Edward was not too happy about it of course. Later, everything unfolded, she found out the truth, and it was horrendous. She did not know that she was pregnant then, and all that happened got her a miscarriage. Edward did feel some guilt but ultimately still chose Floresca who was also pregnant. She wanted to go back to Alighieri, but who was she kidding? It's not like her parents will welcome her with open arms, also why would she let them get their happily ever after?

She knew that Edward wanted to but could not divorce her that easily. First, he has no valid reason as she gave birth to a prince already. The marriage has been consummated, and she has provided him with a male heir. So, if he still insists on doing so, conflicts may arise within the allied nations, something they cannot afford after the war with Jinjoo.

Yet, he also wanted to marry Floresca, for if he does not, the child she gives birth to would be a bastard. The only option left was to let Floresca enter as the 2nd wife. However, for a second wife to enter the household, the main wife must give the approval. Thus, Loretta used that to her advantage.

Anyhow, she was not a very popular person in Windsor, but she did make one friend. That was her other lady-in-waiting, Lady Melissa Cross. Later, she figured, that although Edward got Floresca as her lady-in-waiting to have easier access with her, he also placed some people for connections. Thus, someone from the Cross family.

The Cross were a military family who has always stayed neutral. By having Melissa as a lady-in-waiting to the queen, the monarch was pulling the Cross family to their side. It did not end with that happening though.

However, as years passed, the old Duke, Melissa's father, died, and Argent, Melissa's brother became the new duke.

Now, Loretta could see that in terms of popularity and power, Floresca was way ahead of her. People, even in the palace, listens more to her than herself. She felt like she was only a vase, and it was suffocating. It was no wonder though, Floresca was favored by Edward, plus she's a duke's daughter of the kingdom they were in. These facts made her paranoid. She needs to get some power for herself.

So, with Melissa's help, she started talking with Duke Argent Cross. Later, they started talking about the crown prince's marriage and the possibilities of him marrying Argent's daughter, Lady Annalys Cross.

Of course, we all knew what happened instead.

Anyway, back to the palace drama, Loretta's hate on Floresca will always remain despite the fact that Edward already took a third wife. Still, Loretta has learned something, and that was, men were fickle things. There was no such thing as great love as time changes all that.

What one can only rely on for security was power. 

Now, back to the present.

--

"I have a few names to suggest. However, the most promising is Lady Annalys Cross. What do you think?" The queen asked.

As Serena also thought of the matter before, she has also considered many of the ladies in the kingdom. Truth was, though Annalys was lacking in many ways, based on how she saw her last time, she was a good candidate. Not because of her skills or lack thereof, but rather because of her family. Besides, Serena did not think that she would need her help in arranging paper works or her schedule, anyway.

Still, she felt conflicted. Annalys liked Charlton in the past, and her father even tried to approach Charlton, the motive, she can only imagine. No, that should not matter. What matters most was that she was the daughter of a ducal military family, an ally which Geoffrey needed.

The queen looked at Serena who seems like she was thinking it over. Honestly, she was not exactly trying to employ the same thing that her husband did to her, Annalys was not Geoffrey's lover. However, she was open to that option. Perhaps, if Geoffrey sees her more often, maybe he would like her. If not, a political ally is still a political ally. No matter, this was a good move, whether if the thought of doing so has other motives.

"I personally think that Lady Annalys would be a good choice. However, I still need to consult this with Geoffrey." Serena answered. She also needs to know if the Argent family were in his faction, neutral, or from the radical faction. She doesn't want to invite an enemy to their house. 

The queen pursed her lips. Was Serena rejecting? "You need to be smart about this. The Argent family has a strong military force. Something your family could not provide but Geoffrey needs."

Serena tried to smile at the queen, she knew that, but did she have to mention it? Still, that got her thinking. Her family having a military force. For a brief moment, the thought of Leonard's marriage prospects came to mind. But she suppressed it. Leonard was her brother.

"I understand mother. I will keep that in mind." She answered.

The queen nodded, then she exhaled. It's good that Geoffrey's wife seemed to be smart enough to look at the larger picture. She does feel conflicted about her. She likes and dislikes her at the same time.

"How about your other duty? Have Geoffrey been visiting your room often? Should we be expecting some good news soon?" Loretta would also want for Geoffrey to have a son as soon as possible. Another heir would be good for them.

Serena knew that she should be careful regarding this one. "I am not sure as it's still too early, but Geoffrey and I have been trying."

Loretta knew that it was too early to expect news now, but still, "When I married Edward, I became pregnant not a month after. Perhaps marrying younger was the right way to go. Drink some tonics, maybe it would help."

Serena nodded and accepted her words. It seems like the queen takes great pride in getting pregnant so early in her marriage. Ah, if only she knew.

--

TBC

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