Free Web NovelChapter 67: Chapter 67 - Warning
Gerald peeped inside the carriage at Lilith, who waved at the crowd instead of stepping out to show her face.
Though it would be dangerous for Lilith to get too close to the crowd, some children were eager for a glimpse of her. Most would go their entire lives with this being the closest they ever get to the queen.
Gerald moved from the carriage into the crowd, lifting a young boy and carrying him to the window where Lilith sat. "Your Majesty, the children wish to greet you," he said, presenting the boy. He hoped to see Lilith take him instead of being just like her relatives.
Lilith smiled, finding the little one endearing. "You are quite handsome," she said, reaching as far as she could to touch his hand.
"Wait one moment," Lilith added, pulling her hand back to unlock the door. She welcomed the child into the carriage. "You are quite tall," she remarked, noting his height. freewēbnoveℓ.com
"Should I bring others, Your Majesty?" Gerald asked, already spotting more children he could usher forward. Each one held their hand out, waiting for Lilith to acknowledge them too.
"No. One will suffice," Lilith said, slipping a gold bracelet from her wrist. "Hold this tightly and do not show the crowd. Run straight to your family and say it was a reward from the queen. You must not show it to your friends, only to your family. Do you understand me?"
The boy nodded. "I do!"
"He could be beaten for it if others see him with it, even for a second," Gerald warned, disliking Lilith’s plan.
"Then find a soldier to escort him back to his family. When you find an issue, I expect you to list a solution," Lilith said, waiting for Gerald to act. "There will be food shared. Find your family to eat some of it. If you run into trouble for this bracelet, come to the castle."
Lilith ruffled the boy’s hair as he nodded. She adjusted his clothing so the bracelet could be hidden beneath his shirt, where he clutched it tightly.
"Now, be safe," Lilith said, kissing his forehead. "Do as I told you, and if you do, the next time I see you, I will let you see the king up close."
"Promise?" the boy asked, holding out his pinky.
Lilith smiled, touched by his innocence, reminded of her own youth. "I promise. Now, run along," she said, opening the door and handing him off to Gerald, who passed him to a soldier.
Lilith waited until the boy was safely in good hands before saying, "Get inside the carriage, Gerald. I want a word with you."
Gerald obeyed without hesitation, unafraid of what Lilith might say. He knew his actions would come with consequences, but he didn’t think she would scold him before the crowd.
Lilith kept her gaze on the crowd as Gerald settled himself. "I know what you think of me. You believe I am not warm or caring for refusing more children entry."
"It is not-" fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"I am giving you the chance to be honest with me. You are tasked with guarding me, so I would prefer honesty. What is it you feel about me?" Lilith asked, turning to face him. "I will not let this linger for days. Do you wish to be replaced?"
"It is not often that the children see a royal. They would have enjoyed sitting in the carriage," Gerald said.
"I agree with you. However, you do not know me well. My interest lies in protecting these children. When I was younger, if I was allowed out of the castle, it was the children in the streets I played with. Or the children in the church when I was forced there," Lilith said, peering out the window.
"There were rare occasions I played with the children who worked in the castle with their families. At this age, I am without the friends I once had. Do you know why?" she asked.
"I do not," Gerald replied.
" My mother, a pet, or my father’s subjects. They were all taken from me. Anyone or anything I showed love to, they sent away or killed. Presenting my pets as my dinner or harming the children. I grew up with the trauma of not getting too close to anyone," Lilith said, yet to heal from old wounds.
"Even in the church, where you would think it safe, he would target the children I befriended, just to force my obedience. My family is gone now, but the memory of showing love only to see those I cared for hurt will never leave me," she explained.
"If Virgil is near, it will put anyone I get close to into danger. I will not have a carriage full of children. Allowing one inside was already a great step for me. You do not know me," Lilith said, her gaze hardening on Gerald. "So it is easy for you to judge me. Tell your master you have failed. You will never understand me."
"I have no master," Gerald denied. "I follow His Majesty."
"One of my new guards will eventually report to someone other than my husband. My suspicions rest on you, though I welcome being wrong. If you question me or act without my order, if you report my moves to anyone, I will kill you," Lilith promised, her voice low and dangerous.
"No," Lilith corrected herself. "There’s no fun in that. The very man who placed you by my side will kill you. I am quite convinced. I enjoy this little talk, but you may get out now."
"It is not as it seems, Your Majesty. I am not reporting to anyone," Gerald insisted.
"As I said, time will tell. I want a report on whether the child has returned to his parents, and you are to keep an eye on the crowd. Can you do that without pouting when you do not get your way?" Lilith asked, tilting her head.
She noted the expression he had made when she refused more children.
"I can, Your Majesty," Gerald said, opening the carriage door to step outside.
