006: - A Replacement for the Princess

Graham watched the girls who had been rounded up from behind curtains that hid an alcove. They all had varying shades of blonde hair and although none was the soft flaxen shade of the Princess, that was a minor matter.

The girls were from varying backgrounds, from middle class to servants. Only the upper class and nobles were left out as that would make the task more risky.

Inviting commoners to the castle was a common thing, an excuse didn't need to be given, as long as it wasn't for a crime, the citizens would obediently listen. But with the upper class, a suitable reason would have to be given, and that would lead the news of the Princess's death to spread.

It doubled Graham's tasks because it meant he wouldn't even have the grace of working with someone of noble blood.

The stern lady who he put in charge of the women was speaking to the girls. "Her Highness is merely searching for a maidservant, and if you meet the requirements, you will be chosen." She explained to them. Her lies were simple, which were essential when dealing with commoners.

The girls were excited, it was a big deal to be a lady-in-waiting. Even the fact that they might have to go to the Vampire country alongside the Princess didn't daunt most of them, which was an important attribute.

"I have something I need to attend to but you're welcome to remain in this room until I return," Madam Willa said to the girls, her tone was neither stern nor friendly.

The girls assented enthusiastically, eager to be obedient. Madam Willa swept out of the dusky pink receiving room in a stately dark blue dress, her back ramrod straight.

The silence caused by the Madam's departure lingered for a few moments after she left. The bravest of the girls breaking it with softly whispered questions.

"What do you think the requirements are?"

"Fancy there'll be a test or two?" Another chimed in, her voice also hushed.

Graham intently studied the first of the girls to speak up, courage was important but being chatty could be a dangerous flaw. There was also a tangible difference between being bold and being courageous.

He moved on from the girls who spoke first and the ones who were lured into speaking and focused on those who remained quiet despite the relaxed air. Roughly a dozen girls had been gathered, the choices had been limited by the requirement of them needing to look like the Princess.

Fair hair wasn't a common feature in the country, finding this many on short notice in the capital had been a stroke of luck.

The quiet girls all had varying expressions of nervous fright, there was only one who remained outwardly calm. Although she was silent, she seemed even more relaxed than the first to break the silence.

Graham's interest was immediately piqued, he would have someone look into her background immediately, from the very first test, she was already a prime candidate—

The King's courtier nearly jumped out of his cravat when the girl he had been intently studying turned to look at him with unnerving accuracy, like she knew for certain that he was behind the curtain.

He dropped the curtain in fright, taking a few scrambled steps back, unlike the gentle blue of the Princess, the maiden's eyes had been a sinister black like she knew more than she let on.

Madam Willa returned at that point to lead the girls out to a different location, and only then did the girl stop staring at the curtains hiding Graham.

After the girls were all sent out, Madam Willa returned to the dressing room alone and bowed politely at the empty room. "What are your thoughts, Sir Graham?"

Graham slipped out of the alcove, still shaken from the fright he had been given earlier. "It would take backbreaking work to even make them suitable enough to be the Princess's lady-in-waiting much more the Princess herself."Willa agreed sagely, she was Graham's confidant and she had been told what had truly happened so she knew how delicate and important a task this was. "But we must try regardless." She said stoically.

"Indeed," Graham murmured absently, and before Willa could leave, he called her to return. "I want you to keep a very close eye on one of the girls," He said in hushed tones, giving the Madam a brief description.

Willa was impressed, "You think she would make a good candidate?"

"I thought so at first but I fear she might be a spy." Graham said without mincing words.

Willa's eyes went wide in alarm, "She is… You don't think?" She stammered slightly.

"It's merely speculations, Willa. But I want you to keep a very close eye on her regardless." Graham reminded her before sending her out. In the empty room, he came to a decision by himself and then hurried out of the receiving room.

Willa would shortlist the girls that would be chosen to undergo training. He wished that more could be put on trial but with the limited time available, and the fact that it had to be kept a secret, only three of the girls would be chosen.

That task would be all up to Willa. Graham had just wanted to take a close look at the girls himself to see if any of them would strike him as a diamond in the rough. And he had been struck, just for a completely different reason.

It was late in the afternoon, King Rolfe would be in his study. Graham knew that his actions were being propelled by paranoia but at such a delicate time, any oversight would cost the country greatly.

So he went right to the King with his speculations. Alas, the plans to replace the Princess had failed before it could even begin…

"Enter," King Rolfe's commanding voice bid him permission.

Graham entered, bowed in servitude as he approached the King. "I have a few important things to report."

King Rolfe looked up from the documents he had been perusing, "Go ahead."