The next days that came seemed as though nothing had happened. The air still smelled of blood, but everyone went on as usual. The nobles, on the other hand, were tensed. They thought of the happenings of that day and wondered how Northern Lan will react. Sure enough, trade was stifled. As the traders of northern Lan cared not if their princess had slept with a dog. In their eyes, Juhntt was already receiving grace having her in their kingdom. They thought that the Juhntts had gone too far by disgracing their princess in such a way.

The traders of Juhntt, on the other hand, were outraged. How could Northern Lan give their king a brothel woman to be the mother of their kingdom? They thought she should have been beheaded on the spot. With the Northern Laner's anger and outrage, Juhntts used it as an excuse to create songs and poems to disgrace Northern Lan.

“Their girls are dressed in gold

They need two cocks to fill their holes.

The dirty grace of Northern Lan's Lady Mistresses,” the songs said.

Soon, women of society from neighbouring kingdoms started to look down on women from Northern Lan. As Northern Lan had no queen, their princess was seen as a model for all others to follow. It soon became common for women of Northern Lan to be referred to as Lady mistresses.

No one was sure who composed that song and how it had spread so fast in just a few days. Things had become hostile between the two kingdoms and had gotten to a point of no return.

***

In the palace sat a lady lounging in bed as she snacked on olives. She was

the Lady Raine. With the queen gone, she made the palace hers. Her voice sang a happy melodious laugh, a sign she was completely pleased.

“The man had great skill, my lady. He was able to create such a song at such short notice. Now, everyone is singing it. Northern Lan should feel the heat now,” Ria said with excitement.

“Yes. You have done well,” Lady Raine nodded in satisfaction and Ria smiled with pride.

“King of Northern Lan feeling the heat is what we need,” Lady Raine said.

“But why? Everything is all but set. Why must we put that much pressure on them?” Ria asked in confusion. She may think herself smart, but she never truly understood her lady's mind.

“Because we are a first-rate kingdom. Even though our plan is set, we must cover all our basis. We must make sure he comes and for an extended period of time,” Lady Raine answered.

“He will come for sure. How can he refuse an invitation by the king of a first-rate kingdom?” Ria asked.

“You still have a lot to learn. The king's wedding is not sure to get him here. His sister was disgraced and everyone could see that there is tension. He could just stay back. We could bet on him coming to save his sister; as she is the one acting as my chaperone and he would never allow me to act without supervision. Still, he could just have me killed if he thinks I'm a liability. The rumours will not allow them to take a stand. We have already created a standard of tension. Juhntt and Northern Lan could now be considered mortal enemies. With this level of anger between the two kingdoms, he is sure to come,” Lady Raine explained.

“What would exposing the tension between the two kingdoms do? Why would it change anything?” Ria seemed more confused.

“Because we are a first-rate kingdom, and they are a second-rate kingdom. If he does not appear himself to show that he bears no ill will, it will be assumed that he has declared open war against a first-rate kingdom. It's a rebellion against the hierarchy. It took decades to stabilize all kingdoms into

their different tiers. No one cares for a rebellion at this time. The Religion will never allow them exist. The Ancients will have them wiped out,”

“True. The Ancients are obsessed with hierarchy and The Religion will not stand for them bring down the order no matter how many sanctuaries they build,” Ria started to understand.

“You finally get it. Now, let's see what move he will make,” Lady Raine smiled.

“Even if he comes, what is the guarantee that he will come with Lady Teel?” Ria asked worriedly.

“Have faith in me a little, Ria,” said Lady Raine with a serious expression.

“Always,” Ria's expression grew cold as she nodded.

“Don't you think this plan was a little bit too good? In one wave, we've swept out eighty percent of the spies from Northern Lan. I trust that king to be suspicious. If all is right, the perfect plan would be for him to leave the kingdom. By the time the invitations are out, he will be sure that this is a ploy to have him leave Northern Lan. He will never leave mother behind to go away that long. In his eyes, only the Jade Hand could accomplish such a plot. Continue to fuel the flames of aggression between the two kingdoms. Arrange for fights to break out around the boundaries, and let a few people from each kingdom die. Worry not, that man will come and he will bring my mother,” Lady Raine said coldly.