Of The Rose

Five

Piper

Even though Piper made sure to check the directions written on the back of the paper multiple times she still felt like she was a turn away from getting lost. As she navigates the halls, her mind wanders, wondering why Beryl wants to see her. After multiple wrong turns, Piper was sure she managed to find her way to the tea room Beryl left directions for. The door was dark ebony with a polished gold doorknob. Unsure of why she led her there Piper knocked on the door twice.

"You may enter." A voice said from inside the room, Beryl's voice. Piper proceeded with caution, she's not all too trustful of these people.

"Please, take a seat." Beryl gestured to the empty couch in front of her, across the table. "It's nice to see you again, Lady McLean."

"As it is to see you, your majesty" Piper gave a slight curtsy before sitting down in the chair. "What gives me the honor to see you again?"

"I've been meaning to have this discussion with you ever since you arrived yesterday but you just seemed so exhausted, I didn't want to bother you." Beryl poured two cups of tea from the teapot. "Some things have been brought to my attention, not major things, very minuscule things actually but I just want to address them."

"What would the issue be?" Piper hasn't even been here a full 48 hours and she's getting scolded by the Queen.

"Just wedding details. You see, I've been told that you've been having some disagreements with my son about the venue. I was consulted as a second opinion naturally and I chose indoors, I hope you don't mind." Beryl took a sip from her teacup. Piper noticed that she didn't test the tea or anything, just drank it. In Codevia people are more wearily when it comes to accepting foods and drinks, but Codevia is known for its potent poisons, which play a big role. "I want to talk about some more traditional ways of Heolux. I understand you are accustomed to doing things differently at home but here we have different sets of rules."

"And I do realize that but I ask where this is coming from, your majesty?"

"The tea room rule was recently changed today," Beryl said. "It was out of the blue and by my son Jason. I find it odd because he's never had a problem with it until now. I believe you have something to do with it.

'Well, he works fast.' Piper thought to herself. "I did request for him to remove the rule earlier. I don't see a problem with this.

"Ah," Beryl clicked her tongue. "But there is. I've worked hard to put this kingdom where it is and on your first day you're making my son change rules."

"You see, I didn't force him to do anything. I will admit, I possibly did influence his choice by recommending the change. The decision was completely up to your son."

Beryl's eyes darted from Piper to her cup, "I've noticed you haven't touched your tea, it'd be a shame for it to go to waste."

"I don't have much of an appetite these days."

"Really? Well, I hope this isn't an issue, we want you to be in your best shape these next few weeks. Speaking of health, how are you doing?" Beryl lowered her voice a level when asking this last question. "Are you fertile?"

Piper found this to be quite an invasive question. "Yes, my doctors say I am completely healthy."

Beryl sighed. "Well this is a relief, you can have children and continue the legacy that carries this kingdom. I was afraid, if not then you would have to claim and adopt my son's mistress' child as the next heir."

Children? They aren't even married and this is what she's talking about. This is only a marriage of convenience, so Piper will probably end up having to adopt his mistress' child in the long shot. But is this what they see Piper as, just a person to carry on the legacy, a human incubator? Piper let out a burst of nervous laughter as a way to settle herself down.