Chapter 28: What was the news you wanted to tell me?

Angelique's POV

Two weeks had passed since my father told me his plans. I tried my best to avoid everyone, shutting myself from society. Occasionally, I would visit the courtyard to see the progress of the children, but nothing more. I stayed out of sight, avoiding everyone—especially Jonah and his brother, the king. I know they've been dying to reach me.

Today, I decided to pay a visit to the courtyard. From across the distance, I caught sight of both Jericho and Jonah. To my displeasure, it was already too late to escape for they have already caught sight of me.

"Your majesty," I greeted, "Jonah."

"Cold," Jericho comments, nudging his younger brother's arm. "Anyway, why have you been avoiding us, Princess? Are you not happy that we are here?"

"Must I truly answer that?" I asked exasperatedly.

Jericho chuckled, patting my shoulder. "My friend, I cam by the courtyard in hopes of seeing you," he says, escorting me to my bench. "I heard you collapsed recently. How are you feeling now, huh? Much better or still hurting?"

"The baby is fine if that's what you mean to ask," I said rather coldly.

He frowned, placing his hands over my shoulders. "I mean to ask about you, Angelique. We are friends, aren't we? I wanted to ask about you; not the baby."

"Okay," I said. I looked at the distance, asking him, "I heard you spoke to my father. What ever did you talk about?"

"The future of the twelve kingdoms," he said casually. "You know I wouldn't hide anything from you, Angelique. Your father means to combine all nations and make you an Empress."

"Tell me you didn't agree," I said, sighing in dispair.

"I agreed," he said, "I signed my name in that paper, Angelique. I don't see any reason not to. The plan is to combine all our strengths. Your family being the strongest, it's only right that you become our leader. As for your husband, I know you're most likely aware of your mother's plans. I needn't say anything."

I sighed. So it was true. They mean to kill Damien after we take everything from him. I don't know how to feel about that.

"I don't want to discuss that just yet," I said, "This is top secret, King Jericho."

"I know," he says, "I won't tell a soul. I just have one question: who is your groom?"

"A very powerful man that neither of you have met before," I said, "My cousin first removed. From what I heard, he is very handsome and noble. They say he is fierce yet just. He can be ruthless and still be merciful. He is the smartest relative I know that's within my age group."

"Seems you like him," Jericho comments.

"As a matter of fact, I do," I said with a smile, "Now that we talked about that terribly awkward subject, let's skip to another topic. Is it true that your wife is sick?"

"She has the flu," he said coldly. I suppose he still deems her useless for being unable to conceive. "I will visit her chambers tonight."

"To care for her, right?" I asked wide-eyed.

He grinned. "To become one," he replied, "As your friend, I am really happy for your accomplishments. I hope that as my friend you would understand my struggles. You know how vital is it for me to have a son—a legitimate son."

"Yes, of course," I nodded, "Isabelle and I are not friends. But as a woman like her, I understand the pressure she's in. I know about the incredible hate she received when she gave birth to a girl."

He raised his hand, gesturing for me to stop.

"Will you hate me too should I fail to deliver a son?" I asked, making him flinch.

He held my hand, giving me assurance. "I haven't thought of it that way," he says, "Angelique, you're our friend. Even if you give birth to a girl, I wouldn't resent you. We were friends long before you became Damien's wife." His words are comforting, but are just words. I know him well enough to know his reaction should I fail.

"I thank you for your kind words, Jericho," I smiled, "But I believe it's time for you both to leave the courtyard. As you know, I cannot be stressed. Your presence is stressing me out."

He smiled, scratching his head. "Sorry," he says, "I know how much I annoy you. I suppose some things never change."

"You're not offended?" I asked, holding his hand firmly. "It's not just presence. I cannot be with anyone who knows of my father's plans. I feel uncomfortable."

"I completely understand," he assures me, "Please, take care of yourself and the baby. Mark my words, I will love your child whether or not it's a boy or girl. Perhaps your child and mine could marry."

"A lovely thought," I smiled, gesturing for him to leave. "Bye bye now."

He gave me a salute and walked with his brother. Jonah said nothing. That makes me happy. Well, comfortable. I still feel uneasy around him. I really think it's best if he stays away from me.

"Your majesty," Alicent approached, curtsying. "You look very well today, your majesty."

"Thank you," I said, holding her cheek. "I assume you had just finish your training for the day. I heard you often train two shifts a day. Will that not tire you?"

"The more I train, the stronger I become," she explained, "Nala and Eva just finished as well. They just left to go home."

"I want to ask you about something other than your training. How are your studies?" I asked, "I made sure you receive quality education. Not just knowledge that I received, but also things such as etiquette and how to present yourself. Singing and dancing. How are these other fields?"

"I can read now," she said, "I am working extra hard that I don't disappoint you, your majesty. My teachers say that I am exceptional and quite a fast learner. My dance instructor claims that I am as graceful as a swan and my music teacher says that I sing well like a hummingbird. Maidservant Rose says that I am ready to be introduced to society as her daughter."

I smiled. I knew she wouldn't disappoint me. I am very proud of her progress. She reminds me of me when I was younger. Well, deduct the talent for music. I wasn't gifted with a beautiful voice no matter how hard I try.

"When will I be introduced and be part of society?" she asked rather nervously.

I looked at her from head to toe. She came a long way from the girl I met. Her hair was tied into braids and she was dressed in armor that was made especially for the pearls. Their uniform was lightweight and functional.

"Perhaps on my child's christening," I said, patting her head. "There will be a grand celebration and many people would attend. A lot of young ladies and gentlemen about your age would be there too. You will be introduced as a noble young lady sponsored by me, and daughter of Maidservant Rose."

"What if I trip?" she asked, "I think that is far too soon, your majesty. I don't want to disappoint you."

"You won't," I laughed, pinching her cheek softly. "Say, Alicent. Will you be friends with my baby when it comes?"

She smiled happily, nodding in response. "I would love that!" she beams, "I pledge to protect her with all my might! I would take care of her and just be like an older sister."

I smiled, a little astonished. She just said "her" instead of "him." She must feel that I carry a girl instead of a boy.

Noticing my discomfort, she bowed. "Forgive me," she pleads, "I didn't mean to claim your child a girl! Please forgive me, your majesty!"

"Rise," I said, helping her up. "Please," I said, "Do not be sorry. I understand your excitement, Alicent. I also appreciate your enthusiasm. I would love for my child to see you as a sister. You are incredibly marvelous, and I want my child to look up to you. So please, do not be sorry."

She smiled, holding my hands. "Thank you, your majesty." She looked to my side, bowing down.

I turned to see Queen Grea to my side. She looked as though she saw a ghost. This is bad. Grea wasn't supposed to see Alicent just yet.

"Queen Grea," I greeted, covering Alicent with my silhouette. "What brings you here?"

"I came to see you," she replied, gently pushing me aside. "Who is this young girl?" she asked, her eyes filled with horror.

"I am Alicent, your grace," the young girl replied.

"She is Maidservant Rose's daughter," I added, pushing the girl behind me. "Maidservant Rose came to like her and decided to adopt the poor orphan. I too came to be fond of her. Why, Queen Grea? Is something the matter? If I recall, you mentioned you were genuinely happy for Maidservant Rose."

The horror on her face was evident. That alone is evidence that Alicent may be the late queen's daughter. If Alicent is the late queen's daughter, Grea's fate will be uncertain. What's certain is that Damien will reign hell down on her.

"Nothing," she said, concealing her terrors with a smile. "She just reminds me of a friend I once had."

"Ah," I said, "Well, that sounds interesting. Alicent will be staying in my chambers until Damien returns."

"But I thought she's Maidservant Rose's daughter," she asked, folding her arms over her chest.

"Yes," I nodded, "But I enjoy her company. Damien already agreed to it. She will officially become one of my ladies when she comes of age. Being with me is her training. Why? Is there a problem, Queen Grea?"

"No," she said, "I shall take my leave." She turned around, attempting to leave but I caught her wrist.

"What was the news you wanted to tell me?" I asked.

"News?" she asked.

"Well, there wouldn't be any other reason for you to see me unless you have news for me. I doubt you would come all the way here to check on me," I said. "So what is the news?"

"Damien is on his way home," she said.

My heart dropped in an instant and my breath seems to have become heavier. I was having an attack.

"Help!" Alicent shouted, begging for help. "Princess Angelique is in distress."

"Angelique, what is happening?" Grea asked, catching me before I could fall. "Is the news too much to bear? I thought you would be glad to hear it."

I stood up, holding on to Hera who was now by my side. "I am fine," I said, "I was just taken aback by it. I haven't seen him in so long."

She nodded, sighing. "If that is the case, then I will leave you," she says, "It was nice seeing you again, Alicent." She turned to Maidservant Rose who was now standing with Hera and says, "You have quite the eye, Rose. She looks exactly like our old friend, wouldn't you agree?"

We all watched as the queen left. I sighed in relief, trying to regain my composure. We need to protect Alicent and introduce her to Damien soon. Grea might already be planning the ways she would torture the young girl.

"Your husband is coming?" Alicent asked curiously.

Maidservant Rose nodded, "I just had word of it. Prince Damien will arrive by sundown tomorrow. Why do you look pale, Princess?"

"I just don't feel so good," I replied, "I want you to please arrange Alicent's living space in my chambers at once. To be sure of her safety, I would like to have her with me at all costs. Please see to the arrangements. We cannot risk anything.

The girl looked at me with horror-filled eyes. "Am I in danger, Princess?" she asked worriedly.

I held her cheek, saying, "T'is only for a little while, my dear. Soon enough, you'll be as free as a bird. Now, let us go and have some tea, shall we? We'll move your activities to my chambers for the time being."

"Yes, your majesty," they all said.

Alicent and I left, making our way to my chambers. My heart feels so heavy. One problem just comes after the other and it is killing me. And what of Damien? What if he finds out that my family means to kill him? No, he can't find out about this. Should he find out, he will kill me. I know I would if he dared plan my demise. We're alike in our ruthlessness, so I know what he's capable of. Kill or be killed.