*Queen Belinda*
That turned out better than I expected. Queen Belinda secretly relished the sight of the girl walking away. Ana walked with her head cast down, full of shame. But, of course, she would be. It was a public display of embarrassment.
And it was all under the guise of Motherly concern. Queen Belinda couldn't have put on a better act. She couldn't be any happier with herself than right now.
Not only do I make her leave, I have the full support of all the other mothers. Queen Belinda smiled secretly to herself. On a whim, she looked over the room to see if it was still valid. It was. The mothers and ladies were still smiling and nodding amongst themselves.
"It's a shame it had to happen so publicly," A wife told her husband.
"Queen Belinda is truly a kind heart," said an older woman to her daughter.
Just listen to everyone again. Belinda felt her smile widen. They were eating out of the palm of her hand. And she barely had to lift a finger.
Everyone sees it as nothing more than myself having to be firm with my unruly stepchild. Queen Belinda couldn't think of a better excuse. It was perfect. No one could blame her.
What a wonderful day this has turned out to be. Queen Belinda sipped her tea as she watched the fleeting girls back. It was a shame she couldn't capture this moment and replay it later.
Perhaps a magician could? Queen Belinda mused in high spirits. At this moment, she felt open to the possibility. Her mood was too good to a fault. The same, however, could not be said for the rest of the table.
"Why would you do that?" Nicoli blurted with a hot look at her. "It's just some stupid shoes."
Stupid shoes? Belinda flinched while sipping. She tried to relax before speaking. "Nicoli, like I said, it-"
"It's stupid!" Nicoli spouted again. "I don't like it!"
"Nicoli," Belinda sharpened her tone without losing her expression. Then, without moving her head, she shot him a look that made Nicoli grow quiet. Nicoli had to close his mouth a moment. But he continued to fume.
"Why do you have to send sister Ana away?" Nicoli whispered harshly.
"Sister?"Queen Belinda gave a slight twitch at him, saying the word. How could he already call that thing 'sister'? Since when could they be so close? Belinda's stomach turned at the idea.
"It's important to dress properly for court, my baby. Not for us but for respect for our nobility." Queen Belinda composed her face as she sipped more tea. "Even if it's just shoes, I don't want her to influence the court. We have many young and impressionable minds amongst our guests."
As are you, Queen Belinda quietly added. Then, on the thought, she stroked Nicoli's head tenderly. He was an innocent boy who was too young to understand such things. But instead of blaming him, she found only sympathy.
You're just so sweet. Belinda reasoned. Of course, he would be bitter. He doesn't understand. But she did.
And sweet things attract vile insects. Belinda glanced again after Ana. She was now reaching her table. At that moment, the teen tried to speak to her, but to both of their shock, Ana ignored him and kept walking.
She's snubbed him!? Queen Belinda almost laughed aloud. And look at the shock on his face. It was hilarious. He must not have expected that.
Belinda was further delighted as the teen did something just as unexpected. He sprang up from his chair. Was he going to follow her?
Oh? Belinda watched with curiosity. What was this new development? She never thought the teen would let go of his pride so quickly.
As Belinda watched, eager to observe the new development, she barely registered Alexander's stir. He was also watching the events unfold. But his face was twisted down rather than up into a smile.
"Johan," King Alexander motioned to his trusted butler. Without needing instruction, as if he could read minds, Johan started. He darted directly to their table with a dead procession.
"Ahm," King Alexander cleared his throat and rose. The room immediately followed his suit and stood up, ready to hear whatever he had to say. Save for Belinda, however, who remained seated.
"Lose your appetite, dear?"Belinda spoke sweetly, but it was all for show. She already knew it was a loss. Especially with the way he regarded her with a cold, distant stare.
Still, despite knowing that this would happen, Belinda felt her heart sink a little. She wasn't looking forward to the repercussions. It was not what she intended.
I only wanted her gone. And Belinda had gotten her wish. And then some. Belinda sank a little more in her chair as she felt his stare in silence.
"I have some urgent matters to take care of," Alexander spoke aloofly.
"Urgent enough to leave breakfast?" Queen Belinda strained her face to stay calm as she trembled slightly under her clothes.
He's beyond furious. Belinda was trying not to push his buttons. The man was a powder keg waiting to pop.
"Now, my husband? Can it not wait till after?" Queen Belinda tried to plead gently. But King Alexander looked even colder at her.
"No, I-"
"Me too." Nicoli jumped from his chair.
"I need to go to my room now," Nicoli spoke but tried to convey something under his breath. "I need to get my favorite bear." Nicoli winked.
"Bear?" Both repeated. Alexander blinked with surprise and confusion as Belidina found her ground again.
"Nicoli," Queen Belinda started. "This is no time for toys." She motioned for the boy to retake his seat.
"You still have guests-"
"No, it's important." Again, Nicoli sounded urgent. He shot a look at Alexander. "Please, papa?"
"Nicoli, your mother is-" Alexander spoke, growing distracted as he looked at Johan. He seemed torn between something that made him anxious.
"I can't!" Nicoli protested and took up his hand. Nicoli squeezed it before looking up into his same blue eyes.
"I don't want to be alone." Nicoli pleaded before giving a wink.
"Alone?" King Alexander paused after his son. Not sure what he was trying now. However, it soon dawned on him.
"Ah!" Alexander quickly suppressed his expression before nodding. "Yes, alone, yes, I understand."
"You do?" Nicoli tested as Belinda looked between them.
"What are you two going about?" Belinda didn't understand. "Nicoli, you need to stay-" But Belinda muted over Alexander again.
"Oh, that is quite important then." Alexander beamed a smile before turning to the room. "VERY IMPORTANT," He purposely winked towards the roomful. The court chuckled in response.
"Well, then." Alexander turned back to Nicoli. His face was beaming with a smile. "I think we all agree; there is no helping that." A roar of laughter ran through the room then. Nicoli saw people smiling at him and took this as a cue to throw on one of his smiles.
"What a sweet boy he is." A middle-aged mother cooed to his husband.
"He just wants his teddy."
"Big baby! " Phillip shouted from the table. It only brought more laughter, but Nicoli slightly lowered the corners of his lips. He could only throw him a dirty look.
"Watch it, you!" His eyes flashed to the boy. Philip only rolled his eyes and pouted.
"Go, find your bear." King Alexander moved to rustle Nicoli's hair. "And make sure to give her my love." King Alexander winked.
"I will."Nicoli instantly brightened.
"Dear, I don't-" Nicoi should stay- but Belinda couldn't protest before Nicoli yelled.
"Thank you!" Nicoli practically screamed with excitement before taking off. His little feet were pounding hard as he dashed down the aisle.
"Nicoli…" Queen Belinda watched, stunned. She felt herself numbly watch him follow down the same direction. Thomas, his manservant, was barely following just behind.
What are you doing? Queen Belinda flashed a hard look to her maid. Follow them!
"Your majesty," Julia nodded before stepping from the wall. She, too, began to follow after. Belinda soured at the sight.
Why is it that everyone is leaving just at once? Belinda couldn't help but feel put out as soon as that brat leaves. It was like they couldn't be around her. But how could that be?
Have I not proved myself? Am I not a good mother? Have I not shown how much I love you, husband? Queen Belinda sucked in her lower lip. She moved her head a little higher to retain herself.
"Then, if you must go, my king." Queen Belinda voiced gracefully. I will stay. Queen Belinda knew. It was only proper that she at least wait to carry out the duties as hostess. Someone had to do it.
For the sake of their guests, I must stay. Given any other day, Queen Belinda would have gladly taken it. Instead, she was proud to be able to help her husband. But today was not one of those times.
"I'll mind after the guests." Queen Belinda concluded and raised her hand. She gave her husband an expectant stare down.
"Good morning." Queen Belinda prompted a farewell first. "I hope all goes well for you."
"Belinda," King Alexander took her hand and kissed her skin. His cold eyes regarded her distantly, but Belidna felt compelled.
"You know I had to enforce it." Queen Belinda whispered for only him."You know I had to. As queen, it's my duty," It was an excuse, but Belinda couldn't stop herself. "I will not have her making a mockery of this court, not after I worked so hard to bring it up. You understand, don't you?"
"You could have approached it more gracefully." King Alexander returned lowly. "Did you need to announce it for just everyone to hear?."
"I'm disappointed in you."King Alexander loosened his hold on her hand.
"Disappointed?" Queen Belinda felt the stab deep. But she quickly hid her pain.
No. Belinda considered. She had to stay firm. There was no other way to it. She would never allow that girl to invade their lives.
Not when she is that woman's child.
"Ask anyone." Belinda batted her eyes. She took a look around the room. She saw all the happy mothers and ladies nodding her way.
"I've done nothing wrong." Queen Belinda looked back at him.
"As always," King Alexander watched his wife momentarily before looking over his shoulder. When he saw Johan bow to Mykhol, did he sigh with relief? "You perform your role perfectly."
"Of course I-" Belinda mistook the comment as a compliment but quickly fell as Alexander turned.
"Then enjoy your breakfast alone." King Alexander gave farewell. His eyes carefully avoided hers as he moved. Queen Belinda felt her stomach twist as she watched him go.
Husband. Queen Belinda felt the urge to leave her chair. She wanted to run after him. But there was nothing to do.
It was already too late. And Belinda was above making a fool of herself, at least in front of many voyeurs. There was nothing to do but stay and pretend all was well. But as she sat, she noticed the teen get up from the table.
Mykhol left the table and followed Johann. They seemed to be heading out of the room. It was down the same way Alexander had left.
Where were they going? Queen Belinda questioned as she stealthily dabbed her eyes with a napkin. Now dry, Belidna's gray eyes sparked as she reeled up a smile again.
"Please, enjoy your food, everyone," Belinda beamed to see them quickly return with smiles. The trouble was long past, and all over breakfast had forgotten the incident. Belinda watched the room become lively just as before. Everyone returned to their happy breakfast.
All except for Belinda. Under her smile, her insides turned like a storm. If she could not cry now, she would seethe.
"Anastasia." Belinda hissed under her breath, feeling the anger grow. It was her fault. Barely a whole day here, and already you've bewitched both her husband and son. It was the only way she could see it.
Both her son and husband were smitten with Ana. That's why they left. Ana must have inherited the same magnetism that her mother had. But Belidna could see the girl for who she was.
The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Queen Belinda scuffed with disgust. But this time, Belinda would not underestimate her. She would not fall prey to the same tricks as last time.
Fool me once; shame on you. Fool me twice, and I will show you what happens. Belinda would be ready.