PRIDE

"No matter how weak I may be, I will not miss this important breakfast." The Queen Mother said, going towards her seat.

Gabriella couldn't help but smile at the sight of her grandmother as she hastened and helped her sit. "Grandmother, you should have saved yourself the stress for today." She took the walking stick from her and placed it beside the chair.

"Gabriella is right mother, you don't look so strong to be here." The King said.

"Yes, I cannot help but notice you are becoming weak." Alexia inserted.

"Becoming weak? No, you are very wrong. I would never be weak to join a breakfast like this, my dear Alexia. Everyone should relax, I have come to dine with everyone." She turned to Marquess Brutus and said "Welcome Marquess Brutus Santos."

The Marquess with his crew returned the greeting of the Queen Mother.

As much as Gabriella was happy to see the Queen Mother despite her poor health, it made her feel relaxed meanwhile you cannot say the same for Vanessa and her mother, they were indeed discomposed by her presence.

Picking up his spoon, Darkon returned his gaze to the dishes on the table. He carefully continued with the first course and attentively listened to the conversation of his father with the King which also continued.

The King patiently gave a few details of things going on in the castle and talked a lot about things happening in the kingdom at large. He also talked about the masquerade ball and the making of the crown princess but he didn't reveal who he had planned to make his crown princess.

"So, that means after the Masquerade ball, everyone will know who the great destiny of Horndragon lies in her hand." Lord Brutus asked, giving the King an inquisitive look.

Darkon watched as the Queen Mother quickly confirmed with an air of strong belief. "Yes, everyone is sure that the king's first daughter, Princess Gabriella will keep this kingdom in good hands."

Everyone is sure? Gabriella and the queen desperately wiped the corners of their lips with the table napkin at the Queen Mother's statement which the king did well to ignore.

"Oh, I see." Marquess Brutus nodded, giving some thought to what had been said. "Everyone is putting in their hope on the first Princess."

"Yes. Gabriella has captured the hearts of the people through her unwavering dedication to their well-being and the prosperity of the kingdom. She listens and understands the people's needs and genuinely solves their problems." The Queen Mother asserted again.

Darkon scoffed inwardly as he continued to silently munch on his food. Vanessa and her mother were already making some perturbed movements in their chairs.

"Oh, is that so?" Brutus asked, carefully cutting the fish in two before putting it into his mouth and unconsciously nodding at the rich taste in his mouth.

"How strong is she when it comes to the matters concerning the government? I believe that is the stronghold of every kingdom." Marquess Brutus continued to devour his fish enjoying every taste of it as he kept diving further into his questions.

"Most of the decision-making that has favoured this kingdom was spearheaded by her." Now Queen Catalina pointed out. "I hope I'm telling the truth, your Majesty?"

"Yes, you are correct." The King had to affirm. It was the truth after all.

"And her capabilities in protecting the kingdom?"

At this question, Darkon's brows rose in eagerness to hear the King's response. His eyes flicked at Gabriella and then back again to his food. Gabriella did the same like she was trying to be sneaky about it.

"For the protection of the kingdom, we give her great credit for that. The princess has demonstrated unwavering valour and strength in her valiant efforts to protect the kingdom, decisively conquering our enemies and emerging triumphant in the face of adversity." The King told him the truth.

The Queen Mother raised her hand articulating. "Her great capability which stuns the people till today was her ability to stand beside her father at her very young age, battling in the war against the Demondas until they were completely destroyed."

At the mention of Demondas, Darkon felt the gradual reddening of his face and the subtle trembling of his hand. The storm began slowly, brewing in his heart and the Queen Mother didn't help when she further stated,

"The Demons had thought of themselves as the greatest and strongest of all kingdoms. But our great king did not just conquer, he perished every single one of them, burning the whole kingdom to ashes and leaving not a single born alive."

The muscles around Darkon's eyes, forehead, and mouth tensed up, creating an overall strained expression.

Darkon knew if care was not taken he might choke on his food or let his anger burst. Taking the water, he gradually took a sip and by good grace, he was able to suppress his anger a little bit at the Queen Mother's words. He couldn't help but notice her pride at what she said. That pride a Horndragon carried. The pride that made his bones quiver.

He just wished he could get the opportunity to kick the old woman's mouth off and finally make her not come out of her chamber again.

Marquess Brutus shook his head slowly, his lips pursed. He made some ballistic movements and chewed ravenously on his food. Taking the water, he took a sip calming his nerves as well. However, everyone including the Queen Mother was oblivious to all these reactions going on between the guests as she continued speaking,

"From an early age, Princess Gabriella has shown a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with her royal titles. Princess. I'm sure she would do more when she eventually assumes the role of queen." With the raise of her hand, Elizabeth finalized.

"Well, that will be a decision left for everyone to accept." Alexia who couldn't help it finally spoke.

"Everyone had agreed to it. In fact, all the people in the Kingdom strongly want her to be their future queen," The old woman grunted. "However, I believe some few crooks don't want to accept it."

Few crooks? Gabriella stared at the King to see his reaction. He was chewing on his food and doing well to totally ignore it. Goodness, this wanted to provoke her but she knew that would only give Alexia and Vanessa the satisfaction they wanted if they saw her angry as they now have their eyes on her, somehow not affected by the Queen Mother referring to them as crooks.

Darkon tilted his head and lowered his chin, trying to get a better view of everyone while also appearing nonchalant.

"It's normal, in every awaiting position there must be a strong opposition. It is he who conquers that is called the bravest." Marquess Brutus said.

"You are right at that." Elizabeth nodded.

Slowly the conversation went deeper as Marquess Brutus drew the King's attention to speak again. He and the king began sharing at great length the achievements of the kingdom of Horndragon and the kingdom of Blackshed where he was coming from.

This continued until at some point, Gabriella couldn't help but notice the pride in the king's voice as he talked about the many kingdoms he conquered. Including the Kingdom of the Valarians.

Having the kingdom of Valaria on the table of discussion, Gabriella noticed the change in the Queen's demeanour. She could see how her hands almost trembled on the spoon as she took the food into her mouth.

"But your Majesty, I believe the kingdom of Valaria which have been in captive in your hands for almost two decades should deserve their freedom by now. Don't you think it's time to let some feel the taste something good? I mean... Considering the number of kingdoms already in captivity in your hands, I believe some should deserve some mercy by now." The Marquess said further.

Catalina's eyes rolled at the king on the imposed question as she watched the King who nonchalantly waved his hand, stating boldly. "I don't have plans to let any of these kingdoms go. Who knows, if they are given the opportunity, they might rise against my kingdom. I can't risk losing all that I have fought for for so many years."

Letting his hand down as he took a quiet look at the king, Marquess Brutus articulated, "But your Majesty, I believe like a gentle breeze that calms the tempest, a King who frees his subjects before their spirits grow restless quells the seeds of rebellion."