Free Monarchy by Nicola Erasmus Page A

off.
     
    “She’s a woman in mourning. Have a heart” Gwen looked astounded at Dame Margaret.
     
    “It’s unheard of even in death” the dame continued.
     
    Gwen gave Elsie the look she usually would before saying ‘Cover your ears, Princess’   but she looked back at Dame Margaret and said: “Could we continue this discussion once we’re back at the palace? Maybe in the presence of His Majesty so that I can get both of your scolding’s at the same time?”
     
    “Sounds perfect.” The dame grimaced.
     
    The Lady stepped from the car first and hurried up the steps of the palace. Sir Windsbury greeted her as she passed him at the door.
     
    “Whatever you’re planning, think it through twice” he whispered to Gwen.
     
    “I have this. Don’t worry. She’ll be gone as soon as today” Gwen whispered back to him.
     
    Sir Windsbury watched Gwen follow Dame Margaret up the stairs with a worried expression.
     
    “Sir Windsbury, I don’t like being left in the dark especially if I know something big is going down” Elsie said as soon as they were alone.
     
    “Just know this, Your Highness.   Whatever your sister is planning on doing, she’ll be doing it in your best interest.”
     

     
     
    “I’m surprised to see that you are still here in spite all that has happened.” Dame Margaret helped herself to some of the King’s whiskey. She offered some to Gwen as well.
     
    “No thank you. I have decided that my father might have called on me for a reason after all.   He might not admit but my support in this time is extremely important to him.”
     
    Dame Margaret laughed. “Your ignorance astounds me.”
     
    “Ignorance? As his eldest daughter I see my presence as irreplaceable.”
     
    The dame moved closer to Gwen and whispered: “You should’ve taken the deal and ran. The King has enough confidants to see him through this time. I am the King’s closest confidant. “
     
    “And in the end, it was the snake Cleopatra kept closest to her bosom that killed her” Gwen whispered back to her.
     
    Dame Margaret stood back, amused. “Are you comparing me with a snake, Your Highness? “
     
    “Oh no, Margaret, comparing you to a snake would be an insult to the specie.”
     
    The timing was perfect. Gwen felt the back of the dame’s hand burning on her cheek just as the door opened.
     
    “Dame Margaret!” The King shouted in shock.
     
    Dame Margaret stood back a few paces and looked from the King to Gwen, unable to explain her action. “Your Majesty, I…”
     
    “Leave the palace immediately and spare yourself the humiliation” the King ordered.
     
    “Your Highness, forgive me.” The dame tried to save the situation by pretending she was remorseful. She tried to touch the place where her hand left a red impression but Gwen grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. “Take the deal and run. In the old times they hanged a lesser royal for the treachery you just committed.” she whispered before pushing her away with a smile.  
     
    “Sir, I was provoked” she turned her plea to the King.
     
    “LEAVE!” he hollered.   Dame Margaret looked almost pathetic as she left the room with hunched shoulders.
     
    “Are you alright, Gwen?” the King asked concerned.
     
    “She hits like a girl” Gwen laughed rubbing her cheek. “Excuse me, Father. I would like a minute to compose myself.”
     
    “Certainly” he said but held her arm as she passed him to go to her room. “Did you provoke her?” he asked.
     
    “Does it matter if I did?” she replied with a mysterious smile and kissed him on the cheek.
     

 
     

     
     
    Chapter 15
     
    The sweet smell of roses floated in through the balcony doors.   Gwen and Elsie sat cross legged on the bed, bits of pink card board strewn about.
     
    “How does this sound?” Elsie showed Gwen her notepad.
     
    “Dear Sir or Madam, you are cordially invited to a celebration of the life and work Her Royal Majesty, Queen Marie the