The King's True Queen (Completed)

Chapter 16. 1811

Over the next several weeks, Serafina kept a close watch on Esther to make sure she didn't try anything with Alexander. It was quite clear that the queen wasn't going to take any of Lady Parker's nonsense. She was going to make sure that no one touched Alexander except her.

For his part, Alexander never allowed Esther more than 2 feet away from him. He didn't allow her to make any advances, much less try to touch or kiss him. He wasn't going to be unfaithful to his queen, especially when she was nearing her confinement. He hated Esther, and didn't want her anywhere near him. And he made sure she knew it.

By the beginning of September, Serafina was confined to her chamber. But that didn't stop her from having her principal lady in waiting, Margaret, keep tabs on Esther and her whereabouts. Thankfully, Esther hadn't tried to take advantage of Alexander again after that incident in the office. But that didn't mean she wasn't trying, and Serafina was on the verge of losing it with her.

Two weeks after going into confinement, Serafina was reading a book when she heard Margaret come into the room. She put her book down and looked at her. "Yes Margaret?"

Margaret took a breath. "Your majesty, it seems Esther has managed to worm her way into the Kings office."

Serafina growled viciously. "Tell me that you stopped her."

Margaret smiled deviously. "Don't you fret your majesty, I didn't do anything of the sort. The king stopped her before she could make a move. She is packing her bags and leaving Windsor castle as we speak."

Serafina exhaled with relief. "Thank goodness, I'm glad he was able to send her away. Was there a reason for it, aside from the obvious?"

Margaret. "There was your majesty. It seems Esther had her eyes not only on the king, but on his younger brother David as well. It seems she was trying to prevent David from being with your sister."

Serafina felt her heart drop into her stomach. She knew David and Caroline had been together for the last several months, madly in love with one another in fact. They were engaged, due to be married in November. Esther had tried to sabotage their romance? She looked at Margaret Square in the eyes. "What did David do with her?"

Margaret. "His Royal highness didn't do anything with her your majesty. All he did was push her away when she tried to advance on him, stating that he didn't want anything to do with her. He went and told Alexander immediately, and the king has ordered Esther to leave."

Serafina. "Praise be to the heavens that woman is gone. I won't have to worry about her making advances on my husband or preventing my sister from receiving the happiness she rightfully deserves."

Margaret. "Exactly. I do hope you're feeling well your majesty. I'm sure this hasn't been easy for you."

Serafina gave her a soft smile. "I am better now that I know Esther Parker is no longer going to be a presence in this castle."

Margaret. "I am relieved of that as well."

The two women exchanged a smile before Margaret turned and left the room. She was delighted that Esther was no longer going to be a part of Serafina's court, much less be in the hallways of the castle. She hated that woman, as did everyone else. Good riddance she was gone.

Picking up her book, Serafina continued reading, her thoughts wandering back to where she had left off in the story. She was relieved that Esther was no longer going to be near her or Alexander. She was no longer going to be walking the halls of Windsor Castle, nor was she going to be sticking her nose into other peoples business. She felt the child kick, and smiled down at her swollen abdomen. Three more weeks and the child would be born. She couldn't wait to meet the baby that she and Alexander had created together. They both had a feeling it was going to be a boy, but of course the gender didn't matter as long as the child was healthy. However, if they did have a son, the Windsor succession would be secure. But they wouldn't know until the day arrived.