A Proper Thank You.

***

The Narrator's POV.

She sat on the edge of the bed shaking her legs without stopping. The Emperor had begun to favor Queen Ariadne, today he gave her permission to go out. Tomorrow, he might decide to give make her the leader of the women's quarters.

If there was anything, she wasn't ready to lose, it was the crown she wore around showing the women of the palace that they had a mighty ruler called Valeria.

But things were falling apart right in front of her and all she could think of was how to humiliate that woman in front of the Emperor. Making sure that he doesn't trust again.

Being restless was one of the things she hated most in life. After Naana's prophecy, Queen Valeria became restless and insecure. She didn't want anyone to snatch the king or quarters away from her.

She was the king's first wife and only she deserved him. The reason why she agreed to accept the other women as the Emperor's wives was because of her persuasions. She had no choice but to accept it.

But it was good she did or not the king won't have given her this position. The Emperor was a man who cared less about you felt in a particular situation. If he was okay with it, then automatically, the plan goes to action.

Queen Valeria was grateful to her mother, the woman was the one who the Emperor gaver the role of a leader. She was a good mother to all.

She stood up from the bed with an idea in her head. This was going to work, she could bet anywhere. The plan was that she was going to write a letter to the king, impersonating the guards, who were at the gate, two nights ago.

The letter was going to inform him that one of his Queens went out late that night to an unknown destination. It's also explained that the Queen lied to them she was going to the castle to see her grandmother.

When queen Valeria was done. She took the letter and folded it neatly. How will the letter get to the king? She asked herself. Should she send a maid that looks too suspicious? There was no time on her side, acting smartly and faster than the enemy was better in this game, they were playing.

Just then, another idea came to her. The king's chamber was opened to her at all times. As long as the Emperor was alone, she could enter it.

But this time, things were a bit different. She wanted to put the letter among the important documents that were present in the king's room without getting caught. She was taking a high risk, that will bring humiliation if it didn't go well.

Usually, in the evenings, the prime minister submits all the important documents for the king to take a look at. If only she could keep the letter there, He might read it as a document.

The king was not in his room when she got there. Slowly and quietly, queen Valeria widened the door, making sure no one saw her.

She knew the spot where the documents were so it was easy to find. There, she fixed the letter as the third document. The emperor was going to see it immediately, he starts reading them.

Her joy came to an end when she heard the door! "This was not the plan her thoughts cried out. Queen Valeria couldn't move, as she was ashamed that she was caught in such a disgraceful act.

***

Queen Ariadne's POV.

The next morning, I felt better, after I had my bath. I went to the kitchen to make a special breakfast for the king, this was a little way of showing appreciation to him. Allowing me to go out to the village was the biggest gift I ever received.

I tried a few dishes. The women thought I was a princess who couldn't cook. I might look and dress like one but I was a slave girl in reality. Cooking was already part of me and I was going to surprise them all.

I prepared the king's favorite dish with the hope that he might enjoy it. When everything was done, I put all the food in the trays and have the maids take them to the dining room. Everyone had sat down, waiting for the food. I didn't plan to cook for the entire royal family, it's just happened.

The maids served the food to all except the king. It was my turn to serve him and I became shy instantly. What was wrong with me?

"Are you going to serve me or not?" He asked.

"Am sorry, Emperor" I took the food from the tray and dished it to him. This man was not patient nor polite. If he continues being rude, who was going to teach him manners at the end of the day?

Everyone ate quietly, without uttering a word. This was supposed to be a dining table of a happy family together, but because of the Emperor, it was known as the Empire's first cemetery. I shook my head in pity when I saw all their sad faces.

"Morgana, when you do want to get married?" The Emperor finally broke the silence.

"When I fall in love, brother" she replied.

"Love? who taught you all these foolish things. You should prepare yourself now. The time is beckoning he scolded. Why was wrong he angry with her for falling in love first? Love was a beautiful thing, if the Emperor wasn't favored with love that doesn't mean Princess Morgana should suffer alongside him.

I didn't say a word, rather I ate my food in silence. The Emperor was done eating and all he could say was that "the food was okay" Then he left the dining room. Could you imagine?! I felt like running after him screaming and dragging his legs back to the table to tell me a proper thank you!