The Queen's quarters were located in the main quarters close to the throne room. To think such an adulterer stayed in a room where my mother formerly stayed, it was reproachful. My mother counted as the most innocent and kindest person I knew.
She was fiercely loyal to my father and she loved her children. She would turn red at the mention of anything indecent, which made me question just how she made children. This was the reason she kept us away from noble gossip, made us meet a few nobles she trusted and basically told us nothing about the cruel world outside the palace.
A queen that would boldly expose her loins to a man beneath her station for whatever reason is not qualified to be a queen.
I thought we were being led to the queen's quarters but the servant turned to the throne room. The palace guards opened the mahogany doors and we stepped in. All at once, the memories came rushing back.
"Celia, don't run in the throne room!"
"Carrion, stop doing that! Drop the crown right now!"
"Come on now dear, don't be so harsh on your siblings. Let them play!"
"But father -"
"It's fine. Aren't I the king?"
Well, not anymore, father.
"Her majesty, Queen Kierra Lithonius of Casella."
She isn't Moriah. So, who is she?
On the throne of my mother, the adultress sat in exquisite purple silk, her face decorated so early in the morning. She looked fairly young and beautiful, it was no wonder she was queen. Her bearing however was lacking and left much to be desired.
"Kneel before your queen," were the words that came out of her poised mouth.
Ariana, as a princess, you must never lose your dignity kneeling to another woman. Hold your head high, my darling.
Well mother, there isn't much I can do here, right?
Taking one deep breath, I fell to my knees.
"Greetings to her majesty."
The throne room entertained a long awkward pause. My head was bowed so I couldn't see her expression but I was grateful she couldn't see mine.
"... You may rise."
I lifted my head and stood up, looking her straight in the eyes. Whatever pride she mustered faltered right there and she diverted her eyes. Realizing what she had done, she snapped her eyes right back but I corrected my manners, looking at the knobs on the chair.
If she ever wanted to comment on that, she didn't, keeping it to herself. As I said, lacking.
"You were sent here by his majesty?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"Why didn't you come to present yourself to me? As the prince's nurse, you ought to show yourself to me so I can tell if you're qualified to take care of him."
If you cared, you would've come yourself. Are you even his mother?
"I apologize, your majesty. His highness's quarters are a mess so I spent all my time cleaning them. His highness also fell ill recently so I had to take care of him. I beg your majesty to forgive this servant's oversight."
"Prince Miyon fell sick?"
Who are you pretending for?
"Yes, your majesty. He's better now after I nursed him back to health."
"O... Oh..."
"Pardon me, your majesty but his highness would soon awaken and he needs to take his medicine. I fear he would relapse and trouble his majesty or you. This servant begs you release her."
She struggled for words, looking for an excuse to keep me here. I caught a shadow behind a side door connecting to another part of the throne room. The queen's gaze travelled there, lingering for a few minutes, lips moving. She turned her attention back to me.
"You may go take care of the prince. However, I expect you to report to me regularly. You are still a stranger."
I know this palace better than you ever will.
"Of course, your majesty."
Giving one last bow, I left the throne room. I delayed my exit at the doors, glancing at the faces of the palace guards there. The one I seeked was not there so I moved on. I found my way back to the west quarters and right from the hallway heard his screams. I rushed back, opened the door and ran up to his cot.
"I'm so sorry your highness... gods! You're running a fever!"
And so, for the majority of the morning, I ran helter-skelter caring for the prince. The day was just as stressful as the day before and when the sun went down, I realized that I hadn't made do on the plan to procure firework. My stomach rumbled too, the prince's following in a chorus.
We went to get dinner, not expecting anything much. Surprisingly, there was warm food, actual food, waiting for us. I watched the cook's face skeptically, eyeing the food suspiciously. The smile on his face twitched and when he couldn't keep it on any longer, he rolled his eyes and walked away. I could finally trust the food and walked away.
Another day came and this time, no one bothered us. The smell was finally fading and Prince Miyon was finally recovering. I took out the laundry again and washed faster in fear he would wander off. He didn't, making my work much easier.
When we were done, we took a walk to the stables. If there was one place we could at least ask for it, it was there. The same lull was present in the stables, making it awkward for us to interrupt. However, unlike last time, the prince was awake. The smell made him sneeze, waking them all up.
"Pardon me, I want to ask where I can get firewood."
I expected the hesitance but I didn't expect them to be cruel enough to let us tide the season over without firewood.
"Sorry lady but all the firewood's gone."
"What do you mean all?"
"The last batch was delivered today and it was taken by the other servants. You would have to wait till next week."
We couldn't possibly wait till the following week! By then, it would already be snowing. I couldn't let both of us freeze to death.
"Is there a carriage?"
"... There is one about to depart."
"Tell the coachman to wait. I'll be right back. Please."
Without waiting for a reply, I ran back into the palace, kitted the prince up for a trip, took the coin purse I stored and a few things, running back to the stables. Thankfully, there was a carriage waiting there with a very impatient driver. He seemed more annoyed we were late than the fact that he was carrying the prince. Apologizing briefly, we entered the carriage.
"Your highness, we're going to buy a lot of things today."
"Buy. Buy."
"Yes. Hold on to me so you won't get lost. If you get lost, you wouldn't see me again."
"No." He pouted, shaking his head.
"Would you stay beside me?"
He nodded vigorously, holding to my skirt. I smiled and pat his head.