The Queen Who Shares Love
Chapter 9 The Evil Plan

Charlotte is in her castle garden. He was looking at the flowers blooming. One of the yellow flowers he pulled out. He clenched his hand tightly and opened it. Flower petals falling on the path. He stepped on the flower that was no longer shaped.

All his plans failed. Judith's teachers have fired Leticia. He had spent a lot of money to bribe those teachers. He asked the teachers to teach Judith incorrectly and to punish her for rebelling. Charlotte doesn't want her son to be rivaled by anyone else. He needed to make sure that Judith would not be a stumbling block for Louis. Money matters were not a big deal to her, but Leticia herself was the one teaching her daughter. There was no gap to make Leticia's daughter look stupid. Nor could he get any sympathy from Judith. He wanted to keep Leticia away from his daughter. Judith will side with him eventually.

Although he felt annoyed, he should not show it in front of others. The only regret he showed when he was alone in the room. He calms his mind. Thinking of another way so that there was no barrier for him and Louis. 

Leticia's time will definitely be drained out of educating Judith. Moreover, she also had to do her duty as empress. He would sacrifice one of them. Whatever Leticia sacrifices, Charlotte will benefit. If he sacrificed Judith, then Charlotte could offer to teach the first princess. Of course, not really teaching. If Leticia sacrificed her duties, then the empress' duties would be transferred to Charlotte. Charlotte can lead the public opinion that Leticia is a queen who can not carry out her duties properly.

Charlotte returned to her room with a grin on her face. He won't lose. All his plans will work. Leticia won't be able to do anything.

In this palace Leticia has no power whatsoever. No one would support Leticia. Charlotte will get Leticia out of the palace easily.

***

Judith was in the library alone. Her mother was doing the empress's job. Being alone, he was bored. The book in front of him was no longer interesting. He was looking for another book to read. Some caught his attention. He took the books and put them on the table. 

Someone opened the library door. Judith who saw that person smiled widely. He walked closer to the man.

"What's the father doing in the library?"

Braun smiled holding Judith. "Dad just wants to see his daughter."

Judith hugged her father's neck. Braun took her to the chair where Judith was sitting.

"What did you learn Judith?" ask Braun. He rubbed his daughter's head.

"I learned about imperial history. Then. some territory in the kingdom, and in the law in the Father's empire," replied Judith excitedly.

"You're a smart kid" Braun said. He pulled his hand from Judith's head.

"Of course, it's all because of my mother's upbringing." Judith clasped Braun's hand. He smiled so much that all his teeth were visible. He was happy because his father came. All the boredom he felt disappeared replaced by excitement. He had not seen his father for a long time except at the dinner table. He looks forward to his time with his father.

"Yes, your mother was a great man." 

Silence was between them. Judith wanted to say something but she held him back. Braun just stared at Judith waiting for her daughter to say what was on her mind.

"Dad can I ask you a question?"

"About what?"

"Why did you remarry Empress Charlotte?"

Braun looked surprised at his daughter's question. He holds his lips.

Judith was silent for a moment. He was listening to what his father said. He clasped his hand tightly.

"Then do you still love Mom?"

Braun did not answer Judith's question, he just smiled. 

"Did you love Empress Charlotte?" ask Judith again. He hoped to hear the answer from his father. However, the result is nil.

"It's all the past, Judith. So let's talk about the future. When you grow up, what will you do?" Braun switched the conversation.

"Oh, I've never thought about it until there. Maybe help with Mom and Dad's work."

"You're a great kid, Judith. I'm proud of you. I was hoping to have a child who could protect the empire."

"I promise to protect Father's empire." Judith will grant her father's request. He only wished his father and mother could reunite. With Judith being the protector of the empire, perhaps her father could love her mother again. 

Braun smiled, then hugged his daughter. A smile on Judith's face. Although only briefly he felt happy because he met his father alone. Braun then left Judith. Judith continued her studies. Without knowing what Braun had in mind.

***

"Have you finished the show, Your Majesty?" A woman was waiting in the emperor's study. The woman smiled as she looked at Braun.

"It's exhausting to have a show every day." Braun sat next to the woman. He took the second Queen. Put Charlotte's head on her shoulder.

"I'm also tired, but for sure we'll get results in the future" Charlotte said as she buried her head in Braun's shoulder.

"You're right, honey. We can definitely use those two." Braun stroked Charlotte's head. Charlotte's smile was. They both want to enjoy it as long as possible.

"The child is still useful, but different from Leticia. Judith's easy to fool, but Leticia can get in the way of our plan." Charlotte's smile faded. He looked ahead sharply. 

"I know, but I still need help from Duke Hilbright. I can't shake it easily." Braun realized Charlotte's feelings. He kissed Charlotte's cheek to calm her heart. Charlotte reciprocates Braun's actions. He was holding Braun's neck.

"If Duke Hilbright no longer needs his daughter we can get rid of her," Charlotte said coldly.

"What Duke Hilbright really needs is power. He could get strong support from his granddaughter. I can fool him by giving him the hope that Judith makes a pact with another kingdom" Braun replied.

"He never loved his daughter. Proof he sold his daughter to you. Despite knowing that you're just pretending to love his daughter." Charlotte started to laugh. Realizing Leticia's miserable state.

"I feel sorry for Leticia. But he is still useful to us. He's just a fool. He can only give in to circumstances." Although he seemed concerned, there was no sense of care in Braun's tone. 

They both smile at each other. Think about their plans in the future. The two people were deep in thought. Drowning in the future they expect.