Chapter Twenty Seven: Dismissed.

King Murdoch was seated on his throne, and a meeting was in place with the topic of discussion being the royal ball. Present in the meeting were Queen Clara, Prince Nicholas, General Richard, among other ministers.

"Not to worry, my king. I'll take care of it. I'll get the ball running smoothly," Queen Clara announced blissfully, to the dismay of both Nicholas and General Richard, who were seated across from the throne.

As for Nicholas, he knew the queen was being performative and didn't have any affection for him; she never did and mostly wanted to secure the crown for her son, Jack.

"Thank you so much, Clara. I appreciate your zeal for getting this ball preparation running smoothly," the king's lips danced with a broad smile. "I'm sure you'll do a good job. The date will be next week."

"What?" General Richard gulped visibly from where he was seated. "But isn't it too early? I mean, he just got out of his engagement with Arabella."