are aware of how the High House works," stated Helena, her red eyes holding Laurence's gaze. "It isn't a formation of one or two King's, but every single King's and Queen's who exist. There's some questions that we would want to clarify regarding the necklace that you presented to Queen Morganna today. You wouldn't mind if we took the necklace to the High House and inspected it, do you?"

Laurence was obviously not pleased by this, and he said, "Do you think you can come into the Hawthrone's castle, and take the jewel away from here that easily?"

"Yes," deadpanned Helena, not wanting to go in-depth about what or from where the necklace came.

"That's absurd," responded King Laurence. "The necklace is part of the set of jewellery that my mother has. I will need more than just your words before you take it away from here."

At this, Helena's eyes narrowed. Did he just say part of the jewellery set? She turned around to see where the Queen stood, and when her eyes fell on the woman, the Queen stared back at her.

She had been gathering the cursed jewels for quite some time now, and to think the last pieces that she had been trying to seize was with the Queen, her suspicion on the woman only increased furthermore. Seeing how King Laurence wasn't willing to comply to her wishes, she said,

"That's alright."

Helena moved from her place and walked to where Morganna stood, "My Queen, you wouldn't mind if I ask you some questions, do you?"

Morganna stared at the head of the High House, who stood in front of her. "Why would I mind?" she offered Helena a smile.

"Good, then shall we move to a more private place?" proposed Helena. Seeing the Queen start to walk, Helena whispered something to Dimitri, who nodded his head and got on the carriage right away.