"Et tu, Brute?"
~William Shakespeare , Julius Caesar
Of the people invited to the royal palace it wasn't just Agustin,Eddison, and Canary but also Letitia. Who at first did not want to answer the letter seeing it was from Isolde wanting to apologise for her behavior.
That also ilaka wanted to see her after years of Letitia being gone from society. Letitia and Thaddeus feared what would be a set up. And indeed when Letitia step foot into the Ilaka's garden she felt the energy of the room had shifted.
She was a prey among snakes and the way Ilaka and Isolde stared at Leitita she knew she would not stay for a long time. Ilaka and Isolde looked like they could be twins. Fraternal twins with Isolde being the prettiest out of the two. Her blue eyes were as blue as the ocean and her golden blonde hair shined in the sun. Ilaka's blue eyes seemed to dim over the years perhaps because of everything happening in the palace and her hair which use to be as golden as Isolde had faded into a dirty blonde that almost like brown.
Everything about Isolde would make it seem as if she was the queen instead of Ilaka. From her posture to the way she carried herself. Ilaka was a flickering flame beside Isolde who burned brightly. But Letitia burned brighter than them both.
Those her eyes fell to the growing of her age she still carried the days of her youth. One that Ilaka and Isolde did not carry which made them watch Letitia even more and more and more into the conversation they seemed to mirror Letitia. It scared her almost as she began to notice.
A conversation was held but Letitia was not in this conversation. It was more of a show off really. Showing off that Letitia who had once been the diamond of society was now fallen down and was nothing more than a pearl and that Isolde and Ilaka were still gems. Letitia however did not seem to moved by the things that they were doing.
And then the real reason they and invited Letitia here came up. "What I am about to say Lady Whitewood we shall keep between us". Ilaka said the smile fading from her face as she had pulled off a mask.
"I'm sorry"? Leitita said. "If it is a secret I do not wish to be involved if I may excuse myself". Letitia said, beginning to stand up. "Canary Whitewood is the child you thought died all those years ago, yes". Ilaka finally said. Letitia's eyes grew huge and Isolde smiled a grin so evil that Letitia felt as though she might bite her. "Sit down". Ilaka said softly.
Letitia sat down as Ilaka poured her a cup of tea. "Sugar"? She asked. Leitita shook her head no. "It's true is it not Canary Whitewood is your daughter that Alexia stole"? Ilaka said, staring at her. "How did you find out". Letitia said, terrified. "The walls whisper my dear and a few of those whispers have floated my way". She grinned. "I offer you a proposition I shall take care of Alexia Whitewood and you shall get-". "No". Letitia said cutting Ilaka off.
"Pardon me". Ilaka said glaring at her. "No" Letitia said, getting up from the table. "How dare you reject an offer from the queen". Isolde said. "An offer or a crime"? Letitia said. "As much as I miss my daughter I will not commit a crime and cause the downfall of my other children". Letitia said.
"Do you know-". Ilaka held up her hand to stop Isolde from talking. Truthly she was impressed by Letitia's boldness than she was mad. Many knew that when Ilaka came to strike a deal with them it was really from the king and not her so they would always say yes but Letitia was different she still held her dignity from when she was younger and not even the king would cause her to break it.
"She has said yes Isolde we shall find another way then you may leave". Ilaka said. Letitia bowed although nervously and hurried out of the garden. Ilaka sighed and folded her arms dreading the earful she would get some Decimis because he didn't have his way. Like a spoiled child he would throw a temper tantrum. Yelling and screaming. Breaking things, scolding Ilaka saying she never does anything. "Let us go I wish to have some quiet before getting scolded by Decimis". Ilaka said, getting up from the table.
Isolde agreed and though Ilaka wanted quiet Isolde wouldn't stop going on and on about their plan. "I thought surely she would come into the plan once she found out we know Canary is her true daughter". Isolde sighed. "My husband shall be asking me questions about this all night". Isolde groaned. "How did Alexia manage to hide the fact that Canary is Thaddeus and Letitia's daughter"? Ilaka finally said.
"What shall we do now". Isolde groaned. "Your highness". A man voice came from behind them. The women both stopped in their tracks and turned around to see Agustin standing there. He showed no emotion in his face as he took a step closer Ilaka's guard held him back from walking any further. "What is the meaning of this Duke Abarca"? Ilaka said. "He's heard our conversation". Isolde shrieked. "Yes indeed I have heard your conversation". Agustin said.
"And I think I might be able to help you only if you keep it between us". Agustin said. "What"? Ilaka said. "You do know this little scheme is from the king to damage Marquis Whitewood"? Ilaka said. "I don't care about that what I care about is something more serious; it involves Canary Whitewood". Agustin said, moving the guard's hand. "Canary Whitewood again"? Isolde said.
"Yes she has something that I'm afraid will be taken away if I do not take action". Agustin said. "I wish to damage her reputation so what was promised to me won't be taken away". Ilaka and Isolde, no matter how evil they were, looked at Agustin with disgust. "You would harm your betrothed's reputation all for a mine"? Ilaka said disgusted. "It is not just the ruby mine it is many other things I would get from Lumus Longwood also". Agustin said.
Ilaka and Isolde looked at each seemingly thinking the same thing. Did he forget that Eddison was his best friend? Why would he harm his betrothed just for a ruby mine? Did he not realize he would be helping the king? Who side was he really on now? "I shall-". Ilaka looked at Isolde on whether or not she should take on this deal and Isolde shrugged her shoulder for she as still confused on what was going on and why this change of events had occurred.
"I shall take you upon your offer then". Ilaka said. "And the king"? Agustin said. "I shall speak on the matter telling him I wish to help him". Ilaka said. "Now uh you are dimissed". Ilaka said still disgusted at Agustin. He left with Ilaka and Isolde feeling confused and horrified.