*****
Lady Esmeralda Chambers, known throughout the kingdom as the Royal Wicked Grandmother, was a formidable figure draped in an air of dark elegance. Despite her advanced age, her presence exuded a commanding aura, leaving no doubt that she held the reins of power within the palace walls.
Her features were etched with a lifetime of experience, her face a tapestry of lines and wrinkles that spoke of wisdom and cunning. Sharp, piercing eyes, as green as emeralds, glinted with a mischievous spark, hinting at the depths of her devious nature. The subtle arch of her thin, silver eyebrows added a touch of menace to her gaze, leaving even the most courageous courtiers with a sense of unease.
Lady Esmeralda's raven-black hair, interwoven with streaks of silver, was worn in an intricate coiffure, the symbol of her status and power. It cascaded down her back in an ornate braid, adorned with jeweled pins that whispered of her opulent lifestyle. Each carefully placed strand seemed to echo her calculated and methodical nature, reflecting her precise control over every aspect of palace affairs.
"How do I look, Angelina?" she asked her maid who had just finished dressing her up.
Draped in regal attire, Lady Esmeralda's wardrobe was a blend of extravagance and wickedness. She favored garments in deep, vibrant hues, such as amethyst and onyx, that accentuated her regal bearing. Her dresses were tailored to perfection, cinching at the waist to emphasize her still-trim figure, and adorned with intricate lace and velvet trims. The fabrics she chose were known for their luxurious quality, a testament to her wealth and her willingness to flaunt it.
"Magnificent, mamaa," The girl answered with a big smile on her face.
"Good," She said, glaring at the mirror once more.
Despite her elegant appearance, there was an undeniable air of malevolence that clung to Lady Esmeralda. Whispers of her treacherous acts echoed through the court, and her name had become synonymous with dark intrigues and shadowy plots. Many claimed she had a fondness for manipulating those around her, turning family against family and sowing discord for her own amusement. Her calculating mind and her insatiable thirst for power made her a force to be reckoned with.
People usually pay attention to her. They listened to her advice and even wished for more. However, there was one person that never listen, her daughter in-law, queen Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was the strongest opponent, she ever had. When the alliance was arranged between her and the late king, grandmother Esmeralda was glad to have a daughter in law who looked calm and Innocent.
After a while, Elizabeth became a rebel. Since the late king was madly in love with her, she got away with most of her stupid behavior.
The king died and prince Alistair- the one that never listens, became the ruler.
Alistair was a surprise package...since birth. He was supposed to be a girl child but came out as a boy. The seer said he saw a girl child and not boy. But that was that, he was done.
"Do you need anything?" Angelina asked, interrupting her thoughts.
"No, check if Abigail is back," grandmother Esmeralda. She sent the other maid to find out the king's decision concerning the princess his mother offered to him.
She never expected Elizabeth to make such a move. it was a big one and if Alistair agrees, hell will break loose.
A knock came on the door and she quickly answered "Come in."
It took three minutes for the door to opened. A pale girl walked in with head bent. She bowed deeply and broke the news "The king rejected his mother's offer, your highness."
Her heart leapt for joy but she did not show it to the girls. With her hand on her chest, she said "Then, the ball is still in my court. I shall offer him my candidate."
**
She still waiting for an answer but it seemed the cat got her son's tongue. He brought down the sleeves of his shirt and sat on one of the empty chairs in the room. The queen was surprised that he was paying little attention to her questions "Are you going to answer me or not?"
"I have been standing all day, mother," Alistair said. He knew she was not going to let him be. "I do not wish to marry her. She is certainly not my type. I don't like girls like her."
Queen Elizabeth's brows furrowed in confusion as her gaze flicked "I do not understand your comment, son. Is the princess not attractive, Percival?"
"Your majesties?" Percival did not want to be included in their argument. He wished he could leave them alone. "Of course, she is not only attractive but smart and confident. She will make a good queen and mo…" if eyes could kill then the king would have been a murderer.
"Keep quiet, Percival," The king hissed and turned to his mother. "I can't marry her and you of all people should know why."
"I don't think I know why, son" the queen restored. She was hating this conversation because the king do not want to give in to her demand. "What is it? There are rumors about you being an impotent…"
"And you know that's not true, mother," Alistair was surprised. He didn't expect his mother to tell him.
"I'm beginning to consider it," She crossed her hands in front. "They say you are a beast or a troll that scares women away."
"People will talk, mother, its what make them human…talks" He stood up from his seat and took an empty cup. Percival ran to him and poured the wine into the cup. "You shouldn't not worry about the rumors. They won't dare to say it to my face," he laughed loud.
Percival joined in and when he noticed that the queen was not happy with him, he tightened his jaw "I'm sorry, your highness."
She ignored him and continued. But this time, she sounded more pathetic "This kingdom needs an heir…I need grandchildren, Alistair. You don't want me to see them like your father never did."
Oh there she goes again, Alistair could not carry on with his drink. He kept it back and watched his mother toy with his heart. She knew how much he loved his father and would do anything in his name.
"You know much your father wants his line to
continue. Even if you don't need these children…make him happy at least," The queen said.
"I'm not buying that, mother. Well played," he picked his cup and drank from it. The sweet taste satisfied his urge to drink something.
The queen let out those fake tears. It was not easy but she was a good actress. She walked closed to her son "I will never allow it to end with you. You shall give me grandchildren that will give me great grandchildren. As for the princess, I have chosen her as my daughter in law, deal with it."
Alistair had no choice than to calm the situation. He has been listening to this marriage talk since last Christmas. Maybe it was time to give it a thought. For his father's sake…the man his mother loved dearly "Fine but it would be a punishment for the woman I shall marry. I…"
"I understand, son but it would be different this time. You might get better at this."
"Fine, I will give it a thought."
Her eyes widened like a child who was going to get a gift "really?"
"I haven't agree to it, mother," Alistair cleared the air. She might misinterpret it later. "But if I later accept this marriage, just know that it's going to be on my terms and conditions."
"Whatever you say, son," The queen walked to where he was and kissed his cheeks. "My sweet boy."