“It’s fine, mother,” Robert said when Hazel hesitated. He could feel her hands quivering in his. He knew his mother was being unreasonable again when it came to Hazel.

Robert gestured to Sophie to pack the tray away, and Sophie did immediately and exited the room.

“It’s late, Mother,” Robert stood, held his mother’s shoulders and led her out of the chamber while the Queen mother glared at Hazel repeatedly.

“You should be careful with her; I don’t trust the witch,” Queen Mother said to her son at the door, her voice loud enough for Hazel to hear.

Robert nodded in agreement with his mother and locked the door immediately as she stepped out. He had no time to argue with her.

“Hazel,” Robert called her softly, approaching her. He sat beside her on the bed and held her hands, “You don’t have to mind….”

“I’m used to it,” she cut him off, not looking at him in the face. “It’s normal to get used to such an attitude after twenty-three years of living with her,” she forced a sweet smile, raising her face to meet Robert’s.

Hazel was King Edward's adopted daughter. King Edward, Robert's father, had had her since she was a baby, and Hazel had no idea of her parent, and neither did everyone except King Edward.

Not knowing Hazel's identity, Queen Lucida, the Queen Mother, had always thought of Hazel as King Edward's hidden mistress’ daughter.

Queen Lucida never liked Hazel, particularly due to Hazel's differences from both Mazi’s people and the outsiders. She called her a ‘Witch’ and had been firmly opposed to her marriage to Robert five months ago.

King Edward died four months ago. He supported Robert's marriage with Hazel, gave them his blessing, and wed them while he paid no attention to Queen Lucida’s protests.

When Edward died, Lucida only mourned him for two weeks, half happy about his death. Since then, whenever Robert travelled or left the palace, Queen Lucida would maltreat Hazel; even at times, she treated her like a maid.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

When Hazel reported Queen Lucida's behaviour to Robert, Queen Lucida would fall to her knees before her son and beg for his forgiveness. Robert knew all her actions were lies but still forgave her. He assigned guards to guide Hazel and warned them never to allow his mother to lay hands on her.

When Queen Lucida could no longer treat Hazel like a maid, she resorted to mocking, sneering, and ranting whenever they crossed paths.

Hazel stopped reporting Queen Lucida’s behaviour to her husband, wondering how long she could keep worrying Robert and causing fights between him and his mother. Instead, she would lock herself in her room or roam in the garden around the king’s quarter. If Hazel needed anything outside that might cause her to cross paths with Queen Lucida, she would send her guards or maids.

Robert didn’t discover Hazel's change; no one told him about it.

“I’m sorry, Hazel,” Robert sighed when Hazel smiled at him ambivalently. “I couldn’t just get rid of her; she’s my mother,” he said dejectedly.

“It’s not your fault,” Hazel squeezed his hands to assure him. “I’m fine with it.”

Robert shook his head. 'Don’t hide it from me; I always try to put myself in your shoes to understand how it feels. Please, Hazel, just tell me how you really feel. Just let me…' His words were abruptly cut off as blood spouted from his mouth.

Hazel gasped, her face now streaked with blood as if it had been painted on. She was filled with fear as Robert dropped to the rug, wincing and groaning while he held his stomach.

Hazel fell beside Robert, gathering him in her arms. Hazel screamed,

“Help! Help! Help! Rober, Robert,” she called.

Four guards banged.

“Your majesty!” The guards cried out as they saw the king spouting blood.

“Call the physicians right now!” Julius cried to the other guards. He carried the king on his back and rushed him out.

“Robert! Robert!” Hazel cried, running behind Julius.