As soon as Albert saw the church envoys out, he welcomed new guests—the potential City lords the queen would be choosing.
Albert waited for their carriages to arrive, letting some in with a slight bow.
"Please wait patiently until everyone arrives, then I'll take you all in," Albert requested politely.
"There's no need to be so formal; I don't mind waiting," a woman said with a warm, respectful smile. She didn't dare look down on Albert despite his servant status.
Albert had served two queens before the current one stepped down—giving him influence in certain matters of the kingdom.
"Sir, do you know why the queen summoned us?"
The woman stepped closer to the dome, speaking in a whisper—her fingers curled tightly around a bulging pouch.
Albert's smile didn't waver at the sight of her attempted bribe.
"Madam, you'll find out once you're inside."
His cryptic words made her warm smile falter slightly, but she quickly recovered and returned to the crowd of waiting women.
