Chapter 24: Eleven

Angelique's POV

I sat in the courtyard, watching the young women train. All women from ages eleven to thirty were out here, sparring and practicing their abilities. In a span of three months, I recruited more people than I thought I could. They come here every day to train and learn everything they can as a White soldier. In my realm, both men and women are treated equally. Equality is the secret to our military might.

I touched my belly, feeling the child growing in my womb. It's funny. I thought I'd be going through this alone but I'm not. My little angel is growing inside me and has been here every step of the way. The child inside me is where I draw my strength from.

"Your majesty," curtsied the little girl before me. She had a small frame, round face, brown curly hair, and a set of adorable blue eyes. She almost looked like she could be the sister of Damien.

"Hello," I greeted, giving her a high-five. "I saw how well you trained today, young lady. Might I ask your name?"

"My name is Alicent," she replied, "I am eleven years old."

Eleven.

"Where are your parents?" I asked, gesturing for her to sit by my side. "Are you a new recruit?"

She nodded, accepting the biscuit I handed her. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she says, "I am an orphan. The mother who I came to know left me in the streets when I was ten. She said I was old enough to finally take care of myself."

What a poor child. I should've known. It's probably why she's in rags. "Since you're an orphan, would you like to stay here with me in the palace? I know that I can never take the place of whoever your mother is, but I'm sure you'll be safer here until I can establish a home for children like you." It breaks my heart to see children like her. One of the things I mean to do is establish a home for this group. A place where people could stay and help each other.

Her face lit up, nodding happily. "I would be happy to, Your Majesty!" she beamed.

Soon after, Hera approached us with a letter in hand and a bouquet of red roses. "This came from the Prince of Cross," she said, handing them over to me. "And who might this beautiful little girl be? A new recruit?" She examined the little girl's face and skinny body.

"She is," I replied, "Please see that she is taken care of in the palace. Have her bathed and clothed. Once that's done, bring her to me. Also, be discreet. I don't want anyone—even Grea—to see you."

"Your majesty," the girl curtsied and followed Hera.

I found the resemblance very... strange. She had the same exact pair of blue eyes Damien had. It's impossible that he fathered her. He would've only been ten when she was born. What if... no. It's simply too impossible.

I inhaled the scent of the roses given to me by my husband. He never gave me anything before unless you count the book he left behind. Opening the letter, I read every word. I found myself blushing near the end of his letter.

"He missed my touch, huh?" I muttered, putting the letter back in the envelope. "We had no contact for three months and he suddenly writes this to me? Is he trying to be romantic? Or is he trying to fool me by pretending he has finally fallen? I too can play that game." Before I could go, Grea caught my wrist. "Queen Grea," I greeted.

"Princess," she replied, "I wanted to genuinely congratulate you. You've done well."

"Thank you," I replied, "Is there something we need to discuss? We can do it in my chambers."

"No," she replied, "Nothing of great importance. It's just that I saw Hera taking in another peasant. Is the structure you're building still not ready? You've taken in a lot of homeless children already."

"They are our people and this is my palace," I replied, "Don't worry. This setting is temporary. Soon, the home I designed will be built. Also, don't be a bitch. These people will be the ones who'll defend and protect you when the worst comes. Show some respect."

"I'm just saying," she says, "They may take advantage of your kindness. Everybody knows what happened to the forgotten queen."

"No," I said, "They wouldn't know what happened because she is forgotten. Grea, you must be tired since you're getting your words in a twist. Please rest." I said, taking the bouquet and letter. "Good day to you now," I said, leaving for my chambers. I then sat in my living space with Maidservant Rose to enjoy some tea and snacks. She's often my companion when accepting new recruits.

"You look happy," she comments, smiling warmly at me. "Your happiness is radiating from you. Could it be because my son has finally emerged from the dead? He even gave you a bouquet of roses."

I smiled. "I think he's just being kind," I said, drinking some tea. "I shall write to him after you meet our newest recruit, Alicent."

"Alicent?" she asked curiously. "She bears the same name as the late queen."

"I say she bears a resemblance to Damien as well," I said, munching on a macaroon.

"We're here," Hera says, catching our attention. With her was the girl wearing a nice dress made of pink and blue silk. Her hair was tied in two braids that simply looked adorable. Her gaze remained glued to the floor, shy to meet us.

"Look here, child," Maidservant Rose says warmly. The smile on her face dropped and was replaced with a very shocked expression. She looked as though she had seen a ghost. She was frozen to her spot, her mouth agape.

The girl slowly approached and curtsied. "Your majesty," she greets, "Maidservant Rose."

"Is everything alright, Maidservant Rose?" Hera asked, rushing to Maidservant Rose's side. "You don't look well."

"She looks exactly like her," she said, bursting into tears.

"Alicent," I said, pointing at the balcony, "Will you please excuse us for a bit? We'll call you once we finish."

"Yes, your grace," she replied, walking over to the balcony.

I turned back to Maidservant Rose, handing her a cup of water. She looked like she could die from her heart. "She looks like who?" I asked.

"The late Queen Alicent," she managed to say.

I looked at Hera who was as shocked as I was and back at Maidservant Rose. "Perhaps she is a relative of the late Queen?" I asked, holding her hand. "She could be a distant niece or cousin. The girl is an orphan, and we haven't really discussed anything other than that."

"How old is she?" Maidservant Rose asked.

"Eleven," I replied.

"The Queen died eleven years ago, Princess Angelique," she says, "She died with a pregnant belly."

"But you told me that the late Queen was already dying before she was slain?" I asked.

"Yes," she nodded, "The pregnancy she had was dangerous and could kill her. She also had an unknown sickness that was yet to be revealed. Truthfully, I thought she was being poisoned. She was already nine months pregnant when she was slain. We found her corpse cut open in the womb with a dead baby at her side."

It's true. I learned that Grea was responsible for the Queen's poisoning and death. She supposedly hired an assassin from my country to slay the Queen and child in her womb. But I don't understand. "Do you think that this girl is the baby of the Queen?" I asked.

Hera argues, "But I thought a baby was slain?"

"It could've been a decoy," I said thoughtfully, "If she is who you think she is, then no one must know until we know for certain. This stays in this room. Not even Damien can find out about this, alright? Not until we figure out a way to solve this." Why would Grea let this one live? From my investigation, she secretly killed whatever bastard her wife had. The late Queen's child was no exception. Perhaps she knows nothing of this. If that's the case, then this girl can't make any contact with the Queen. She needs to either stay with me, Maidservant Rose, or Hera.

"I would like to take her in," Maidservant Rose says, "I can adopt her as my own until we find out whether or not she is the late Queen's child. It's the only way we could protect her from Queen Grea."

"Would Damien recognize her?" Hera asked, "Surely, he would. She looks exactly like her mother as Maidservant Rose claimed."

I went to the balcony and fetched the girl. "Alicent," I called, "Come. Let us have tea."

She nodded, following me back into the main space. She sat beside me and across from Maidsercant Rose and Hera. "Have I offended you, madam?" she asked cautiously, "It seems that I have caused you some trouble."

"Not at all," Hera says, "We would like to get to know you, little one."

"I was raised here in the outskirts of this kingdom by the mother who took me in," she says, "I know not much about my biological parents other than they're most likely dead. When I was ten years old, the person who took me in left me to fend for myself."

"Is that why you joined the group?" asked Hera.

The girl nodded, saying, "Your group saves children like me. Most of us are starving in the street, and orphanages aren't exactly a warm and friendly environment. The people governing such a place are full of bitterness and evil."

I watched her closely as she told her tale. Her actions and mannerisms. The way she held her cup and the way she put her hand over her chin—it's almost identical to Damien's. To think that his sister became a peasant who grew up in the streets of his family's greatest foe. Damien will surely blow a fit that would wreak havoc on all nations. She was a pleasant child and surprisingly was well-mannered. I shouldn't worry about my people. I have all the evidence pointing at Grea.

I smiled, saying, "Maidservant Rose would like to take you in as her ward."

The girl's eyes grew wide, her hands shaking. She couldn't believe that someone wanted to take her in. "Are you sure you want me, madam?" She asked, trembling, "I know nothing of fancy society or court life. I am but a beggar on the streets until today."

Maidservant Rose smiled warmly, holding her hands. "I would be delighted to have you with me, child," she assures her, "You are a sweet one. You needn't worry about society. I will school you, feed you, dress you, and daily have you sent here to train."

"So, what do you say, Alicent?" Hera asked, "Would you like to come home with Maidservant Rose?"

With a cheery smile, she nodded. "I should like that very much!" she exclaimed. "Thank you! I will take this most generous opportunity and I shan't let you down!"

I smiled, nodding in approval. This is the least we can do for now. But even if she turns out to be just a commoner who bears resemblance to the late Queen, I won't send her back to the streets. I saw the determination in her eyes earlier. She will become a fierce warrior one day.

"I shall leave you to it then," I said.

"We shall excuse ourselves then, Princess," the trio curtsied and left.

I almost forgot to write a response to my husband's letter. I pulled out a fresh piece of parchment and my pen. It's hard to think of a response. How do I tell him about what happened today?

To my husband,

You made me cringe upon receiving the bouquet of flowers you sent along with the letter. T'was funny. I wasn't sure how to react as it was the first time you gifted me a present. What's this? Are you trying to be romantic now? Have you fallen for me?

I appreciate your concerns regarding my pregnancy. I assure you, I don't tire myself. In fact, I feel very energetic. I have so much energy in me that I feel I need to burn. As for the group, we have yet to have a name. I am very happy with my work. I met a lot of people who were homeless and poor. Starving children now have full bellies and a home to stay in. As of now, these people reside in the palace. Your stepmother along with all the snotty ladies found this utterly disgusting and unacceptable. But that won't be for long. Soon, the structure I am building will be ready to house at least three hundred people. I am very proud of my work. It is very fulfilling. At first, I thought I was alone here at court. I wasn't. Our child was with me every step of the way and that makes me happy.

Maidservant Rose adopted one of the recruits today. She is a nice girl and reminds me of you. I think that maybe you will be fond of her as well. It is a long story to tell. Maidservant Rose would prefer we tell you all the details in person. I think the child is amazing. She is strong and beautiful. She had determination in her eyes.

I am doing quite well. Yes, I have read the first chapter of the book you left. I have been a tad bit busy, I'm afraid. Also, I found it very much like a work of fiction instead of fact. It's an interesting tale. They met without knowing who was who. I should read the next chapter soon and let you know what I think of it.

For you to tell me that you miss me is a bold move, my prince. What happened to have no strings attached? And how could you even mention missing my touch? I'll have you know that I'm rolling my eyes right now. But I'm not the one who is disappointed. I suppose you are as well because for some strange reason I also cannot explain, I do find myself missing you. There. I said it. I greatly miss calling you out on your shit and making myself feel better and greater than you. God, how did we even get here? This is a disaster that we must end before it begins.

Take care of yourself out there. I congratulate you on your victories. Please stay safe and come home soon. In less than four months, the baby will be due. We'll wait for you.

Your wife,

Princess Angelique of White

Manipulation is an art I have mastered since I was six years old. This letter will surely make him feel something. I'm confident in it.