Phoenix Pov
It has been a year since my wife, queen Hazel died. After getting rid of the baby, she suffered depression. She couldn't accept the fact that we had a colored child. I tried consoling her but she refused to be consoled. Shortly after, she ended her own life. I could remember the scene as if it happened yesterday.
I was in the study room attending to matters regarding the kingdom as usual, I was so immersed in my work that I lost track of time. I had promised Hazel I would take her out for picnic this afternoon. After working for several hours, a knock on the door interupted me.
" Come in." I said in a low tone, I felt exhausted at the moment. I had no idea how long I've been seated. The knob on the door was twisted and the door pushed open. A maid walked in with her head down.
" Dinner is ready, Milord."
" Dinner?" I questioned. Looking out the window, I realized that it was dark already. Shit! I cursed. I've completely forget about my date with Hazel. I was so immersed in my work that I lost track of time.
" I will be there shortly." I said, waving my hand in the air asking her to leave. She made a slight bow before walking out of the room.
Without hesitation I stood up from the chair, my back made a cracking sound. I have been sitting for over twelve hours. I walked towards the dinning room.
" I will apologize to her at dinner." I whispered to myself.
Dinner was served, I specifically asked the cook to serve only the kind of dishes Hazel liked, they've been doing so for the past two months. Veggies, cheese, fruits and prorrige were served tonight alongside Hazel's favorite wine, columella. Seeing the food on the table, my mouth watered. I shift my attention from the food to where Lin was. My brow furrowed seeing her seated on Hazel's chair.
" I believe that seat does not belong to you, queen Lin." I said without sparring her a second glance, as I walked to my seat.
" I'm sorry, Milord, I didn't know this was her place." She spoke in a quavering tone.
" I hope in the future such mistake will not repeat itself." I said in a matter of fact tone, not desiring her pretence. She reluctantly stood up from the chair and moved to the other chair besides Hazel's. I didn't have to look at her, but I knew she was angry. I wasn't affected by her mood at all, she should know her place.
" Where is Queen Hazel? I asked after I noticed her absence. It was unusual for her to skip dinner, or is she angry with me, could that be the reason she is not here? I questioned myself. After thinking for a while, I ordered a maid in the room to call her. Without hesitation, the maid left.
Twenty minutes later, the maid came back with an agitated look. Looking at her side, I couldn't find Hazel.
" What's wrong, why is the queen not with you?" I questioned.
She hesitated for a while before she spoke. " Forgive me Milord, but milady refused to answer. I knocked but she didn't answer, I even tried to open the door but it was locked from inside."
It was unlike Hazel to behave this way. Why will she lock herself up. Was she that angry with me?
" Milord" A voice called, bring me out of my thoughts. " It is obvious she doesn't want to have dinner with us, why don't you leave her alone". Turning my head to look at Lin I signed. I didn't expect her to care. After all she never liked Hazel.
" I will go and see if she is all right". I said, standing up on my feet. I gave Lin one last glance before walking out of the diner.
I twisted the knob on the door but it was locked, I knocked countless times, but no one answered. An unexplainable fear gripped my heart. Without hesitation I ordered a guard to break the door. To my greatest surprised, Hazel was lying down on the floor lifeless. Some pills where in her hands. She took her own life. It was a sad day for the entire kingdom, a day I will never forget. Few weeks later, she was buried. I've been trying to console myself but I couldn't get rid of the pain, regret and loneliness in my heart. Was this my punishment, are the gods punishing for killing my own child? I questioned myself, as tears rolled down my cheeks.