So! She was to become queen... and now the traitors among these people would be busy trying to find a way to free her or to bring her parents back with another army to chase me out? Hmm. What should my next step be?

"Cleo, I want you to find those guards who would have helped you, and bring them before me in the court this afternoon. I wish to learn where those faithful to your father would be found. You can understand how that could make ruling easier, and my kingdom more secure?"

"And while we are talking about it, do you expect your parents to return with conquering armies to try to take the kingdom back?"

I sat to wait for the guards, and for the answer to the question I would get when she returned with the guards.