*Belinda*
Belinda tapped her quill on the desk as she looked at the letter. It was somewhat of a little feat to retrieve it off of Post Master Nettle without anyone the wiser. But of course, Julia had managed. Belinda could count on her for things like this.
But getting the letter into her hands was one thing. Now was the question of what could be done with it. What was Belinda going to do?
Briefly, she regarded Nicoli's hand script on the envelope. It had improved.
Even I can see that. Belinda had to admit. But the reason it had to do with that bastard child, only soured her mood further.
Belinda tapped her quill with more force. She was practically stabbing into the desk's wood now. The quill's nip got duller as small chunks of wood came up.
"My Queen," Julia broke the silence at last. "We can no longer delay the letter. They will check and wonder why it hasn't been sent."
"I'm well aware of the time frame, Julia." Belinda glanced over at her. Julia bowed with a quick apology. But her wrinkled face was still pinched and worried. The sight of Julia so only made Belinda drop lower.
"Calm yourself and let me think." Belinda sighed and looked back at the envelope. But the truth was, she was stumped. What exactly could she do? And Julia was right about the time. The letter needed to be sent out soon.
Less Alexander notices. And he would no doubt come and ask soon after, Belinda knew her I wonder how would he act if he found that I have it now?
I love him dearly, but I'd instead not spark more of his wrath. Belinda had still not been forgiven for the last time.
It'd be better not to risk making it worse. But what am I to do?
"We can ruin it, My Queen." Julia volunteered.
Belinda quickly shot Julia a 'Are you stupid' look.
"You want someone to report that back to the king? Then, he'll have another made."
"Ah," Julia drew back. Belinda flicked the quill again.
In honesty, it wasn't the letter that was the problem. Nicoli could send as many as he wanted. He was an innocent who did not understand things.
And Belinda could never think of denying him from it.
It's if that girl responds will be the problem. Belinda frowned. No, she couldn't have that. There must be something she could do. Anything that could prevent reciprocation on her half.
Fear could work. Belinda mused. If I could just scare the little bastard off for good. How though? That was the golden question.
Belinda continued to flick the pen as Julia noted an empty glass. She moved to refill it. But a flick of her nerves made water drip onto the desk.
"Julia!" Belinda flashed with rage. "You dolt," The water was on the paper now. Julia rolled back immediately.
"My queen, I didn't mean-" Julia was rushing for a towel. "I'll clean it immediately."
Julia lifted books and paper to mop up the mess. But the water was soaking into the looseleaf. It began to break them apart as she tried to blot. It had the water spread over more and break them apart too.
"What a mess." Belinda tsked. But her scowl began to fade as she watched on. A tickle of of an idea starting to come to mind.
The water...Ah. That's it.
"Yes, of course." Belinda smiled to herself.
"Leave it and fetch me my ink well." Belinda brushed off her hand. "And fresh paper." She continued with a slight smirk.
"Yes, your majesty." Julia darted to do just that but noticed Belinda's mood improve and grew curious.
"You…you figured something out, didn't you, Your Majesty?"
"Perhaps I have." Belinda sat back, watching Julia dip the quill in ink. She then took it gently. Her expression began to glow at this point with elation.
"Go and lock the door, Julia."
Julia nodded and scrambled over to do so. Then, turning back, she saw Belinda holding the quill in her left hand, not her right. Immediately Julia caught on to what was happening.
"Please no. Forging the king's hand is a serious crime, Your Majesty."
Belinda laughed softly, amused.
"How could you accuse me of such a thing, Julia?"
"Forgive me, my queen. I…must be stupid."Julia lowered her head obediently.
"Forgiven, like always, Julia." Belinda continued writing. As she finished, she held it up to investigate it. The forgery was impeccable. Her hand was a perfect likeness to his.
"I've improved greatly over all these years. Wouldn't you agree, Julia?" Belinda spoke with pride.
"Such a long way from copying signatures to full-on letters. I've worked so hard."
Julia glanced at the letter to nod after.
"It's come in handy for you over the years, my queen."
"It has." Belinda beamed with a smile. She opened her drawer to pull out a golden letter knife.
"My queen!?" Julia nearly cried out loud, horrified at the idea. "You can't open it! Not that! They'll know-"
But Belinda sliced through the bottom in one motion. The letter fell through the opening. It landed with a thump.
"My queen, if they find out, they'll have your head-" Julia was in disbelief, but Belinda kept a serene smile. She folded her letter inside Nicoli's and tucked both back in.
"Had me my glass, Julia."
"My Queen?" Julia could only nod before taking the half glass of water.
"You know, they say the pen is stronger than the sword."Belinda dipped a finger into the water.
"But don't you think that the very paper is weak?"
"My Queen?"
Belinda rubbed her wet finger on the edge of the ripped side. Then, she began to pinch and scratch at the seam.
"Paper is flimsy. You can burn it. Rip it. Or wash it away." Belinda continued to work the edge and dipped her finger again in water.
"If the pen has to rely on something so weak as paper, how strong is it, really?"
"My Queen, the tear is-" Julia gasped as the envelope began to bound back together. Belinda's musings manipulated the paper like clay. The seam was closing up.
"A pen is only good as the material it's on, right? And if the very paper can not be infallible, then, what does that say about the pen?"
"Your majesty!" Julia breathed. "Your brilliant."
Belinda lifted the envelope to check the seal was good. When she was satisfied, she turned the envelope over to Julia.
"Take it to the sunniest spot to dry."Belinda directed.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Julia spared no time to find the sunniest ledge on the window sill. Judging by the spot, Belinda expected it wouldn't take long.
Good, Belinda suddenly felt stuffy in the room and wanted to leave.
"Once it's dry," Belinda stood up. She walked to a window. Outside, she could catch a corner of the maze.
Below, she happened to find Nicoli. He was again walking the maze. Belinda smiled at the sight. She felt a need to go to him.
"Send it out to the postmaster."
"Yes, my queen." Julia returned but wasn't heard. Belinda's thoughts were suddenly on Nicoli only.
"With this, we will never have to worry about the cursed child again." Belinda mused with ease. Feeling a deep desire to protect her only child finally satisfied.
Nicoli would be safe now. And I can be finally free of that cursed child and her devil of a mother.
I can finally be happy. This terrible memory and nightmare could be over.
At that moment Nicoli noticed Belinda. He lifted his head up to immediately smile and wave. His face cheery and full despite the cold. It made her warm up down to her very toes.
"Such a sweet boy." Belinda mused. "Mommy will always love you." She blew him a kiss, and Nicoli stretched up his hands and playfully swatted it about.
Belinda laughed at the sight feeling so much better now. That sweet smile of his would be protected now. And Belidna could be at ease.
"I love you and will do anything to keep you safe," Belinda whispered and meant every word. She would. Nothing was off limits if it meant keeping her precious Nicoli safe.
Nothing.