The royal messenger has barely closed the saddlebag when a young adult woman in a crimson-and-gold court dress approaches from the castle gate. A narrow scar crosses one eyebrow, and keys hang at her belt.
the royal attendant
Lady Forrest, Queen Theria summons you at once. The notary may examine the dispatch later, under proper witness.
The gate clerk remains at his tollhouse with the signed ledger entry. The royal messenger follows Hazel through the gate, keeping the sealed tube secured beneath her cloak.
the royal attendant
Stay close, my lady. These corridors are guarded, and the Queen wishes to hear your account before the inquiry proceeds.
They pass spear-bearing guards and iron-bound doors into a quiet receiving room. Queen Theria waits beside a long table, her copper-red hair falling in soft waves over a dark blue gown.
An unopened ledger rests before her, its worn cover marked with the name Matre Forrest. The Queen gestures to the chair opposite, while the attendant closes the door.
Queen Theria
Hazel, tell me what you know of Matre's guidance of the first heir, and of any records your family preserved.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Queen Theria's support for the inquiry
“I tell Queen Theria everything I know of Matre's guidance.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +0)
Hazel Forrest
Matre Forrest was the first Duke of our family. I know the histories say he helped keep Athea united after King Ithi's death, while advising the first heir.
Hazel Forrest
The records proving his guidance were believed lost. Our estate in Islesbury holds the only surviving portrait of him, but I know of no preserved testimony there.
Hazel Forrest
On the road, the royal messenger told me witnesses and surviving records now place Matre at the center of a dispute over the succession.
Hazel gives the account plainly, distinguishing family legend from what the messenger reported. Queen Theria listens without interruption, one hand resting beside the worn ledger.
Queen Theria
You have given me the boundary between knowledge and hearsay, and that distinction matters. Did your family preserve any private letters, household accounts, or oral instructions concerning him?
Queen Theria opens the ledger to a marked page. Her expression remains composed, but the royal attendant's fingers tighten around the keys at her belt.
“Does Queen Theria distrust my account?”
NO, AND WORSE (Unlikely, rolled 89)
Queen Theria studies Hazel across the ledger, her expression neither doubtful nor softened. The royal attendant lowers her gaze, as though the page has become suddenly dangerous.
Queen Theria
No, Hazel. I do not distrust your account. I believe you have told me exactly what your family knew.
She turns the marked page toward Hazel. Beneath an old inventory entry, a newer hand has written a terse note bearing the Forrest seal.
Queen Theria
That is worse. This note was found among royal records, and it claims Matre concealed a succession document before his death.
The attendant steps nearer, keys whispering at her belt. Queen Theria places one finger beside the seal, careful not to touch the brittle ink.
Queen Theria
The handwriting may belong to a Forrest secretary, but the seal appears genuine. If this is true, your family estate may hold the missing proof.
Queen Theria
The inquiry can no longer wait for a convenient examination. I must send guards to Islesbury before someone else reaches that portrait and the records beside it.
Director's note
It should be revealed that King Ithi actually named Matre as King in case of his heir's early untimely demise, which comes to pass, as Ithi's son died in a hunting accident young, meaning the Forrest Family are related to the royal family, as Matre's line split to become the modern day royal and for
“I ask what succession document Matre concealed”
SUCCESS (Good Oratory, rolled -2)
Hazel Forrest
What succession document did Matre conceal, Your Majesty?
Queen Theria closes the ledger halfway, then signals the royal attendant to bar the door. The room grows quieter beyond the iron-bound threshold.
Queen Theria
King Ithi named Matre Forrest as king should his heir die before securing the succession. His son died young in a hunting accident.
Queen Theria
The document was his sealed designation, witnessed by the first council. It also records that Matre's bloodline joined the royal line when his descendants divided into two branches.
The royal attendant places a fresh sheet beside the ledger and begins copying the admission. Her quill scratches sharply, making the revelation part of the royal record.
Queen Theria
Our dynasty descends from one branch. Your family descends from the other. If the seal and document are genuine, the Forrest claim is not merely historical.
Queen Theria
I will grant you access to the inquiry, Hazel, but this disclosure binds you to it. From this moment, every Forrest record you present will be examined as evidence, not family property.
Quest Complete
Learn the truth about the succession
Skill Upgrade: Riding Good→Great
Quest Complete
Secure Queen Theria's support for the inquiry
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Great→Superb