Chapter 428: Second chance (2)
"I wasn’t suggesting a marriage between myself and any of your daughters. I was merely saying that it would benefit us now, but there is no possible way it could happen now," Teo said, trying to clear up the misunderstanding.
"Even if it could happen, I would not allow it. My marriage to Rafael and the promises we made should have been enough. I know that word of how the border has grown has spread here. We share the same wealth. Don’t forget that the war started because you wanted what we have," said Annalise.
"There won’t be a marriage," Rafael backed Annalise.
Thankfully, there were no princes left for Rafael’s daughters, and he didn’t have a son Princess Hailey could marry in the future.
"I apologise for what your family has endured. We’ve implemented an order that no one is to mistreat or hurt anyone from the border, but it has been some time since someone was punished for breaking it. We will see to it that the order is heard and understood all over the kingdom," Hazel promised.
"I know that you cannot change the minds of all your people, but I would settle for you giving out punishments in due time. Don’t allow the person to roam free after hurting my people. The more attacks there are to go unpunished, the less my people will travel here," said Annalise.
If Annalise’s people couldn’t be safe in the Castro kingdom and couldn’t travel there, she only saw fit that people from the Castro kingdom shouldn’t venture to the border.
"My first order would be a change to the punishment. I will make it a death sentence since that behaviour interferes with the truce. By night, I will have guards sent out to every court in the kingdom to announce the royal order," Teo said in an effort to calm Annalise.
Teo continued to say, "Aside from what Quinn and Cassius did, there weren’t any attacks on your people. Quinn’s attack had nothing to do with hurting your people, but with hurting someone close to the Collinses."
"I believe he targeted her to hurt the truce. It would have also pleased him to have the two kingdoms at odds with each other because of his doing. Many are accepting of those who come from the border. We mustn’t ignore the process made because of a few ignorant people," Tyrion said, thinking talk of war was too extreme.
"From what I have heard, because of someone speaking when I am trying to rest, Rue was insulted due to jealousy. The ladies’ behaviours during the season need to be addressed. The court that opposed the border is now dead. We must look at the lady’s behaviour," said Tyrion.
"That will be the duty of the queen," Hazel said, looking to Juliette to speak. "Juliette."
Juliette’s eyes widened since she didn’t expect her name to be mentioned. She sat up in her chair and looked at Annalise. "Miss Rue’s home was indeed brought up by jealous ladies, but there are far more who are intrigued by her."
Juliette gripped her dress as she spoke, trying to keep herself calm. "I think what the kingdom lacks are gatherings to display the culture of the border. Extravagant balls in the palace to get everyone excited and involved. I only hear of it happening in towns near the border."
"That is if you wish to do it here," Juliette said, her voice getting softer.
"Continue," Annalise said.
"All the tales I heard of the border came from my father and others older than me who have never set foot near the border. It is the merchants who point out the lies and speak of the real side of the border. Most of us will never travel to the border," Juliette said, certain she would never see it.
Juliette had already accepted that her life now revolved around the palace. There wouldn’t be a life outside of it until she was meant to pass the crown off to another lady in the future.
"We should do our best to show the people here what the border is like. Have a day of celebration so your people here can feel at home, and our people to be educated."
"While you are here, I suggest we host a ball, and the attire must be what is common at the border. So will the music, the drinks, and all that we need," Juliette suggested.
"I like it. We must have celebrations that include what ladies amongst the knights can do. Our views of what women can do with their lives are different. I want it properly displayed how the women at the border are," Annalise said, thinking of ways to do so.
"You’ll have to keep your pets out of sight. The ladies here don’t have a strong heart like you do. They will faint at the sight of snakes or spiders," said Tobias.
"Is it the ladies or you? You fainted when all I did was show you a little spider. Do not speak of the ladies being the ones to faint. I’m almost tempted to throw one at you," Annalise muttered.
"Do it," Edgar said, needing something to make the meeting more interesting.
"Bastard," Tobias said, glaring at Edgar. "As soon as I am no longer the king, you betray me like this."
"He’s always pushed for someone to scare you. You are lucky that I stopped him from putting a spider in your bed when we were younger," Rafael said.
"The poor spider would have been startled by a screaming man. I will give this kingdom one year to make changes to have your people accept my people. One year is enough time for a new queen and king to impress me. I will not speak of war until then," Annalise promised.
Hearing that the old men who used to challenge her were dead was a good start in Annalise’s eyes. It was late, but still welcomed.
"You need to act faster. Anyone who opposed me was punished as soon as I learned of their schemes. My advice to you both is not to ignore these matters for a long time, as they will become harder to get rid of. It seems to be common for the Castros to deal with their enemies late," Annalise said, side-eyeing Tobias.
Tobias wished Annalise would say his name since she was already eyeing him. Everyone knew who she spoke of.
Annalise stood up from her chair. "I won’t take up more of your time. I will let you go back to enjoying the coronation. All I want is to see the man you have in your dungeon. I won’t kill him," Annalise promised. "I just want to give him a taste of what awaits him."