Chapter 389
Arthur pondered for a moment. Kurtis had said nothing out of line.
‘Holding a party could indeed facilitate many suitable matches, Arthur thought to himself. ‘Moreover, it would strengthen the bond between me and my ministers–what a perfect win–win.‘
“An excellent idea indeed. Why would I refuse? Consider
done,”
he said.
Overjoyed, Kurtis quickly dropped to his knees and kowtowed deeply. “Thanks, Your Majesty.”
Arthur, in excellent spirits, motioned for the old general to
I said warmly, “It’s okay.”
‘Not only will this party satisfy Kurtis,‘ Arthur thought, ‘but it
alsolve the marriage arrangements for several princes. Even the candidate for
will also
Fermin’s secondary consort could be decided.
‘This isn’t just killing two birds with one stone–it’s a triple win.’
With the matter settled, Kurtis left the palace.
After Kurtis left, Arthur was lost in thought. He was just about to summon the Queen to discuss the matter when, as if on cue, she arrived.
The Queen entered the Heaven Hall, carefully holding a steaming bowl of ginseng soup. “Your Majesty,” she said softly, her tone laced with apparent concern, “thinking of how hard you’ve been working, I specially prepared this ginseng soup for you. Please, do have a taste.”
It was rare for the Queen to take the initiative and bring him soup, and Arthur’s eyes darkened with suspicion.
‘Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,’ he thought.
He didn’t want to think so poorly of the Queen, but her naked ambition and desire were so blatantly written on her face that he had no choice but to be
wary.
Arthur picked up the bowl of ginseng soup and, to humor the Queen, took a couple of sips. The Queen immediately beamed.
“That’s very thoughtful of you, my Queen,” Arthur said, setting the cup down on the table, his expression mild.
It had been ages since the Queen last saw that expression on
nArthur’s face.
‘If only he still showed me some marital affection,‘ the Queen thought bitterly, ‘maybe we wouldn’t have drifted so far apart.‘
The Queen forced a bitter smile, composed herself, and plastered on a bright smile once more. “Your Majesty,” she said, “I have a matter for which I still seek Your Majesty’s counsel.”
“Oh? What is it?” Arthur asked casually.
Arthur reclined lazily in his chair, one leg bent. The Queen perched on the edge of the daybed and began to massage his other leg with deliberate attentiveness.
“Your Majesty, this humble consort was thinking of hosting a Spring party and inviting all the noble young ladies, so that we may select suitable imperial consorts for the princes. What are Your Majesty’s thoughts?” she said.
Arthur shot the Queen a surprised look. ‘If Kurtis hadn’t just been here,‘ he mused, ‘I would have thought the two of you had conspired.‘
Arthur glanced at the Queen and inquired, “Do you have anyone in mind?”
The Queen’s heart skipped a beat. Though Arthur’s question sounded casual, she knew all too well how much he detested any interference from the Core Palace in state affairs.
– 14:56 Mon, 21 Ju WDG
Chapter 389
If His Majesty were to discover my ulterior motives, he’d surely fly into a rage, the Queen thought anxiously.
The Queen shook her head demurely. “How could this humble consort possibly have anyone in mind, Your Majesty? I merely thought the party 2. an excellent opportunity for everyone to observe and find suitable connections.
“Should any truly find themselves agreeable, we could then seek Your Majesty’s gracious blessing–wouldn’t that make for a splendid royal romance
The Queen’s response was flawless–just what Arthur wanted to hear.
A more genuine smile touched Arthur’s lips as he praised, “You really do think of everything, my Queen) Even if you hadn’t come, I was about to send someone to fetch you.”
The Queen asked with a playful smile, “Oh? So we were on
the
same wavelength, Your Majesty?”
He said, “Kurtis just visited the palace. He asked Us to find a suitable husband for his youngest daughter, but was concerned it might draw too much
“So, he suggested I host a Spring party to give the unmarried noblemen and ladies a chance to mingle. We have already agreed.”
“The royal word is inviolable. Do you think I would lie?” Arthur frowned. He had just praised the Queen for her wisdom, yet now she was questioning him again.
Yet the news spread like wildfire, landing straight at the Perkins Manor.
a sound.
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