During the funeral of the slain Prince Edward, heir apparent to the throne, the nobles of Albion convene to debate whether Princess Mary, second in line, or Duke Richard of Arkham, third in line, should ascend. They also consider the role that the Duke of Normandy might play. The funeral rites are solemn, yet the political tension is palpable as the kingdom mourns its lost prince. The Duke of Arkham questions Princess Mary whether she will align with him or the Norman duke, probing her loyalty in a time of uncertainty. Though determined to reshape society toward equality, Princess Mary is unsettled by Arkham"s presence, the man who orchestrated Edward"s murder. Meanwhile, Ange and Dorothy are tasked with infiltrating as Mary"s attendants to probe the royal household under Commonwealth oversight, gathering intelligence on the inner workings of the court. Mary feels crushed and drained by the burden of being next in line, her spirit weary from relentless scrutiny. As turmoil engulfs succession, Arkham"s scheme finally takes shape, a plot that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the realm. The shadow that lurks in Albion grows darker, threatening to engulf Team White Pigeon and the fragile hope of a peaceful reign.
