The Royals of Silvercrest

38

King Shane's POV:

Standing in my chambers with my advisor, groom and scribe, it was the midst of the morning routine. My scribe stands across from me, waiting as my groom finishes the finishing touches on my mustache. He sets down his blade carefully on the stool beside him and proceeds to hold up a mirror. I take it, checking myself from all angles. I thank him, handing him a pouch full of gold coin for his services. He thanks me, bows and makes his way out.

Turning to my scribe, I switch focus now to ongoing matters.

A young boy of seventeen, he waits expectantly with excitement.

"Send a letter in my hand to Ravensworth. It is to go to Lady Eliana in regards to the matter of the estate and its condition. Thank her for her services to myself and to the Crown." I pause as I watch his put his quil in hand and begin to scroll frantically upon his parchment

He nods along then pauses, hand up as he waits for me to continue.

"She is welcome to a permanent residency and position there if that is what she desires. If not, Lady Sandra shall take over from there along with the rest of the staff that should be there shortly. Let her know all preparations shall soon be in place." I say

He nods, finishing the rest of these notes.

"Let me know as soon as they are sent out and received."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He bows before stepping back to exit.

I hold up a hand, stopping him.

"Breathe not a word to a single soul or it will be your end."

I see him tremble at my words.

"I would never betray you, my King."

I gesture for him to move along.

Now I turn to my advisor.

"Is everything in place?"

"Guards are posted everywhere you requested."

"This will not go well."

There is a long pause between us.

"It is best, my King, to steer clear of such matters. You have kept the peace by using discretion. Rest assured you are going what is best for them both."

I sigh, staring out the window, hoping his word rings true.

Queen Celeste's POV:

Sitting inside the nursery for the babe, I listen as she coos.

King Shane hadn't breathed a word to me.

Two days after the babe was born and I was back at court, Shane announced before the entire court that Princess Raelin had been born. The crowd cheered with joy, happy of the little girl's arrival. I smiled, faking my own happiness to please the public as well as my own husband who could scarcely care to even look at me. My only saving grace was little Raelin.

I only hope to see joy in his eyes again.

Now, Raelin's coos and sleepy smile bring me the much needed peace I had so desired. I had spent much of my time dancing at court, meeting with the other wives and pleasing my King as much as possible. I was raised to not involve myself in the politics of court. Instead I focus on the beauty of life.

Suddenly the doors to the room open and a fleet of knights make their way in. All of the noise upsets Raelin who begins to cry. I rock her gently, trying to get her back to sleep. I split my focus between my daughter and whatever commotion had just entered the room. With them is a woman I don't know. They all bow respectfully at me before the knights move to the side, allowing the young woman through. She smiles at me and my child. Instinctively I try to hold my daughter closer to me, not wanting the stranger to get closer.

I'm confused and annoyed as to why the knights do nothing.

"Your Majesty, forgive me for the inconvenience. I have come by order of the King to retrieve the Princess."

"Why?" I demand, eyes narrowed.

"I am to bring Princess Raelin to her new estate in Ravensworth."

She is to take my child?

I am sitting in the nursery we created for her.

He cannot just send her away.

"Do not come near me."

"Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty please do not resist." One of the knights says

"She is trying to steal my child from me! How can you stand by and allow this!"

"We work on the King's orders, Your Majesty."

His eyes scream of unwillingness and pain but he holds his composure.

The woman scoops my child from my arms sad two knights grab me by the upper arms so I cannot fight back. I scream, yelling for them to release me and give me my child. The woman walks away with my baby girl and a part of me along with her. They all walk away leaving me along in the dark.