"When I grow up and finally become the King..." The words, childishly earnest, poured into my mind when I caught a glimpse of the place where he'd said those exact same words. He'd said it with such conviction, his eyes sparkling with determination. "I will definitely make you my queen! You have to promise that you'll give me your hand when that time comes! And if I ever forget... you have to remember, no matter what!"
I beamed, my eyes sparkling with delight. "I promised!"
The memory brought a bittersweet ache to my chest. It was reminder of the simpler times that I sought after now.
Not long after, the sharp creak of the door behind me jolted me out of my reverie. My butler Thaddeus, impeccably dressed and radiating an air of composure, entered the room.
"What brings you here at the moment, Thaddeus?" I asked.
"The King will be returning soon, Your Majesty. The war has been successful and the monsters have been vanquished. I trust he will be welcomed with the same grace and affection he deserves."
Thaddeus, with his usual straight face, approached me with a scroll, its edges gilded with gold and tied with a crimson ribbon.
"The Queen Mother's announcement, Your Majesty." he said. "The kingdom's preparing a grand celebration for The King's return."
My eyes instantly sparkled with the thoughts of finally seeing him after a year of waiting. But since Thaddeus was still around, I remained my composure, just like how a proper Queen would act.
"I must prepare my finest gown," I murmured, a faint smile rising on my lips. "A gown that speaks of my lineage and my grace, one worthy of standing beside The King."
I glanced at my butler, who was carefully listening. "I figured you would say that," he smiled. "I've already prepared everything you need, Your Majesty."
Then, as if on cue, the door swung open, and a bunch of servants entered. They buzzed around me with their hands on a blur of motion as they helped me disrobe, bathe in fragrant waters, and apply delicate makeup. A skilled stylist worked her magic on my hair, transforming it into a cascade of shimmering curls.
"I will be on my way then, Your Majesty," Thaddeus said, bowing slightly. "If you ever need anything, I'm always around."
After they helped me slip into my corset and petticoat, I finally entered my walk-in closet, a haven of silks and satins. My fingers skimmed over the delicate fabrics, my heart pounding with anticipation, until I finally found it: my most elegant gown. It was a masterpiece of ivory silk, embroidered with gleaming gold threads, and a swirling cascade of silver lace.
My servants helped me put on the gown, their hands moving with reverent care. They can't help but admire as the ivory silk flowed around me, and the golden threads, like a blossoming rose, caught the light. They murmured their approval in hushed tones, their faces reflecting a look of awe. Finally, they bowed and silently withdrew, leaving me alone in the quiet grandeur of my chamber.
I looked myself in the mirror, the reflection of a woman transformed. I can't wait to meet those pair of blue eyes piercing through my soul, leaving no part of me unseen. But as I met my own gaze, a strange anxiety clawed me, a whisper of doubt that something was amiss. The King's return, though it should have filled me with joy, but I can't help but feel that something of a storm was coming my way that I won't be able avoid.
I shook the unsettling thoughts from my head, lifting my chin with a determined smile. I stepped out of my chambers and was greeted by the bustling energy of a kingdom preparing for the celebration. People scurried about, their faces flushed with excitement, their energy overflowing with anticipation since their hero––The King will be returning after a long battle of successful war against the monsters that has been threatening the Kingdom.
On the grand staircase, I met with Thaddeus who has been waiting, with his ever so straight face showing a faint mixture of proudness and admiration. He extended his hand, and helped me navigate the steps down to the bustling Throne room.
I settled into my throne, observing the scene unfolding before me. The Royal knights and their armor gleaming, formed a line of honor while the servants swiftly laid a crimson carpet, creating a grand entrance for the King. Distinguished guests arrived one by one, their murmurs adding sound to the bustling of the room. And I waited, my heart pounding with hope and anxiety, for the horn to sound, a signal of the King's arrival.
At last, the horn's resonant blast echoed through the hall, silencing all conversation. A wave of anticipation swept through the crowd as their eyes fixed on the entrance. The sound of hooves from the Royal Army's horses stopped, their riders forming a line of honor. At the head of the procession, the king himself emerged, his presence radiating power and authority. He dismounted his magnificent steed, his foot landing with a confident thud on the crimson carpet. He strode across the hall with a grace that drew all eyes on him.
As he reached his throne, the distance between us shrinking with each stride, my heart pounded like a drum. Being so close to him, the warmth of his aura radiating into my skin, was intoxicating. Yet, he didn't even glance my way, as if I were invisible to him.
The bustling room continued to hum with activity abuzz with the excitement of the king's return. And one by one, royal guests approached his throne, offering their congratulations and pledges of allegiance. Not long after, the room fell silent as he raised his hand, silencing the murmur of conversation.
"My loyal subjects," he began, his voice resonating with a power that commanded attention, "I have returned victorious from the war against the monsters, to ensure the continuation of our royal lineage and the prosperity of our kingdom," everyone's faces was eager to know about the point of the Kings words. "Therefore... I have decided to take a concubine."
A ripple of surprise and whispers spread through the court, the rumors that had been circulating for a while suddenly took foundation through the Kings words which acted as a confirmation.
"The queen has been deemed barren." A whisper that filled everyones mind.
I was left frozen in shock, the king's words echoing in my ears like a cruel melody, each note piercing my heart shattering every piece of it beyond a point of salvation.
With a heavy heart and a mind clouded with despair, I met the king's gaze, tears welling in my eyes, threatening to spill over. His face, as cold as ice, held no warmth, no flicker of recognition. It was a mask of stone, devoid of any emotion, and in those emotionless eyes, I saw nothing but the king, and not the man I had loved.