The Royals of Silvercrest

34

Queen Celeste's POV:

Sitting in the lounge room surrounded by my ladies, I take another long sip of wine as the music plays, taking a moment to rest whilst I watch my ladies twirl about elegantly, spinning around one another, moving close to one another before spinning away slowly, hands raised at their sides. They are graceful with each step, blue dresses shimmering in the light of the fireplace.

I smile, enjoying my peace.

I take another swig, trying to forget my troubles.

I'd sent out spies to find word on the household.

On Lady Giselle.

On my husband.

I'd summoned a handful of trusted souls in the deadness of night to my chambers, swearing them to secrecy and discretion. They all swore to their loyalty and then went about their task: finding as much information as possible. King Shane spent most of his time away as of late, riding off on dragonback, spending time at his other estates and using his Kingly duties to avoid me entirely. I wasn't sure if he knew about Giselle's condition.

I hoped word wouldn't get back to him.

For now, I try to find as much joy as I can here.

I'd spent many nights happy, dancing at court, greeting my people and enjoying watching the knights sword fight in the courtyard.

I had enjoyed everything in my life.

Until I found out the King had another.

Could he replace me as Queen?

Will he stay away forever?

My thoughts continue to spin even as the music flows.

What will our future hold?

What of my child?

I blink back my frustrated tears, rejoining my ladies.

What will happen to Lady Giselle and her child?

Then an idea comes to mind.
I hold up a hand and the musicians stop playing their instruments. My ladies stop in their routine, turning to face me.

"Clear the room please. Send for my Knight please." I say

"Yes, Your Majesty." They all say curtsying

"Be well, Your Majesty." One says

"We shall see you later." Another chimes in

I give them a pleased smile.

If not for them I would be utterly alone.

I place a hand upon my stomache.

Well, not entirely alone.

I smile, thinking that in only the stretch of a few more months, my babe will arrive into the world. The only certain is the babe is in good health. The maesters, as was custom, knew the sex as they did the exams however they were all sworn to secrecy as it was to be revealed upon the birth.

King Shane reached out only to make certain his child was well.

That was all.

There is a knock upon the door a moment after my ladies exit.

"Enter."

My knight bows.

He has hair the color of sand and soft blue eyes.

"You asked for me, Your Majesty?"

"Indeed I did. Send word to my...advisors. I wish to speak with them on any advice I wish to receive." I say carefully

He nods, understanding.

His eyes glance up at me, for only a moment.

"Whatever you wish, my Queen."

I watch as he exits.

A stretch of time passes.

I read as I wait, trying to come up with names for the babe.

Weston....

Charles..

There is a knock on the door again.

"Come."

The door opens and my spies enter.

Two young women.

One the wife of a nobleman.

The other a maiden.

Two small children, a boy and a girl.

"Please, share your findings." I say to them

"King Shane continues to reside in Xivara Castle, Your Majesty." The young boy says

"You are certain?" I ask

He gives a quick nod.

"I saw him with mine own eyes, Your Majesty."

I take a pouch of gold from behind me on the table. Leaning down slightly I place the small pouch full of coins into the young child's hands.

"Thank you." I say

He bows again.

I turn my attention next to the woman.

"There is no sign of King Shane making contact with Lady Giselle." She reports

"No word has spread of her condition." The man adds

"Indeed. The only gossip coming about is Lady Araya sharing a bed with both her husband, Lord Cross and Sir Kian." The woman announces

I process this all.

I am safe.

We are safe.

For now.