The Queen.

Chapter 1: The Great Balen.                 A young lady who was holding a basket on her arm was walking on the town market on a beautiful day, you could feel the heat of the sun but it was a great day to go outside. The market was full of people as merchants were everywhere selling their products to every person, you could smell the fresh flowers from the flower shop as small butterflies flutter around them, the sound of the goats, horses and other livestock as they were being tended by their owners, the noise of the children as they play around the streets and you could hear the water flowing around the huge fountain located at the heart of the town’s square. It was so busy and lively.                   “Good morning!” the young lady greeted the baker with a smile on her face, as she reached her purpose at the market.                 “Good morning,” even though he was busy packing some bread for the old woman in front of him he still managed to greet a new customer, especially if they’re a patron. “You’re still missing some muffins, could you please wait for a while, Madam Florice?” he asked the old lady.                 “No worries, Wilham,” she nodded with a smile.                 “RAY! Bring out the muffins in the oven!” Baker Wilham loudly shouted behind him, directed towards the back kitchen. Then he turned to the young lady and beamed, “Rea, how’s the palace?”                 “Same as always,” she replied, she placed her basket at the table in front of him, “And as always, the usual.”                 “Of course, for the royals,” he took the basket and began filling it with different kinds of bread.                 “How was your back, Madam Florice?” Rea asked the old woman beside her.                 “The pain’s bearable but sometimes it’s difficult to deal with, I guess I’m really getting older as my medicines were starting to be ineffective,” she sighed.                 “Maybe you could ask for second opinions,” she suggested.                 “I’ve been running all around the town making appointments with different doctors, the only left were the palace and that’s an impossible one since Royal Doctors were only for the royalties.”                 “Well that’s true,” Rea shrugged.                 “By the way, it’s seems that there were many soldiers than usual roaming around the town. Did something happened at the palace?” Wilham asked.                 “I don’t think I’m supposed to tell you but we are not told not to tell,” she looked around first before she lean closer to them. The Baker and the old woman who were intrigued also lean forward. “Last night someone sneaked in at the chambers of the Queen,” she whispered.                 They gasped.                 “That’s horrible!”                 “Did they caught the culprit?” Madam Florice inquired.                 “Not yet, they were thinking they were thieves but nothing was stolen so they’re still investigating.”                 “How was Queen Elysse?”                 “She was alright, she’s not injured or anything actually she wasn’t really interested about the incident but still everyone was worried, especially Duke Mavel. He was so mad at what happened last night thus making him to recruit more soldiers at the palace,” she said.                 “I fear that it might be from another country,” Wilham frowned.                 “I hope not! It will be a war then!” Madam Florice exclaimed.                 “They wouldn’t dare – Balen is a strong and great country being our enemy already means foolishness,” Rea contradicted.                 “A war between countries are not impossible, sometimes it bounds to happen.”                 “Enough with this conversation, we’re just making assumptions. Here, Rea take this at the palace, even if she has a lot of bakers inside I’m grateful that she likes my bread. Give the Queen my gratitude,” the baker handed the basket with now full of breads at her.                 “I’ll try to deliver,” she smiled faintly. “Have a nice day both of you.” She waved goodbye and started to walk out of the shop as the baker once again called his helper, “RAY! The muffins!”                 The country of Balen is sure a great country, it experienced a lot of war before when it was numerously threatened to be conquered but it stood still and won all those battles. Through the years it became a strong and powerful country – others were afraid to be an enemy and tried to have their alliance. Business industry were also successful as many traders and merchants were all around the place. It is the top country. It was a long process and along the way many sacrifices were needed. Many generations of King have passed and it was maintained as a Great Balen.                 The late King Doran Labarro was a strong man and known for his barbaric, strict and cold nature which is effective to maintain the greatness of the country and the Labarro Royal Family. However, he has a soft spot for his family, he doesn’t show much feelings and emotions but he cares for them. He died because of assassination, everybody knows that he will die but it was so soon and unexpected. The whole country mourned.                 Queen Athelia Labarro, the wife of the late King and she was known because of her loved for him and for the country. She formed a lot of charitable organizations to help her people. She’s ambitious and meticulous, like her husband she has also a strong and powerful charisma which makes people around her to be scared and anxious of her.                 Prince Jonathas Fabien Labarro, the youngest and only son of the Labarro. Chancellor of the Office of the Chancery that deals with the domestic and foreign affairs and also responsible for the production of official documents. A reserved and refined man, who calculate things first before making decisions. Everyone thought that he would get the throne after King Doran died because he’s the only son of the Royal Family but everyone was surprised to know that it was Queen Elysse. Prince Jonathas didn’t opposed the coronation and he was given the position as the Chancellor by the Queen.                 Queen Elysse Ida Sabina Labarro, the Ruler of Balen, first born and only daughter of the Labarro. Everyone was surprised to know that she was given the Throne by the late King. Duke Mavel Ormond, the late King’s advisor and also the still current Advisor – announced on the King’s last will and testament that he will passed the Throne to Princess Elysse. Everyone didn’t expected that, even Queen Athelia because usually when a King died it is expected that the throne will be given to the first royal son unless the King will said otherwise. This was never happened before – a woman as a ruler of the country, an unmarried Queen without a King. Everyone protested but they can’t do anything because it was the King’s order and there’s no written law of a woman can’t be a ruler.                 They predicted her to make mistakes and the downfall of the country but it never happened – instead Balen grew more. Commoner women have given a chance to study but it was not expected for them to learn and most opportunities were given to the men. Aristocrat and Noble women were more expected to learn, their intelligence and skills were must be suitable for their title and family. As a part of the Royal Family, Princess Elysse, other than being taught to be literate and a proper way a royal should act, she was also interested about politics and her country. She likes to read books which normally bores the other people and she’s very curious about anything. She’s different among other women, she yearns to learn more. Besides of the basic learnings, she was also interested to learn how to wield a sword and other weapons. It was very unusual but King Doran didn’t opposed it. Her knowledge, intelligence, skills and power were above others – maybe even men.                 Her reign was one of the most successful in Balen. People were scared of her and her power but they also respected her because of her greatness. But she was mostly known as The Unseen Queen because she doesn’t really like to show herself if she thinks it is not necessary. She refused to attend any parties and event, only sending someone on her behalf. Even if her own palace makes the celebration she didn’t participated in most of the events, if she did it’s very rare. Most people, even her own people, only heard her name and how great she and some of them seen only glimpse of her. Rumours said that she was being protected because of death threats, some said she have a bad health – a disease, a contagious condition. Others said that she’s an ugly woman, a horrible face, a monstrous features, a visible huge scar – which makes her undesirable to be seen, while others said that she’s a gorgeous lady with an alluring face. Nobody confirms anything, they were all baseless rumours. Those people who knew how she looks like doesn’t really bothered to clear those hearsays.                 The palace maid Rea finally arrived back at the palace. It was a few meters away from the center of Balen and thick and high walls were surrounded the area protecting the palace grounds from any attack from the enemy. The place was gigantic and enormous as there are many parts of the palace – the main royal residence, the Royal Court Offices, the Barracks, the Arena, the Monastery, dungeons and more, it’s like another city at the country. It was noticeable how the security tightened around the place as more guards were patrolling everywhere. She walked immediately towards the kitchen where other workers can be seen.                 “Good you’re back Rea,” the Head Cook said as he took the basket of breads from her, “It’s almost lunch time and the Queen wants her bread. Go back to your post,” he dismissed her. He placed carefully the breads to a plate and took it among the other meals he prepared.                 A middle aged man named Mr. Bertie Gilpin, the Chamberlain, walked at the kitchen with a furrowed look as he keeps barking orders at the busy servants. “Where’s the food? They should be already at the table!” Servants immediately took the numerous plates and rushed towards the dining room.                 “The Queen wanted to eat her meal at her study room, prepare a separate meal for her,” he commanded another maid.                 The maid nodded and immediately did the job. After placing everything on the tray she rushed towards the study room. Two guards where standing at the both sides of the door guarding the area, with a great coincidence, the lady-in-waiting, Miss Semera Ludel walked out of the room. She noticed the maidservant.                 “There you are, let me have it,” she took the tray, “You may now go.” The maid obliged.                 The guards opened the door for her as she went back inside. She placed the tray on the table at the sitting area and started to prepare the meal of her lady.                 The Queen sat on her study table, she was reading a report from the Office of the Exchequer – they are part of the Royal Court Office which is in charge with the collection and management of the royal and public revenue. She was engrossed on her reading that she didn’t noticed that it’s already lunch time.                 After Miss Semera made sure that everything were perfect on the table she called the attention of the Queen, “Excuse me, Your Highness, it’s time for your meal.”                 Elysse looked at her then at the prepared meal then she sighed, “It’s like I just ate my breakfast a few minutes ago.”                 “Please don’t skip your meals, Your Highness,” she softly reprimanded.                 “I understand,” she stood up from her chair, leaving her paper works. “It looks delicious, anyway.”                 The Queen started to eat her meal when she was interrupted by a knock on the door. The guard on the other side entered and bowed then announced, “Your Majesty, Duke Mavel Ormond, the Lord of Garin were seeking for your presence.”                 “Let him in,” she replied.                 The guard nodded and went out of the room, after a few seconds he was replaced by a middle aged man with visible white strands of hair because of aging. “Your Majesty,” he bowed.                 “Have you eaten your lunch, Duke Mavel?” she asked as she proceeds on eating her meal.                 “I took a late breakfast,” he answered, “But that’s not the reason why I’m here.”                 “I know, it’s all about what happened last night again,” she sighed, “I really don’t think you should make a big deal out of this.”                 “Your Grace, please don’t say those,” Semera gasped.                 “Nothing was taken and no one was hurt so I don’t see any problem here,” she shrugged.                 “The fact that someone entered your chambers uninvited is a huge problem,” she insisted, though Semera is the Lady-in-Waiting of the Queen and still a servant – she has a guts to reprimand and talk what she thinks in front of the Queen. Elysse know that she cares for her welfare and they treated each other like old friends.                 “You are right, we should not make this matter a big deal anymore,” Duke Mavel surprisingly agreed. “I apologize for my impulsive actions last night.”                 Semera agape, she can’t believe that Duke Mavel would say something like this. He was the late King’s Advisor and they have been good friends for a long time. When Elysse was a little child she sometimes wanted to play with King Doran but because he’s engaged in various works and activities ruling the country he let Duke Mavel take his stead. Thus making him a father-like figure to her. She trusted him and his loyalty has been proven for the very long time he works for the King and he’s knowledgeable about the politics and knows about a lot of things inside and outside of the palace and the Kingdom. She let him remain on his position as the Queen’s Advisor.                 “Don’t be so surprised, he knows now,” Elysse said to Semera.                 “Knows what?” she asked looking at her and the Duke, “Somebody enlighten me,” she exasperated.                 “That the Queen sneakily went out of her chambers in the middle of the night,” he stated.                 The Queen grinned.                 “You did what?” Semera said to the Queen in disbelief with an accusing eyes.                 “It’s not like it’s the first time I ever did that,” she shrugged as she took a sip of her tea.                 “I am always with you whenever you do your secret escapades, when was I last night?” she chided, being offended that she was not included or even informed about last night’s get away.                 “I just want to go out and breathe some air,” she reasoned out.                 “You have your balcony, a garden, a courtyard!” Semera fumed, her face are turning red.                 Duke Mavel, who seemed like being forgotten by the two women looked at them with amusement. A Queen being scolded by her maidservant – this is not the first time they had this moment but it’s still very amusing to watch.                 “You’re being too loud,” Elysse grimaced as she rubbed her ear.                 Semera deeply breathed composing herself, “I apologize, Your Grace, not because of what I said but because of my loud voice,” she said confidently.                 Elysse loves to do secret adventures – sneaking out of the palace and disguising herself as a commoner to freely stroll around Balen. Only few people knows about this, Semera and Duke Mavel are part of those few people. They sometimes, especially Semera joins her but most of the time she do them alone. It’s not like she’s forbidden to visit the Kingdom but she strongly refuses to do that with a ton of people following and guarding her around and the places she could go will be only limited. She also hates the crowd, the piercing stares of people looking at her, the audible whispers that she learned to ignore, she also needs to be careful and wary of her actions – holding in everything and placing a straight face.                 Whenever she goes out and pretending to be a commoner, she’s free – free from her life, even if it’s just for a short moment, those were the times she can do whatever she wants. She can also talks to other people without them trying to be respectful or being uncomfortable. Besides she also treat it like a work trip where she can see the real situation of her country.                 It’s just that – when she returned from one of her secret excursion in the middle of the night, coincidently a maidservant went inside her room with a purpose of replacing the firewood on the fireplace to keep the warmness of the room. The Queen who was just finished changing her clothes to a nightgown heard the sound of the maid’s walking and the door’s opening, she rushes to the bed and pretended to be asleep – the opened door at the balcony was forgotten and the maid saw it and assumed for the worst thing. Elysse tried to reason but it was already too late since the maid’s loud action was caught by whole palace and she can’t tell them the truth or else there’s no more going out.                 “Semera,” she looked at her, gently calming her with soothing eyes and gently said, “Sometimes I just want to be alone.”                 Semera was trying to understand her but she was only thinking of the possible dangers, she knew what the Queen was trying to say but they just can’t ignore the reality – even if it is suffocating and tiring.  She looked at Duke Mavel, looking for a support.                 But the Duke just gently nodded at her, as if saying that she doesn’t need to understand just give her your support.                 She sighed in defeat. “Just be careful.”                 The Queen smiled, “As always.”                 “Now that both of you are good,” Duke Mavel interrupted, “I have another reason why I am here today.”                 “Do speak,” Elysse urged him.                 “There will be a Parliamentary Assembly tomorrow afternoon organized by the Queen Dowager,” he announced as he gave her the letter of invitation from the Parliament. The Parliament is the authority to make laws and discussion of public affairs of the country via hearings and inquiries. An assemblage of the nobility, clergy and common and each of the council receive a letter of invitation every time there will be a Parliamentary Assembly and it always takes place at the Assembly Hall.                 She took the invitation and began reading the content, “There are no specific purpose for the assembly.”                 “I’m guessing that it will be about what happened last night,” he replied.                 “Mother doesn’t really waste time, seeing an opportunity to dethrone me,” she smirked.                 “Are you coming?” he asked. She usually doesn’t attend the Parliamentary Assembly and usually someone will just tell her what happened during the assembly – which most of the time it was Duke Mavel, and whenever they proposes a law it needs the approval of the Queen.                 She looked at him, “What do you suggest?” not because she doesn’t know what to answer but because she wants to hear what he thinks.                 “The council will not try to dethrone you even if it’s the clear purpose of the Queen Dowager and even if she convinces them few will agree, most will not and others will be undecided it will still not be enough for your dethronement. However, there will be a possibility that they will try another way for you not to rule alone and that is looking for a King,” he commented.                 “I’m also thinking of the same thing,” she sighed in annoyance.                 “They will stick to the old tradition, they will pressure you, they most likely not to convince you but to demand you to look for a King,” he added.                 “You shouldn’t go,” Semera uttered.                 “You should go,” Duke Mavel stated.                 “What?” Semera’s eyes widen, “If she’s not there they will not pressure her, there’s no need for her to answer them. She is the Queen and she’s perfectly fine without a King.”                 He ignored her and continued, “I still think that you should go, take the pressure and show them what you believe in, show them who’s the Queen, I know your strength and you’re good at holding in. But the decision is till yours whether you go or not it’s still your choice.”                 Holding in is her forte, taking every stones they throw at her, letting them to speak ill at her and locking her in the confined world of monarchy. Showing them that she’s fine, restraining any flood of emotions and putting an unreadable expression. However, as good as her restraining capabilities she’s also great at retaliation – proving them that they made a mistake at making her as their enemy. But still stuck on that cycle is exhausting.                 After hearing him she smiled.   ***                 People were scattered all over a large room that was filled with tables and chairs, some were talking to each other and some were already seated on their respective chairs. There’s an elevated platform at the front center of the room where a high table was placed, that every tables were facing. Suddenly they all turned quiet when they were interrupted by a servant “The arrival of Queen Dowager Athelia Labarro!” he announced loudly.                 Everyone bowed as she walked inside the room, she gave them a smile and went directly to her chair, at the right end of the front row table. A maidservant was standing behind her with two of her personal guards. Duke Mavel Ormond, who was already sitting at the same row as her, greeted her.                 Then another announcement was made, “The arrival of Prince Jonathas Fabien Labarro, Chancellor of the Office of the Chancery!”                  A young man walked inside together with his attendant, everyone bowed again to give respect to the Prince. He walked towards Duke Mavel, “Duke Mavel,” he acknowledged, the Duke bowed at him politely then he next went to his Mother then bowed and greeted her. “Queen Mother.”                 “Jonathas, my dear,” she smiled.                 He sat in the middle of her Mother and Duke Mavel with his attendant standing behind him.                 The Queen Dowager looked around the room and the empty chair at the center. “Is everyone here already?” she asked a servant.                 “Only Queen Elysse is still not here, Your Grace,” he answered.                 “We should start,” she said.                 “Mother she--,” Jonathas tried to interrupt her but she dismissed it.                 “A Queen should be punctual and there’s no assurance that she will attend,” she stated, “Unless she said otherwise?” she looked at Duke Mavel, directly asking him the question.                 “Forgive me, Your Grace, I also don’t know the answer,” he answered.                 “Then let’s begin,” she ordered the servant who just nodded and ran towards the other servants who organizes the assembly.                 Jonathas just stayed silent while the Duke beside him who was also silent, have an unconcerned look.                 “Ladies and Gentlemen please take your seats,” the master of ceremony said, which the people obliged. He was standing in the middle where everyone can see and hear him.                 “We are all gathered here to--,” he was interrupted when a servant from the outside of the room suddenly entered and announced loudly.                 “The arrival of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elysse Ida Sabina Labarro, the Queen and Ruler of Balen!”                 Everyone was surprised, they didn’t anticipate her arrival because she seldom comes to Parliamentary Assemblies.                 As she walked in, everyone stood up from their chair and bowed at her. Her presence were so intimidating, a cold sweat runs on the back of their necks. Her strong aura screams power and you just can’t help but to submit. A golden crown designed with jewels was placed on top of her long black wavy hair showing them who is the Queen. Her dark hair that ends on the hips contrasted her pure pale skin, such perfect combination that makes her more alluring. She stood there confidently and you can’t helped but to be caught by her gaze as her hazel, almond shape eyes gently roamed around at every person in the room, she held her head high and proud showing her perfect pointed nose, rosy cheeks and pinkish thin lips.                 Jonathas smiled, glad that she came.                 Duke Mavel has a face of satisfaction as he felt how everyone in the room fell for her presence. He knew that she would come even if she didn’t gave an answer yesterday.                 The Queen Dowager has an indifferent look.                 “I apologize for not coming on time,” Elysse said, “But I believe you haven’t started yet so I’m still not late,” she smiled – a smile that you don’t know whether it’s good or bad.                 “Of course you are not, Your Majesty,” Marquess Elpides Bekker, the Admiralty Clerk of the Port of the North, “The Queen is never late,” he beamed.                 She walked in front of her Mother and bowed, “Mother.”                 “It’s nice to see you here,” the Queen Dowager replied with a smile on her face that seemed not too genuine.                 Elysse just smiled then she walked towards her chair at the high table and everyone sat down again. Semera stood behind her with few of her royal guards. The session finally started without more interruptions. They first to discuss few things about political issues such as levies and lands. They also were thinking to make another drainage system for the coming rainy season where there will be some expected storms, this will prevent flood in the town. After a few hours of discussions the Master of Ceremony announced their last agenda; the break in the other night at the Queen’s chamber.                 “We already tightened the palace security and we also recruited more soldiers and guards on the palace,” Captain General Taube informed.                 “Recruiting and tightening the security are not really how we solve the problem,” the Queen Dowager commented, she finally joined the discussion because she was silent on earlier agendas, “If they can enter the palace easily, they can do it again.”                 “The Queen Dowager is right,” Viscount Peveril agreed, “If there’s a will for them to do such activities, there’s a way for them to enter. Also, there’s a chance there’s a conspiracy inside the Palace, what if they disguises themselves as a servant or a soldier.”                 People break into noise as they muttered some in agreement and some are not.                 “If something bad happened to Queen Elysse what will happened to our Kingdom?” someone shouted.                 “Calm down everyone!” Jonathas interrupted as he stood up from his chair. “Queen Elysse is powerful and she is capable of fighting,” he reasoned out.                 “But she is still a woman – easily push down by a man,” Viscount Peveril insisted. Again, some of the council agreed.                 “We should have stick to our tradition!” Duke Remesey added.                 “There’s even no heir next to the throne, there will be no ruler,” Earl Beltran commented.                 “Her Majesty has proven her skills to us, she won’t be able to be defeated by just a man,” Baron Faulhaber interjected.                 “What will happened to the Great Balen?!”                 “Everyone please!” the Master of the Ceremony tried to calm the council.                 Elysse watched them as they throw each other their arguments, she could see who’s on her side, who’s against her and who’s undecided. She ignored their conscious insults at her and watched them as they fight like dogs.                 “So what do you suggest we should do?” Elysse loudly asked them, interrupting them from their banters. All eyes were on her as she said it clearly, loudly and calmly. “Dethrone me?”                 No one answered. She waited but still no one said anything. They have the intention of dethroning her but they don’t have the guts to say it in front of her.                 “Last time you’re all concerned to a woman’s capability to rule and now you’re all questioning a woman’s strength, “ she said, “Are you not easily push down by other man? Don’t you think you’re too obvious for gender discrimination?” her eyes landed to Viscount Peveril, who seemed still too proud but can’t looked at her in the eyes.                 “Though your intentions were obvious but you won’t say it out loud then I shall pretend that I didn’t know that, maybe you could suggest another way,” she asked once again.                 “A King,” Justiciar Fermin Lemercier suggested, “If there’s a King, the Queen will have an ally to rule and if an heir will be born, your lineage will still continue.” This was an expected suggestion. “Under the old tradition the Ruler should produce an heir for the next reign and it will happen if you get married,” he added.                 Everyone nodded in agreement.                 “Your Majesty, if there’s no one in your mind may I suggest someone?” Duke Urian de Servian asked, “The Crown Prince of Parthenai, Prince Alestan Laudus Verrall is a good friend of my family and he’s going to visit and to stay on my Manor for a few weeks, please consider him as a candidate,” he proposed.                 “He’s a good match,” someone uttered, “He will be the next King of Parthenai, if they get married Balen and Parthenai will be one.”                 “I have someone to suggest too!” an Earl raised his hand.                 “Someone who was born in Balen would be nice, someone with a title,” another one shared.                 “Why don’t we list names of unmarried men who can be fit to be a King?”                 Elysse looked at Duke Mavel, who caught her eyes. He gave her an apologetic smile – he knew that marriage is not on the mind of the Queen and he’s not going to force her if she doesn’t want to get married but it’s out of his hand if the council demands so.                 It’s not like Elysse doesn’t want to get married, she just think that it’s not the right time or she haven’t found the right man – even though it’s not in her interest to look for him. She’s not the type of girl who is hopeless romantic and is waiting for her knight in shining armor, she rather be the knight instead and save herself. Though she believes in love she knows her priorities and it was the Kingdom and the people. The last thing she wanted to do is to get married for just political reasons – even if you say that it’s for the good of the country, she has her pride and she will make another way to make her country great.                 “I don’t have any interest to get married at the moment,” she stated and everyone stared at her.                 “But please, Your Highness,” Justiciar Fermin urged, “Please take this idea into a consideration. This will build a strong nation and there has been no unmarried ruler.”                 “I didn’t object the idea, I just said that I have no interest,” she clarified, “You can still do what you just have been decided, you can make a list of eligible unmarried men that you think will be fit to be a perfect King.”                 They breathed in relief.                 “But let me just make this clear,” she stood up from her chair for everyone to hear, “I continue to make this Kingdom great, to make Balen above others – and I did that as an unmarried woman. If the issue really started with someone breaking in into my chambers at the middle of the night with nothing was stolen and no one was hurt and all of you were genuinely concerned for my safety then I want to say my gratitude but if your real intention was to bring me down, why don’t you try harder? This silly thing isn’t really challenging,”                 “I can’t force you to support me and I also can’t stop you to play against me but keep in mind that I’m no, just an ordinary unmarried woman. I am the Queen and as long as you all bow down to me – you’ll obey me.”                 The room was silent, all of them were listening to every word she said, staring at her radiating charisma. You just can’t take your eyes off her as she stood there with full of confidence and power, with her head held up high and those hazel eyes that were haunting them. Her serenity was alarming, the coldness of her voice when she spoke those words bring shudders to them.                 “Don’t threaten those poor boys, my dear,” Queen Dowager suddenly broke the silence, she chuckled trying to lighten the moment.                 “I’m not threatening them, I’m just stating a fact,” Elysse gave her a smile, “Mother.”                 The smile on the Queen Dowager’s face slowly disappears – the result of today’s assembly isn’t what she expected to happen.                 The Queen returned her gaze to everyone, “But you can take it the way you want it, it’s none of my business anymore.” She turned to the Master of the Ceremonies and asked, “I guess were done?”                 He was startled as he flinched and hurriedly looked at his papers before nodding, “Y-yes, You’re Highness, we’re done.”                 She smiled at everyone and said, “I shall go first. Have a nice day, everyone.” Everyone bowed down to her as she walked out of the room, her entourage followed her suit.                 As soon as they were few meters away from the Assembly Hall, Semera instantly remarked, “That was remarkable,” she giggled, “Seeing their uncomfortable face were so comforting.”                 She gave her a small smile as she was only looking ahead of them.   ***                 Right after the Queen left the room, the tension was gone. Everyone breathed in ease, some started to leave the hall while others were still chatting to each other.                 Duke Mavel was still on his chair as he greeted goodbyes at the other members who were leaving.                 “What an insolent kid,” he heard the Queen Dowager said.                 “Mother,” Jonathas rebuked.                 “You should have been the King,” she ignored him, still unaware that Duke Mavel was listening, “You’re the son of King Doran.”                 “Enough of that Mother,” he said, “Father chooses her as the Queen and we shall respect that. I also have no intention of becoming the King and she has been a great leader, a quality that I know that I don’t have.”                 “Don’t say that,” she scolded her son, “It’s in your blood to be a King, you are the rightful heir for the throne – you should get what was rightfully yours.”                 “Don’t do anything foolish that may harm you and my sister,” he stared at her fiercely. Then he stood up bowed at her and left.                 The Queen Dowager sat there with an unreadable calm expression. Duke Mavel has been working and has been a long-time friend of King Doran, they were friends since they were children. Since he’s been working and always with him, he can already read the indistinct emotions of the Royal Family, including Queen Dowager Athelia. He could feel that she’s fuming in anger.                 As the lady on his side continue to fume, his gazed turned towards the orange sky as the sun starts to set outside of the window. He could feel a storm is coming – a strong one that will make a mess on the calm ocean.