Rupert watched her go. His face changed to a stony hardness and hatred flowed in the direction of the Queen. "My time is coming, my little queen. Your gardens, all of your lands, will soon be in my hands. Wander to your rooms, wander where you will. IÕll find you when I need to. I have work to do still." And he stalked off, out of the Great Hall.

... as she hurried down the hallway to her own quarters she heard Sir Rupert's voice ahead.

"I tell you," Rupert said in a whisper to a large gathering of men, "she is not in her right mind. The death of the good King has undone her. A ruler cannot spend days alone in the gardens, neglecting the duties of the realm. This will be the ruin of us all. If we are to save this kingdom then she must be removed. And immediately. So...here is my plan.

I will suggest that she take a rest in the mountains. As her entourage travels through the forest. She will have an accident. Wild animals or something, and no one in her party will survive. I will then, with your consent and support, take the reins of government myself. What say you all to that?" "Aye!"

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