A Happy Family (Claude, Diana, and Athanasia) Who Made Me A Princess

Chapter 4: My Wife

It was another peaceful day at the Kingdom of Obelia. Diana was already up early and already tidying up her bed when Emmy came into her room and told her it was her job. Diana was still not used to being served like this. She already told Emmy how she wants to help around the Ruby Palace but they never let her, under strict orders from His Majesty. But she likes doing things herself, it keeps her mind at peace. She finally gave up and let Emmy do her job and decided to take a morning stroll in the garden. 

The garden near the Ruby Palace did not look like this before. She remembered the first day she entered the palace, the garden used to be simple looking, and was trimmed rarely. Now, it was filled with beautiful flowers, all in different kinds and colors. The garden is cleaned regularly and it even has palace guards now. 

She breathed in the fragrance of the flowers and hummed to herself as she carassed her growing belly. She cannot wait for the day her baby to be born. A month ago, she was devastated when the Royal Doctor and Royal Magician told her that the baby inside her was slowly eating away her life and she could die from childbirth.  She was devastated knowing she'll never get to hold her baby's small hands, or watch her baby grow into an adult. But everything has changed now. They still have no idea or explanation as to why the baby's mana suddenly disappeared, but she's thankful that both her and the baby will be healthy. She cannot wait to shower her child with love and care. 

Diana really never imagined having a child. She thought she'd be travelling forever as a dancer of Siodonna. She also did not even imagine giving her heart to man, more so an Emperor. You never really know what life has in stored for you. 

Someone suddenly covered Diana's eyes with their hands. It's too small and soft to be Claude's so she wondered who could it be. 

"Guess who~~" She heard a voice of a lovely woman as Diana gasped realizing who it was.

"Lily?" Diana smiled as she turned around and saw her friend, Lily, standing in front of her. The two shared a warm embrace and gigled like little girls. 

"Oh how I've missed you! How are you? And omg! Your belly! I can't believe you'll be a mother soon!" Lily said excitedly, her eyes shimmered with joy getting teary eyed. 

"I'm doing great Lily, but how did you get in? Are visitors finally allowed?" 

"The King sent a royal invitation, I was surprised myself when the royal messenger suddenly asked for me. His Majesty seems to care for you a lot, I'm glad you're well-treated." 

"Claude did?"

"Yes" Claude answered them from behind with Felix by his side. 

Lily respectfully bowed once she saw their presence. "Your Majesty"

"She misses you greatly, I hope the two of you enjoy your time together here in the palace. Stay as long as you want, I trust her in your care." 

"Yes, Thank You Your Majesty" Lily bowed once again.

Diana walked over to Claude and held his hands. "Thank you, thank you so much. I deeply appreciate it." The two of them smiled warmly.

"*Ahem* I think I should be the one you're thanking My Lady, I was the one who suggested it." Felix said cheerfully but soon darted his eyes away as Claude gave him a cold glare. Claue turned back to her, "I was the one who called for her, he only gave me the idea."

Diana laughed at the two acting like kids, "Ahaha is that so? Then thank you as well, Sir Felix." 

"Oh right, Your Majesty, it's best that we get going. The meeting will begin in a few minutes." 

"Then, I'll be on on my way. Oh and Felix, you stay. Accompany them" Claude said as he was already walking towards the Grand Hall. Diana and Lily gigled at Felix's dumbfounded reaction. "I guess you'll be our Royal Guard for today, Sir Felix" 

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Claude was in a pretty bad mood as soon as he entered the Hall and the meeting started. That's because everyone who attended seems so tensed and awkward, their eyes seemed weird and impatient as if they have something say but couldn't be brave enough to come forward with it. Claude was even more annoyed because he was in the presence of the noble man who he hates the most; Duke Alpheus. 

But Claude has had enough.

"If you have something to say, say it."

Claude crossed his arms and laid back in his throne as he stared daggers at them. But they stayed silent, seemingly afraid for their lives if they say the wrong thing. 

Claude started tapping his fingers impatienltly on the table. "I'm waiting"

Of course, Roger Alpheus was the first one to break the silence. 

"Your Majesty, the rest of the Royal Cabinet are just...well wondering, if um....well since it's been....so long since--"

"Stop blaberring and get to the point" Claude was starting to get ticked off. 

Roger Alpheus finally took a deep breathe and said, "The Kingdom are in need of a Queen, Your Majesty" 

The tension in the air thickened, as they all waited for Claude's response. 

It took a few seconds for Claude to finally get what they meant.

"A Queen?" 

"I-If I may Your M-Majesty, um....I think my eldest daughter would be a worthy candidate. She's very smart and talented, and beautiful! I'm quite b-bold to say this, but well...I-I believe she'd make a fine Queen." Marquess Solen said while trembling. 

"And why exactly do I need to make your daughter, Queen?" Claude asked boringly as he rested his head in one of his hands. 

"W-well we do believe it's time, Your Majesty to have a Queen by your side, and an h-heir..." 

Claude chuckled. "Do you all live in a cave or have you not heard of the news lately." 

"But still, Your Majesty. We still need an heir from a Queen" 

"Let's cut the crap, you just want me to marry one of your daughters so the future heir to the throne will be your bloodline. And I don't know, maybe manipulate that child once he claims the throne and treat that child as your puppet, am I right?" Claude smirked, fully aware of what kind of nasty game they're playing. 

"Y-Your M-majest-ty i-ts not like t-that--" But he shut up once he saw the fiery glare Claude was giving him. 

Roger Alpheus tried to ease down the situation, "Your Majesty, we are just simply concerned. It's been so long since Obelia had a Queen. We think it's time for you to--" 

"Seriously Duke Alpheus, It's too early for your bullsh*t, really. And we do have a Queen." 

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but are you implying the...dancer from Siodonna?" Marquess Verit asked, incredulously. 

"Her name is Diana" Claude was angered by the seemingly disrespectful tone towards Diana. 

"Your Majesty, Lady Diana cannot be Queen. She's but a lowly dancer, a commoner! The future Queen has to be of noble blood" Roger Alpheus retorted. 

"Funny, she's more noble than any of your noble blood combined" 

"Your Majesty, you know what we meant. You can take her as your Royal Concubine, but choosing The Queen is a different case, please understand." 

Dead Silence. 

They all held their breathes once again, realizing that Claude's aura was turning darker. But hearing him suddenly laugh sent shivers down their spine. 

"And who can stop me once I marry her?" 

"....W-what...?? m-marry.....???" 

They all shut up as Claude stood up from his throne, smirking. 

"And please remember, she's not a concubine. She's my wife."