THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 2

" The party was a success grandfather," Fabian said after wiping his mouth with a napkin.
" I agree. I believe that it brought you closer to the nobles. They will surely be on your side and help you build the kingdom. They seemed impressed by you," Therese said.
" I hope so too. The kingdom hasn't been doing well and I really hope to bring it to its former glory, "the king said." What do you say Astrid ?"
" I believe that it will rise again and other kingdoms won't look down on us. We need a strategy to maintain good relations with the people. Having their support is key. We could then align our kingdom with another. A stronger and big kingdom will surely grant us the power we need. The neighbouring kingdoms will also think twice about invading or raiding the villages on the borders. Our army could also be improved. Let the soldiers have better wages and give them our support. That way, we'll be doing a good job."
" Did you hear that Aretha ? You need to learn more from Astrid. Fabian will be king one day and he's also trying to learn but what about you ?All you do is play your violin and worry about your looks and not pay attention to state affairs. You should know that as a princess and much more as my granddaughter, you must be intelligent. You could become a queen consort in some other nation and I shall not have such a queen who shall pass her days floating around the castle come from my family. Did you get it ?"
" Yes grandfather. I understand," Aretha replied with her eyes on the table.
" Now get up and go read more books. You are always quiet whenever we discuss these matters."
Aretha put her cup aside, stood up and walked out of the room after curtsying to the king. When out of the room, she angrily wiped her tears then looked back at the room before leaving.
" You shouldn't have been rude to her," Charles said.
" I agree father. I don't like how you treat her at all. She needs love and guidance," Therese seconded Charles.
" I don't have time to discuss this. We have work to do in the study room." With this, the king stood up and left. Astrid and Fabian had grown used to this harsh treatment on their cousin but they couldn't do a thing about it. Their mother and father weren't successful despite their attempts to convince him not to treat Aretha badly to no avail. Fabian and Therese followed the king while Astrid looked at her father. The two were the closest in the family.
" I think Aretha needs us right now. We should go see her," Charles told his daughter.
" I don't like how he treats her at all. It is not fair but he won't even give me the time of day," Astrid replied.
The two went outside and found Aretha at the garden. This was where she liked to spend her time. She was looking at the lovely gardenias.
" Don't pay him much attention," Astrid said as she placed her hand on Aretha's shoulder." You are a smart person and very much worthy to be part of this family."
" I'm used to it Astrid. He's always picking on me."
Charles sat down on the bench beside Aretha and Luciana appeared informing Astrid that she was needed in the study by the king. They both left together.
" See, Astrid is so important. She's always summoned to help grandfather but I'm always left out. It's always about Astrid," Aretha sulked.
"Just ignore him. I'm sure that he'll see your worth someday."
"No." Aretha stood up. "I'm not talking about his love alone. Astrid has everything. She is his favourite and he puts in no effort to hide it. She gets away with the things she does wrong but I don't. He teases me and makes me feel inferior all the time. I don't even remember when he was loving towards me but look at Astrid. She's so bright, intelligent, carefree and everybody loves her."
" Don't be jealous of her. She also has her own fair share of troubles too. It's just that she masks them well and if the king does not love you, then I will give you my love to compensate his. Your aunt and I love you very much. You may be our niece but having you treat us as your parents is one of the many things we want you to enjoy. You are part of this family and we are proud of you so do not be sad. Alright?"
In as much as Charles had a tainted reputation for not being faithful to his wife, he was a very loving father to his children.
After a while, he managed to convince Aretha to go rest in her room.