The air was thick with silence, only occasionally disturbed by the fluttering of butterflies that danced around the garden. The tranquility of the moment enveloped me as I took a slow sip from my teacup, savoring the warmth that seeped into my hands. The delicate aroma of the brew filled the air, blending with the scent of blooming flowers.
Suddenly, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot announced Henry’s approach. His presence was unobtrusive yet commanding, as if he was mindful not to disrupt the serenity. He bowed slightly, his voice low and respectful as he addressed me.
"Your Majesty," he began, his tone laced with the gravity of the situation. I gently set my teacup down on the table, the porcelain making a faint clink against the surface.
"What is it, Henry?" I inquired, my voice calm but edged with curiosity.
"The merchants, Your Majesty—they stand in opposition to your counsel," he revealed, his eyes holding a flicker of concern. My jaw tightened at his words. Those merchants had always been obstinate, their defiance a thorn in my side.
"They are gathering to protest, Your Majesty," Henry continued, the weight of his words pulling me abruptly to my feet. The sudden movement sent a jolt through the tranquil atmosphere, my hand slamming down on the table with force. The sound reverberated through the garden, startling the nearby butterflies into flight.
"The audacity!" I hissed, my voice brimming with indignation. "If they are determined to be difficult, then present them with a choice. I will either raise their taxes or they will lower their prices. Let them decide their own fate," I declared with steely resolve.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Henry responded, a slight bow acknowledging my command. A flicker of satisfaction crossed my face—let’s see if they would still dare to oppose me now.
"I will now take my leave, Your Majesty," Henry said, preparing to depart.
"Wait," I interjected swiftly, my voice halting him in his tracks. "Where are these people?" I demanded.
"They have gathered outside the gate, Your Majesty," he replied, his tone steady despite the tension in the air.
"Very well. Go and make them leave," I ordered, my voice firm and unyielding. Henry bowed deeply before turning to carry out my command.
As he departed, I tilted my head back to gaze at the sky. The sun blazed brightly above, a fierce reminder of my own unrelenting will. I clenched my fists, the determination burning within me as intense as the sun’s rays. They could not stop me. No one could.
With that thought, I began to walk, each step resonating with the force of my resolve. My stride was purposeful, echoing the power and determination that flowed through my veins. The time for peace had passed—now, I would show them the strength of my rule.
"Edward," I called out, my voice steady but carrying the weight of an unspoken command. Edward was always there, like a shadow that refused to fade. No matter where I went, he trailed behind me, a silent knight. Even if I chose to ignore his presence, he would remain at my side, unwavering in his duty. Sarah, too, was always nearby. I didn't need a crowd following me around, two loyal figures were more than enough.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Edward responded immediately, his tone respectful, his posture straight. I glanced at him briefly, considering the question that had been nagging at me.
YOU ARE READING
The Greatest Villainess (Completed)
Historical Fiction𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖎𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖊 𝕯𝖚𝖔𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖞 𝐈𝐈 Adil was a writer whose life came to a tragic end at the hands of one of her reader. She thought that was the final chapter of her existence, that her story had reached an irreversible conclusion. However, fa...
