Chapter 4
Queen Mara bowed her head, her voice infused with reverence. "Your Majesty, I was merely attending to certain...matters." she said, her words trailing off with calculated vagueness.
The king's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled with benevolent understanding. "No need to explain, my queen," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "Please, take a seat."
Queen Mara's gratitude was immediate and sincere. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice demure and respectful. She sat down beside the king, her movements a symphony of elegance and refinement.
The king's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing and intent. "Have you heard the news?" he asked, his voice low and serious.
Queen Mara's expression was a mask of polite inquiry. "What news, Your Highness?" she asked, her voice innocent and curious.
The king's smile was tinged with wry amusement. "The royal concubine, the one my mother brought to the palace months ago...she's expecting a child," he said, his words dropping like a stone into the silence.
Queen Mara's eyes widened in fake surprise, her face a picture of delighted astonishment. "Oh, Your Majesty, that's truly wonderful news!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and genuine-sounding enthusiasm. "A child is always a blessing, and I couldn't be happier for you."
But beneath her serene exterior, Queen Mara's anger simmered, a cauldron of fury bubbling just below the surface. Her mind seethed with resentment, her thoughts racing with bitter recriminations. How could he do this to her? How could he so callously disregard her feelings and her position?
The king's eyes searched hers, his gaze probing and introspective. "I'm afraid this complicates things," he said, his voice low and tinged with regret. "I had hoped to make you my sole queen, but..."
Queen Mara's laughter was soft and melodious, her voice dismissive but gracious. "These things happen, Your Majesty," she said, her words casual but calculated. "A king's duties extend far beyond the confines of the palace. I'm merely glad that you're pleased with the news."
But inside, Queen Mara's anger boiled over, her rage and frustration threatening to spill out into the open. She forced herself to remain calm, to keep her mask of serenity firmly in place. She would not let the king see her true feelings, not yet. Not until she had a plan, not until she had a way to strike back.
The king's gaze lingered on her face, his eyes seeking to unravel the mysteries of her thoughts. But Queen Mara's expression remained serene and composed, her mask of calmness firmly in place, hiding the turmoil that raged beneath.
Queen Mara's eyes locked onto the king's, her gaze smoldering with intensity. "Your majesty, what if we try again tonight?" she proposed, her voice sultry and enticing.
The king raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism lacing his voice. "Try again?" he echoed, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Mara, we've attempted this for months, and the royal physician assures us there's nothing inherently wrong. I can't help but wonder if perhaps it's simply not destined to be."
A flicker of disappointment shadowed Queen Mara's features, but she quickly masked it with steely resolve. "I want to bear your child, Your Majesty," she asserted, her voice rich with yearning. "To nurture a legacy that binds us together."
Softening under her fervent gaze, the king replied gently, "Mara, I share that desire deeply. Yet, we cannot compel what is meant to happen. Perhaps we should relish our time together and let nature take its course."
Queen Mara's jaw tightened, her eyes igniting with determination. "I refuse to surrender," she declared fiercely. "I will do whatever is necessary to fulfill my promise of motherhood to you."
The king's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with admiration. "Your unwavering spirit is truly commendable, Mara," he replied warmly. "But let us not lose ourselves in this pursuit. We shall see what fate has in store for us, together."
His piercing gaze enveloped hers, his voice low and velvety as he spoke. " Tonight we shall attempt to seal our fate with a child. May fortune smile upon us and grant us the desired outcome." Queen Mara's countenance radiated with a luminescent smile, her voice melodious with gratitude. "Your Majesty, your benevolence knows no bounds. I shall retire to my chambers, prepared to embark on this noble endeavor." With a gentle whisper of her luxurious silken gown, she arose from her seat, her movements akin to a celestial dance.
The king's eyes trailed after her, his gaze lingering on the elegant contours of her figure. "Perhaps, my queen, you might consider paying a visit to the royal concubine," he suggested, his voice a gentle whisper of persuasion. "A gesture of goodwill, perhaps." Queen Mara's response was a masterclass in diplomacy, her voice firm yet courteous. "I shall indeed pay her a visit, Your Majesty. With great interest."
With a gracious curtsy, she turned and floated out of the garden,the king eyes lingered on her retreating figure,till she disappeared from view.
The king's gaze drifted back to his tea, only to find it had grown cold and uninviting in the fading light. With a subtle gesture, he summoned his attendants, who materialized like specters from the shadows. They swiftly gathered the tea set, their movements economical and silent.
The king rose from his seat,with a quiet dignity, he turned and made his way out of the garden, the soft rustle of his garments echoing through the stillness. The servants followed discreetly, their footsteps light on the stone paths, as the king vanished into the palace's labyrinthine corridors.