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I didn't think any more of it as I brushed the thought away. I followed him as we exited the throne room. We walked into the courtyard before he stopped. I peeked in front from behind him, wondering why we stopped.
"How did you know the Queen was ill?" he said. I blinked a couple of times before realizing my mistake.
'Crap!! Was that not revealed yet??' I cursed myself silently. I quickly let out an awkward laugh.
"A-ahh, well, I couldn't help but notice how concerned you looked of her this morning. I had assumed she was not feeling too well. Apologies for intruding." I said before bowing. I got nervous as he didn't respond.
'Did he not buy it???? What else should I say??'
"I-I, my handmaid, a-also speaks about how the queen is seen less and less in front of the King, so I thought-"
I heard a small snicker and I looked up. The 4th prince was turned to me with an amused expression on his face. I couldn't help but blush. I quickly stood up and cleared my throat.
'It seems like I was panicking for nothing. How embarrassing!' I took a small sigh before continuing to follow behind the prince.
We arrived at a different courtyard, the atmosphere dim and eerie as the empty trees slumped over with the passing of the wind. I couldn't help but shudder as the cold wind blew past my neck.
"The queen, is in here?" I asked suspiciously. Instead of a response, the 4th prince continued walking.
I couldn't believe it! The show never went into specifics of the Queen, seeing as she would be dying soon, it would be pointless sharing so much information on a character who would not be mentioned again. But still…..
'What a miserable life..' i thought to myself.
soon, we arrived at the entrance of the Queen's manor, maids quickly rushed in front of the 4th prince. I watched curiously.
"Prince! The Queen is too ill to see you right now, please leave- "
"I am not here by myself, I have brought Lady of Adedora. " He said. "You must know her, correct?"
The maid's eyes went wide as they quickly bowed.
"M-Miss!" they said. Shocked I quickly signaled them to stand.
"A-ah, I am not used to that yet. Please stand." I said. I couldn't believe it. How did news spread so quickly about me?!?! I cleared my throat and fixed my posture before continuing. "I would like to help her majesty, my presence has been granted by the king. He has allowed me to come here." I said. They all looked at each other before nodding.
"P-Please wait one moment miss." They said before scurrying back into the room. I looked at the 4th Prince who was waiting with his hands behind his back. His face was cold. I smiled at him.
"Do not worry my highness! I'm sure your mother will be fine!" I said. He looked at me somewhat shocked before returning to a solemn expression. His eyes were slightly warmer. The maids soon came back out.
"The queen is ready to see you." They said again before bowing. I nodded before turning to the Prince.
"Aren't you coming, your highness?" He looked at me but did not answer the maid in front of me suddenly began to stutter.
"A-apologies miss, the Queen only has granted your presence." she finally said.
'Ahh…' I slowly walked into the room by myself. Two of the maids following in with me. I arrived at the queen's bed. Her blankets were thick, embroidered with gold into the lush red material, her frail figure hidden underneath them. I bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, your highness," I said softly. She began trying to sit up. The two maids quickly rushed to her side to help. After she sat up, she waved her hands at the maids, ordering them to leave. They bowed before quickly rushing to the door and closing it behind them. The room went silent. Neither the queen nor I speaking. Although the queen was most likely in her mid-60s, she had a soft face with little to no wrinkles I couldn't help but admire her beauty.
"You must be the girl who caused such a ruckus on the first day here." She finally said. I could only bow again.
"A-apologies, your highness," I said. She turned to look at me, her eyes scanning me up and down.
"The black jade…" She said slowly. I smiled. She turned back to facing straight ahead. "I hope you can stay away from the 4th prince, good people like you will only get hurt." She continued. I paused.
"But your majesty isn't the 4th Prince your- "
"You will not say that in my presence! Not after what that monster did." She stated coldly. Suddenly, she began coughing abruptly. I quickly went to her side and rubbed her back. I poured her a cup of water before passing it to her.
"My apologies your majesty, that was my mistake. Please do not be angry." I said. She sipped the water slowly. I looked up at her curiously.
"B-But your majesty.." I started. "I am not sure if I am allowed to ask this.." she handed me her empty cup.
"Speak," she said. I pursed my lips as I put the cup of water down.
"What did the-"
"He killed his own brother, the 3rd prince." She cut me off. I almost dropped the cup I was holding as I froze. My mind going blank.
"H-he, did what?"
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(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it.)