"Your Majesty, we have a way to trap the witch again," Minister Darus said, trying to get back in his superior's good books.

Queen Niobe raised a brow, waiting for him to continue.

"I heard the Third Princess had stepped out of the palace today and caused harm to people in the central business district." The minister roughly narrated the incident from the marketplace.

"No wonder the flowers in my garden bloomed. That witch must be happy after burning our people," First Princess Giselle commented, her eyes resentful after hearing the brief account from the official.

First Princess Giselle was once a victim of Seren's anger, and her clothes were put on fire. She could never forget that day as it scared her to the bones. Though she was not hurt, it didn't fail to give her nightmares to date.

Seeing her daughter remembering those horrific memories, the Queen spoke, "Don't worry, my dear. She won't be here anymore to harm anyone." The queen's eyes turned indignant. "Because of her and her witch mother, we have been through a lot. Now, it's her time to pay for all our years of suffering."

"Mother, was her mother as scary as everyone says?" the Second Princess asked.

Queen Niobe stayed quiet as she didn't wish to talk about the woman she hated the most.

"Your Highness," Minister Darus answered in the queen's stead, "Many of the older servants in the palace saw her that night, and they all said she was an awful sight to see."

Princess Giselle spoke, looking as aggrieved as her mother. "How can Father—"

"Be careful when you talk about your father," the Queen interrupted her daughter with a matching glare.

"Apologies, Mother. I-I just can't stand that witch's daughter." Princess Giselle gritted her teeth as she recalled the fear and humiliation from years ago. "I hate her. I truly hate her!"

Second Princess Meira held her elder sister's hand to console her.

"You will be returning to Mivesea in a few days. Don't waste your time thinking about it," the Queen instructed.

The First Princess of Abetha had long been married to one of the princes from Mievesea, one of the kingdoms in the south rich in water resources. Princess Giselle only came to Abetha to attend her younger sister's engagement ceremony as one of the representatives of the royal family of Mivesea.

Queen Niobe returned her attention to Lord Darus Count. "Till when will the King of Megaris be here?"

"Not sure, Your Majesty, but maybe a day more," the minister replied.

"Then plan something to lead him to that tower," the Queen instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Anything else?" the Queen asked.

"Crown Prince Cian had sent a missive, asking for permission to return from the northern border, but King Armen did not allow him again," the minister informed her.

"It's good. If he returns, he will try to get that witch out of the tower. Let him stay away," said the Queen as she huffed, "Like father, like son. Both are enchanted by that witch."

"But Prince Cian always listens to you, Your Majesty, so…."

"He and his father forgot that after the death of the previous queen, I was the one who took care of them."

"That we all know, Your Majesty. That's why Prince Cian is always grateful and listens to you as if you are his birth mother, not just a stepmother."

"When it comes to that witch, he is like his father," the Queen countered in displeasure.

"But…"

"You can leave," Queen Niobe instructed, dismissing the minister.

With a respectful bow, Minister Darus quietly left her chamber, leaving the Queen alone with her daughters.

"Mother, why do you want the King of Megaris to go after her?" Princess Meira asked a few seconds after the minister left.

"If that witch catches his interest, Armen will have no other option but to give her away," the Queen replied. She stood up from her seat and walked towards her bed, her expression a little tired.

The two princesses didn't like this idea. Princess Meira shook her head. "Then she will become the Queen of Megaris. How can Mother let her—"

"She won't even be alive to be one," the Queen interrupted.

Her reply surprised the two.

"Haven't you heard? All women who caught his interest ended up brutally killed inside King Drayce's chamber," the Queen replied, and when she turned around, all traces of exhaustion were gone from her beautiful face.

The princesses understood, and excitement could be seen in both of their eyes.

========

(Seren's POV)

Standing by my bedchamber's window, I checked for any movement outside from time to time, waiting for Martha to return. She went to see my father because of the trouble I caused this afternoon, and every passing moment was making me anxious if I could ever see Martha again. If not, I was the one to blame.

After a long wait of what felt like an eternity, the door of my bedchamber opened, and my nanny entered the room with no sign that she was punished. Seeing Martha safe, my happiness and relief made me nearly sob. I couldn't help myself from going to her in a hurry to ask her if she was allowed to continue staying by my side.

"What did the King say? Is he sending you away?"

"No, my lady," Martha replied.

I gave out a sigh of relief, only to realize it was a tad too early because of her next words.

"His Majesty knows, other than me, no one can handle such a troublesome kid like you. He has no other option but to keep me."

Martha was back to her annoying self; that meant everything was fine and I didn't have to worry, but that didn't mean I would let her sarcastic words slide. I frowned, "I'm not a kid. I'm a grown-up lady now."

"Then my lady should behave like one," Martha commented.