Chapter 18: The queen and the crown princess V

Queen Loretta's suggestion was reasonable, and if one were to consider how she said the terms and how she approached Serena, one can say that she has been magnanimous even.

Serena knew that even though she had been pregnant three times in the duration of three years she has been married to Geoffrey, she still failed to give him an heir, and it was his duty as the crown prince to have one.

When Serena lost her third pregnancy, she felt more certain that it was her retribution. Perhaps it was because she did not repent enough. That she was so selfish that she always found ways for her own happiness despite all her sins and losses.

However, even though she acknowledged those, she could not bring herself to agree with her mother-in-law. For how could she ever let any woman other than herself lay claim on Geoffrey when he was her everything? That the only reason why she has not succumbed to the adversaries that life has thrown her was because of him.

Geoffrey was her savior, her knight in the shining armor, the one who has been with her through thick and thin, the one man who has become her saving grace. How could she ever let him go? She would rather kill herself than push him to love another.

And thus, she remained selfish.

She pretended not to understand what queen Loretta was pertaining to. Behind her back, she ensured that no one would dare covet Geoffrey. Then, she used everything in her capacity so that her parents-in-law would never get the opportunity to come in between herself and Geoffrey.

Of course, all these were only possible because Geoffrey loved her and that she was able to solidify her position as crown princess beforehand.

Although she did not purposely strengthen her position as crown princess for her own selfish means, they did come in handy. As the undisputable leader of all the ladies of the ton, she was able to suppress any lady or family that might have any ambition to take her place. As the most loved personage, she was able to use her popularity to the masses so that no one could ever slight her so unreasonably, not even Geoffrey.

At the end of the day, everything that she has done to support Geoffrey's position were used by herself for her own selfish means. She used them even though she knew that by doing so, she also hindered Geoffrey from performing his foremost duty.

"Serena, you do understand what I mean, right?" Queen Loretta asked a bit impatiently after not hearing a response from Serena for a while.

Hearing queen Loretta's words, Serena was shaken from her reverie. "I understand mother. I will try to discuss it again with Geoffrey later." she replied.

Queen Loretta tsked. "We've been discussing this matter for about a year now. If you keep on delaying just because Geoffrey disagrees, then we'll just continue running in circles. Besides, how could you be so sure that Geoffrey is being honest? What makes you believe that he's not only disagreeing because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings? Perhaps if you were to gift him a second wife, he would even be happy.

Aside from that, you do know that there have already been people, even those from Geoffrey's faction, voicing their concerns regarding the reality that he still has no son, right? Aren't you being too complacent just because Geoffrey seems to have solid footing as crown prince now? You've always been smart, Serena. You don't need me to explain further what the current situation entails.

Now, Serena, you have already been married to Geoffrey for almost four years. He has loved you and has given you his utmost care and undivided attention. I know you also reciprocated that love given everything you have done for him. However, if I were to be the judge, what you've done for him is not nearly enough for all the sacrifices he has taken and will be taking for you. If you truly love Geoffrey, then you should know and do what's best for him. Unless…" With that, queen Loreta paused as she sighed for effect.

Serena closed her eyes. It's not her first-time hearing everything the queen said, but every single time, it just keeps getting harder for her to come up with a legitimate excuse. Yes, she knew what they were. Excuses.

"Mother, I am trying. However, it's not easy to find a suitable second wife for Geoffrey either."

Queen Loretta raised her left brow. "Oh? Haven't I mentioned before that your lady-in-waiting, Annalys, is a perfectly suitable match?"

Serena swallowed. That's another thorn in her chest. She knew that she was only buying time for herself by delaying the inevitable. She was confident that Geoffrey loves her, but would that love be enough if she still couldn't birth him a son?

Even though the general public still loves her, sooner or later, she would no longer be able to use their compassion to cover up the fact that she has not given birth yet.

On the other hand, even though she was still the de facto leader of women in high society, it was only so because Geoffrey proved to love her still.

Yet, she would delay it if she can. With no woman daring to go against her and Geoffrey's love still ringing true, she can do it. She will continue to hold on to Geoffrey as he is holding on to her.

However, when the queen mentioned Annalys as the best candidate for Geoffrey's second wife last month, Serena became apprehensive.

--

TBC