*Queen Belinda*
Queen Belinda looked off after her cup while musing on the peaceful day. And it was such a lovely day. The sun was shining in the summer sky. The birds were singing. And best of all, the garden was blooming.
Perhaps I'll walk the maze later? Queen Belinda stirred her tea in thought. It made her think of her son then. Yes, Nicoli would most certainly want to take a walk with her. Especially after having to sit in one of those boring meetings. Belinda knew how much even Alexander hated them.
But it is about time Nicoli started being more involved in such matters. Belinda sighed. Nicoli was growing up, much to her secret dismay. It would be a lie to say Belinda didn't wish to keep her son a child forever. She could keep him close as any mother would. But, alas, he was growing, and it was better to prepare him for his future as King.
That, however, would be for many years later. Belinda could take some comfort. She still had time.
So until then, Belinda planned to take up any opportunity to still dolt on him. And a walk in the garden was just the thing for today.
I'll find him, then. Belinda mused warming up a smile. Yes, she would find him and the two could walk together. Perhaps even find out what new things he is into? What books has he read? Or how his studies are going?
What a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Belinda was still basking on the thought as she finished her tea.
"My lady," Julia stepped forward automatically without being asked what to do. She poured another steaming hot stream of tea into the porcelain. Her aim accurate without a single waver.
"My lady," Julia bowed and stepped back as she finished.
Belinda took up the cup again and quietly sipped. She made sure to savor the notes of the tea slowly. There was no reason for her to hurry and finish her tea time. Time could afford to be slow for her.
Unlike the man who sat and fidgeted uncomfortably as he waited.
Thomas, Nicoli's manservant, could only watch on as Belinda took her time. He had been waiting in front of the table since arriving sometime before. His back was perfectly straight to the point of becoming painful now. His calves, no doubt, were likely starting to burn. But he dared not voice a complaint. It would ruin her tea time.
Belinda had not looked at him when he first entered. She didn't want to talk or do business with anyone. Even if it meant a report on her dear son. She planned to enjoy her afternoon tea and she was going to.
But I should get to it, shouldn't I? Belinda thought with a slight tug of guilt towards the man. She felt he had suffered enough. And, more importantly, it was hard to enjoy her tea with his staring at her.
"And what is it this time, Thomas?" Belinda began, moving her tea down. "Let me guess, Nicoli has written another letter; I grant it." Without needing to check, Belinda felt, more than saw Thomas nod.
"Yes, Your Highness." Thomas shifted on his feet.
Thomas then waited for Queen Belinda to respond. He was waiting for her to press him for elaboration. But Belinda remained silent as her expression slightly darkened.
"Another letter, hmm?" Belinda wasn't surprised but it still made for the small squeeze in her stomach. It was likely to remain there for the rest of the day.
"Uh, your Majesty," Thomas cleared his throat. "I was able to read it."
"Oh?" Belinda raised her voice but kept her gaze to her cup. "What did it say? What did my sweet son write this time?"
"Your Highness, Prince Nicoli is asking about what her Empress Anastasia looks like. He is curious about how she's changed-"
"Of course, he would be." Belinda mixed milk and sugar into her cup. Thomas flinched at the sound of a spoon hitting the china. Belinda took out the spoon to regard Thomas.
"Is that all?" Queen Belinda's voice cut through. It did not match her beautiful face. Which made it all the more terrifying.
"Y-yes, your majesty," Thomas answered weakly. "I…thought you should know."
Belinda barely flicked a smile at that.
"Thought I should know? It's what I expect you to do, Thomas." Belinda sighed. "You are supposed to report such things."
"Yes, your Majesty, I know that but-"
"Then good," Belinda cut him off annoyed.
Thomas was not a smart man, but he was greedy. And she paid him more than enough to know what he had to do. But she wasn't sure if his absent-mindedness or the news of another letter irritated her now.
"Then you may leave. Julia?" Belinda motioned.
"Your Majesty," Julia moved to follow Thomas out. She, unlike Thomas, was sharp enough to understand the need for urgency. And when she closed the door, Belinda leaned back in her seat. The tea was now foul-tasting in her mouth.
"As much as I love him, I wish Nicoli would give up on these damn letters," Belinda spoke, irked. "It's hard to bear witnessing him keep up this foolishness."
Nicoli still clings to this connection. This so-called sibling attachment. Even after all these years of silence. Belinda felt tired from having to keep experiencing disappointment in her child.
But at least things are silent on the other end. Belinda could be thankful for that much. She pushed away her tea.
If only Nicoli would do the same and let go. Queen Belinda thought and sighed. When would he grow tired of trying and getting nothing in return?
"Not liking your tea, my queen?" Julia noticed the cup.
"I don't. It's spoiled after that bastard was mentioned. Make a new set."
"Yes, my queen." Julia moved and had the set taken back with orders for another. While they waited, Belinda considered things. It still did not bode well that Nicoli was this fixated.
Shouldn't children have lost interest by now? Belinda thought, finding it odd.
They only met once. So there could never have been such a deep bond between them. And certainly not to this degree. Children typically forget and move on to something new. Or someone new?
Someone new, hmm? Belinda felt herself lighten. It only now dawned on her. Nicoli had no distractions to make him forget.
Of course. How did I not think of it before?
Belinda smiled while the new set arrived. Julia, oblivious, moved to brew the tea. A smell filled the room when the jar opened. This was orange peel and black tea.
"Good taste, Julia." Belinda nodded to her with approval. Julia smiled a little at the compliment. Then, she moved to pour when it was ready.
"Julia, I have an idea." Belinda started, "Something I should have thought of much sooner."
"And what is that, my queen?" Julia asked to make Belinda smile.
"I believe it is time my son starts engaging in playdates."
"Playdates, my Queen?" Julia repeated, finding the suggestion a little odd." I did not think his Royal Highness needed help making friends."
"Indeed," Belinda mused. If anything, she even thought Nicoli needed fewer friends. He was pretty popular amongst the other boys. And he seemed to get along well with adults.
"Shall we invite the Davishs twins?" Julia prompted. "The prince seems to enjoy the twins. Or shall we seek out Lord Pulish-"
"That's not quite what I was thinking of Julia," Belinda moved to sip her tea. "I was thinking of a different sort of friend."
"A different sort?" Julia blinked to have Belinda nod.
"Preferably ladies, Julia. Don't you think Nicoli should involve himself with girls at this age? Especially those of matrimonial prospects?" Belinda added her milk and sugar.
"Oh?" Julia widened her eyes before a knowing smile came on "Yes, of course. I'll gather some candidates for your inspection, my lady." Julia nodded. Belinda moved to take a sip.
Yes, a perfect choice, Julia. Queen Belinda thought again about the tea. A smile curved on her lips.
"The higher, the better. Just as long as they can't be turned down."
"Even if it were a foreign noble?" Julia prompted. Belinda paused her tea to meet Julia's eyes.
"My, my, Julia." Belinda could only smile. "Rather ambitious, aren't we?"
"I would only think you want what's best for the prince." Julia returned a smile of her own. They were on the same page and needed no more words. At moments like this, Belinda was grateful to have a servant like Julia.
"Surprise me, Then" Belinda only mused. She was willing to take on anyone at this point.
"As long as it makes Nicoli forget about that wretched child. I don't care." Belinda's lips curled into a smile. "It's time to sever this connection once and for all."