"Greetings Your Majesty." The servants would kneel down in respect each time she passed down the hallways and corridors. At this time, she had grown accustomed. She cast them a glance and nodded in assent when she saw how they were now fewer compared to before, and they also wore frugal clothes and not bright clothes as per instructions.
"Helki, report." Her voice sounded commanding but not overbearing. The servants found it an overwhelming yet curious contrast. For Helki, however, she too was accustomed to it.
"Your Majesty, I have already cut down your servants as per your order."
"Mm, any complaints?"
Well, there were some, but Helki already suppressed it before it grew bigger. They were not worth mentioning, she thought, and so she blurted out a soft, "None, Your Majesty."
"Other major concerns?"
"Your Majesty, well, Duke Janro sent a gift."
"Oh? What that might be I suppose? Bring it to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Helki signaled Eunuch Ferro, who bowed and quickly left, returning shortly with a medium-sized box in his hand. He handed it over to Helki, which then passed into the sovereign. She opened it hastily. Immediately, the hallways were filled with her waves of laughter.
"Your Majesty? May I be so bold as to ask...what is inside?" Helki carefully prodded.
"It is indeed a gift from Duke Janro," answered the queen with a satirical smile. "Always surprises his kings with the most thoughtful presents. My royal father used to like his presents too." She looked up as if reminiscing about the past.
Helki slowly understood.
"This must be then, an indirect message for Your Majesty." Immediately, a woman came approaching them, her voice too loud to ignore. She was dressed in light blue-colored robes, blending with the color of the bright skies today. The material was lightweight, and seemingly floating as each step was taken by her. The neckline covered her entire nape and the intricate patterns of white lilies were truly remarkable, her overall appearance suggested otherworldliness.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." She flirtatiously glanced at Kanaise. Kanaise shook her head in return and laughed once again.
"Truly, aside from Duke Janro, only you Emira can make me laugh like this."
"I must be a really terrible, awful, and close-minded old hag then."
Emira did not wait for Kanaise to let her take a peek and just removed the top case for everyone to see. She too laughed hard once she saw it. Helki was not surprised at all when she saw it, and her face turned grim and gloomy.
"Well, maybe let us focus more closely on the beauty of the gift and not the giver. Even if we do try to focus on his beauty, we will not be able to concentrate that much," Emira replied, laughing once again along with Kanaise. The gift was simply herbs and tonics that were famous for inducing pregnancy. As if that was not potent enough, the package included a statue of Arantea, the pregnant deity, who was the goddess of love and fertility. There was also a small letter attached which Emira read aloud, "May the gods bless you with a healthy child. The future of our country depends on it. Your Humble Official, Janro."
"Apparently, Grandfather Janro cannot wait for another year." Emira chuckled. Kanaise hushed her even though she found it still funny. "How come he expects Your Majesty to be pregnant with no husband at all? He is being ridiculous. He meant to persuade you to marry."
Persuade? More like pressure.
"Now, everyone here heard it today. My dear officials are now scratching their butts and running around the Throne Room. They want an heir as soon as possible. I just wonder if any of you has suggestions for good-looking males?" Kanaise said, and the servants all smiled and started whispering to one another.
YOU ARE READING
The King is a Woman (Crepusculum)
General FictionMen of the Haven Sanctum, you only have two purposes. And that is first: to attend to Her Majesty, make sure her fleshly desires are satisfied, and her mood is always vibrant. And second, to give your seeds and plant them in Her Majesty's honored wo...
