10

King Lucas makes his way through his castle, past the chambers, guest rooms and halls. He makes his way to the tower which was indeed protected by knights.

"I understand you have sworn your oaths to your Queen. However her actions have come into question and she must answer for her actions."

King Lucas keeps a strong face but his heart is hurt by the fact he was betrayed by his own soldiers. Men he'd handpicked for the positions himself.

Not a single soldier moves or makes eye contact with their King. Not one soul agreed with how the events were unfolding. The kingdom's stability was cracking. Nobody spoke the words aloud but all knew that if the King couldn't control his castle, it could be simple to overthrow him.

"As ruler and protector of the kingdom I command you to relieve yourselves of duty or be found guilty of treason and hang by the neck until dead in the town square!"

Now with the promise of death upon them, they move back, allowing the King past and up the stairs to where the Queen is. He enters the room, spotting her at the corner of the back of the room, staring out the window.

"Your Grace." Queen Gemma says bowing

King Lucas approaches her, heart heavy, seeing the woman he'd wedded, now carrying his child, standing there. She looked not unlike the day they'd wed. Yet, there was something cold behind her eyes. Angry.

Never in his wildest thoughts did he believe she would ever harm someone in his court. Staring at her, he is at a loss for words. In her condition, what could he do? He couldn't not risk stress upon her for fear of losing the child. He could not seek proper justice which was execution, not until after the babe was born.

After losing one child, the Edwig house would call for justice. The people would be on their side.

A line had been crossed and could not be undone.

First, answers.

"Tell me dear wife, what have you been up to as of late?"

Queen Gemma, seeing the condition her husband is in, chooses her words as carefully as she can.

"Nothing of importance."

What does he know?

King Lucas takes a step towards her, his voice full of warning.

"It is treason to lie to your King."

"It is not a lie."

Molly's life means nothing to her.

He points an accusatory finger at her.

"You sent riders for the head of someone at my court."

Queen Gemma doesn't speak, placing a hand upon her stomach as if protecting her future child.

"What was all this for? You are already with child."

"How are we to keep the crown stable when you allow others into our marriage?"

King Lucas's jaw tightens, unhappy with what she implies.

"II have given you too much trust over the years. You have forgotten your place, wife. I have King's blood running through my veins. I was raised to run this kingdom. Be happy with your condition wife as otherwise I'd have sent you to the block as soon as I got word of your treachery."

There is silence between them.

Queen Gemma takes in his words. If she was not with child, he would've executed her.

She knew that the consequences would be dire.

She did not expect this.

King Lucas blinks back the tears that sting his eyes.

Straightening himself, he speaks in the voice of a ruler, not of a husband with a broken heart.

"I, King Lucas Hammond, Ruler and Protector of Madea do hereby revoke your title as Queen of Madea. You shall now be known as Lady Gemma. Your staff shall be dismantled. You will be moved within a fortnight to Haver Castle. You shall remain confined there until the babe is born. After which the babe will be brought to me."

"How long am I to remain confined?"

"Indefinitely. You ought to be grateful."

"I am grateful, dear husband." Queen Gemma cannot hide the desperation in her voice, wishing her words would touch him

Instead, he verbally smacks her away.

"Then I shall hear no more word of it."

Queen Gemma opens her mouth to speak but stops herself.

Any further pushing could end tragically for her.

King Lucas stares at his wife, his skin red with anger.

King Lucas turns away, heading for the exit.

"Attempt to harm another member of my court and you shall find yourself at a very unpleasant and tragic end, of this I will promise you."

With this, he exits.

Queen Gemma falls to her knees, devastated that she had not only lost her husband and her title but her child will be ripped away as well. She holds her hand to her stomach, hoping her baby will be safe.