I Loathe You

Chapter Five

(Queen Cara): "Let Lady Hanna in, Mrs Jenson. Thank you so much" (Lady Hanna): "I am deeply sorry for what happened at my ball, your majesty. I never knew that- (Queen Cara): "You would not have known unless they wanted you to know" (Lady Hanna): "Who is they? Who kidnapped you, your grace?" (Queen Cara): "A relentless woman named Riley Warp. She must be stopped before she can have a chance to do that again or do even worse to us or our people" Lady Hanna could not stop apologizing for what had happened as it occured at her estate. All she wanted was for the truth potion to give everyone the courage to tell the truth about their emotions and perhaps help the Queen meet a potential suitor. Little did she know that it helped a bit too much. Queen Cara thinks back to her shared kiss with King Michele and does not know whether to be lively about it or disgusted... or perhaps both. King Michele never brought up the incident around his wife, just as Queen Cara never brought it up either. All they spoke of was the kidnapping and killing of Brent Baxter with a spell that turns things or people to ashes. As we know, it has been a spell they have known of and practiced as children with dead plants. The royal bloodlines are able to perform spells but anyone can, with enough practice, create potions that are extremely potent. So, Lady Hanna meant no harm with creating the Unicorn Tears potion but she obviously meant to cure everyone once the party was over since the antidote were in the gift bags she had made for all the guests. Lady Hanna genuinely wanted the Queen to meet a potential suitor to have the happy ending to a love story that she deserves. However, she had made it known to Lady Hanna that she did not feel capable of love. (Lady Hanna): "I just don't understand, your grace. Everyone deserves love and happiness" (Queen Cara): "Do the two necessarily need each other to exist? Can't it be that happiness exists without love? Or at least that is my perception. Don't get me mistaken, I was planning on seeing what you had planned with the suitors but you can imagine that I did not have the time to take that adventure" Lady Hanna agreed and felt worse than ever about not being able to perfect her plan of the Queen meeting someone special that could become her future King. She reminded Queen Cara that there are still two more balls to celebrate her becoming Queen at both Lady Antoinette and Lady Emilia's estates. She went to great lengths at making sure that no potions would be created at any of those events just for safety. The house staff brought in some sandwiches and lemonade for the ladies. Queen Cara did not wait to indulge as she was quite hungry. The thought of King Michele was an annoyance that she could not escape from in her mind, and the constant mental battle made her not only exhausted but starving as well. She wondered why he would have done that at all. He has a wife and an unborn child on the way soon. What would he have to gain from her entertaining his existence for even a moment? She obviously was not going to play mistress to a married King. (Lady Hanna): "Do you think that would be appropriate, your grace? Your grace?" (Queen Cara): "My sincerest apologies, Lady Hanna. My mind seems to be occupied with the delicious food we have been served. Would what be appropriate?" (Lady Hanna): "I had arranged with the other ladies that all crockery and cutlery be pure gold. In honour of you and the kingdom of Aureum of course. Do you think it would be appropriate? I did not want to overstep" (Queen Cara): "That sounds perfect to me. I appreciate you running that by me. You do not have to concern me with every detail, Lady Hanna. I trust that you and the other ladies have my best interest at heart, and the best interests of Aureum" The lemonade went down smoothly with the amounts of sandwiches the Queen ate. Lady Hanna had a few as well, as they were tiny sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Only the best of the best for the Queen. As the conversation finished, the Queen had the staff clean everything up as she said her goodbyes to Lady Hanna. All before heading to take a bath in her grand bathroom. Extra bubbly with scented candles and some jazz music playing to make it extra comfortable. Queen Cara loved these moments that she got to enjoy on her own. Of all the people in the world, she preferred her own company as she enjoyed being alone. This was not something that she could have said when she was with King Michele as they were still growing up. She enjoyed being around him and spending time with him. It was because of his harsh betrayal and the confusion of the moment they shared that had her feeling lost. She knew that she would never be with the King because of his actions, and because of his parents wishes. If he had to be with anyone else then the throne could be taken from him as long as his parents have a say in the matter. They never liked Queen Cara as they always viewed her as too rebellious for their kingdom. Despite the fact that she was actually the heir to the throne of her own kingdom and would be increasing the power of Saxum by blending their kingdoms in marriage. His parents would have preferred that their kingdom go down in flames rather than have her be the Queen of it. Their interest in the titles meant more to them than their love for their son or allowing him to make his own decisions about his love life. Now that he was married and having a baby on the way, they could not be happier. The fact that it was not with Queen Cara was just the cherry on top. The wind is whistling tonight as Queen Cara lays peacefully in her bathtub with the music playing. Knowing that she will always face dangers as the reigning monarch of her own kingdom, she was more prepared for whatever was to come when attending the celebratory balls at Lady Antoinette and Lady Emilia's estates. Feared and respected, just as her parents used to tell her, that is the way a monarch should lead their kingdom.