Step over his brother

"General Fredonia, my son, is only concerned about his cousin; why are you making it sound like he is committing murder," General Daiz stepped in. He knew that his son's reaction was not proper.

"Why call out to me, General Daiz? Your son already pronounced the princess dead. It's not my fault if I misunderstood his intention," General Fredonia argued. Everybody knew that the father and son had eyes for the throne.

When General Daiz heard this, he did not know how to respond. He immediately looked towards the tomb, "we have to figure out what happened to the princess," he said. The other nobles also turned to the tomb.

"Could something have happened to the princess?" a lot of murmuring went around. "Dear brother, what would you do if your chess piece did not walk out of the tomb," Joe could not miss the opportunity to to step over his brother.

Ramsey took a deep breath but said nothing. He had not been able to meet the princess. In fourteen days a knew ruler would be crown. If the princess does not walk out, it's means he would have to plan again.

He suddenly regretted his act of hurting the king. If he did not want to play the hero, the king would still be alive and he would be able to handle the situation better.

"Ha, I know, you would he sent to the border to guide it. General Daiz does not trust anyone, I am sure he would not let anyone was who was close to his niece, close to the throne," Joe mocked..

"I believe in the late king's decision, the princess is fine, she would come out fine," Ramsey said suddenly. His voice was a bit loud and it drawed a lot of attention to him.

Ramsey was conflicted, the princess has been ignoring him since the death of her father. If she was fine, by drawing attention to himself like this he was sure that he would gain the princess's attention.

If did not make it out, then he could figure out a solution later. When people around turned to look at him, they saw a man with red eyes but a firm gaze. He looked like someone who had faith and refused to belive that something had happened to the princess.

When Joe saw his brother like this, he felt like slamming his head agaist a wall. The big difference between his strengths and that of Ramsey was his ability to draw the crowd to him. Joe knew that Princess had ignored his bother, so Ramsey did this to get the princess and the people's attention. If the princess survives, she would be moved by his love. If she those not, people would tell if General Daiz targeted him. This way, he could quickly spread rumours that the father and son killed the princess.

This could easily mislead people and make them target the second household as unfit. Joe shook his head. He had wanted to kill Ramsey when he found out about his plans to be a shield to the king.

This way, after Ramsey dies to save the king, he would effortlessly replace him, after all, the people of Dumbi, who wanted to kick out the Tait family, only had Ramsey and himself to choose from.

What Joe did not expect was that the king would rather get harmed than owe Ramsey a favour. Joe looked at his brother with hatred as he listened to the conversation around him.

"The you General must be worried for the princess's safety. He is loyal to the royal family," someone said.

"True, I even heard that he was willing to put his life on the line for the king," someone else joined.

"That, he is loyal indeed,"

"Of course, ti became a General at such a young age."

"He is so elegant and beave. I am sure the king would have given her his daughter fir marriage for his brave act."

"What rubbish are you saying? Did you not hear of the engagement between the princess and the second prince of Gousho?" A young soldier standing by the side could not bear to listen to the praise. He felt that Ramsey did not do anything special."l

The others discussing turned to look at him with disapproval. "Why are you all looking at me like that? General Ramsey is a royal soldier, anyone in his place would do the same. It's not that he did a good job, otherwise, there would not be a need for us to stand here," he defended his stand.

The young women and men praising Ramsey felt awkward as they had no words to argue with him. Indeed, the news was that he tried to protect the king, but he obviously failed as the king was killed. Joe felt better and looked at the young soldier he thought the man was objective and intelligent. "I should get someone like him on my side," he concluded.

Ramsey also felt a bit awkward, but at that moment, there was finally movement at the tomb's entrance, saving him from the awkwardness.

"Someone is coming out, look," a voice announced. Everyone turned the look as princess Jessica stepped out. She was not surprised that so many peers of eyes were looking at her.

"The king has been successfully buried in fourteen days. There would be a Coronation. Everyone must go home and prepare for the ceremony," Princess Jessica said. Her voice was firm and carried a lot of authority.

The whole space quiets down as they acknowledge the Princess's words. Many generals were convinced by her strength, but many of the lords looked down on her for being a woman.

"Princess," a lord called out. He lowered his head a little; anyone with eyes could tell he was unwilling to bow to her.

"Speak," princess Jessica said. She decided to ignore his behaviour. She knew that the kingdom was in a sensitive period. It was best to avoid internal conflict.

"We know of the coronation date, but who will be crowned?" He asked. His voice was not rude, after all, the princess still had the kingdom's Amry under her control. He could not win if he attacked her in the open. So he could only act ignorant.

In his heart, his question would not only force her into a corner but also make her lose some prestige.

"Princess Jessica Tait, first of her name," princess Jessica answered calmly. She did not forget to reveal the septal of authority in her hand.

The Lord was shocked, he had expected to get angry or frustrated and lose some dignity. He did not expect her to remain composed and imposing.

"How can this be? A woman has never been crowned a ruler. This is an abomination," an old lord said, hitting his walking stick on the floor.