Chapter 8 Interference
*King Alexander*
Why must such things happen now? Alexander frowned at the table of the councilmen.
Could it not have happened before? Or better, to take place after?
No, of course not.
Not for himself. Such was his luck.
"Then there is nothing else to it, gentlemen. Inform the horse master to prepare my fastest horses. Hopefully, we will not need to waste more time and have this rebellion squashed promptly." Alexander announced and bid his councilmen dismissed.
King Alexander remained at the table after they departed. The news could not have come at a worse time.
Please let it be just a few days. Alexander silently willed. Let the revolt be swept up quickly and he come back soon. He was already working so hard on mending their relationship.
This really had to be at the worst time.
"Johan,"
"Yes, my king?"
"Inform the queen I expect her to uphold all the preparations in place for Empress Anastasia's arrival." Alexander stood to grab the back of his chair.
"It must carry on as planned until I return. There will be no deviations."
Johan nodded with understanding.
"Yes, Your Majesty,"
*Queen Belinda*
"Of course, Johan." Julia bowed and gave thanks before turning into the queen's bedroom.
Julia found the queen to still be on the lounge sipping tea. She was in the middle of supervising her sons' fitting by the royal tailor. The four-year-old seemed to fidget as the old tailor tried, once again, to measure his arms.
He seemed upset and looked at his mother.
"Mama, my arms hurt," Nicoli complained.
"I know, my dear. But just stay still a moment more, and the old man will finish." Queen Belinda spoke sweetly but gave a chilly glare to the tailor.
The old man shuddered and quickly made it work faster. Belinda was already in a particular mood, to begin with.
As much as she liked to have her own son dressed in fine attire, it was another matter as to why he needed a new suit.
To have a new suit commissioned just for her arrival. Belinda tsked.
Why must my beloved husband need to vex me so?
Queen Belinda narrowed her eyes at the tailor and sipped her tea. The tea was a fine treat sent from her dear and long-time bosom friend, Bratha, the queen of Almony.
It was rich and eased the queen's otherwise foul mood.
Upon sipping, Queen Belinda noticed Julia. The woman had been in her employment since before Belinda was ever a queen but a young noble lady.
No, even before then. Julia was always there to serve her. The woman had aged into her gray years at her side.
The maid had proven herself worth it. She knew how to keep her mouth shut but eyes open. A valuable quality Belinda had learned to be of great use.
Julia bowed.
"My queen, Johan, has informed me that the king will leave to assist against the rebellion at the village."
"Oh?" Belinda was not surprised. Julia nodded and continued.
"Yes, and you are expected to uphold the preparations for the Empress's visit until he returns. There are to be no deviations-"
Belinda cut in with a laugh.
'Deviations,' he says, really now. Does he think I would not?" A quick sneer ran over her features. But just as quickly, it was wiped away. Her face was pleasant again.
"Of course, I will do as my beloved husband asks. Until he returns." Belinda voiced, but her mind was already working.
Belinda glanced over to Nicoli. She noted his cheeks were a little red based on the tailor's measurements. It was just the inspiration she needed.
"Nicoli, are you not feeling well?"
"No," but Belinda still got up. Walking over, the tailor stepped aside to allow her to pass and not get in the way of her large dress.
Belinda moved to touch the boy's forehead.
"Oh, you feel feverish."
Nicoli shook his head again.
"I do? But I don't feel sick, mama."
Such a handsome child of mine, Belinda cupped his face. She quietly admired how sweet and innocent he looked at the moment.
Which made it all the more important that she should.
"Trust me, my darling. Listen to Mother." Belinda cooed before turning to the tailor.
"Cancel the suit."
"My queen?" The tailor looked back at the queen, greatly confused.
"But the king ordered me to "
"My son is unwell and will need strict bed rest," Belinda announced and took to pick up her son. "There will be no meeting of anyone until he is better."
"He will not be needing the suit."
"But I'm not sick," but Belinda carried him off in her arms.
She was heading back to his room.
"Julia, inform the servants that Prince Nicoli is under strict bedrest. He will not be leaving his room until I deem him healthy again." Belinda voiced to have Nicoli sit back to look at her in protest.
"But I'm not sick-
"Understood, my queen." Julia voiced and turned to do so.
Belinda smiled at her obedience, but Nicoli pouted.
"Mama! I'm not sick. I want to go and play." Nicoli complained, but Belinda only kissed his forehead.
"You may not be now, my dear. But I know you will be." Belinda cooed.
"But-"
"No, butts, my sweet." Belinda pressed another kiss to his forehead. His blue eyes were full and sparkling as they watched her.
Just like his father.
But Belinda was wiser this time. She would not make the same mistakes. And it was time she put an end to things.
"A mother must do everything she can to protect her child. "
Even if that meant playing dirty.