A Red Spot...

***

Emperor Sargon's POV.

"You shouldn't have passed a quick judgment like that, my child" she coughed again.

"Mother, Queen Ariadne has betrayed my trust in her. There was no way, I could have forgiven her" I said.

"Did you investigate?"

"Yes, I did. I went in disguise and found out there was a man with the name, Evelyn mentioned. Also, the people that came for the Ball, said they saw a woman with the same description the guards gave, on their way to the palace" I explained to her. Mother was not ready to believe the truth. She had so much trust, love, and respect for Queen Ariadne, and she did disappoint her. Looking at her condition, it was obvious that, the damages were done to my mother than I.

"I don't still believe Ariadne can do such a promiscuous act, my daughter isn't like that" She cried. Mother was already broken after I narrated everything that happened in the court three days ago.

"Mother, she is guilty of this charge" I insisted.

"What will do to her?" she asked.

"Nothing for now, when I finally find her lover, then I will tell you what am going to do to them"

"Please, don't do anything stupid. Queen Ariadne is still your wife, you should think before acting" mother advised. She wanted her daughter to escape this but there was no way out. Damages were already done.

"I know what am doing mother, you don't have to tell me," I said. There was no way I could forgive her. This was the biggest betrayal ever and if I don't punish them severely, others may follow in their footsteps.

"Am leaving mother, please do take care of yourself" she didn't answer and I left the room immediately. Mother was only annoying me with her pleadings. Nothing hurts like knowing the fact that your wife had an affair outside. There was no way, I would forgive an unfaithful wife.

When we went to the village to search for this unknown man, we found out he was there for six days and he left a day after, Queen Ariadne returned from the temple. Many people said his face was familiar but the man hardly came around.

With the help of the drawing, I distributed fifteen copies to the various kingdoms around. In case anyone came in contact with such a man, he should report back to the nearest king. That was a command and I knew my subjects were going to try their best to get him for me.

Queen Ariadne was locked down there- the prison. It was just like an abode under the palace. That was the place where I kept those who chose to dare to betray me. The people charged with normal offenses were kept separate, their prison was closed to the men's quarters.

Ever since I heard the news of this betrayal, I tried my best to calm down. Most of the time I punished people unnecessarily. Even Queen Valeria was afraid of coming to me because I shouted at her in public, she felt very bad, but I didn't care because I was wounded within me, and the person who caused it didn't care to know.

***

Queen Ariadne's POV.

For seven days, nobody cares to come and visit me here. Maybe, they all thought I was dead or their Emperor had forbidden them to come to see the unfaithful wife.

Nobody brought the news about the mysterious man, they claimed I was seeing. The emperor had promised that he was going to find him and together he will end our love story, but I didn't hear anything at all.

Yesterday, I felt a pain in my wrist. It was so painful that I couldn't sleep at all than cry. Today, the pain returned, and felt it up to my neck. I lifted the sleeves of my dress to see if there was anything.

I looked down at the hand and saw the little red spot. The color wasn't even trying to wane, the pain increased every moment.

This was the same hand the witch had touched me with that day. I thought it was nothing, but with time the red spot turned into a black one with a green mark in form of a broomstick.

I tried calling the guards but my voice was weak. My temperature was high and I had a serious headache that I couldn't bear any longer. My entire body was trembling, with each sweat remaining me of the pain I was in.

It became unbearable for me, so, I dropped to the floor close to the prison where one of the Royals was. When she saw me do that, the woman called for help and the guards rushed to see who it was.

At first, they all thought I was pretending and I wanted people to see and have mercy on me. One of the guards called my name thrice, I didn't respond and they became afraid. Is not like I didn't hear them, my lips could not pronounce a single word at that moment.

***

Emperor Sargon POV.

"Queen Ariadne?" Apollo asked.

"Are you sure of what you are saying?" I was referring to the guard that brought the news of my Queen's health.

"We don't know but it's seemed she not breathing nor moving," The guard said.

"Bring her into the palace immediately" I instructed.

As you wish, your highness

"Apollo, please send for the royal physician. I expect her to be here in two minutes"

"Your message will be delivered" he bowed and left.

It's been seven days, she was locked up. I didn't bother to go see her because I was hurt and anger took control of me. But today, when I was informed of her health status. I became concerned and the anger that ruled me, over these few days disappeared.

I went to my wardrobe and took a black robe. It was one of my favorite, made from a deer's skin. It was offered to me by one of my in-laws.

After I wore it. I quickly headed off to Queen Ariadne's room because that is the place they will take her to. I got there, many of the women were already there. The physician was also among them, it's seemed she already examined her before I came.

"Why are you not treating her?" I asked.

"Because there is nothing, I can do" she answered. The expression on her face showed that she was hiding something away from me. I looked around and observed the people present in the room. All of them were crying though, I was yet to see Queen Ariadne due to the crowd that, surrounded her. I felt a little bit strange with the atmosphere and then, a familiar voice rang in my head.

"Your wife is no more!"