Chapter 22: It is my duty to do what I think is best for my realm.

Angelique's POV

My husband's letter finally arrived to me. There was something about the way he put the words into that paper. Something doesn't sit right. It feels as though this kindness was forced upon it. Like he was untrue. No matter. I will play along as I had planned. I read the letter at least five times over before I put in inside a glass box. I tried to understand and analyze every words that was written.

"The way you touch me and satisfy my needs," I repeated, remembering the line he wrote. How could he say such things? The only thing that stuck in my head was him forbidding me from partaking in politics. He was gentle, but he was firm with his words. Just as everyone else, he wants me to stay put.

"Queen Grea, Princess Angelique," Hera announced, letting the queen enter my chambers. She then left, leaving me and my husband's stepmother alone in my room.

"Princess," she greeted, "When I told you to call when you needed me, I didn't think you'd actually do it. So, what is it this time? I heard that my son has finally written to you."

"He has," I replied, "He forbid me from learning what's happening beyond this palace walls. So, since everyone else is keeping me in the dark, I want you to report to me weekly regarding this matter."

"I am not your errand girl!" she protested angrily. The look of distress on her face was much to my satisfaction. "You have your ladies to do that for you! Why must I do that?"

"Well," I began, "Most of those ladies are loyal to either my parents or to Damien and his father. They will not give me the information I so crave. Hera struggles to grasp anything as well for they know she will tell me everything. So, you are my last resort. Since you are under my protection, I know you will do my bidding. Why don't you start by giving me this week's report?" I poured her a cup of lime juice, smiling innocently. I know how angry she must be.

"Fine," she says in defeat, "The war is still as rocky as ever. Even more dangerous than the previous one, I'm afraid. It's like we've only traded wars instead of ending it. My husband and your father are in the same division, protecting the lands in the north. Damien and the other princes including Polaris and Noir are grouped together protecting the south. From what I heard, they're on their way to protect the lands of Wolf. The rebels mean to invade."

"The lands of King Richard of Wolf?" I questioned.

"Yes," she replied, "The province, for now. Knowing Damien, he will not lose. Besides, he did vow to come back for you just in time for your delivery."

"They wish to invade Wolf..." I said, thinking thoroughly. "It means they're no longer just rebelling. They mean to wipe out all our nations and make it their own. I see what they're trying to do, can't you?"

"What?" she asked, "But you needn't worry, Angelique. Our forces are stronger than theirs. There's no way they can destroy us."

Not if what they're doing is merely a distraction. The people we're up against were once allied to us. They know our strategies and our weaknesses. We have an equal amount of right to fear them as they fear us. They are smarter than we paint them out to be. I just hope my father and the other kings aren't so blinded by their own pride to see that.

I sighed, shaking my head. "What if this was all a distraction?" I asked, "What are the chances of the women in this palace surviving? I know my people have more chances of survival, but what of yours? Everyone in the castle should know how to fight. We can't rely on our armies."

"So you're suggesting we train every woman?" she gasped, "Angelique, there is no way you can do that. Remember, the ladies at court are not your own. They have their own realms. You can't force your ideas upon them."

"That's true," I replied, "But I will have it out that I am training women. Those who are interested may join."

"You should leave this to the men," she said, holding me by my wrist. "You and I are not friends, but I cannot let you risk my grandson's life."

"He is not your grandson," I replied, withdrawing my hand. "You aren't Damien's mother, therefore you have no relations with our child."

"True," she nodded, "But as Queen of Cross, I am telling you to stand down. We both know that if you risk this child's life, you'll be disappointing everyone. If he dies, this strengthens the enemy. Are you willing to do that just because you are bored?"

"I am doing this for the sake of our realm!" I argued, "You will gather every girl there is in the kingdom and assemble a group. They will be trained as instructed by Princess, Angelique of House White, their future Queen. They will accept this request without a fight, Grea. When the group has been assembled, send me word and I will be there myself to instruct them."

"You dare go against your parents' wishes?" she asked.

"I am a White," I replied, "It is my duty to do what I think is best for my realm. I will stay here on bed rest when I know I'm fully capable of doing something here. My husband is out there, defending and protecting us from invaders while you and the court women enjoy yourselves with the finest wine and sweets we have to offer. It's time that we do something."

She nodded, still in disapproval. "I shall send word for you once it is done. Until then, just take care of the child growing inside you."

"Bye," I said, escorting her out of my chambers. Hera soon came, sitting down with me. I could tell the look of concern on her pale face.

"What's the matter?" I asked, "Are you worried about your house? They are in the division with my father so you needn't worry."

"It's not them I worry," she replied, "Jonah and Damien are grouped together, Angelique. Your husband is no saint; he will not hesitate to strike Jonah down."

"True," I nodded, "But you underestimate Jonah, Hera. He is wiser and stronger than you think. I doubt that he would die at Damien's hands. In fact, I would fear more for Damien's life. Jonah feels strong emotions toward me still. I doubt he would hesitate to strike him down if he's given the chance."

"You think Jonah would kill for you?" she asked, wiping a tear from her face. I hadn't forgotten her affection for him. It must hurt to watch him love me blindly, ignoring her existence.

"You know he would," I said, holding her hand. "He is not the same as before, Hera. Love changes a person. I knew I'd be his downfall should I accept his offer. I didn't know it would remain the same even after I rejected him. I want you to be happy, but now I don't think he deserves you. He's not the man you fell for."

"He's the one I want," she finally said.

I looked at her sternly, saying, "Money, power, and status are the only reasons why people like us get married. Though your house is noble, there is nothing you could offer that would make him propose. Even if you seduce him, he's simply take you as his mistress; nothing more."

"How could you speak so cruelly?" she asked, removing her hand from my grasp.

"It's because I love you, Hera," I replied, "I'm looking out for you as you look out for me. I can find you a good match and recommend you to people, but Jonah won't be one of them. No prince will be on that list unless you magically become rich overnight." It's true that my words are harsh, but it's the only way to break her from Jonah's charm.

"I must go," she said, excusing herself. She left immediately before I had the chance to see the tears falling from her eyes. Hera fell in love with Jonah almost immediately after first sight. I saw it in her smile and how she was unable to look away from him. Unfortunately for her, Jonah fell in love with me. He didn't see past her efforts at all. And even if he did fall in love with her, there was no way his parents or his brother would allow this union.

There's nothing else I can do for Hera. Either she accepts the matches I set up for her, or she will end up an old maid. I truly do sympathize, but she knows our stations have limits. She came from a family that's noble, but she unfortunately is of no use. The only thing her family is good for is being part of our military and supplying us with ladies at waiting.

Without warning, my mother entered my chambers. She had the look of the devil in her eyes. "Angelique," she says, taking a seat.

"Mother?" I replied, sipping on my juice. Surely, this visit isn't a pleasant one. My mother only ever visits me when I fail something or when she needs me to do her bidding.

"To what do I owe this surprise visit?" I asked, "What can I do for you?"

"I came to remind you of your duty," she replied, pouring herself a glass of juice. "I know you've been scheming against your husband. The only reason I don't scold you is because you're being smart and careful. You know how to hold them by their necks."

"I assume you want something in return for your silence?" I asked, folding my hands over my chest.

"I ask you to keep your brain in your head and out of your heart," she said, "I know what you did for Damien. How do you get an investigator to finally rule out what truly happened to his mother, Alicent? Remember that even though you're wed, he is still our enemy. The peace lies in the hands of the children you'll bring; not you."

Of course. I know that the peace lies in my child's hands. The importance that I bear a son... All this will be for naught should I never deliver a son. I remember a King in history from the Cross family. He ordered death to every daughter birthed by his wife upon the delivery. The Queen gave birth to eleven girls before finally delivering him a son. Unfortunately, all daughters were slaughtered.

"Be glad that your husband does not have the power to slay his daughter," she said, "For if he did, I am sure his savage family would encourage him to. I know you have doubts regarding the sex of your child but worry not. If you bring forth a daughter, then she'll inherit your crown. But then you must hurry and try for a boy."

"I know that," I replied.

She adds, "By the way, I know about your plot to train the women. I grant you permission to use the courtyard so long as you do not tire yourself to the extent of losing your child."

"Thank you," I said, "Have you any new words about my husband? People keep me in the dark."

"I have," she said, standing up. "But again, your heart must remain frigid. I allow you to toy with his heart, but you must never let him play yours. You must have the upper hand as I have with your father. That is how you will become the White Queen."

"So I assume you won't tell me anything about Damien..."

"I will have him slain the minute you give us a boy should your heart ever falter for his charms," she glared, turning her back. She then left, leaving me in deep thought. I knew my mother would soon talk. If she gets rid of Damien, our son will immediately be crowned King of Cross. By doing so, I will become Queen Regent until he's old enough to rule. A cruel way of taking the crown, but still, effective. Am I to consider it though? I suppose I will have to wait and see.