Ritual
How many times the wizards tried to get his majesty to accept an audience with them after the banquet, but all in vain, his majesty had made a very clear decision and that was to take care of his only first born at any cost, therefore a decree was given suddenly that surprised not only the wizards but the entire kingdom, that castle that always enjoyed life was now a restricted place for most of the citizens, with the decree given it was also applied in the palace, both kings did not know if even in the castle they considered their home their daughter would be safe, with a firm hand all the palace staff was thoroughly examined one by one, those who were not fit for the palace were dismissed without any mercy, many of them felt indignant for such treatment, so many years of service to the palace they had served, So the palace closed its doors, inside the servants that assisted the royalty had been cut less than half, the surveillance was constant in some of the rooms of the palace among them was the room of the princess - sleep peacefully my little one, in this room you will be safe - the voice of the queen was affectionate and overprotective towards the little one that was in a cradle, The queen took her little girl in her arms while she cuddled her in her arms, in her mind she still could not remove the words of the magician, if it were true and her little girl did not pass the royal test to which all the heirs were subjected, a misfortune would happen, just thinking about that possibility the fear flooded her being to the point of clinging to the small body of her daughter - mommy will always be with you -
After this drastic change in the castle, some people began to question their majesties, the rumors of what happened at the banquet of presentation of the princess began to spread quickly, so much so that the citizens began to give the reason to the magicians, with what happened in the palace it was obvious that something was hidden or kept some secret in the palace, Even so their majesties did not pay attention to those rumors that continued for some weeks in the kingdom - Then that the harvests are distributed at the end of this month to the whole kingdom - the ministers that were with her majesty nodded to her words, her majesty's complexion looked a little tired in the eyes of the ministers which worried them a little, her majesty calmly stood up ready to retire after finishing the meeting but one of the ministers spoke - Your majesty, is the queen well? - a cold look fell on the minister who had asked that question, her majesty frowned with annoyance and slowly approached the minister who lowered his gaze when he saw her majesty in front of him, that minister looked at his colleagues in search of help but they silently averted their gazes - since when did the ministers worry about the queen's life? should I report everything the queen does? is that what the minister wants? - his voice was cold to the point of being able to cut your soul, that minister denied with what strength he had left in his body, after the act of that minister her majesty separated from him - guards, escort them to the exit? - he said seriously while the guards obeyed the orders of his majesty who left that room, when he saw that the doors behind him closed he gave a sigh of relief while he adjusted his hair a little - those damned... - he clicked his teeth while he looked at the corridor and at one of the servants of the place - the queen ¿where is she? -
- Responding to your majesty, the queen is still in the princess room, she has not left there - when he heard the words of the servant he hurried his step a little upset to where the queen was, not only the problems of the kingdom had worried his majesty also the attitude of his wife worried him more than the kingdom itself, the king thought that with increased security in the palace the queen would be calmer, but that did not happen.
- My Queen - Spoke with concern one of the servants who was in charge of her, no matter how much the servants insisted that the queen should eat properly she did not change her decision, the routine of the queen had become very monotonous, in receiving her food in the room of the princess to stay there with her, After a few weeks of repeating that routine the change in the queen's complexion could be observed, that servant left the food she had brought for the queen on a small table that was in the room and approached her mistress, taking her hands with strength she looked at her fixedly - Please my queen eat a little, it has been days since she has not eaten properly, I will take care of the princess for that - the maid slowly approached the princess to take her in her arms while the queen finished her food, but the fixed look of the queen made her stop her task, her job was to take care of the princess, but since what happened at the banquet the attitude of the queen towards the palace servants changed, before the presentation of the little princess, the servants without any doubt approached her and even took her in their arms, but now it was not like that, the queen did not let anyone besides her to take care of her daughter, some servants who had tried to take care of the girl without the queen's permission had been severely punished and even dismissed, even so everyone was worried if the queen continued in this way she could fall ill - Madam at this rate you will fall ill .... I beg you to see also for you - She said in a low voice without daring to look at the queen, those words could seem a simple sentence for some, but to reply to the royalty was a clear sentence for her, as a servant she could not allow herself to speak without permission, even so she did it because she sincerely cared about her highness, The queen stood up annoyed while that servant shrugged her shoulders and lowered her gaze - how dare a simple servant to talk back to me - the words said by the servant in a certain way had made the queen come to her senses, certainly if she got sick she could not take care of her little girl, but she did not want to accept that the one who had made her understand it was a palace servant - you! ! - the queen raised her hand against the servant, who did not reply - Layla! - Her majesty's shout stopped the queen's actions, Her majesty had arrived to her little girl's room, when she saw such an act of the queen against the servant, she shouted her wife's name surprising her as well as the servant who instantly sat up and greeted her majesty remaining silent, the queen lowered her hand and stared at her husband - I'm sorry for surprising you my queen, I was worried about you.... - continued - Layla, what happened? - said her majesty in a calm tone while looking sideways at the servant who did not raise her eyes.
- It was my mistake your majesty, I was the one who offended my Lady, I am sorry to have caused trouble - said calmly that servant, her majesty to hear the statement of that servant frowned a little annoyed, on the contrary, the queen just looked silently at that servant while clasping her hands.
- It seems that even though we made an evaluation for the palace staff, there were still people who dare to offend the royalty, your crime is serious and you must be punished for it - silently the maid nodded - so, guards! - The queen looked bewildered at that servant who kept her head down, silently listening to each of the words that her majesty gave her. The queen let out a sigh of relief, a small smile was drawn on her face as she approached that servant - your majesty... please wait... - The queen's intervention surprised her majesty, after the offense that had been given by the servant girl, her majesty thought that the queen would have some resentment towards that young lady, she observed how the queen approached that servant girl - raise your head - her serene voice called the attention of that servant girl as her husband's - her attitude towards that servant girl was calm as if that anger of a few seconds ago had disappeared - I don't know if you are either very brave... or very foolish... - the maid raised her eyes when she heard those words of her highness - to what extent are you willing to protect me? Even if your body is trembling you will accept a punishment for an offense you did not commit? -
-My queen... what... - that tender look that the queen gave to her majesty left him without a word to say, in silence her majesty observed her wife who helped that young servant girl who still had her head bent down to stand up - I don't understand... - said the queen while she looked at the young girl - many people of the palace do what I order them to do, but why not you, even when the punishment was going to be given unfairly you accepted it without any complaint Why? - The maid raised her gaze slightly towards the queen who was only looking at her with a little curiosity, taking strength she answered - because... I was worried about my queen... - said the young woman in a low voice - and if my queen wanted to give me a punishment, then I would accept it completely without questioning her, I... I will always be faithful to my queen! - Hearing those words of that servant the queen's eyes crystallized, turning her gaze away the queen held back her tears, those words moved the queen who gave a slight smile to that servant, the light that pierced through the window illuminated the room completely reflecting in the beautiful golden hair of the queen, her majesty to see her queen smiling felt relieved, the fear, uncertainty that the queen carried with her had disappeared - you are very brave? - said with joy the queen while taking the hands of the young servant, His Majesty upon hearing the words of that servant to the queen gave a smile, after all loyalty was not easily found in the kingdom and much less in the castle, knowing that the queen had allies within the palace satisfied him with joy, for His Majesty Maximus the most important thing in his life after all was not the kingdom, but something simpler that some may believe irrelevant to a monarch and that was his family - What is your name? - the young servant girl looked at her majesty who had asked, after giving a small bow she said - answering to her majesty my name is Mary - her majesty only nodded when she heard the name of the servant girl, The queen called the attention of the young servant girl - Mary... you should have told the truth... at what moment did you offend me? - Mary only nodded silently at the words of the queen who looked at her - Darling... she was just worried about my health... and I can understand why she did it... - with a smile the queen looked at little Stella who was sleeping peacefully in her crib, His majesty understood the words of his queen, the reason for his visit was actually because he had heard that the queen was not eating properly, and even that her attitude had changed, which had had him very worried, but knowing that his wife had recognized her condition left him more relieved, he more than anyone else knew the character of his beloved - I feel... ashamed of my attitude these days towards the castle employees, I should apologize for it - his majesty could not help laughing after listening to his wife who frowned at him - I'm sorry, my queen, I didn't mean to offend you - his gaze fell on Mary who was still in the room - now that everything is settled you may leave, I need to speak with the queen - Mary nodded to his majesty's words as she withdrew to perform her duties, His majesty looked at his wife who was rocking the cradle with delicacy - Layla? - slowly he stood by her side while he placed his hand on his wife's shoulder - you know you can't always be with Stella... - the queen nodded to his majesty's words without taking her eyes off the little one - can you be calmer now? You know that I will also protect her... that's why... - The queen held on to her majesty's hand while she looked at him with affliction - I know... my duty as monarch I must fulfill it, but... Stella is still very small and I just want to be by her side, to see her grow every day - His majesty hugged the queen's back who only remained silent - you must choose, Layla - The queen nodded to her husband's words as she separated from him - This day you have called me many times by my name your majesty - His majesty smiled as his wife took the little girl in her arms, Unlike other nobles Layla took care of Stella personally, although others questioned her, for her majesty that facet of her queen was the one that made her choose her as her life companion - I can say the same about my queen.... how long has it been since you have called me by my name? Mm... it's been years now that I think about it, has my queen forgotten? - the queen denied with a smile when she saw her majesty acting childishly - Cedric.... - She said in a soft tone, as the named one approached her and kissed her with joy, unlike some former monarchs who had married for commitment, Cedric and Layla had been the exception, they both loved each other emphatically and everyone in the kingdom was aware of it, perhaps that was why the couple was loved by all, Stella's little laugh caught the attention of both parents who smiled when they saw her, even if it was only for a moment that family love could be felt, a life without worries was what they wanted for the little girl, trying was not an option, they would fulfill it no matter what - I have already thought it through Cedric and I found the perfect candidate.... . - Her majesty nodded to the words of her queen who gave a little kiss to the little girl, what happened that afternoon, opened the queen's eyes, the servants always keep silent to the attitudes of their masters, no matter what they do they will always follow their orders without replying anything, but only one of them questioned her even when she knew that everything would be at stake for her, finding the right person seemed impossible, After having decided that Mary would be Stella's nanny, although for the queen it would be hard to separate from her daughter, she more than anyone knew that her responsibilities as monarch of the kingdom could not be postponed or she would be questioned and the least she wanted was that they would target her daughter, to create a future where her daughter could grow up peacefully was her greatest desire, that is why she would make that decision.
/ Five years later //
Even if we want to stop time, it's impossible, everything moves forward, everything changes, our life is ephemeral after all, appreciating what you have is the most beautiful thing you could do.
-Princess, where is she!!!! - Mary was very distressed at not being able to find Stella -Princess Stella, please come out! We must go to see their majesties - Mary shouted a little worried while she looked around the garden, one of the knights of the castle accompanied her and also helped to look for the little princess who had separated from them at the moment of going out to the garden - Miss Mary at this rate we will be late with their majesties... - spoke that knight to Mary who nodded her head to the words of the soldier - Princess.... - Stella seeing that her nanny was looking the other way jumped out of the bushes towards her giving her a little scare, Mary seeing the princess Stella smiled a little while she put herself at her height and helped her to fix her little dress, which was with some leaves from the bushes where Stella had gone - Princess... she should not be playing, right now we must go to her parents, later she will have plenty of time to play - The little princess with dark hair like the night sky made a little pout while Mary laughed to see such an act of the princess - a princess should not renege her duties princess Stella - Stella nodded to Mary's words with a little smile, They already confirmed to the gentleman who was accompanying them to guide them, taking the princess' hand she walked towards the palace -Are we going to go and play with mom and dad? Those amber eyes looked at Mary attentively while she only said - Princess... you must refer to your parents as your highnesses... don't forget what I have taught you - Stella bowed her head when she understood Mary's words, even when the kings were her parents she has always been taught that she must refer to them as their majesties, that didn't please Stella at all - For me... they are only mom and dad... just like Mary - It's Mary! And it always will be! -She said true to her word, while Mary simply gave her a sad smile, after all children are pure and innocent with their words, although Stella didn't know it her words had a great meaning for Mary, who considered herself someone unworthy - Mary... did you get lost? this is not the way to my parents' room... Mary? - Stella watched as Mary clenched her hands a little with fear, seeing her nana's expression she decided to keep silent as they continued their journey, after a few seconds they had arrived to the throne room, Stella's eyes shined when she saw the two people sitting on the throne, she was about to run towards them but Mary stopped her and looked at her, implying that she should show her manners in that room, Stella gave a little bow next to her nana after that she smiled warmly, while her nana stayed at one side of the room - Mother!!!! Father!!! -Stella ran into the arms of her mother who received her lovingly - My little Stella you have grown so much, my little princess - said the queen while she hugged her, her majesty for her part only looked happily at her queen and daughter, Stella after greeting Stella approached her father who carefully caressed Stella's head and said - it seems our little Stella is learning very well the palace manners - Stella nodded with a smile after her father's compliment to her - Stella will learn all the manners and will be as polite as a mother! ! - everyone in the room let out a small laugh at Stella's proclamation -Mother... Father why does Stella have to be in this place today? Aren't we going to go and play as usual? - those smiles that her parents had disappeared at Stella's question, The queen caressed her little girl's face as she stared at her -Listen Stella... that.... - the announcement of the arrival of some people to the palace interrupted the queen who frowned while the sound of trumpets was heard in the room that had called Stella's attention to the newcomers, her majesty's look became serious, she gave a slight glance to her wife while she separated from Stella and returned to her firm position of before taking Stella's hand firmly.
- Long live his majesty! - Those wizards who had arrived were wearing dark robes that reached her feet, their faces could not be seen clearly, her majesty stared at the wizards who looked at Stella, those wizards when they saw Stella gave a slight smile while they looked at her - "It is an honor to see you again... my princess" said Sir Lion in a sarcastic tone while he bowed to the princess.
It is an honor to see you again... my princess - Sir Lion said in a sarcastic tone while he bowed slightly towards the princess, Stella on her part when she felt that look from that wizard hid in her mother's lap, when she saw Stella's act Sir Lion only gave a sideways smile while he looked at his majesty - Your majesty... I must say I am honored that you have accepted our visit, it has been five years since we last met - His majesty only frowned, he knew what Sir Lion was referring to, just as in Stella's presentation they were still insisting that the test be carried out, for five years both kings had not accepted the letters from the wizards, but the time limit had arrived and both parents were aware of it - Your majesty... as promised we have waited five years... it is time for the real test . . to take place... - His majesty clenched his hands as he listened to the wizard who only responded with an unpleasant smile, his concern was obvious towards his heiress, if things went as the wizards wished, what would happen to Stella? His majesty felt impotent not being able to change the decision, even being the monarch of the kingdom of Nakahud, he could not change the traditions that all the heirs have passed from generation to generation, with regret he nodded his head slightly, the queen to see the acceptance of his majesty fixed her gaze on her Stella who did not understand the situation, giving her a tender kiss on the forehead exclaimed - You will be fine, mother will protect you, I promise -
He said with a warm smile while he took Stella to Mary, a few seconds later one of the magicians that accompanied Sir Lion approached her and asked her to extend her hand towards him, Stella doubted if she should do it after seeing the consent of her nana, she extended her hand towards that magician who punctured the tip of his index finger, a small moan was heard from Stella who wanted to move her hand away but that magician did not allow it until those drops of blood fell inside the small silver container that they brought with them, When he saw that the container was dyed in a crimson color, he abruptly released Stella's hand who went to her nanny's arms quickly, even when Stella was small she somehow felt that those people were not good, a cold look came from both kings towards Sir Lion's treatment of his princess, Sir Lion smiled placidly as he went to the king - I'm sorry, it seems that the princess does not possess any magic as we suspected, your majesty with this... that girl... should. . - After hearing the wizard's words the queen stood up and denied categorically without believing the wizard's words, with tears in her eyes she turned to his majesty in supplication as she got on her knees - My lord, remember she is our daughter, please! - without looking up, the queen remained on the floor, His majesty seeing his wife's act lifted her carefully from the floor and hugged her trying to calm her down, but she repeated the same words over and over again until the king gave her the reason, Stella seeing that her mother had panicked was filled with fear, she did not understand why in an instant everything suddenly changed, she wanted to go to her parents, but Mary prevented her, flatly while clinging to her -.
Your majesty! You must understand that the princess is not fit for the crown! You must think for your people! The kingdom of Nakahud will perish at this rate! - Sir Lion kept insisting again and again, behind him, his companions supported him, the king looked furiously at the magicians as they kept insisting - If we don't do it, the whole kingdom will fall into chaos!-
His majesty clenched his hands and teeth as he could not deny the words of the magicians, his wife denied with her face emphatically, waiting to hear the emperor's answer, the queen knew that the words of the magicians were true, no matter the method she had to find a solution at any cost, she looked at Stella who with tears in her eyes looked scared at her parents - Stella.... - She said with concern towards her little girl who did not understand the fear of her parents, that scene was what the queen did not want Stella to witness, to see the fear, worry and confusion in those little amber eyes was a martyrdom for a mother, determined the queen separated from her majesty and addressed the wizards - Then, can the wizards wait... for the next heir - Her majesty said to the wizards - Her majesty, the wizards can wait... for the next heir. ... for the next heir - Her gaze was serious towards the wizards, who looked at each other, doubting whether to take the queen's words seriously, Sir Lion took the floor and said - Wouldn't it be too risky? My queen, everyone in the kingdom knows that your body has been weakened by having that child, do you think you are capable of having another heir? Not to mention that you could lose your life in exchange for it? - The queen nodded determined while the emperor just looked at her in silence without being able to intervene for his wife who would not change her decision, the magicians discussed about the queen's words and gave their decision - If the queen cannot have another heir for a certain period of time then the ritual sacrifice will be carried out, your majesty agrees with it, right? - Her majesty nodded, while the queen sighed relieved giving a tender look to her little daughter, the magicians after hearing the decree withdrew leaving the throne room in silence, the queen seeing that those magicians had left ran to embrace Stella with tears in her eyes, while little Stella clung to her mother - everything is all right.... my little one... - she said wiping the tears from her daughter's face - Layla the risk you are taking is very high... - Her majesty's voice was serious towards her beloved, who only looked at her daughter with a smile - It's ok... your majesty I'll be fine.... - Stella smiled innocently towards her mother's caresses, while her majesty looked with concern to her queen, Mary approached Stella and took her in her arms ready to retire with the princess but the queen stopped her - I... I want to spend more time with my daughter... your majesty I hope you understand... - her majesty gave a slight sigh while she gave her consent to the queen, Mary let the queen take Stella in her arms - thank you your majesty... then we will leave - without saying anything else she left with Stella who was happy to spend time with her mother - my queen... - she said sadly as she watched them both leave, to be a good monarch implies to satisfy the needs of others, but then what about your ideals, your desires, should they leave them aside for the happiness of others?