The Queen

17. Sleepless

The throne room was filled with Esparcia's most powerful and skilled advisers, summoned by King Philip. The kingdom was in crisis, and he not only needed to bring Samira back—but to do so without sacrificing innocent lives.

All the men spoke at once, voicing opinions and concerns, when the guard at the door called out loudly:

"The King!"

Every voice fell silent. The room froze as Philip entered the throne room, his steps long and firm, his gaze sharp and focused. He knew one wrong decision could end in tragedy. There was no room for hesitation.

"Gentlemen, I appreciate your presence today," Philip said. The heavy bags under his eyes betrayed his sleepless night. All eyes were on him.

"We are honored His Majesty values our counsel in a time like this," Lord Richmond replied first.

Philip gave a nod and took his seat on the throne. "We may begin."

"What does His Majesty desire, considering the extent of the queen and Prince Henry's betrayal?" one lord asked.

Philip exhaled slowly. The room tensed, watching the fury flare behind his eyes. One wrong word could be fatal.

He hated the implication—Samira with Henry? The thought made his blood boil. Yet the possibility lingered.

"What do I want?" Philip finally said. "I want the queen back in this castle—now. Can anyone here make that happen?"

"My lord." The Duke of Griburg, a seasoned military man, stepped forward. "We must find the queen before she reaches Kalon. Once she crosses the border, only war will bring her back."

"I don't want war. Especially not with Kalon—her country, her people." Philip knew how deeply she loved her homeland. Waging war against it would drive her even further away.

"In that case, my lord, we must continue the search. The queen left only hours ago—they can't be far," said the duke with conviction.

"I agree, Griburg. But our men haven't found them. What do you suggest we do differently?" Philip asked.

"I believe our mistake is searching the roads. If you were fleeing, would you take the most obvious path?"

"Certainly not. Where should we look, then?" Philip leaned forward, intrigued.

"In the woods that border the road to Kalon, Your Majesty," Griburg replied.

"That won't guarantee success," the Duke of Albany cut in. "That forest is vast. We'll waste precious time."

"What other option do we have?" Philip asked. "Do you have a better plan?" His father's words echoed in his mind: Once you've listened to your advisers, consult your heart. Not all will advise for the kingdom's good—some will serve only themselves. That's where a king's wisdom is tested.

"My lord, we must strike Kalon at once. Such an offense must not go unpunished. By the time the queen arrives, her homeland will be in ruins, and she'll have no choice but to return."

Several men murmured in agreement. Others strongly objected.

"Duke of Albany, thank you for your opinion. But I will follow the Duke of Griburg's plan," Philip said firmly. "I respect my wife's nation as much as she does. I will not go to war against them."

"Your Grace, with all due respect—the queen betrayed not only you, but Esparcia. Neither she nor her people deserve your mercy."

"Allow me to remind you—you speak of the queen. To whom and how the king shows mercy is not yours to question." Philip's voice echoed, edged with fury.

The Duke of Albany bowed, chastised.

"Griburg, you have my blessing. Take as many men as you need. Bring the queen back—but above all, keep her safe."

"You have my word, Your Majesty." Griburg bowed.

Philip exited the room as quickly as he had entered.

Later that day...

"Philip, what's wrong?" Lady Alice stepped into his study, unannounced as always.

"Alice, not now. Please, leave me alone," Philip muttered, head tilted back against the chair.

"I'm not leaving until you tell me why you're making such a big deal out of this. I thought this is what we wanted—her gone. Let her go and we can move on from this nightmare."

"Alice, I won't say it again. Leave. Me. Alone." Each word sharpened with irritation.

"You have feelings for her, don't you?" Alice's voice cracked, laced with hurt.

"Of course not," he said—too quickly.

But even he wasn't sure anymore. Could it be? Could he have feelings for Samira? Then why this desperate need to bring her back? Why did the thought of losing her feel unbearable?

"You do. You promised me..." Alice's voice broke as tears welled up. "I can't believe this is happening."

"I said I don't have feelings for her, goddamn it!" Philip's shout echoed down the corridor.

His glare met hers—furious, cold. Alice flinched. He had never spoken to her like that before. A realization sank in: she was losing him.

"I hope you never find her," she spat. "And if you do, I hope it's only her dead body you find."

Her hatred, now unfiltered, spilled into the room. She wanted a reaction—and she got one.

Philip stood, slowly walking toward her. A dark, unfamiliar energy radiated from him. Alice stepped back, hitting the wall behind her. No escape.

"Do you know what the penalty is for wishing death on the queen?" His voice was calm—but the storm beneath it terrified her.

Alice swallowed hard. Treason. Punishable by death.

"You wouldn't," she whispered.

"Don't test me, Alice. Stop playing games—they won't end well."

"I'm not playing! What do you expect from me? She was forced on us! She took everything that was supposed to be mine. I was supposed to be your wife. I was supposed to be queen!"

"Don't take it out on her. She's as much a victim as we are," Philip said through gritted teeth.

"I still hate her. I pray every night I'll never see her face again." Her voice trembled with venom.

"Then start praying for her safe return."

"For what? So she can continue to take my place? Tell me the truth, Philip. Do you have feelings for her? Just be honest."

"I... I don't know, Alice. I don't know what I feel. I don't know what I want."

That broke her. She collapsed into tears, covering her face to muffle the sound.

"Alice... please don't cry," Philip said gently. Guilt weighed on him. He never meant to hurt her.

"I'm sorry... I just—"

"Give me time. That's all I ask. Time to figure this out."

"Come to my chambers tonight. I'll remind you why you love me." Her voice was small, desperate. She would do anything to get him back.

"Alice, I—"

A knock at the door interrupted him.

"Your Highness, the Duke of Griburg has returned. He brings your brother and the queen."

Philip rushed to the door.

"Where is she?" he asked the guard.

"She was taken to the healer."

Philip froze. "The healer? Why?"

"I don't know, Your Grace. She was unconscious when they arrived at the castle."

Without another word, Philip sprinted down the corridor—leaving Alice behind.

END OF THIS CHAPTER

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