Philip spent a while outside the minister's mansion, deep in thought. How was he going to handle this issue? What steps could he take now to protect Patricia? He knew her character well. She could be as stubborn as a mule when she wanted something done.
She had become impatient and had gotten this wild idea. Maybe he could stop her, he thought. At that moment, he had an great plan. He knew one person who could speak sense into Patricia head.
***
Patricia stood before her master, her head bowed. Philip stood by her side, assuming the same posture. Philip had sent word to the master about Patricia's plan. Patricia had been summoned immediately. And when she arrived at the venue, Philip was there waiting.
The master did not look pleased. His voice did not betray his feelings one bit. "In our order, it is wrong to make moves without prior permission, except extreme urgency calls for it."
Patricia raised her head, a daring look in her eyes. She had been keeping this thought in her heart for a long time, and she needed to voice it out. "Does this situation not call for extreme urgency?"
The master's eyes narrowed. "Do you talk back to me?"
"I am so sick of keeping this in my head. You have to hear me out today!" Patricia declared.
A servant at the master's side wanted to throw a spear at Patricia. With a wave of his hand, the master stopped him. "Let her finish. I want to hear all that is in that crazy heart of hers before I punish her."
A brief pause. He continued, "Tell me, naughty girl. What exactly have you always wanted to say to me?"
Patricia cleared her throat. "Ever since I became orphaned and you brought me here, I have always looked up to you. I have always admired you. Yes, you have plans. You have schemes. But I am so tired of waiting for them to come to fruition. I want to be the one to end our wait once and for all. If our purpose is to end the king of Lafenia, then I am ready to make it happen quickly. All I need is to get close to him. All I need is proximity. I will do anything to get rid of the royal family of the kingdom of Lafenia. I will even lay down my life for it. Allow me to go to the palace, to be the concubine of the crown prince."
The master rose to his feet. He walked towards her, and she bowed. "You have gotten bold," he said. "So competent in your abilities. You have really grown up, and now you can call my plans slow? Since you think so much of yourself, I will give you a chance. You will be allowed to take the entrance for the position of the prince's concubine. I will contact my aides in the palace to assist you. You will have your chance. But understand one thing. If you fail, you will die."
Patricia raised her head and stared into the eyes of her master boldly. "I am ready," she answered.
***
Two days later in the minister's household. Gifts upon gifts arrived, and so did guests. All wanting to claim affiliation to Minister Collins' family.
Perry was in her room reading. Her mother walked in, a smile on her lips. Ruby and another maid were by her side. "My dear daughter," Lady Beatrice said.
Perry rose to her feet.
"Everyone wants to see you, honey," Lady Beatrice said.
"I do not think it is appropriate, Mother," Perry responded.
Lady Beatrice sighed. "Of course. You care about the rules so much. You have really made me proud. So, I will not mind your stiffness today. I have brought with me a skilled maid to accompany you into the palace."
"The new one?" Perry asked.
"No, I will keep the new maid. Ruby will follow you to the palace, as your chief maid." Beatrice folded her hands.
"Mom, you might be uncomfortable with someone new," Perry said.
"I will be fine, Perry. I need you to gain a foothold in the palace. The prince will have numerous second wives and concubines. You will need control. Ruby is mature. She knows the way of a harem well. She will be of tremendous help to you. Always remember, your stability is our family's stability," Lady Beatrice said.
Perry smiled, "Speaking about our family's stability, is Margaret going to join the prince's harem? I was told she has been troubling Dad all morning in his study."
***
Patricia was in the servant's shared room. She lay on the bed in thought. She had lied to be sick. She wanted to be alone so that she could think. She heard footsteps and closed her eyes.
"I do not believe you are sleeping," the voice said.
Patricia recognized Mabel's voice. She opened her eyes slowly. "I am not feeling well. Say what you want and leave."
Mabel smiled cunningly, "I saw what you did. You put coal on Lady Margaret's way. You were the cause of the...mishap."
Patricia frowned, "I do not know what you are talking about."
Mabel would not give up. "I will go tell Lady Margaret about what I saw."
Patricia did not believe her, "Well, you have not gone yet. You want something. I know that. Since you stepped in here, this place has smelt of fish. Rotten fish. So, do me a favor. Tell me what you want and let me get back to my rest."
"You are really smart," Mabel said. "Since you know why I am here, there is no need to beat around the bush. I'll cut to the chase. I need money, jewelry, and anything valuable."
Patricia leaned on one elbow, "Why should I give you all you request?"
"Because I caught you red-handed, and I can expose what you did to Lady Margaret. She is in a very bad mood now. She would deal with you mercilessly if you are exposed," Mabel was getting impatient.
Patricia smiled, "Chill, Mabel. I did not say I would withhold granting your request. In fact, I am grateful you did not report me. That means you are a very good person. What I meant was this: I want to know the real reason you want these items. I may be able to help in more than valuables. Since you have been so good to me, I should be able to do more."
Patricia's words and beautiful smile pierced Mabel's heart, and she blurted, "I want to bribe the palace eunuch who comes to the mansion often. I want to enter the palace as one of the prince's concubines. I want to join the selection."
Patricia's smile widened, but her heart uttered a different remark. "What a dream. How dare you try to drain me to get into the palace? We will see how far you can keep this...dream."
Patricia then opened her mouth and said, "Mabel! That's great. I am so excited for you. In fact, I am ready to help. I am sure the prince will fall in love with you the moment he sets his eyes on you. Just make sure you do not forget me when you get to the top."
Mabel smiled, "When do I get the items, Patricia?"
Patricia sat up, "I will do one thing. I will pack up all my jewels and give them to you by midnight when no one is awake. I stored up some stuff under the soil in the garden. If others see me during the day, they might take it away, right? It might get stolen."
Mabel nodded with understanding.
Mabel left a few minutes later, and Patricia suddenly felt the urge to visit Lady Margaret's chamber.