It has been difficult trying to get Queen Grea alone, but I've finally done it. After seventeen days of playing nice in court with these frivolous ladies, I have finally secured a meeting with that wicked Queen. From what Damien told me, Queen Grea is bad news. Maidservant Rose dared not to say anything about the Queen knowing the consequences that would befall on her. That alone is reason enough to believe that this woman has some kind of power.
I waited patiently in my living space where tea and pastries were already set. I put a lot of effort into this. Even asked the cooks to create the dreadful carrot cake she loves so much.
The offer I have for the Queen is simple. I will keep Damien on a leash for her in return for her support. I know how much she despises him. Still, Damien's reign is nearing and she should fear for her life. I am more than certain that Damien would dispose of her the minute he takes the throne.
Queen Grea entered with a fake smile plastered on her face. She came in, sitting across from me. "What is it that you want, Princess?" she asked, getting straight to the point.
I smiled, pouring her a cup of tea and getting her a slice of cake. "Well," I said, "I wanted to get to know my mother-in-law."
She arched her brow, folding her arms over her chest. She didn't like me at all, but I didn't care. Her speech about chess inspired me with a plan. Her royal Highness is not a queen who protects her king; she's useless. But still, she is cunning and dangerous—something I could use. She's to be a pawn in a bigger game.
"I wasn't born yesterday, Princess," she says, "I know you want something from me. Why don't we skip the formalities and get to it."
"I know your secret," I said, "Not even Damien's aware of it. The King is dying, is he not? That's part of the reason why this arrangement was brought up. This marriage... It's to ensure that the Cross Dynasty will not collapse along with King Richard. He threw away his pride, surrendering his only son in exchange for peace."
There's no use for her denying it. I myself heard her state this to her sibling during the celebration of my pregnancy weeks ago. The drunken fool would've blabbed it to everyone if it weren't for her sibling.
"I'm sure that no other realm is aware of this," I said, smirking, "All the enemies you've made would be glad for Damien's ascension. They know of your schemes."
"And you're telling me this because?" she asked ever so proudly.
"Well, I know that your life is hanging by a thread. Damien would be the pair of scissors that cuts you down," I say, sipping on my tea. "He knows what you did to his mother."
She cracked, growling, "I've done what I had to!"
Bingo. Damien wasn't sure of it.
I laughed wickedly, shaking my head. "Queen Grea," I say, "You just admitted treason to me." I snapped my fingers, revealing three of my ladies and one of Queen Isabelle and Queen Rosie. "These are witnesses to your confession," I said, pointing at them.
"What is it you want then?" she asked, swallowing her pride.
"Power," I replied, "Your support." I nodded at my ladies, signaling for them to leave.
They curtsied and left.
"Support?" Grea asked, "What do you mean?"
"I know you loathe Damien and put him through hell the minute you became Queen," I said, "He loathes you even more than you loathe him. I loathe him as well, and I have a duty to my own Kingdom. Hence, I want your support and assistance to gain more power. Damien has no concrete evidence of what you've done to his mother, but I have. I even have witnesses to support my claims. Now, if you vow to help me, I will protect you from Damien's wrath."
"How do I know you can keep him on a leash?" she questioned, "That boy is not capable of love; I made sure of that."
I laughed wickedly. "Love is a dangerous tool I stray from. Get too close and you get burned," I say, "But didn't you suspect it before? That Damien's in love. Well, you saw how much he cares. He would've stayed with me if he could. That's how much pull I have over him. I believe you once had that power over the King. Hm? Once upon a time, when you promised to give him heirs... He eventually fell out of love with you when you failed to give him one after eight years."
The look on her face was much to my satisfaction. She deserves this distress after all the things he put Damien through. Actually, she deserves more than just this distress. She deserves to die for what she's done. She'll get what's coming to her once she's no use to me.
"I underestimated you," she says, applauding, "But alright. I agree with your proposal. I will help you gain more power in exchange for my safety."
I smiled, shaking hands with her. "A pleasure doing business with you."
"Tell me," she says, "Why do you hate him?"
"Simple," I replied. "In his veins run the blood of my enemies. I am the future White Queen. I have not forgotten what you've done to our people. In addition to that, I was forced to sleep with him."
"But you enjoy it," she argued, "Do not deny it. Everyone could hear your cries and the shaking of furniture."
"True," I say, "But the first time was forced. It was expected of us. I hated that I had to sleep with the enemy. Of course, now it's different. I've grown to enjoy his performance. He satisfies me. In time, I learned how to satisfy him as well. Sex is one of women's tools to get what she wants; you're the expert on that. Isn't it how you seduced the king?"
"Yes," she nodded, "Well, I must be going. Send word if you need me." With that said, she left. I didn't think it would be that easy to bend her. Well, I suppose it wasn't that easy. I put in a lot of effort into getting the evidence I needed against her. I even had to bribe two ladies that weren't my own.
Maidservant Rose then entered the room as I requested her too. She looked worried and concerned. "Is everything alright?" she asked, rushing towards me. "I saw Queen Grea come out. I assumed the worst."
"No," I replied, "Everything's fine, Maidservant Rose. I appreciate your concern. I just wanted to ask you if you had word from my husband."
She shook her head in response, holding my hand tightly. "I'm afraid not, your grace," she says, "But I did receive word from Silver."
I didn't know why, but my heart started to pound violently against my chest. This baby really is too much. "What is it?" I asked.
"He said the war is roaring," she explained, "It's getting worse and worse day by day. He claims that the enemy has gathered their own support against us. If it keeps up, they might recruit women to join the fight. We need as many people on the battlefield as we can."
That's understandable. Women are more than capable to fight. This decision should've been made ages ago. Women joining the army is quite normal in my country. I prefer if they recruit them now instead of later when it has become too late.
"And did he mention my husband?" I asked, trying to calm myself down.
"He said that Damien won two victories. Do not fret. He is healthy and unharmed," she says, "Silver mentioned that Damien has changed. He has never seen such determination in him since he has avenged his mother's death. Damien truly has fallen in love with you and your baby."
I smiled, shaking my head. "I should like to believe you, Maidservant Rose... But we both know that Damien is not capable of love. At least not for me. I can believe that he loves this child, but not me."
"You kids are just so stubborn," she sighed, drinking her tea. "But I respect your opinion, Princess. But as the woman who raised him, I just want to tell you what I see—he loves you. Perhaps he fails to show you that, but he does love you. All he needs is a little push."
"Let's say that he does love me. How would you feel if I didn't return his feelings?" I asked, "Wouldn't you feel bad for him?"
"Of course," she says, "But it is not my place to force you to love him. It will happen on its own. I have confidence in it." She touched my belly, feeling the small bump. "Have you thought about a name yet?" she asked curiously.
A name, huh? I haven't thought about it yet. What would I name the child?
"I suppose you haven't," she says, "What about Damien? Has he suggested any names for it?"
"Oh God," I said, "I could already imagine. Wouldn't you think he'd suggest I name it Damien in his honor? He's always so proud and arrogant. He would say "Name the child after yours truly because I am the greatest warrior alive" I'm sure."
"That is true," she laughed, "I could see that happening. Would you consider it though?"
"To name the child Damien?" I gasped, "I should think not! Damien is already a handful. To have another one would most likely drain me of exhaustion."
"I am curious what name you should grant the babe if it turns out to be a girl," she says, "Have you thought about what happens if you birth a girl?"
"Well," I replied, "I know that if I birth a girl, it shall inherit my throne instead of his. I wouldn't mind having a girl for a firstborn. I only worry about the rejection she will get from the masses. I know how much they want a male heir. Would you be disappointed if it were a girl instead of a boy?"
She shook her head, giving me a reassuring smile. "I would love it just the same," she replied.
Curiously, I asked, "Do you think Damien would be disappointed if I birth to a girl?"
She was dumbfounded. It appears she didn't know how her son would react to such news. Even I can't imagine the disappointment he might feel. He may act calm now, but I am sure he'll be greatly disappointed if our first child is a girl.
"It's alright," I said, "You needn't answer it. I know he'll be disappointed."
"Why don't you write to him?" she suggests, "I think it would bring him comfort to hear from you." She stood from her seat and said, "I must go and help the ladies prepare for supper. Please rest, Princess."
I watched as she left me. Her suggestion wasn't bad. Perhaps I can try to win his heart by writing to him. It wouldn't hurt to try.
To Damien Cross,
I haven't seen you in weeks, husband. You must think of me as foolish to write to you. But I cannot help it. I need to know that you are well and alive.
Silver wrote to Maidservant Rose. He claims that the war rages on and is getting worse. I worry for you. Everyone keeps me in the dark regarding this war. I suppose they didn't want me to feel in distress. But even so, I feel in agony in fear you may never return to us. You must think low of me now that it has come to this. I assure you, I am disappointed in myself as well.
Why don't you request more women to join the battle? I heard it is already being considered. I suggest you recruit them now instead of late. If not, then train the women at least. Women are very much capable of fighting as much as men. I believe they can help us win.
My belly has grown a bit. You'd be surprised at how fast he grows in my belly. I think the child misses you. Maidservant Rose asked me something that bothered me. She asked me what I thought it would be like if I gave birth to a baby girl instead of a boy. It tears my heart knowing that if I do, she will be rejected by the masses. I wonder if you will be among those who will reject her. But fear not for it is just a thought. We don't know if it is a prince or a princess. I only care that the baby is born healthy.
Please be careful while you are in battle. I heard you won two victories now. I am proud. I get to boast about you with the frivolous ladies who accompany me in court. Anyway, do take care of yourself and return to us soon.
Your wife,
Princess Angelique of White