The lion has fallen

The king's body arrived at Dumbi's royal city in the middle of the night; many nobles discussed it among themselves before going to the palace. It was still late at night, but the street of Dumbi was busy, and each moving group had their oil lamp carried by the servant as they made their way to the palace. The original dark city becomes bright as though the moon and stars in the sky were moving on the earth.

Upon arriving, many groups wanted the princess to come out and say what had happened. Different rumours were going out, and only the words from the palace could be taken as the truth. So after coming together for some time, they started to show their displeasure since the princess did come to see the people nor send a message.

When the guard saw this, one had gone to see the princess for fear of leaving a wrong impression. Most of the lords did not recognise Princess Jessica as their next ruler, so they dared to ask the princess to come out. Many of them expected her to be scared, but to their surprise, the person that came out was not the princess but the old Eunuch.

They planned to scare her and make her a figurehead ruler even if she sat on the loin's throne. Who knew she would not be as easy to deal with as they anticipated?

"Elders, generals, lords and gentlemen of Dumbi," the Eunuch called out to get their attention. His voice was naturally loud, but the nobles did not give him face and continued to chat amongst themselves. Seeing their attitude, the guards moved into action pulling a few young men to their knees. The Eunuch was a representative of the royal family; even if they dont respect him, they had to respect his master.

When the older generation saw this, they remembered their manners. They were in the palace, and no matter how much they wanted to disobey, they had to consider if they could afford to offend the royal family first. The guards have started with the youngsters, giving them a way out. They would be fools if they missed it.

"The lion has fallen asleep," the voice of the Eunuch echoes around the ground hall. No one dared to say a word seeing that the guards did not look respectful. It was clear that the royal family could efficiently deal with them, as the power of the Army rested with the royal family.

"This is a sad time for the people of Dumbi. The crown princess is paying her respect to the king. Her highness, princess Jessica Tait believes that members of the royal court and council are also here to pay respect. Her highness welcomes you all to remain quiet as we mourn the loin of Dumbi," the Eunuch said. His voice was calm, but his gaze was sad. Those who looked at him could tell that anyone who did not obey would be called a rebel.

The lords and general looked one to another, but none dared to say a word. the princess had asked that they remain quiet, and since they were within the palace, they could do nothing but obey.

Outside the king's study.

"old grey," a man dressed in black showed his respect; the princess was yet to come out of the study.

"How is the matter," old Grey looked at the man, who had his head lowered. The man raised his head, hearing the question. For many years Old Grey has followed the king, and this man was used to reporting to him.

"it is as suspected, the men who attacked the king travel as if to return to Gousho, but their trace disappeared. All trace and evidence have been whipped out," The man reported.

Old Grey frowned his brows, but this report was expected; if the crown prince dared to attack, then, of course, he would not leave evidence behind. There was also a tiny chance that someone was attacking under the crown prince's name, but it would not be easy to get to the root without evidence.

"What of the other matter?" Old Grey could only move on.

"We have secretly sent a message to the second prince and the clues we gather. We are not sure of his actions but certain that he received it," The man reported.

"You have done well," Old Grey nodded his head. Old Grey did not know why the king wanted to send the report to the second prince, but he was a subordinate, so he carried out the king's order. The king trusted the second prince, but the princess hated him, so he could only carry this instruction secretly.

"How is the city?" He asked after a short pause. He knew that many people with ambition would make use of the opportunity.

"The city is calm, the gate is guided, and the guards are in every corner of the city," the man answered.

"What of the second household?" Old Grey asked. He was not scared of any lord or Generals causing trouble, but he knew General Daiz's family was a bone in the Princess's throat.

"I have followed your instructions. Our spies, among their men, told us of his plans to get his daughter and son married before the princess could be crowned. After the ringing of the Bell, he went to visit a few Generals and try to buy their locality. Fortunately, none of these Generals were tempted. They insist on paying the late king his respect before talking of other matters," the man said.

"Keep an eye on those Generals; although they did not accept his request, they did not reject either," Old Grey said. He had lived long enough to understand the tricks within the Imperial power.

"I will do as you said," the man replied.

"Also, the issue of the second prince should be kept from the princess," Old Grey instructed.

"Do you mean she would not fulfil the king's last wish?" the man in black was surprised. He knew the danger that surrounded the princess, and he belived that only the second prince could protect her. Even if he did not trust the second prince of Gousho, he trusted the king.

"It is so, caught off our means of communication. The princess is our leader, and we would live by her instructions," Old Grey said. No matter how much he felt the princess was about to make a mistake, he could only be loyal to her.

"I understand, I will inform our brother," the man said. He was about to say something else when they heard footsteps from the study, so he hid himself with the pillars.

"Your highness," old Grey bowed.

"The lords and noble are gathered in the grand hall?" Princess Jessica asked.

"Yes, your highness," old Grey replied.

"Tell them ro return in four days when the minister from the smaller villages arrives," Princess Jessica said.

"You will not see them?" Old Grey was surprised.

"No, in four days, the palace mourning. The King would be buried in seven days," Princess Jessica replied.