The Royals of Silvercrest

32

Queen Celeste's POV:

Sitting inside my chambers surrounded by my ladies, I cannot get my mind off of Princess Ruby. It had been over several hours and there had been no word. King Shane still had yet to return. I sit in my chair, quil in hand as I continue writing the letter I'd been working on for days.

Know that no matter what happens, I shall do whatever is necessary to protect you from whomever should be cruel enough to wish harm upon you. You shall never have to doubt my love for it is infinite.

Love,

Queen Celeste,

Your Mother

I carefully fold the parchment, slipping it into an envelope. Pouring wax onto the envelope, I press my seal into it. Turning to one of my ladies, Lady Eliana, I tell her to put it somewhere safe and to be discreet and say nothing of it's existence. In truth, the relationship between the King and I had been unstable at best, ever since I'd learned of Lady Giselle's existence. I'd asked around discreetly and found she'd been in his company from before we'd wed and still is now. To make the situation worse, he'd given her a position as one of my ladies. Now I was around her all the time. I glance at her now where she stands, preparing the gowns for tomorrow. Just then, I notice her grab the back of a chair, her hand covering her mouth.

"Lady Giselle?" I call out

She doesn't move.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"When you have a moment, come here."

"Yes, Your Grace."

She remains there a moment whilst she composes herself.

Then she stands and makes her way over to me, curtsying.

Looking about at my other ladies, I tell them to clear the room.

They curtsy and make their way out.

I focus on Giselle.

"Lady Giselle, are you well?"

"I am not with illness, Your Grace. I swear."

"Look at me."

Her eyes meet mine.

I think for a moment, choosing my words carefully.

What I am about to do could mean my death.

I am young it is true but I had witnessed from my parents, a healthy relationship and reign.

What I have is the furthest from.

To accuse such a thing of my husband ...

It could bring everything to an end...

"I will ask you this once and you will speak plainly and of what I suspect is to be true, you shall not breathe a word of it on the punishment of execution."

I watch as she trembles at this.

She is young, not much off in age from myself.

I know she has no choice in the role she plays.

We are two sides of the same coin.

Doomed to the will of men.

"Do you understand?" I ask

She sniffles, tears in her eyes.

"I understand, Your Grace."

"Are you carrying my husband's child?"

Her eyes widen with fear, mouth agape.

She thought she'd hidden it well, clearly.

"I recognize the signs well, Lady Giselle."

I hope with all my being I am wrong.

That I had misread the signs.

She looks back up from the ground.

She wipes her tears away with her hands.

"I am, Your Majesty."