The next morning Ana Sofia was awoken by the soft light streaming through the stained-glass window. She could also pick up on the smell and sound of the fireplace crackling. She reached out to look for Wes only to find the other side of her bed empty. She sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and she realized he must have already left for his morning duties. She sighed, pushing herself out of bed. The memories of last night came flooding back and a furious blush spread across her face. How was she going to face the members of her court and council let alone the servants and cooks? She bit her lip and quickly left the bed she ran herself a warm bath and quickly washed herself clean. As she stepped out of the bath, her maid entered the room with a fresh gown for her mistress.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," the maid greeted her, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Ana Sofia shook her head, still a bit flustered.
"Actually, will you summon Natalia to my room and bring me my breakfast? That will be all." She commanded.
The maid nodded and scurried out of the room, leaving Ana Sofia alone once again. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she waited for Natalia. The minutes ticked by slowly, and soon enough, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in." Natalia entered with a knowing look and Ana had to fight herself from rolling her eyes. This was technically her grand scheme but right now she only had one thing on her mind. "Are the rumors bad?" She winced as she recalled how they brazenly returned to the castle without an ounce of shame.
Natalia waved off her concerns, "No matter what they think." Ana Sofia wanted to protest but Natalia squealed in delight, "What I want to know is were the two of you successful in reconciling?" she inquired.
Her face was eager to hear as many details as possible. Ana Sofia couldn't help but roll her eyes at Natalia's eagerness.
She took a deep breath before speaking. "We managed to find some common ground if that's what you're asking. However, there remains unfinished business"
Natalia cackled with delight at her response, "Unfinished business, indeed." She mocked.
Ana Sofia looked away unable to control her scowl. "It was a shame it was interrupted," Natalia said as if remembering the night vividly.
"Yes, well, the timing couldn't have been worse," Ana Sofia said, trying to hide her irritation.
"Now, if you could please excuse me, I have some matters to attend to."
Natalia nodded, her eyes still gleaming with curiosity. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll leave you to it."
After a quick breakfast, Ana Sofia made her way to the council room, she could feel the stares of those around her she tried to remain focused on her destination but the stares she felt on her back made her quicken her pace. Although she was a Queen and untouchable by men, she was still subject to their silent judgment. The council room was already buzzing with activity when Ana Sofia entered. Ralthone was already at his seat, his eyes locked onto her as she took her seat at the head of the table. She tried to ignore the heat in his gaze, focusing instead on the parchment in front of her.
They all rose from their seats as she got herself at the head of the table, she pressed her parchment down and greeted her members, "Good morning everyone. I trust you all have had a productive morning?" She asked, her voice calm despite the turmoil within her.
They all nodded in unison. "Good. Now then, to business. We have much to discuss regarding the current state of affairs in our kingdom, particularly regarding the rebellion."
Ralthone quickly stood up and cleared his throat, "We are still at a standstill I propose I reconnaissance with Wesleynard as the lead. He's proven to be a quick thinker and I believe this is the only way to make a difference. "
Ana Sofia looked at Ralthone, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I see. And what of Ethan? He is just as capable, if not more so." She paused, running her fingers over the parchment on the table. "Besides, Wesleynard has his duties to attend to."
A man at the table snorted, "Duties? such as keeping your bed warm?" Ana Sofia felt the dig nip her in the chest.
"Mind your tongue, lest you want to lose it." Advisor Mallorca spoke up, "Do not forget who your true sovereign is. " He stared down the man.
Ralthone broke the tension with annoyance in his voice, "That is enough I shall consider both propositions."
Ana Sofia nodded, her expression neutral. "Very well. We shall await your decision, Sir Ralthone."
She turned her attention back to the parchment on the table, hoping to divert the attention away from her and the events of the previous night. One by one all the council members filed out of the room until all that remained was Ana, Mallorca, and Ralthone. She was haphazardly writing her notes and looking at her ledger when she noticed them looking at her.
"Is there something you need, Councilor Ralthone?" She asked, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
"Yes, actually." Ralthone said, approaching her table. "I just wanted to inform you that I have decided to go through with my original proposal."
She gripped her quill and gritted her teeth, "Are you so hellbent on killing Wesleynard? Sending him out on perilous missions whilst we have more than enough capable knights seeking to prove themselves?"
She glared at him and Ralthone offered her a smirk. "I hope you aren't letting personal relations get in the way?"
Her quill snapped, "Oh spit it out Ralthone. I'm tired of your games. Do you want to know what happened between us so badly?"
"No, I don't," Ralthone replied, his voice cold. "But it seems your actions have consequences, and those consequences will be dealt with accordingly." He turned on his heel, his robes swishing as he left the room.
Ana Sofia was left agape as she directed her shock at Advisor Mallorca, "What does he mean by that?"
He seemed to release a deep sigh. "Your Majesty, your relationship with Sir. Wesleynard poses a threat." He began. She knew what he meant but she didn't want to think too hard of it. She cast her eyes downwards letting him continue, "If you were to fall pregnant that child would be illegitimate and it would complicate things greatly."
Ana Sofia couldn't help but feel a stab of pain in her chest at his words. She knew it wasn't just about the child being illegitimate, but also about the potential for another heir to the throne.
"I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Mallorca reached out to cup her hand his touch was warm and kind amongst all the chaos Mallorca was the only person she could truly rely on, "There is one simple solution Your Majesty. Wed yourself to him...make it right in the eyes of god and the prying eyes of the court."
Ana Sofia looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. She knew he was right, but the thought of marrying Wesleynard again, especially after what they had shared, made her heartache.
"I don't know if I can do that," she stood up flustered by the suggestion. Without even realizing she began pacing, Mallorca seemed to be even more confused, "Your Majesty I don't understand. Do you not love him?"
She ignored his question as he continued,"I don't think anyone would fault you at the prospect you are allowed to have a loving fulfilling relationship. You've been through so much allow yourself the pleasure." He said as a comforting smile rose to his face.
Ana Sofia sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. "It's not that simple," she replied, her voice soft and pained. "There are... complications." She looked up at him, her eyes pleading for understanding.
Advisor Mallorca laughed at her, "Forgive me Your Majesty but, this union is a blessing! I hope you consider it but, make haste with your choice. There is always someone watching."
As Ana Sofia left the council room, she found herself absentmindedly roaming the palace grounds it was the middle of the day and the heat of summer was beating down her neck. As she wandered, lost in thought, she heard the familiar jingle of armor and spotted Wesleynard approaching on his horse. He dismounted, his eyes searching for hers. They locked gazes for a moment before she turned away, her cheeks flushing.
"Wesleynard," she called out softly, her voice breaking the tense silence.
He made his way over to her, his stride purposeful despite the obvious concern in his eyes. "Are you alright?" he asked, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her face.
She nodded, forcing a smile. She glanced around nervously, "We mustn't speak out here. Will you come to my chambers this evening?" She asked searching his blue eyes.
Wesleynard nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll be there at sundown." He bowed his head slightly, his hand pressed against his heart in a gesture of respect. As he turned to leave, she felt a wave of fear and sadness wash over her. She wouldn't lie to herself, she loved him more than she ever thought possible, but she didn't trust him. She couldn't trust him it was confusing and cruel, but she needed more time to foster that love.