Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter LIV: The Passing of Her Majesty Queen J

It had been more than a year since Lady Velasco's marriage with Lord Edward, and Lady Velasco had become a fully integrated member of the Mohn family. Now a wife and a young woman, she had taken her position within the family in stride, and had grown into her role quite well. The days had been filled with activity as the entire manor was in a frenzy, preparing for Lady Velasco's birth. Servants scurried to and from, running errands and attending to various tasks, all in anticipation of the upcoming bundle of joy. Edward himself was bustling, giving orders and making sure everything was in order.

As the household continued to prepare for the birth, Lady Velasco was attended to by a team of skilled midwives, all of whom were there to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. She was settled in a luxurious chamber, surrounded by soft linens and comfortable furnishings. Meanwhile, Edward was constantly in and out of the room, checking on his wife and pacing anxiously as he awaited the arrival of his first child. After several long and stressful hours, Lady Velasco gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Frederic. Edward was ecstatically happy, holding his newborn son in his arms and marveling at the miracle of life.

Madam Mohn and Sir Richaud were filled with joy and excitement at the arrival of their first grandson, a stark contrast to their reaction to Isabel's birth. They held the baby in their arms, cooing and making faces at him, their years of experience as parents replaced with youthful enthusiasm.

As the family gathered around the newly born Frederic, Alice couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and happiness spreading through her chest. She smiled as she watched the older generation dote on the baby, their faces alight with joy. Cateline stood off to the side, appearing somewhat unbothered by the fuss, while Albert watched the proceedings with a neutral expression.

...

Several months had passed since Frederic's birth, and the day of his baptism had finally arrived. The chapel was filled with family, friends, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness the ceremony. As the celebration continued later that day, the guests gathered at the Mohn manor for a grand feast. At some point during the festivities, Albert approached Lady Velasco and presented her with a gift: a jeweled long sword, albeit one that had been dulled to remove any sharp edges. The sword was a finely crafted piece, with intricate designs etched along the blade and a grip bejeweled with sparkling gemstones. Albert said with a faint smile, "This is for the beautiful baby boy of my brother and my sister in-law. May he grow up strong and healthy."

Lady Velasco took the sword, holding it in her hands with wonder and admiration. She looked at Albert gratefully, saying, "Thank you so much, Albert, this is a truly beautiful gift. We will treasure it always." Edward nodded in agreement, his eyes still fixed on his baby son. As Lady Velasco held the sword in her hands, she silently thought to herself, "Perhaps now, Albert will finally accept me as an in-law." She snuck a glance at Albert, who was walking off to the side.

Alice stood nearby, watching the proceedings. Albert leaned over to her and whispered, "It's a gift for someone who's beautiful but dull, useless." He spoke in a low voice, his words only intended for Alice's ears. On the surface, the gift appeared to be a generous present, but his true meaning was clear - it was a dig at the couple. Alice, hearing Albert's whispered words, pinched his arm in response. She looked at him reproachfully and whispered back, "Don't say that to your brother, just be happy, alright?" Albert winced as Alice pinched him, but he quickly contained his reaction, not wanting to make a scene. He turned away from her and sauntered over to a group of other noblemen, engaging in idle conversation with them.

Suddenly, 4-year-old Isabel came running up to Alice and then to Albert, calling out "brother" in a sweet voice. Albert caught her mid-air, lifted her up, and planted a kiss on her little cheek. Despite his earlier indifference, Albert showed tenderness and affection towards his 'half-sister', cradling her in his arms and patting her back gently. The other guests couldn't help but smile at the sight of Albert holding Isabel, Isabel, in his arms. Little Isabel wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging on tight as he held her close. Despite his earlier aloof demeanor, there was a soft spot reserved just for little Isabel. Albert smiled at little Isabel, holding her close and replying, "Yes, my dearest Isabelle."

Alice moved to Albert's side and attempted to pry tiny Isabel away from him. She turned to the surrounding guests and apologized for the interruption. "I'm sorry, everyone. We'll see to it that Isabel behaves properly." As Alice tried to get Isabel out of Albert's arms, he held on tight and smiled. He looked at her and said in a gentle voice, "It's alright, I could stay here next to her forever, till I die." He then swung Isabel around, eliciting peals of laughter from the little girl.

Richaud, the patriarch of the Mohn family, entered the room, and Alice called out to little Isabel, instructing her to greet her father. "Isabel, say hello to your father." After a brief moment, Isabel responded in a small voice, "F-father." Richaud nodded and patted her head affectionately before moving on and leaving them.

As Richaud left the room, Albert leaned down and whispered playfully to little Isabel, "But who's your daddy?" Without hesitation, the little girl responded with a quiet mumble, "You" and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Albert couldn't help but chuckle at Isabel's unexpected response. He wrapped an arm around her and held her close, enjoying the sweet moment of affection. Despite his aloof exterior, deep down he cherished his 'half-sister' dearly.

The peaceful mood of the banquet was interrupted as a messenger entered the room, searching for the lords of the Mohn family. He quickly found them and delivered the somber news. "Excuse me," he said, "Her Majesty Queen Juana, a close relative of the Mohn clan, has passed away."

The men came together, they were stunned into silence upon hearing the news of Queen Juana's death. Their faces fell as the gravity of the situation sank in. Albert's jaw dropped, and he gripped the edge of the table tightly, trying to steady himself. Edward's eyes widened in shock, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. Even the usually stoic Sir Richaud looked visibly shaken, his face turning ashen as he took in the news.

Albert, Edward, and Sir Richaud stood there stunned for a moment, grappling with the news of Queen Juana's passing. After a pause, Sir Richaud gathered his bearings and spoke up. "We should go to the capital of Navarre," he said firmly. "We must pay our respects." Edward nodded in agreement, pushing away from the table. And so, the men set off for the capital of Navarre, making the journey to pay their respects and offer their help for the loss of the late Queen Juana. They were gone for months, leaving behind their families and mundane concerns back home as they focused on the important task at hand.