5 The New Concubine

"So, you must be the new concubine."

The red headed woman sits in front of me without replying. A cup in her hand and a plate in the other. Looking snobbish indead. She seems to be adjusting quickly.

"What audacity! Reply when the queen is speaking to you!" Alice raises her hand, ready to slap.

"Alice, stop. I am just here to have a chat, not start a brawl. Tell me, Jessica. I heard you were the adopted child of Sir Hans, is that true?"

Finally she looks up.

"Does it matter what background I am of? Do you think you're any better than me?" She snaps back.

I look out the window.

"I suppose not...to the king." Chuckling I say, "Now that I see you for myself. I guess I do know why the king fell in love with you. Both of you are so similar. Just meant for each other." My gaze fell on her face. "Do not worry. I am not here to stand in your way. The king had come to me last night and ordered me to give you the keys to the treasury. What do you think?" I blink slowly.

Anger rises in me. Is she mute or does she hate me this much?

"Since you have nothing to say. I will tell you this. The palace is a harsh place. With all that is going around. People tend to bend the truth."

"I do not need your sympathy."

Alice scowls. "You-."

I raise my hand up. Stopping her from saying anything any longer.

"We are finished here." I look at the key in my hand. The late queen had given me the keys herself. Implying it was an important item. Such a disappointment I can not take care of it any longer.

I push the key in front of her and leave. I shall not idle around someone like her.

This was troublesome. Not had I met one rude person already, but I have also met another one.

I sigh.

"My queen, are you really giving her the keys?"

"Yes."

"Why did you do so, my queen? Is this not of a big thing to you? A female like her getting the keys, the king is making you a laughing stock!"

"If I had the chance. I would not have given the keys to her. But, this morning his majesty barged into my office and demanded it to be given to her. If not, he would have made a havoc and the situation could have escalated."

"He is such a petty man. I do not know why someone like him is a king! You deserve better."

"He is just blinded by love."

A love that would leave a bitter taste in his mouth like he did to mine.