<h4>Chapter 637: Oppositions Arising (VII)</h4>


    <strong><i>[Third Person].</i></strong>


    The sky had turned a soft shade of gold as evening settled over Stormveil.


    Meredith still sat at the small table on the garden terrace when Helena arrived. And the moment she saw her, her face brightened.


    "Helena," she greeted warmly, and Helena bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty."


    Meredithughed softly and gestured toward the seat beside her. "If you keep addressing me like that when we are alone, I might start thinking you no longer like me."


    Helena’s lips curved into a small smile as she sat down. "Old habits are difficult to break."


    Light refreshments had already been arranged—tea, small pastries, and sliced fruit as soon as Meredith got word that Helena would be entering the pce in the evening.


    For a while, the conversation between the women remained light. They spoke about Helena’s new responsibilities as Luna of the Mystic Furs pack, about Dennis’ chaotic leadership style, and a few amusing stories about the warriors under hismand.


    Meredithughed more than once. It was a wee distraction.


    After finishing their snacks, they decided to take a walk through the pce gardens.


    The evening breeze was gentle, rustling through the hedges and tall trees lining the stone paths. For several minutes, they walked infortable silence. Then Helena spoke.


    "There are rumours spreading among the people," she said carefully.


    Meredith did not react immediately. "What kind of rumours?" she asked calmly.


    Helena hesitated for a moment before answering. "They are spreading like a pandemic. Many people are talking about your fae powers."


    Then, she continued slowly, choosing her words carefully. "Some are saying you are more powerful than the King... and that one day you might overthrow him."


    Meredith listened without interrupting, so Helena took that as a cue to continue.


    "Others are bringing up the old story about you being cursed by the Moon Goddess. They say perhaps the curse existed because of your fae blood."


    The garden path fell quiet again, but Meredith did not look troubled. Instead, she looked thoughtful.


    After a moment, she said, "Someone is adding fuel to the fire. The rumours spread too quickly for it to be natural," Meredith continued. "Someone is pushing them forward."


    Helena nodded in agreement. "That was my thought as well." Then she looked at her carefully. "Are you not worried?"


    Meredith smiled faintly. "I anticipated this," she said calmly. "Though not the speed." Then she paused briefly before adding, "And just a few hours ago, a servant under my roof reacted with such fear as if I would take her life for spilling tea."


    Helena frowned slightly. "So the fear has already reached the pce."


    Meredith nodded, and Helena exhaled softly. "The rumours should still be addressed," she said. "Public opinion can be dangerous if ignored for too long. If the narrative settles in people’s minds, it bes harder to changeter."


    Meredith suddenly halted, and Helena looked at her with curiosity. Then, Meredith’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement.


    "You sound as if you already have a solution."


    Helena smiled. "Of course, I do."


    Meredith tilted her head. "I suspected as much."


    Helena continued confidently. "The same way the rumours spread, is the same way the narrative can be changed."


    Meredith said nothing, watching her.


    "I have been interacting with many people for years," Helena exined. "Especially the women. Markets, gatherings, charity circles. Word spreads quickly through thoseworks."


    Meredith’s eyes squinted slightly as realization dawned. She already understood Helena’s n.


    "If someone used whispers to poison public opinion, then whispers can also restore it." Then Helena added gently, "You do not need to worry, your majesty. My people and I will handle the rumours."


    She paused before finishing, "I only need your permission."


    Meredith remained silent for a moment as she examined Helena closely. Helena was not only seemingly capable; she was genuinely capable.


    Finally, Meredith nodded. "You have my permission."


    Helena’s smile widened slightly.


    "And my thanks," Meredith added sincerely.


    Helena bowed her head slightly. "Thank you for trusting me."


    Meredith chuckled softly before reaching out and taking Helena’s hands. "Then I suppose I should wish you luck."


    Helenaughed quietly. "Luck won’t be necessary."


    They resumed walking together. After a moment, Meredith changed the subject. "Will you stay for dinner?"


    Helena shook her head with a yful smile. "No. I already have ns with Dennis."


    Meredithughed. "I see."


    And for a brief moment, despite the storm quietly brewing in Stormveil, the evening felt peaceful.


    ---


    On the other hand, the Carter household was unexpectedly lively that evening. Laughter—cutting and harsh—resounded through the sitting room.


    Mabel loungedfortably on one of the armchairs, a ss of wine in her hand, her posture rxed in a way it rarely was.


    Across from her, Monique sat elegantly with her legs crossed, while Gary leaned against the back of a chair, clearly in high spirits.


    The topic of their conversation needed no guessing.


    "Have you heard how far the rumours have spread?" Monique asked with a faint smirk.


    Gary chuckled. "I heard hunters arguing about it in the marketce this morning."


    Mabel lifted her brows with mock surprise. "Already?"


    Gary nodded eagerly. "Oh yes. People are talking about nothing else. Some are even saying the throne should never have allowed someone like her to be Queen."


    Mabel took a slow sip of her wine, hiding the satisfaction rising in her chest. <i>’So it was working,’ </i>she thought to herself, seeing that the rumours were spreading faster than she had expected.


    Monique leaned forward slightly, her tone dripping with amusement. "Imagine that. Our dear sister, the Queen of Stormveil... turning out to be something else entirely."


    Gary scoffed. "A half-fae ruling werewolves. What a joke."


    Mabel let out a lightugh. "Well," she said casually, "the people are already starting to see the truth."


    Monique tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the arm of her chair. "How long do you think it will take before the council steps in?"


    Gary shrugged. "Days? Perhaps a week." Just then, his grin widened. "The elders are old and stubborn. There is no way they will ept a fae sitting on the throne."


    Mabel leaned backfortably, clearly enjoying the conversation. "I wonder what the pce looks like right now," she said thoughtfully. "The King must be furious."


    Gary snorted. "Serves him right."


    Monique smirked. "He married her. Now he will have to deal with the consequences."


    Mabel’s eyes gleamed faintly. Then she spoke with deliberate satisfaction. "Well," she said slowly, "if things continue this way..."


    She paused for effect before finishing, "Meredith might be the first Queen in the history of Stormveil to be disgracefully dethroned."


    Gary burst intoughter while Monique shook her head with quiet amusement. "That would certainly be memorable."


    Gary leaned forward, clearly enjoying the thought. "Imagine the humiliation."


    Mabel said nothing more. She simply swirled the wine in her ss, watching the red liquid move slowly along the ss walls.


    Inside, she felt nothing but satisfaction. Everything was unfolding exactly as nned. And the best part?


    Neither Monique nor Gary had the slightest idea that the very rumour they were celebrating had begun with her.