The morning after his triumphant homecoming, a tense atmosphere lingered in the air as the royal family assembled for breakfast.
Seated at the grand table, adorned with intricate patterns of gold and silver, Prince Lucius presence was met with an undercurrent of strained politeness. Lady Celestia casted discreet glances at the queen, who bore a countenance of thinly veiled disdain.
The king attempted to maintain an air of authority. The tension between everyone on the table did not go unnoticed. Some of them couldn't stand each others gut but they had to be here because the king requested it and it was out of respect for Prince Lucius who just returned from the war zone.
As the servants moved silently around the opulent dining room, the clinking of silverware on fine china underscored the uneasy silence. The familial discord played out in subtle gestures and guarded expressions, a complex dance of power and resentment.
The queen's disdainful gaze met Prince Lucius as she began the conversation with a thinly veiled remark. "It seems the borders were more forgiving to you than the court, my dear prince. Or perhaps you've grown accustomed to the company of commoners."
Lucius maintained a composed demeanor knowing the queen reason for saying what she said .She wanted him to lose his cool and she hated his guts.
"The kingdom's safety is my paramount concern, Your Majesty. "The problems at court are nothing compared to the difficulties I face at the borders."
The Queen hated the fact that Lucius started attending court meetings and her son didn't
Across the table, Prince half-siblings, born of other concubines, exchanged knowing glances. Lady Seraphina, elegant yet with a discernible edge, spoke up, "Mother always says that true strength lies in navigating both battles – on the field and within these walls."
The queen, ignoring Serafina's remark, turned her attention to the king. "Your favored concubine's son has a way with words, doesn't he? I wonder if his skills extend beyond diplomacy and the battle field ."
King Arthur, caught in the crossfire, attempted to mediate. "Let us not dwell on differences, my love. Lucius has served the kingdom valiantly."
"Fetch the box I handed you earlier," commanded King Arthur, his voice resonating through the grand hall.
"Right away, my king!" Mr. Luke, dressed in a finely tailored cotton vest, bowed with respect. His hand delved into a pocket, retrieving a well-crafted square box. Approaching the King, he extended the box with a deferential bow.
Turning to his concubine , Lady Celestia , King Arthur spoke, "I acquired this as a gift during one of my travels "
Seated on the King's left, Lady Celestia expressed a modest protest, "You needn't have gone to such trouble for a gift, my king," even as her hands eagerly opened the box. The radiant emerald necklace within elicited a delighted exclamation, "These are exquisite! I've never seen anything quite like them…"
"If you're not keen, Celestia , I wouldn't mind taking it off your hands."The Mother Queen, positioned to the King's right, teased with a smile
Lady Celestia , smiling, retorted, "Since the King bestowed it upon me, it would be impolite to decline, wouldn't it?" Her gaze swept across the table, noting the glances of the other concubines before her eyes landed on the Queen. He had gifted his concubine right in front of her.
It was a slap in her face. Deep down in Celestia heart, she wanted to reject the gift. Arthur wasn't the same man he was years ago. She knew she wouldn't have a place on his heart anymore. She blamed herself for putting Lucius in the position that he was and reminded herself not to get into the dirty power struggle.
She knew her son would never become the crown prince but his power in court and in the army said otherwise. He was on pars with the Queen's son.
However, her eyes caught the queen favored by the King, who smiled a hint of envy, subtly dampening Lady Celestia joy.
She had every reason to envy and be annoyed,she being the legally wedded wife.
"Celestia is correct. I intended it as one of the gifts for being Lucius mother. She did well raising her son " declared King Arthur .
"With the celebration of your return in less than two weeks, invitations have been dispatched to other realms and important figures."
" Also the court suggests you start recruiting more soldiers into the army
King Arthur , his expression contemplative, pressed his lips together before issuing a directive, "Ensure the swift completion of training for the recently recruited young men at the base. Also, dispatch a notice across the kingdom inviting young men to join, promising them benefits."
Queen Sophia interjected, "With Lucius leading , there's little cause for concern. He's proven himself in the wars he's undertaken, and they haven't been few."
Lady Celestia , feeling a sinking sensation in her stomach, discreetly glanced at her son. Lucius, however, maintained a composed exterior, his demeanor unruffled. When Lucius gaze shifted to Queen Sophia, he offered a respectful bow.
"It's an honor to fight for the kingdom and our family. Your rare praise, Queen Sophia, is as scarce as rain in the desert," Lucius said, accompanied by a subtle smile. Queen Sophia reciprocated with a forced smile.
The Mother Queen, a figure of quiet amusement, softly chuckled as she lifted her glass for a sip.
" It's my duty after all, you're Lady Celestia's son. I wouldn't want others to think that the son of a concubine is going through all this length because of the throne after all we all know that the child of a concubine can't inherit the throne"
As sweet as Queen Sophia's voice was, her words held taunt for Lucius and the others at the table turned quiet, looking at them.
"I appreciate your concern, Queen Sophia. You seem to be the only one concerned about me and the throne , while the others don't seem to talk about it. Perhaps they aren't as brave as you," Lucius responded to his father's legally wedded wife.
The Mother Queen stated, "I believe that the status of one's mother doesn't define if he is capable of the throne after all a man's sheer will and strength in which he believes in is makes him into a fine king. What do you say, Arthur?" She asked her son, who gave her a small nod.
She continued, "Regardless of Lucius being a son of a concubine , he has entered the battlefield and has fared well and also handled matters in court ,I was thinking that perhaps, the other princes should take lessons from him. Considering how they seem shielded and haven't fought a single war to prove their worth."
Queen Sophia softly laughed with her feminine appeal by bringing her hand to her mouth. She said, "I don't know about the others, but Aiden doesn't have to step into the war zone , considering he will be the King one day."
Queen Sophia had two children for the King Prince Aiden and Lady Leia
Lady Celestia had hers, Prince Lucius Lady Arya
Lady Amara gave birth to Prince Caspian and Lady Ariel
Lady Serafina gave birth Prince Alex
Lady Ravenna didn't have any child for the King. She wasn't ready yet. As beautiful and seductive as she was she didn't want to her children to suffer the struggles of the palace.
While Lady Marina had Prince Kylo and Lady Gaia .
Prince Aiden had surprisingly been quiet through out the entire conversation.He knows he will be king one day due to his mom's status and wanted to get involved in matters related to war but his mother never let him.
She believed that it was rightfully his and didn't need to do anything about it as he would have ministers and guards that will accompany him later on .
"Queen Sophia is right. When one of the princes turns into a king, they will have ministers and guards to protect them. But if some of them are interested, they can be accompanied so they know how to be prepared." Queen Sophia pursed her lips, but didn't remark. "If war should ever break out here , the princes who are of the age will accompany Lucius and I ."
The Mother Queen remarked, "To have so many on the field, I think it would be hard to decide whom to protect, considering they have never tried to fight."
"They will eventually learn it. Lucius learned it, so the other four of them will take no time to learn the same" King Arthur stated, and breakfast proceeded.
Night came too soon. After dinner Lucius decided to accompany Mother Queen for a walk.
" The night brings a certain kind of peace to the palace walls " she said while she wrapped her arms around Lucius as she looked at the sky.
"Consider what your father said this morning about letting the princes learn how to fight. And also ignore Sophia's remarks. It's obvious she's trying to piss you off"
" As for the trainings, I don't think they are ready for it. It's better they aren't forced into doing something they genuinely don't want to do"
Mother Queen dimissed whatever Lucius had to say
" You started your training at an early age, it's only fair for others to follow suit if they really want the throne rather than wait for it to be handed to them"
Lucius knew that it was Prince Aiden she was referring to.
" I loved the gift your father gave to your mother. Although he shouldn't have done that in front of Sophia. That was a slap in her face." She said with a small laugh.
" I hope she doesn't make things bad for you and your mother in the long run now you're finally back to the palace"
Lucius bowed and kissed his grandmothers hand slightly
" Don't worry about such matters besides it's getting late you should I get some sleep. We will spend enough time with each other tomorrow"
" Good night dear" she said before walking into her room.