Dragonworld: The Drive For Power

Part 16: Court Intrigue

Two faces of a lady 

Lady Estera basked in the gentle warmth of the morning sun, her gaze drifting across the sprawling gardens that unfurled before her. The country palace, just an hour's carriage ride from the city, was her sanctuary, her place to breathe.

Only there could she truly relax. As the queen, the main wife of the king, she had to put on two faces. One, public, shown to the outside. The second, the private one was rare, reserved for only a few people, and places. The country palace was one of the few places where she could show her real self.

Sitting in an opulent leather seat placed outside, she observed in peace, her mind taking in the beauty around her. The great gardens surrounding the palace stretched out as far as the eye could see. 

Her eyes would often zero in on many of the fine details. Neatly arranged flower beds, bursting with colors, lined the well-kept pathways. Marble fountains adorned with sculptures stood as focal points, placed where different paths met. 

Her favorite one was the one all the way in the back, next to the patch where the servants grew vegetables for the palace's kitchens. She would often go there, to just sit and observe, watching them toil away in the fields. 

To get there, you needed to pass through lanes lined with intricately designed hedges and shrubs. Gardeners would spend days cutting them, creating all kinds of different shapes. Each corner of the garden held its own charm, from secluded benches for quiet contemplation to open spaces for gatherings.

She often liked to just wander around and explore. The air always carried a pleasant mix of different odors, especially when everything was in bloom. 

As she sat there, Lady Estera took a deep breath. She always loved the smell.

"Mother, I am here," said a voice from behind.

She turned to see her son, Plamus the Younger. He stood there, dressed in a white shirt embroidered with gold. The pants were narrow, ending where thick black boots began.

Lady Estera waved.

"Mother, I bring you some news," said young Plamus.

She motioned for him to speak.

"There is trouble stirring up on our northern borders," said the prince.

"What type of trouble? Hope nothing too serious," the queen's brows furrowed, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at her son.

"Nothing we can't take care of. Just some peasants have armed themselves, and burned down buildings in a village. They are in rebellion against the king. Reports say they were probably paid off by agents from Baudan," said Plamus.

"Oh no. Have troops been dispatched to restore order?" The queen had a worried look on her face.

"They are being sent as we speak. I am to join them," said the prince.

"Be careful, son," the tone of the voice betrayed a certain anxiety. "Please." 

"Don't worry, mother. I can take care of myself. If I am to be the ruler of these lands someday, I need to show the will to lead," replied Plamus.

"I know. It's that you are my son and I worry."

"There is no need to worry. We are strong, and we will crush them. The perpetrators will be punished. That's what we will do. It will be quick and easy," said the prince, resolve in his voice.

His mother looked at him, not saying a word. When a bond between the mother and her children is strong, no words are needed. Her heart jumped every time she saw him.