Queendom at Dusk

Chapter Eight: Gemma

Gemma wakes up in the queen-size bed with the fluffy sheets next to Cal. The light coming from the windows that look out to the Patio brushes her eyelashes and warms her skin. Is it light from the rising sun or the glowing tree? Cal is still sleeping. Gemma smiles at the small puddle of drool he has formed, and strokes his cheek. After what happened yesterday, she is thankful to have him.

She gets dressed, trying not to wake him, and sneaks out to the hall, looking for some breakfast. She runs into a servant.

"Oh dearest Gemma, you could have rung! Go back and relax, I will bring your tray in just a minute."

"No, it's okay, Sam, I can have breakfast with everyone else."

Sam bows and goes away, but Gemma stops her as she realises she is standing in front of the beautiful garden.

"Sam, what is this magical tree?"

They both look out the window, and the servant scoffs.

"Why, this is the Tree of Life, of course!"

They turn to each other.

"It casts the holy light of the Gods," she says, looking deep into Gemma's eyes. She bows and retires before Gemma can ask any other question. She spends a few seconds pondering over this information as the morning sun tries to outshine the Tree of Life. Her stomach rumbles, and she makes her way to the dining room.

As she steps into the gigantic room, she is surprised to see the Queen isn't there, but the King, Maya and Leo are eating breakfast together. Maya is delighted to see her. Leo politely smiles, and Gemma greets the King with a bow. He nods.

"Where is the Queen?"

"Still in bed", the King says. "I'll manage the queenly tasks this morning."

Can royal duties really be taken on by a man?

"How did you sleep, Gemma?" Maya says, excited. "We had a lovely night! It's so luxurious there! There's no better place to spend your pregnancy!"

"Is there, indeed?", Gemma answers ironically.

She helps herself with some fruit.

"We should go and swim together in the pond," Maya says before Gemma even got to taste her food. "Have you seen it? It makes the Capital so unique. They say it's good for the baby."

She is definitely waiting for an answer.

"Um, yes, why not!" Gemma says, her mouth full.

Maya seems pleased. Her blonde hair is just so perfect; not one lock out of place. She notices Gemma staring. Her eyes are also like infinite ponds. Gemma gets back to her breakfast, blushing. She doesn't speak for the rest of the morning, but Maya does. She goes on and on about how happy they are, in a very one-sided conversation with the King. The latter finishes his breakfast and excuses himself to go check on the Queen. The royal couple don't come up as particularly affectionate, but Gemma figures they have to pretend somewhat. They say if not for love, we partner up as a team. Her thoughts go to Cal. Is he a partner or a lover?

"Well," Maya says. "We have a lot of things to discover in the Capital. See you later!"

The Queen lets them wander about freely... But Gemma knows they are watched and doesn't trust this freedom. Maya and Leo leave, and Cal joins Gemma in the dining room. She feels like this is another opportunity to bond again. He pours himself some orange juice and smiles faintly when he notices Gemma is looking at him.

"Can't stand her," she says.

"Can you?" He smirks.

"Spreading her excess of happiness like that... Isn't she concerned about why we're pregnant?"