The broken queen

8

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The banquet to celebrate the ascension was bride, and colourful. The palace household staff had done a magnificent job within the short period that they had, and they were glad that it had turned out fine.

Aaron and Irisa had changed into much lighter clothes, done with the official ceremonial garment they had worn throughout the day. The garment and their crowns were very heavy, Irisa wondered how the Empress's dowager would wear it for hours without feeling like her neck was going to snap in two.

She passed her subject a soft easy smile, ministers, duke and Duchess, local government representatives, and the noble's families were all dressed regally and elegantly to fit the leading occasion.

Her mind went back to what she saw in that trance and what Aaron's mother said, 'Be careful, danger lurks everywhere, be careful of new friends that may turn foe,'

Friends may turn foe?! She had no idea who did the woman speak of and why did she see her in the first place? She wasn't Irisa's ancestor, it may no sense to see her in that trance.

She felt a hand placed on her hand and she glanced at her husband, who was smiling softly at her, "Beloved," he said softly, his hands holding her hands tighter

"My lord," she answered back softly, "you have said little since this morning, is something the matter? Are you bothered?"

Irisa blinked and looked away, she thought about it, there was no reason she would keep something like that from him after all, Aaron was her husband, and she was also his mother, but her mouth would not open to say the truth.

"Beloved... Are you hearing me?" Aaron questioned again, with worry in his eyes. She turned to him, "I am fine, I am just exhausted by the day's event, I want to rest, with you by my side," she said with a smile on her face.

"I cannot, my love," he said sympathetically, "what do you mean you cannot?" she asked, her voice rising. "I have much to settle, I have to get to the bottom of the issue that is happening in Novetown, I cannot rest with you tonight."

She pulled her hand away from his, feeling upset. He sighed, "Do not be like this Irisa, the nation needs me," he mumbled.

"I also need you, Aaron, you can leave till tomorrow, nothing will change, it will remain in its place till you return for it, why not take a break, come back with me to my bedchambers, just like the old times." she tried to pause.

"But this is not the old times anymore Irisa, work should be a priority to you and me," he tried to explain.

"Aaron, you will not die if you come back with men to bed! I am your wife and I demand you come back to bed with me!" she withered tells earning the attention of a few of their guest.

"I am sorry, Irisa, I must decline the offer," he stated seriously. She scoffed, shaking her head, and she stood to her feet, Ivanna rushed toward her.

"You excellently!" Ivanna said, "Where are you going Irisa? We are not done here," Irisa scoffed, "anywhere you! I do not want to talk to you anymore!" she turned to Ivanna, who behaved as if she did not hear what Irisa said to the Emperor.

"We shall leave at once and greet our guests," she declared and walked off. Walking around the hall was a different experience, with women and men bowing to her and smiling at her, Ivanna held her hand, helping her to steady, the gown she wore was still very heavy and tighter, she walked toward her family. Her father smiling at her, Jessica had an unreal expression on her face.

When she heard of the power sage and royal drama that occurred, she knew she was in trouble, she could not get her child out of there fast enough. Now they were relegated to a mere prince and princess, although still next in line to the throne, Aaron looked quite healthy.