Seventeen Imagines III

#98 "The Queen's wish"

"Let me date another man," (Y/n) wished to her husband, the highest person in the kingdom, King Arthur.

The king who's wearing red cloak around him and a gold crown has sent curious stare to his queen. He was adored and respected by his people in his country, and even by the neighboring kingdoms. Yet despite of those, the queen seek something that King Arthur can't give.

"Since we are going to separate soon, please grant my request of dating another men during my stay in the palace. That is my only and last request, you're highness." She looked at him with her brilliant eyes that are prettier than all of the jewels she's wearing. Diamond ring, sapphire hemline and peacock feathers on her blue dress, they can't exceed the queen's beauty at all.

'Does she look pretty like this everyday?' the king wondered while looking at his queen. But even if he think she does, it won't change his decision of their upcoming divorce.

"Are you saying that you will stain my image by displaying such impurity inside my palace? You know how nobles will react if news like this break out. You, my queen, will face more hardships than me if that happened," King Arthur advised.

The queen kept her head down as she replied, "I will do my best to keep this a secret. No word will escape, not from my lady-in-waiting, my servants and other people inside the queen's palace. In case there is, I will accept any punishment for ruining the king's image."

Since it's the first time (Y/n) requested something from her husband, maybe he should grant her request. And so, King Arthur replied while heaving a sigh, "Okay. I will legally allow you to date other men. But in exchange, I'll choose the men personally. Is that okay with you?"

(Y/n) stood up then knelt down, raising the hemline of her dress. "Praise the sun of the kingdom. I am thankful for receiving your blessings."

King Arthur turned around and left the queen's chamber without adding more words to say. As if the world revolves by a single flick of his fingers, the queen received a notice by the king that she will meet the first man who'll accompany her tonight.

Excited, the maids did their best to doll up the queen. Even with just a night gown, nothing can hide her beauty. But if they surrounded her with beautiful materials, it's enough to blind anyone's eyes. Although she won't meet the king and they can't give her too lavish outfit, the lady-in-waiting still did a good job.

"You're majesty, you are so pretty. I thought I'm looking at an angel," one of her maid praised, followed by multiple compliments from others.

Their praises put smiles on her lips, but when she looked at herself in the mirror, she saw nothing but the most pathetic woman in the kingdom. She, who's wearing expensive clothes that no commoner would dare to have, thinks that her life is far from being special; it's dull.

"Please excuse me you're majesty, but the man the king sent for you is waiting outside the door. Should I ask him to wait at the guest room?" a maid entered with this information.

Queen (Y/n) raised her hand to signal her lady-in-waiting. "No need. Let him enter my room."

One by one, the maids and lady in waiting left her. Inside the room has scented candles, rose petals, wines and foods. It seem everyone put their best to grant the most romantic night that will satisfy their master's desire. However...

"I greet the Queen of Aizhirt kingdom," the man greeted while kneeling down. He knelt with one knee, as if he's a weaponless knight pledging his loyalty to his one and only maiden. But instead of a knight uniform, he wears clothing made of velvet, silks and taffeta. He looks far from the lower social classes.