ORDER AND STABILITY WITH LITTLE IMAGINATION

"What is your decision your Majesty?" The Prime Minister asked Alexander.

"We reached a negotiation that might as well lower the tension in the country." Alexander replied.

"How exactly does the Queen plan on doing that?" The Prime Minister asked.

"Just trust what I am telling you and besides there is no need for others to know." Alexander replied.

"Alright your Majesty but I do still have an issue to discuss with you." The Prime Minister said.

"What is it that you want to tell me?" Alexander asked.

"It is about the Queen mother your Majesty." The Prime Minister replied.

"What is it with her?" Alexander asked.

"The Queen mother's presence is a little bit too much and excessive." The Prime Minister replied.

"Elaborate." Alexander demanded.

"I do not mean to sound offensive but the coronation ended months ago and her continued presence in the Royal household is intolerable." The Prime Minister said.

"To whom?" Alexander asked.

"The people, apparently even court finds it necessary for the Queen mother to step out of the Royal Residence." The Prime Minister replied.

"Why, I think she has been quite efficient while I was trying to maintain a public image." Alexander said.

"May be you need time with your Queen.

You have been married so long and yet there is still no news of an heir.

I am just like a vizier to the King and what better way to quench the thirst of masses and win popularity of the people and court.

I think it is best that you gave the throne an heir your Majesty." The Prime Minister replied.

"What has that got to do with my mother?" Alexander asked.

"Many are considering the fact that the Queen could be shy to give you a son because of her.

You know better there can not be two lionesses to mother the King of a pride.

Both of them by title are supposed to share the responsibility so it might cause future tensions within the family." The Prime Minister replied.

"Alright, I get your point." Alexander said.

"I shall have the Queen Mother moved to Candinghum right away." Alexander said.

"Yes Your Majesty." The Prime Minister said.

"Alright then, I suppose that ends our audience for today Mr. Prime Minister." Alexander said.

"Yes your Majesty." The Prime Minister replied.

"You may leave then." Alexander said as he dismissed the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister bowed his head and departed as Charles walked in shortly after.

"Your Majesty." Charles said as he bowed his head.

"Charles." The King said.

"Yes Sire." Charles replied.

"How is the Queen." Alexander asked.

"Fine and I did as you had told me, he is restricting his public appearance.

Additionally, his schedule has been adjusted your Majesty." Charles replied.

"Much better." Alexander said as he reclined in his seat.

"Is there anything else that you needed me to do?" Charles asked.

"It is concerning the Queen mother." Alexander replied.

"What should I do your Majesty?" Charles asked.

"The Queen Mother's duty here is done so I wanted you to personally prepare for her departure.

She will be moved to Candinghum to reside for pretty much the rest of her life until needed.

I wouldn't want to burden her after this since my consort is back and ready to reassume his duties." Alexander said.

"Alright your Majesty." Charles said as he bowed his head.

"You may leave." Alexander dismissed Charles and he walked out of the King's study.

Alexander remained there reclined in his seat as he massaged his temples and forehead.

***********************

"My duties are done." The Queen mother said in a fit of rage to her seated brother in law.

"Getting angry will not really help with anything." Prince Alfred said.

"What will then, apparently the court thinks that there is no need to have me here in the capital." Queen Marietta said.

"Tell yourself." Prince Alfred replied.

"How, I have no idea." Queen Marietta said.

"Instead of getting angry, give the palace reason to keep you here." Prince Alfred said.

"It is close to impossible, every time that we have my son in law around, I lose control of my own son.

Apparently, he is tied to his apron strings he wouldn't listen to his mother." Queen Marietta said.

"Then think of this as an opportunity." Prince Alfred said.

"An opportunity to do what?" Queen Marietta asked.

"To prove yourself and get rid of the Queen consort." Prince Alfred replied.

"Explain." The Queen Mother demanded.

"If you aren't absent, find someone to intervene on your behalf.

That way, you will be in the position to know what goes on in the palace without physically being there.

With that, when you get a chance, you will be in the position to react and make a move sufficient to drive the Queen Consort out.

No one will suspect you and if there be need, you of all people must become popular with the masses." Prince Alfred said.

"I do not get the point here." Queen Marietta said.

"We can stage an immoral situation in which the Queen consort will lose out on his home.

The aftermath of that will be leaving the King lonely and if he sides with his immoral Queen, we can react.

It is possible for us to call a referendum in which we shall be propelled to power.

Either through regency of the young princesses or passing it down to another living legitimate male heir." Prince Alfred replied.

"I fail to see past that point, what if we lose." Queen Marietta said.

"We Scolns know no defeat, I assure you that it is in our best interest to comply.

In case anything terrible happened in the near past, we wouldn't be close to suspects in any way." Prince Alfred said.

"How much longer have we the time to take the throne?" Queen Marietta asked.

"Trust me, not very long I tell you, not very long." Prince Alfred replied with a devilish smile on his face.