Meeting
I want to speak with her majesty, please inform her of my visit - Mary's gaze was serious towards the guards that guarded the central hall of the palace, both guards looked at each other and answered.
-Her Majesty's orders do not allow anyone to enter, wait until Her Majesty calls you - Mary felt annoyed to hear that answer from the guards.
It's urgent! It's about the princess! - Mary tried to make her way through with her own hands - Get out of the way! Let me speak to her majesty! - Seeing Mary's insistence, the guards had to stop her, they held her arms preventing her from continuing, Mary tried to break free from their grip - I will not leave until I see her majesty! - she shouted in annoyance as the guards tried to talk some sense into her.
WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS RACKET! -
The guards immediately released Mary when they saw her majesty approaching, they knew by her tone of voice that she was upset, everyone in that hallway knelt down greeting his majesty without looking up until they heard his majesty's orders, that scandal had caught his majesty's attention, when he looked at Mary kneeling in front of the room, he sighed with regret as he looked at the guards and other servants - leave? - the guards nodded as they stood up, they tried to take Mary with them but her majesty intervened - she will stay, the rest of you leave - silently they all left, her majesty seeing that they were the only ones staring at Mary with a frown she spoke - it seems that... reckless behavior... does not suit you. . reckless behavior has not gone away from you even if some years have passed, do you want to die? - Mary remained silent while she listened to his majesty's words - speak, why did you make such a fuss, what are you doing here? -Mary took courage and raised her eyes to his majesty.
May I ask her majesty the same question? - His majesty was surprised by Mary's determined look at him, even though Mary's hands were trembling she did not hesitate in her words.
What do you want? - his tone was serious towards Mary who answered.
I request that her majesty visit the princess - the look of surprise was reflected in her majesty's face, she did not expect that request, her majesty believed that Mary would ask for something material like the other palace servants.
To visit her? Is the princess injured or ill? - Mary looked puzzled at his majesty how he could say those words so calmly.
No.... is not about that, the princess... - Mary heard the sigh his majesty gave her.
Listen Mary I know very well that Stella must feel lonely, but she must endure it... it has only been a few months, she is a princess remind her that, unlike the other children of the kingdom her parents have bigger responsibilities than the others and putting her as a priority sometimes is not possible, go back to Stella if nothing important happens don't come to report it to me - his majesty turned around to go back to his room, Mary got in his way surprising him - what are you doing? You didn't listen to my order, get out! - His majesty watched as Mary clenched her hands and demanded.
I remind you that his majesty is also Stella's father! He not only has a duty to the kingdom but also to his daughter! Are you sure his majesty won't regret it later?! - Mary's patience had reached its limit, seeing how his majesty had given that excuse she couldn't stand it any longer - Right now princess Stella needs your attention and affection! If the princess grows up like that, believe me your majesty she will regret it - Her majesty could not respond to Mary's words - the princess will not always be a child... - Her majesty's face was surprised by those words, Mary was right the cycle of life is like that after all and nobody can stop it, thinking the simple fact that Stella would grow up saddened her majesty - Every day the princess closes her heart more, I worry that this will continue like this! She is still a child, she needs your majesties, please! Your majesty... think about it... - Mary bowed her head waiting for his majesty's answer.
Get up - Mary raised her gaze, she observed how her majesty's complexion looked a little calmer towards her - for this reason Layla chose you... - she gave a slight smile while looking at Mary - right now....
your majesty! the queen woke up! - the news given by the servant who was in the room alerted her majesty, who left the conversation and entered her bedroom, Mary when she heard the news from the servant was speechless, she didn't know that the queen was sick or something like that, but seeing how her majesty ran to the queen, made her understand that something was not right, Upon entering the bedroom behind her majesty she observed how the queen was lying on the bed of the room, the queen's complexion looked very pale, her body was very thin, in one of the corners of the room Mary saw some wizards, her majesty for her part clung to the hands of the queen who slowly regained her consciousness, those golden eyes looked with tenderness to her majesty.
Layla, you finally woke up - said his majesty relieved while he kissed the hand of his queen, who slightly smiled, his majesty watched as the queen tried to speak.
Stella... - said the queen in a whisper while her look reflected sadness, her majesty understood that the queen wanted to see the little one, but that could not be fulfilled at this moment, caressing her face she spoke.
Stella is fine, My queen you must rest, you are just recovering - the queen nodded slightly as she went back to sleep.
Why, my queen... is she in that state? - Her Majesty's gaze fell on Mary who was still on the side of the room, she looked very surprised to see the state in which the queen was - What happened? Your majesty... please tell me.
Her majesty frowned with annoyance, while she looked at her wife and sighed.
Everyone leave... - the wizards in the room looked at each other in confusion at His Majesty's order - Out! - he said in a cold way to the magicians who withdrew as well as the people who were assisting the queen, when the room was completely silent his majesty looked at Mary - The ritual of purification - Mary looked attentively at his majesty while he continued - As monarchs of Nakahud, the ritual of purification is always performed by us, The ritual itself is simple, for that reason I did not take measures, but I did not think that after performing the ritual, the queen would fall into this state - her gaze fell on the queen who was resting peacefully - The reason why I did not visit Stella, was because I could not stop worrying about the queen, out of nowhere one day the queen did not wake up, I decided to keep the queen's condition a secret, very few know it, if the queen's information leaked out surely everyone would act to gain my favor, there are a limited number of people who know the queen's condition, you being one of our daughter's caregivers are not the exception - I stared at Mary - The wizards say that there is nothing out of the ordinary in Layla, even so this anguish does not disappear - sighing his majesty took a seat next to his wife while he took her hand - it has already been two months that her state has not changed, without eating properly I was worried that at that rate her body would not resist - his majesty clenched his hands a little at the thought of the possibility that the queen would never wake up again, denying that idea he continued.
- I know I have left Stella aside, but it was not intentional, I feel that if I see her now I might hurt her and that is the least I would want, I know she needs us as her parents, but I don't want things to get worse - His majesty stared at Mary - now that the queen finally woke up I can be calmer, but it will take time for the queen to recover, that's why I want you to be in charge of Stella until then - that proposal surprised Mary who quickly got on her knees.
- I, I cannot take such a great position majesty, surely there will be people more qualified for it, please reconsider - Mary begged without looking at her majesty.
- Even if there are more qualified people, they are not of my trust and I could not leave them in charge of Stella - said her majesty with a slight smile - I have been watching you these years, I know what kind of person you are, seeing how you cared for her, I know I can trust you and that is why I give you the power of guardianship to Stella, no one besides me can question you - Mary was surprised that her majesty had confidence in her who was only a small palace servant, when she understood her majesty's words she nodded silently accepting the position - as soon as my queen recovers, I will visit Stella and I will reward her I promise.
- As you wish your majesty - Mary understood that the princess should be without her parents for a while, but Mary was worried about how Stella would take that news - Your majesty, are you sure this is the right thing to do? - her majesty looked at Mary - if I told the princess about the queen's condition, then she....
-No, I can't do that, Layla wouldn't forgive me -she said with a sad smile- the anguish I'm going through I don't want Stella to go through it too, besides the queen's room is being visited by wizards from time to time, the least I want is for those people to meet Stella- -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty -I understand your majesty.
- I understand your majesty -
-For now go back to the princess, we will talk another day- Mary silently nodded as she withdrew, "Forgive me Stella, I am still not a good father" turning her gaze to her beloved she gave a slight smile "your face doesn't look so pale anymore dear, the medicine took effect" with delicacy she caressed the face of her beloved, those months had been a strong test for both, everything had fallen on them, first the ritual that could not be delayed for anything in the world and the second problem was the fact that the queen accepted to have another heir.
- I don't understand, even when you know you are not very strong you take these risks - Losing the queen, that simple idea, terrified his majesty who only hoped that his queen would recover as soon as possible.
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- Mary? - said a little curious Stella towards Mary who had entered the room with a small tray - What is that? - Mary smiled while she showed the small dessert she brought with her to Stella, who approached her - their majesties asked me to bring this dessert to princess Stella, please enjoy it - Stella a little confused took a seat while Mary served her that dessert and Stella ate it in silence, after a few minutes Stella had finished that dessert - apparently she liked it very much princess, she should thank their majesties for it, don't you think? - Mary lifted the plates from the table ready to take them to the kitchen when Stella stopped her - do you want anything else princess? - Mary watched as Stella tightened her grip a little and said - thank you... - in a small whisper without looking at her - Mary... thank you for the dessert... - Stella released her grip as she stood up, Mary just watched Stella silently - my princess... - Stella smiled slightly - their majesties are sorry not to be with the princess.
Really? - Stella said doubtfully while Mary nodded - then, can I see them? - Mary denied with regret - I understand
Their majesties have a reason for not being with the princess, please forgive them for that - Mary bowed her head as if who was apologizing was her majesty - they won't be here for a while, but I will stay with the princess, will you be ok with it? - Mary put aside the tray she was carrying, putting on the size of the little one, opened her arms towards her and said - I know I am not like the queen, even so, I will give my best for that, do you think you can settle with me for now? -
Why, why do you ask that Mary? - Stella understood that her parents had not forgotten her, when she heard Mary's words she understood that they had chosen Mary to accompany her in her absence, a few small tears rolled down her face as she approached her - Mary is enough for me, Mary is always with me.
Thank you my princess... - she said while she comforted her giving her a hug - my princess must not keep her emotions, the people who love her will worry about it, the queen would be sad if she saw her like this my princess - Stella nodded while she hid in Mary's arms, just as her majesty had foreseen, Mary took care of Stella as if she was her own mother in her majesties' absence.
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-Are we going for a walk today? - Stella asked a little cheerful while Mary nodded, those days Stella's mood had improved, after Mary took full guardianship of the little girl -Mary... Why is this gentleman following us? - she said a little annoyed as Mary laughed a little at Stella's question.
Princess... were you planning to go alone? - said the guard while looking at her - remember that you must always be protected if you are going out, it is not safe - Stella crossed her arms, she was not used to be escorted, even being a princess, the guard's gaze fell on her - my duty is to protect the royalty and the princess is no exception - she said with a slight smile - I promise not to disturb the princess, would you let me escort you today? -
Princess, what should one respond to the words of a gentleman? - Mary watched as Stella heard her words and approached the knight.
Stella thank you for protecting me - Stella made a small bow to the knight, who knelt down when he saw her act - name... - the knight looked confused at the princess - I want to know your name. -
- It is not necessary for me to remember it princess - Stella frowned slightly at the knight's words.
It's ok knight you can tell her - Mary smiled while looking at them - the princess is something special when it comes to names - that knight nodded to Mary's words and turned his gaze to Stella -
My name is Asher princess, I am the leader of the third squadron of the royal guard - Stella nodded while looking at him with curiosity - princess?
What's wrong princess? - Mary asked as she stared at the knight.
It's nothing - she said as she took Mary's hand - come on.... - Mary nodded still without understanding why the princess suddenly changed her attitude, after leaving the palace of the princess, they went to the imperial garden for a walk, as they went deeper into the garden they saw some employees of the palace, when they looked at Stella they withdrew in silence without looking at her, others instead murmured among themselves, to see the princess for many was impossible so they took advantage of this occasion, The comments towards Stella were present, some of them were about her appearance and hair color, some comments could be heard, when seeing the princess Stella in that place, even when some months had passed since the test of the magicians towards Stella the rumors about that the princess did not have any magic were still present, As if they knew the princess, they talked among themselves about the sorrow they felt to know about her state, others feared for the future of the kingdom, one of those present commented that it would be better that the princess had never been born to what his companions began to say to watch their words, Mary to hear that comment looked angrily to that subject, Mary was ready to retaliate against him, when she heard the announcement of the arrival of a member of the royalty she stopped her task, approaching the princess she took her hand ready to withdraw, when she saw who was approaching she frowned slightly while she looked at Stella with concern.
- Princess, stand behind me and bow your head slightly - Stella obeyed Mary and heeded her words - Sir Asher.... I count on you to protect the princess - Asher nodded to Mary's words, Stella observed how everyone present made a bow, which seemed strange to her, no one besides her parents had done that act, being a little curious she slightly raised her eyes, finding the figure of a lady, She watched everyone greeting her, her features were similar to her father's, golden hair and green eyes, her presence intimidated everyone present who did not dare to raise their eyes, the dowager empress who was passing by the garden, stopped her step in front of Mary, who with her hand hid Stella behind her without saying a word.
Interesting - her gaze fell on Stella - Move away - that voice was cold towards Mary who remained silent without moving - how impertinent, guards! - some guards surrounded Mary, who separated Stella from her, Asher put himself in defensive mode protecting the princess, he stared at the guards who were with the empress dowager before any movement of them he was ready to attack, while Stella a little scared, as that quiet walk now became a tragedy, the empress dowager at no time had taken her eyes off Stella, - come... Stella - Stella was surprised that the woman knew her name.
There is no need to go princess - answered Mary, that surprised everyone present, no one dared to question the empress dowager in the palace, unlike their majesties everyone knew that her temperament was something to be feared.
Take her to the dungeon and execute her - the guards looked at each other, hesitating over the empress dowager's order - Do it! - he shouted in annoyance as the guards nodded silently.
Wait! - hearing Stella's voice the empress dowager stared at her - I... will go... - the empress dowager seeing that Stella intervened withdrew the guards, Stella stood in front of her, the empress dowager who looked at her from head to toe.
Really... you are still the same, nothing in you has changed since the day you were born - the empress dowager sighed with regret and annoyance towards Stella - what was that fool of a son of mine thinking when he chose that woman as his wife - Stella lowered her gaze with fear at the words of the empress dowager - don't lower your gaze - she said firmly towards Stella who raised her gaze slightly - raise your head! - seeing that Stella hesitated to do it, she approached her and raised her face looking fixedly into the eyes of the little girl - well, by your eyes they can tell that you are part of the royalty - Stella tried to lower her gaze but the empress did not let her go - listen, at this rate you will be discarded, who prefer to be the hunter or the prey... - Stella looked confused at the empress dowager, the empress dowager smiled as she let go of Stella abruptly - choose... what do you want or it will be too late child... - she said as she withdrew.
Princess! are you all right? - Mary approached her and checked her face carefully - what a relief... it seems she is not hurt - she sighed relieved while looking at Stella -
Who was that lady? - Stella asked Mary who looked at Asher for a moment and then answered.
She is the empress dowager, princess, she is the mother of his majesty - Stella was surprised to know that that lady was the mother of his majesty.
Why have I never seen her? Neither father nor mother have told me about her -
Their majesties do not have a good relationship with the empress dowager, this is not the first time that the princess meets her, when she was a baby she met her, well surely she does not remember - said Mary while she started to walk with the princess - because the empress dowager would be here.
Her itinerary is very complex, besides she almost never takes walks in the imperial gardens - said Asher as he escorted them.
So... the empress dowager came for... - they both looked at Stella - I should report it to her majesty, this doesn't please me.
Don't worry, I will take care of it - said Asher while Mary nodded to his words and thanked him.
We better get back princess - said Mary as Stella frowned - princess remember we promised you would listen to me - Stella nodded to Mary's words as they went back to the room - then let's start with the classes princess.
Mary... can't we rest a little longer? - she said tenderly as Mary placed a small book on Stella's head.
Princess, what is your duty? - Stella, listening to Mary's words, took a seat and paid attention - then let's start... - the knock on the door called her attention, Mary opened the door and was surprised to see that it was one of the palace maids.
Her majesty wishes to see you - answered the maid.
Her majesty? - the maid nodded, while Mary looked at Stella out of the corner of her eye - I will come in a moment.
No, her majesty said it was something urgent, please come immediately, I will watch over princess Stella - Mary was silent for a moment while she nodded.
Listen princess, I have to leave for a moment, wait for me here, okay? - Stella nodded - Sir Asher should also be back soon - I understand.
I understand, go carefully Mary - Mary nodded as she left the princess's room and went to her majesty, the maid who was in charge of Stella just watched her while she took some of her toys, when she saw that she was a little calm she approached her.
Princess Stella - he said calling her attention - actually I came here to invite you to a little meeting - Stella looked at her fixedly - on behalf of the empress dowager.
The dowager empress? Why does she want to see me? - Stella had a bad feeling about that invitation - I was told that she hardly ever wants to see me, so why now? - the maid approached Stella and whispered, Stella let go of the little bear she had in her hands when she heard her words - come on... - the maid nodded as she took her with her.
Mary had arrived at the palace and was in front of the hall door, before entering she bumped into Sir Asher who was on his way out of her majesty's room.
I'm sorry, are you all right? - Mary nodded as Asher looked at her in confusion.
Miss Mary... What are you doing here?
His majesty called me - Mary watched as Asher frowned a little when he heard her - is something wrong?
Ah... it's just that it's a little strange, just now I just reported to her majesty what happened and her orders were that the princess must not be near the empress dowager, so why did I call you here if the indications were given? - Asher's words were true, Mary thought about the reason, remembering that servant her doubts became clearer, the one they wanted from the beginning was the princess, Mary's face turned pale as she ran back to the princess' quarters - Mary! - Asher shouted her name as he saw her leaving like that - did she... the princess... - he clenched his hands as he looked at her majesty's room.
"Princess... please... " Mary opened the doors of the room with a bang - princess!!!!- she shouted hoping that Stella would answer her, but the room was completely empty, her strength disappeared as she did not find the princess - princess....