El Destino

CHAPTER 24: QUEEN ROSALIND

Even after two weeks had passed since the Ladies Meeting, the tension between Nathan and Queen Rosalind didn't seem to have eased. Though Nathan continued to treat her with respect, he seemed to mostly avoid getting into a direct conversation with her.

Nathan had always known Queen Rosalind had an orthodox thinking. So, much so, that she hated Catherine for the mere reason of being a female. Catherine was rarely allowed to be a part of social gatherings.

Most of the people had not even seen Catherine. It was just like she existed for name sake only. As it is, this did not go down well with Nathan and the attempt to humiliate Marina was like the last straw in their relationship. But, what Nathan could not get was the reason for this attempt to humiliation.

On the other hand, Queen Rosalind too was vexed with Nathan's obnoxious behaviour, only because of Marina and the stunt pulled by Marina during the royal ball (which led to Marina's marriage) as it is did not settle well with her.

She was a woman whose heart beated only for her son - Alfredo. As her hatred and loathe for Marina kept on increasing, the lust for vengeance started to overcome her senses.

As the days went, her mind was kept busy with finding opportunities to knock off Marina. One such opportunity knocked on her door when the Ladies, Dutchess and all other women of high society requested for a reunion at Queen Rosalind's place. Being at the centre, her palace was convenient for everyone.

"*KNOCK, KNOCK*"

"Come in," Marina answered while sitting on her bed and reading a book.

"You are reading again?" Anne questioned while snatching the book from Marina's hand.

"Why did you knock?" Marina asked Belle while running after Anne to take her book back.

"We forgot that Prince Nathanial has gone to Arrendale and won't be back till next week."

"See, I told you there's no need to knock, but your manners-"

"Ouch!!Why did you do that?" Anne asked, glaring at her sister, who had smacked her on her head.

"You don't get to insult your elder sister," Belle said seriously.

In a swift movement, Belle grabbed the book from Anne and threw it towards Marina, who successfully caught it. While Anne stood between the two, glaring at them.

"Thanks Belle," Marina said while sitting down on her bed.

"Always a pleasure, Marines," Belle giggles at Marina.

"*KNOCK, KNOCK*"

"Who?" Anne asked.

"It is me, Queen Rosalind."

"Well you can go, we don't need a witch," Anne says while glaring at the door, as if it was Queen Rosalind herself.

"Anne, don't talk like that," Marina whispers before saying "Come in".

"Did I disturb you?" Queen Rosalind asks, grinning evilly.

"No you didn't," Marina replies while eyeing her suspiciously.

"Well, you see, we are having a reunion today, on request of all the ladies, dutchess. So, I am here to invite you," Queen Rosalind says glaring at Ally, who hadn't moved an inch since her arrival.

"Here, this is a really lovely black dress. I hope you will wear it, without any alterations."

"That would depend on the dress and your taste," Anne comments in an indifferent tone.