The Romantic Trials Of A Transmigrated Empress
Chapter 116: Power vacuum.

Chapter 116: Power vacuum.

The news of the noble consort’s tragic demise had spread from the royal castle to the streets of the city and beyond. The bells on every wall were ringing mournfully, telling of a death in the royal family.

In the heart of the castle, queen Maurelia sat upon her intricately carved throne, her expression a mask of composed indifference. Those that knew her well could see a faint gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. The noble consort Rina was the favored of the king between the two women__, a love and power rival that was now dead. It was undoubted that she was jovial about Rina’s death.

The king was grief stricken and distraught, he reeked of alcohol and his appearance was haggard. His regular regal demeanor was shattered by the weight of sorrow and his commanding voice was now as meek as that of a kitten.

All of the royal princes and princesses had been summoned to the throne room after hearing the news of Rina’s passing. Rina’s children were filled with sorrow, the queen’s children had no reaction because like their mother, they detested the noble consort.

"How could this have happened?" King Raff lamented.

The king and queen’s advisors standing below thought the answer was obvious and it had been given many times and yet the king continued to ask.

"It was the rebels, your highness." Lord Benwick repeated for the tenth time.

Lord Gaston, one of the king’s advisors nodded. "Yes, it was the rebels. The chambers of the noble consort have been searched, while it is hard to separate what remains of the people that died in there. We managed to isolate a few weapons and make out a sword belonging to Bane Silberuss.

According to some maids, he was seen inside the castle with another knight and they were joined by other spies that arch duke Karlton had in the castle walls. My guess is that they wanted to take the noble consort hostage after all, it is well known that you loved her immensely.

She was seen by many as your weakness. Lord Karlton thought that if they could take her, you would surrender the throne."

All of the advisors and a few influential Lords that had been invited nodded. The explanation made so much sense, after all, in a war if you captured the right hostage, it was possible to get what you wanted.

"It doesn’t explain how the fire was started." Benjamin snarled.

Roland put a hand on Benjamin’s back, comforting him. "The rebels set fires all over the city, it was no different here, they set three fires. The noble consorts chambers happen to be one of the three places."

Despite all the explanations that were made, Rina’s children still shot suspicious looks queen Maurelia’s way. They suspected foul play but they dared not voice their suspicions aloud.

"I can continue looking into the fire if anybody still has doubts." The lord mage offered.

Nobody doubted the words of the lord mage, after all, he served the king and kingdom alone. None of them was aware that he was already Sigrid’s person and loyal to her cause. No matter how many investigations were made into the circumstances of the fire that had claimed the consort’s life the truth would remain buried beneath layers of deception.

"I need..." the king said in a soft voice, but he did not finish his words. He looked confused and intoxicated. He stood up and stumbled.

"Take the king to his chambers, give him a bath and put him to bed." The queen ordered.

The king’s servants rushed forward to help the king immediately.

"Make sure that he is not disturbed by anyone." She added.

With the king gone, she took over the gathering with authority. "Let us discuss the plan for the burial of the consort. The fire was very hot, I have been told that there are no remains to bury. As we have not experienced such a situation before how do we proceed? It might seem cruel but I think that there is no need to open up the royal tombs if there is nothing to bury."

Someone gasped and princess Thalassa loudly wailed.

"How can you not make room for her in the royal tombs? She was royalty too, our mother was the noble consort."

Queen Maurelia’s eyebrows shot upwards, she wanted to give Thalassa a history of her mother but she decided not to do it as it would not look good.

"Thalassa." Benjamin called his sister and shook his head.

"What do you suggest then dear?" Queen Maurelia asked. "Please understand that my words are not meant to be cruel, I am just as lost as anyone else here and I sympathize with you for your loss. We must be realistic however, or are you suggesting that we bury an empty coffin?"

Whispers traveled in the room, nobody had ever had of an empty coffin being buried in the royal tombs. Could such a thing even be done?

"That is unheard of." Lord Benwick said with a frown.

"It cannot be done." Another lord said.

"Members of the royal family that die on the battle field in distant lands and those who die without a body for some reason are not laid to rest in the royal tombs. Plaques are carved for them and placed inside the chapel." Prince Galen shared what was the standard norm.

Thalassa would not hear of it. "My mother was the king’s wife, she ought to be buried respectfully in the royal tombs where her husband will be buried someday. No queen has ever...."

"Queen!!" Lord Benwick exclaimed.

More hushed whispers echoed in the room, and Thalassa was shot looks of mockery or sympathy.

"I apologize your highness." Benjamin lowered his head but clenched his hands in a fist.

Lord Benwick made a signal to the queen and she nodded. Suddenly she rose to her feet, "I think this is a difficult time and everyone needs to process what had happened." she spoke softly, looking at Rina’s children as if she understood their pain. "This can wait until tomorrow, tonight the chapel is open for prayers. If any of you wishes to join those that are praying for her soul, they are free to do so. As for the burial, the king will decide."

Queen Maurelia was escorted to her chambers which were untouched. She walked to her bedroom and stood on the balcony overlooking a part of the city. The moonlight bathed her in a silvery glow and for a moment, a cold smile played on her lips.

The consorts death to some was tragic but for her, it had eliminated a formidable rival. The castle which she always thought was divided by tension was now more peaceful and once again back in her control.

***********

All around Eldoria, nobles in their houses discussed Rina’s death and what it signified. For the first time in many years, a position of the king’s secondary wife was open.

Rina’s death had left a power vacuum which needed to be filled in order to maintain the delicate balance of the court.

If the queen was left to dominate, the De-Kensington family would grow stronger and there were those that were unwilling to watch it happen.

So, while Rina’s ashes sat uncollected in what remained of her chambers, they plotted how to replace her. There was no sorrow for her passing, only opportunities.

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