"Hey hey, did you hear?" Whispered one of the maids.
"Is it about his Majesty the King?" Asked the other maid.
"Yes! Rumor has it the King's set to remarry this year."
"Really?! After all these years?! To who?!"
"Shhhh! Keep your voice down! From what I heard, it's a woman from a small noble house with not much to its name. Not sure why King Aricad wants to marry her."
"Hmmm, how strange. Is she a beauty?"
"Not sure, but she is 18 years old. His Majesty is over twice her age!"
"That is a 21 years age gap. Though I suppose it doesn't matter, as there is no way she'll live up to the name of the late Queen Genevieve."
"You're right, I can't believe it's already been 8 years since she passed away while giving birth to Prince Elliot....She and King Aricad looked so good together. Whoever our new Queen ends up being, she'll never be at her level."
A gossip between two maids in the royal palace two years ago.
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Queen Tricia von Regnaris's POV
Tricia von Regnaris, the Queen...Tricia von Regnaris, the Queen. That is who I am now. That is who I'm expected to be today.
Tricia thought to herself as a maid brushed her chestnut brown hair, while another maid was deciding on a proper dress for today's event. It was going to be a draining day, and Tricia wasn't looking forward to it, but she couldn't complain, and it was for two reasons.
Firstly, as a Queen, maintaining an unblemished public image was imperative.
The second, and this was the more important reason, was that Tricia didn't trust that whatever she says won't be taken out of context and taken around the castle, reaching the ears of people she would rather not hear what she had to say. She knows the number of people she could trust to say anything around was very limited.
"You have beautiful hair, Your Majesty!" complimented Sophie, gently brushing Tricia's hair. In response, Tricia offered a gracious smile to the 17 years old maid .
"Thank you, Sophie."
Sophie smiled back. She was one of the nicer maids here in the castle, and Tricia didn't mind having her around. Something Tricia didn't feel towards most of the maids in the castle.
Queen Tricia took a glance at her own reflection on the mirror. She remembered the days when her mother, Lady Beatrice, would brush her hair like this when she was still a little girl.
Those days are long gone now, but I miss them. Life was so much simpler when I still lived with my family, when I sill had my older sister on my side. I suppose it is a little silly to look back at what can't come back, but for me it is still better than looking at what is to come.
After some time, Tricia's gown was decided. Tricia's gown was a resplendent ensemble in a shade that gracefully blended pastel lavender and silver. The delicate balance of these hues created a gown that shimmered in the light. The lavender undertones accentuated Tricia's hazel eyes and complemented the chestnut brown tones of her hair, creating a regal and harmonious overall appearance, while her hair flowed down her shoulders in soft waves.
She was nearly done, but there were one thing left to be done. The crown.
Tricia walked towards the ornate chest that held the royal regalia. She carefully lifted the golden crown, adorned with intricate filigree and precious gemstones. As she held it in her hands, the weight of responsibility pressed upon her. Slowly, with measured grace, she placed the crown on her head.
She took one last look at herself in the mirror.
When I woke up, I looked like Tricia Sterling, but now? I look like the Queen, as I should look like.
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In a large room in the royal castle, located in Arixalum the capital, a gathering of noble ladies awaited a certain someone's arrival. Suddenly, the grand door swung open by a guard, ushering in the anticipated presence.
"Your majesty!"
"Good morning, Queen Tricia!"
While not all, most of the noble ladies approached Queen Tricia the moment she stepped in through the door.
"Good morning to you all. I apologize for making you wait." Queen Tricia greeted back, a small smile on her face. She took a look at the smiles these noble ladies around her had, and she did not trust any of them.
Before I was a Queen, I doubt most of these women will had smiled at me like this. I shouldn't take their kindness to me at face value, as after all I truly do not think they would had given me the time of the day if I wasn't the Queen.
Tricia took a glance at some of the women who had not approached, a certain Duchess to be more specific, who did not look so impressed.
At least there is one person in this room who does not pretend to be a fan of mine.
Today marked the gathering of esteemed women from high-ranking noble families in the Kingdom of Arixad, converging at the royal palace, provided their schedules allowed. While attendance wasn't obligatory, this monthly affair drew considerable effort from many, driven by the Queen's consistent presence as the gracious host.
Rooted in the cultural of Arixad, this event served as a notable occasion for these noblewomen to convene and exchange pleasantries with each other, not to mention it gives them the chance to meet and speak too the Queen, wife of the King. It was the highest position a woman could ever hope to achieve here in the Kingdom.
Even if busy, most women still tried their hardest to attend. Sometimes Queen Tricia wished this wasn't the case, she's rather there be a smaller number of people.
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The gathering unfolded as the women gracefully settled into their chairs encircling a polished round table, a symphony of whispered conversations blending with the delicate clinking of tea cups and the arrival of sweet confections served by diligent maids and servants.
"Your Majesty, have you heard the recent news about..."
"Your Majesty, I'm sure you're aware of the recent developments regarding..."
"And then, if you can believe it..."
The air was alive with the buzz of various discussions, some involving Queen Tricia directly, while others weaved through the tapestry of courtly chatter. Queen Tricia tried her best to keep up with all of it. It was then she noticed someone was missing.
"Ah, where might Duchess Cristie be?" she inquired, her gaze sweeping the room.
She usually always attends these gathering, though I'm not complaining she didn't show up. I did not want to see her face. Don't need more people giving me fake warm smiles in here, not to mention word have reached me of what hard time her husband is giving my sister.
"Ah, did you not hear your Majesty? Duchess Cristie is originally from the Kingdom of Storith to the west, as I'm sure you know. The recent events there have made her very worried about her family over there. She regretfully informed me that she won't be able to attend this month." Conveyed one of the noblewomen representing a house situated in the southern reaches of the Kingdom.
"I see. That must be hard for her." Queen Tricia said. She tried not to show any emotion in her voice, nor on her face.
Duchess Cristie von Serpentbane is married to Alaric von Serpentbane, the Duke of Lowugrace to the south of the Kingdom. He is the Duke which the Sterling family is a vassal too. Queen Tricia still remembers how that family looked down on her and her sister, who had become a Countess, for being from a small minor noble house.
The abrupt shift in Cristie's behavior, from disdain to apparent respect, upon Tricia becoming Queen remains a source of annoyance for her, as she knows without a shadow of a doubt it's fake.
After few minutes, everyone, while still in the same room, were going here and there to have their own private conversations with one another. Most still spent their time around the Queen, wanting her attention. Queen Tricia always found this overwhelming, and while she wished she could tell them to leave her alone for a minute, she knew doing something like that would cause a disaster as it would come across as rude.
I suppose it IS rude, but I'm at my limit here.
One thing was for certain, Queen Tricia did not expect Duchess Renna to come her rescue. This was the same Duchess not looking impressed when Queen Tricia walked into the room. She is the wife of the Duke of Willowmere located to the west of the Kingdom, neighboring the Kingdom of Storith.
"Excuse me, ladies, can I have a little private talk with the Queen?" Duchess Renna asked politely, a smile on her face.
The noblewomen did not look happy, but none of them had a higher rank than the Duchess, so they couldn't really refuse her.
"S-Sure." They said as they stood up and left Queen Tricia alone with the Duchess.
Does she need something? Not that I'm complaining, I needed to have a space from that crowd.
"My Queen, how are you feeling? You didn't eat any of the cake." Duchess Renna observed.
Ah, starting with small talk I see...
"I'm feeling fine, thank you. Just not in the mood for sweets today. How are you? How are the kids?" Queen Tricia responded, attempting to steer the conversation.
"We're all fine, thank you. Speaking of kids.....that is the topic I wanted to bring up with you."
"Oh?" Tricia let out, not expecting this turn.
"Some unkind rumors are being spread about you, and I thought you should know." Duchess Renna spoke in a quiet voice, ensuring no one would overhear. Tricia could feel her heart drop.
Please...Please don't let this be about what I think it is. Were we caught? Did someone spot us?
"What are.....the rumors?" Queen Tricia asked, doing her best to sound composed
"Your Majesty, it has been two years now since you married King Aricad II, and yet you are still to give birth to a child....some are saying you are infertile." Duchess Renna whispered. It was shocking to hear, but it let Tricia sigh in relief.
Thank goodness it was something else after all.
Of course, Queen Tricia couldn't express her relief about the subject of the rumors, so she feigned a bit of surprise. "R-Really?" She let out.
"Yes, I won't lie to you, your Majesty. I know the King is much older than you, so you may not find him very attractive, but you should still do your duty as a Queen and give birth to his child." Duchess Renna went on, sounding as serious as ever.
"Oh, it's not like that at all. We just... haven't been fortunate enough to be blessed with a child yet." Tricia said, gently correcting Renna's assumption.
I find the King many things, though unattractive isn't one of them. Also, the fact she talked to me about doing my 'duty' like that...She really doesn't see me as a Queen, does she?
"I see. Well, don't give up. It took my husband and I a while to be blessed with a child too." Duchess Renna said she took a sip of her cup of tea.
"Thanks for letting me know about these rumors," Queen Tricia expressed her gratitude before shifting the focus. "Your husband... The Duke of Willowmere, he's a few years younger than you, isn't he?" Tricia asked, a question she already knew the answer to. She just wanted to steer the conversation away from herself.
"Yes, that is correct." Duchess Renna affirmed, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "I know it's not the typical experience for women in our position, but I consider myself fortunate to have a younger husband." She paused, a flicker of reminiscence crossing her features. She was in her mid 30s now, but she had married the now Duke of Willowmere back when she was still in her mid 20s.
Ha, if only you know. If only you know.
The Duchess wasn't wrong that the experience of being with a younger man was one very few noblewomen ever got to have. While most did not have the large age gap Tricia had in her own marriage, most of them still were younger than their husbands.
It was just how things are, or at least to most, but not all.
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After the gathering was finally over, Queen Tricia started heading to her room alone.
I'm exhausted. Those women sure talk a lot.
The tired Queen simply wanted to go to her room and call it a day. When she opened the door and walked in, she found someone waiting for her.
The dim light from the flickering candles cast a soft glow across the chamber, illuminating the figure waiting within. The 16 years old young man stood tall and lean. His short blond hair, neatly styled, framed a chiseled jawline, giving him an air of rugged charm. His piercing green eyes, vibrant against his fair complexion, seemed to hold a depth of understanding and a hint of mischief.
"Prince Apollo, what are you doing here?" The Queen inquired, a warm smile playing on her lips. Before her stood Prince Apollo, the designated heir to the throne, destined to ascend as King Apollo II in the future.
"What am I doing here? Do you really need to ask? I've come to see you, of course." the Prince replied, a playful grin lighting up his features.
"Oh really? Did you miss me?" Queen Tricia spoke as she walked towards the chest where she places the crown and put hers in it.
"A little, though I'm sure you missed me more, especially after spending most of the day with those noblewomen. I just knew I had to pay you a visit to cheer you up, your Majesty." Prince Apollo spoke, sounding playful.
Queen Tricia approached him with a smile on her face.
"Someone is very sure of himself. Your Highness, I have other ways I can cheer up myself which don't involve you."
"Oh really? Would you rather do something else than spend time with me right now?" Prince Apollo asked, though he already knew the answer.
"No." Queen Tricia simply answered as she embraced him.
"You really are a wicked woman." He spoke before he kissed her on the lips.
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After some time, they were both now naked in the bed.
"So? Have you told anyone you're pregnant yet?" Prince Apollo asked, a smile on his face. To most this would seem like a warm, kind smile, but Tricia could discern the twisted emotions lurking behind it.
"No, not yet. I'm waiting for the right time to announce the news." Tricia responded as Prince Apollo played with her hair.
"I can't wait. That man will think its his child growing inside of you. What a laugh." Prince Apollo continued, his smile seeming more twisted by the second.
"You really hate your father, don't you, Apollo?"
"Ha!...That I do. From the bottom of my heart."
"I suppose that makes two of us." Tricia said as she closed her eyes and put her head on Apollo's chest.
It wasn't love that brought us together, it was the hatred of the same man. I know this 'love' we share will only end in a tragedy, but I don't care. I'd rather be with someone who pretends to love me over someone who doesn't. I suppose I really am one wicked woman.