That day, the English palace appeared grand with all its splendor, but within Queen Margaret's heart, a dark cloud loomed. Ever since King Henry V's return from battle, strange rumors had been circulating in the court about a mysterious woman who had captivated the king's heart. Although she had never heard the woman's name or seen her face, Margaret felt uneasy. Her instincts told her that something significant was unfolding behind the palace's curtains.

That afternoon, Henry returned to the palace with an enchanting woman by his side. Selena Nightshade—the name that had begun to spread among the nobles—had captured the attention of many, including the king. The woman walked gracefully beside Henry, dressed in a dark purple gown that made her appear like a goddess from another world. Her long black hair flowed softly, and her sharp yet mysterious gaze made anyone who looked at her feel as though they were trapped in an invisible web.

As Henry entered the main hall with Selena, Queen Margaret was already waiting. She sat upright, trying to maintain her dignity, though her heart beat faster than usual. Beside her stood Prince Edward, who looked confused by the presence of the unfamiliar woman by his father’s side.

Henry stepped forward, his face full of confidence but also containing a trace of anxiety. He knew this wouldn’t be an easy meeting, but he had to introduce Selena to his wife. He hoped that his sweet words would ease the tension he knew was inevitable.

"Margaret, my dearest wife," Henry began softly, "I want to introduce you to someone who has brought new light into my life. This is Selena Nightshade, a woman from a distant land who has given me peace in difficult times."

Margaret raised an eyebrow, looking at Selena with a sharp yet measured gaze. She did not speak immediately, but her eyes conveyed a sense of wariness. Selena, with a small smile, offered a polite greeting, though beneath that smile, Margaret sensed there was more than just kindness.

"Peace, you say?" Margaret finally spoke, her voice controlled. "Has the peace you’ve been searching for not been enough here in this palace, Henry? Among your family?"

Henry seemed momentarily taken aback, but he maintained his calm demeanor. "Margaret, you know how much I love you and Edward," he said, trying to reassure her. "No one could ever replace you in my heart. But... Selena has shown me a side of life I never knew. She has brought me peace when my mind has been troubled with worries."

Margaret clenched her hands tightly. "Peace?" she said bitterly. "And what do you mean by bringing this woman into our palace, Henry? What exactly are you planning?"

Henry took a deep breath, knowing this was a critical moment. "I want Selena to be a part of my life," he said quietly but firmly. "As my consort."

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The room instantly fell silent. Prince Edward looked confusedly at his father, not fully understanding the implications of his words.

But Margaret stood abruptly, her face filled with shock and anger. "Consort?" her voice was laced with disappointment and fury. "Henry, what are you thinking? You dare to ask me to accept another woman between us? After all we have been through together?"

Henry quickly stepped closer, trying to soothe Margaret’s anger. "Margaret, listen to me," he said gently. "No one in this world could ever replace you. You are my queen, the mother of my child, and the woman I will always love. But... there are things that cannot be explained. There is an emptiness that can only be filled in a different way."

Margaret shook her head in disbelief. "Emptiness?" her voice trembled. "You speak of emptiness while I have stood by your side all these years? While Edward, your son, waits here for his father to return from battle?"

Henry reached out to take Margaret’s hand, but she pulled it away.

"Margaret, please listen. Selena may be my consort, but my heart will always belong to you. Nothing can change that." Henry’s voice grew more desperate, trying to calm his wife, who was visibly shaken. "You are my love, the strength behind my throne. But this kingdom needs stability, and my relationship with Selena could bring us greater power."

Margaret stared at Henry with a look of deep hurt. "Power? What exactly are you hoping for from all of this? Will she fight for you on the battlefield? Will she protect Edward when you’re gone?"

Selena, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke in a soft yet firm voice. "Your Majesty, Queen Margaret," she said calmly, "I do not intend to take what is rightfully yours. I only wish to support this kingdom and King Henry. I promise, nothing will change between you and the king."

Margaret shot a sharp look at Selena. "A promise? How can I trust a promise from someone I don’t even know?"

Henry felt the tension rise, but he knew he couldn’t lose Margaret’s trust. In a gentler tone, he said, "Margaret, I beg you. This is not about choosing between you two. This is about making the kingdom stronger. You are my queen, the mother of my heir. Selena will only be a part of this court, not your replacement."

Margaret looked at Henry with deep pain. She knew that this battle wasn’t about love, but about politics and ambition. In her heart, she feared that Selena’s presence would change everything, but she also knew she couldn’t refuse Henry’s will.

With a heavy heart, she finally said in a voice full of worry, "If this is what you want, Henry... I have no choice but to accept it. But remember this, there is no place for betrayal between us."

Henry smiled in relief, then gently took Margaret’s hand with affection. "You needn’t worry. No one could ever take your place in my heart."

Yet, despite his sweet words calming the surface tension, deep within, Margaret felt something she couldn’t ignore—suspicion and fear that this relationship would bring disaster to their court. While Henry felt he had won back his wife’s heart, Selena stood with a faint smile on her face, knowing the game had just begun.

And from that day on, Selena Nightshade officially entered the palace as the king’s consort, bringing with her the dark force that would slowly entangle the kingdom of England.

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