Queen Patricia was still a suspect in the poisoning case. They found a vial of the same poison in her room after all. However, many people thought the coincidence was way too convenient. Queen Patricia would be wise enough to throw it before the investigation. Not to mention, there was no right motive for harming Lady Elena. Jealousy did not make sense. It was known that Queen Patricia approved of Lady Elena entering the palace. She did not rid Lady Elena after she became a concubine. Prince Heliodor was the proof of her generosity. He had been existing for years without any prejudice.
Whoever planned Lady Elena's murder did not expect additional guests. Helena was a significant key to the change. Queen Patricia's punishment became lenient because Lady Elena survived. In the past, she was exiled from the palace and imprisoned inside a prisoner tower forever. The only thing that saved her life was the noble's plea and her contributions to the kingdom.
In the present, Queen Patricia remained inside the palace. It was only a matter of time before she was released and returned to her duty as a queen. Nevertheless, she refused to do it. Helena could guess her reason: Prince Ruby. She preferred to be isolated and close her mouth than give her son away.
They finally arrived at the palace. It was located further from the main building but closer to the king's palace. The guards were surprised to see a group visiting the place, so they stopped everyone at the entrance.
"This is a restriction area. I am afraid only people with importance can enter."
Lady Elena came forward. "I'm here to meet the Queen."
A guard frowned and glanced at Helena. "Lady Elena could enter, but..."
"This lady comes with me."
The knight recognised Helena as Lady Elena's saviour. He touched his head and sighed. "Fine, the lady behind can come inside, too. The rest must wait outside."
Violet and the other servants complained. However, there was a limit on how many people could visit the Queen during house arrest. They did not have a choice to obey the rules. Only Helena and Lady Elena entered the Queen's Palace.
The inside was not as desolate as Helena thought. Workers were doing their jobs in every corner of the place. The head butler led the way to the guest room while the maids served them tea. It only took five minutes until Queen Patricia walked into the room.
"Elena, why are you visiting me? You should have told my servant so I can prepare for your arrival." She was stunned when she saw Helena. "Why is Lady Blackmoore here?"
"My job here is done." Lady Elena stood up from the couch. "You two can continue your conversation."
Helena was confused. "My Lady, you're not staying?"
Lady Elena chuckled. "I was on my way to Opal's palace and was surprised to see you. It looked like you needed help, so I lent my hand. This the least thing I can do for you."
Lady Elena excused herself and left the room. The situation became tense without her presence. Helena glanced at Queen Patricia, who sipped her tea. The Queen wore a simple white sleeping gown instead of a dress. She wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty made up for it. Her long hair was untied down to her waist, and her cheek was red from the cold weather. She did not bother to dress up for uninvited guests.
Queen Patricia put down her tea. "Lady Blackmoore, how did you meet Elena?"
Helena was startled when Queen Patricia spoke. She almost dropped her teacup. "I met Prince Sapphire before. He told me to wait at Rose Garden. A few minutes later, I met Lady Elena."
"Sapphire, that child. It is honestly distraught how good he is at moving people." The Queen changed her expression. She glowered at Helena and spoke in an orotund voice. "I assume you are here for something. What do you want?"
Helena swallowed her saliva. She was supposed to ask questions, yet it felt like the opposite. Helena might get the freedom of investigation, but her opponent was one of the high-rank nobility. Queen Patricia felt like a final boss that day.
Helena took a deep breath. She must do this.
"I need to know where is Prince Ruby."
The Queen had expected this. She cackled at her question. Helena shuddered at her strange behaviour. There was no sign of pride or dignity as Queen. She resembled a mad woman who lost everything. Her green eyes pierced through Helena's heart. It was full of hostility.
"Lady Blackmoore, everyone who visits my palace demands an answer. Sapphire, the nobles, my subordinates, the officials. They keep asking where I hide my son. What makes you think I will tell you his location?"
Helena was frightened. "Perhaps you want to cooperate?"
"Cooperate? Hah!" She slammed her hand on the table. Helena almost jumped in fright. "How can I even trust you? What makes you different from others? Ruby is my child! I give birth and raise him by myself! I won't sell him out for my safety!" Queen Patricia held her head and screamed at her. "I don't care what happened to me, but my son must live!"
She was beautiful even in madness. Queen Patricia reminded Helena of a thorny rose. The pretty flower would prick you if you were careless. Looking at her effort to protect Prince Ruby made Helena recall her own past.
"Your Majesty, that's all right. You don't need to tell me anything."
The Queen was stunned by her answer. She looked up at Helena. "You... What are you planning?"
"Nothing." Helena scratched her head. She felt awkward. "I just try my luck somewhere else."
"Won't it hinder your search?"
"That's true. However..." Helena smiled and reminisced about her life.
Her parent's sacrifice came to her mind. Melvin Blackmoore fought until the bitter end to prove her innocence in her first life. He did not believe Helena was involved with the cult. Astrid Blackmoore protected both of her daughters. She shouted to her and Ethel to run away while she covered them. Helena took a glance behind during her escape only to watch the death of her mother. Helena kept running despite tears falling to her pale cheek.
The result was futile. They wagered their honour and life but could not prevent Helena's death. Yet, their effort remained in her mind. Helena appreciated and cherished those memories.
Helena was sure Queen Patricia would do the same for Prince Ruby.
"Every parent wants to protect their children. That's why it's all right, Your Majesty. I will leave." Helena stood from her seat and curtsied to the Queen. "Pardon me for this sudden and rude visitation. Thank you for receiving me."
Queen Patricia was silent and closed her eyes. Her gaze had changed the moment she opened her eyes. It was the glimpse of a strong and wise Queen Helena saw in their first meeting.
"Perhaps it will be all right if it's you."
Helena almost fell down when Queen Patricia pulled her arm. Helena was shocked and stared at the Queen. That woman had a weak smile on her face.
"I trust you, Lady Blackmoore. Please don't betray my expectation."
It was the Queen's last words before the door closed on Helena. In a hidden place, Prince Ruby walked around his room. He was frustrated thinking about the whole situation. His father fell sick because of the news, and his older brother was forced to hold his father's position. The nobles that supported him backed down, while his mother was forced to hide him. He was not upset about losing the position as the crown prince candidate anymore. Ruby was more angry at the impostor who used his name to execute people.
His train of thought stopped when he heard footsteps. He was horrified. Nobody was supposed to know this location. The footsteps came closer to his place. He took his weapon and prepared to fight whoever opened the door.
Helena smiled and waved her hand. "Hello, Your Highness!"
Ruby was dumbfounded. "What the hell..."