Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter LXIV: The New Queen of Navarre

The king leaned forward slightly on his throne, his voice calm but firm. "Albert, my dear cousin, now the sole lord of Mohn."

Albert approached, bowing deeply before the king and queen, who sat regally on their thrones, with the princess standing beside them. "Your Majesties, congratulations on your coronation. Long live the king and queen."

The king waved off the formalities with a gentle smile. "No need for such formality; we are relatives, after all. Congratulations on becoming the head of Mohn. And we are truly sorry for your brother, he was a warrior through and through."

"Thank you," Albert replied, his voice measured as he maintained his composure.

Suddenly, the doors opened, and Lady Velasco entered the room. Her eyes were red and swollen from tears, but she still managed to perform a respectful curtsy to the Majesties.

The king's gaze shifted between Albert and Lady Velasco. "Now that everyone is here," he began, his tone shifting slightly, "I have a proposal."

"A proposal, Your Majesty?" Albert asked, a hint of curiosity and concern in his voice.

The king nodded. "It would be embarrassing if the world were to learn of the unfortunate events that took place during my coronation. So, if you, Lord Albert, and Lady Velasco agree to keep this matter quiet, I am prepared to offer my assistance. I will ensure that Lady Velasco is supported—whether she chooses to remarry or live comfortably in her widowhood."

Albert turned to look at Lady Velasco, his eyes meeting hers. Her expression was a mix of sorrow and uncertainty, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for their response. Lady Velasco, still trembling from the weight of her grief, looked up at the king, then at Albert, and finally down at her hands, clasped tightly in front of her.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice soft but resolute, "I thank you for your generosity and understanding in this difficult time. My child and I have lost everything, and your offer of support is more than we could have hoped for."

The queen, who had been silently observing, leaned forward slightly, her eyes filled with compassion. "You are strong, Lady Velasco. Your resilience will see you through this, and you will not be alone."

Lady Velasco nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I will accept your offer, Your Majesty. My child needs stability, and I must consider their future. If you would allow it, I will remain under your protection until such time as it is right to make a new start."

The king smiled warmly. "It is settled then. You shall have the support you need, for as long as you require it."

Albert felt a mix of relief and guilt. He had been prepared to take on the burden of caring for his brother's widow and child, but the king's offer eased that responsibility. Still, he couldn't shake the unease that lingered in his heart.

The king rose from his throne, signaling the end of the audience. "Let us not dwell on sorrow. The future holds promise, and we must all look forward."

Albert bowed once more. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Suddenly, the doors to the chamber opened once more, and a messenger hurried in, breathless and urgent. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. "Greetings, King Ferdinand of Castile and Leon, and Princess Eleanor of Navarre," the messenger announced loudly, "I bring grave news. Your father, His Majesty the King of Navarre, has passed away. The Princess is summoned to take the throne and be crowned Queen of Navarre. Congratulations, Your Majesty."

As the news settled over the room, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The announcement of the King of Navarre's death and Princess Eleanor's sudden elevation to queen stunned everyone present. The gravity of the moment was palpable, and the silence that followed was thick with tension.