A Mother’s Defiance

Elena was going on about her routine when the royal entourage arrived. She was cleaning up the table, too used to the constant in and out of customers that she barely even glanced up. But then everything went quiet. The moment she saw the grand royal convoy, her heart pounded. She knew that this day might come, but not like this. Her palm tightened around Theodore's shoulder protectively in fear. 

 A strange tension filled the air, people were amazed to see a king in his regalia. While the royal site was pleasing, the tension between Elena and King Maxwell was suffocating. Her hand tightened around the damp clothe in her grip while trying to process the scene before her. "No, this can't be real." But it was. 

 King Maxwell stood frozen before her with burning passion and teary eyes, struggling to let out his words. He was older, sharper, and still looked at her the same way, as if to devour her. 

 "Elena" his words finally came out. 

 "No Max, this can't be real" she muttered. Before she could speak further, she felt a small hand dragging her by her skirt. "Mama"

 Theodore. He peeked up at her and then turn his gaze towards the man at the door. 

 Maxwells gaze and entire attention shifted to the boy. The unmistakable resemblance, the light blue eyes, the deep curls of his hair. Elena felt it immediately that Maxwell understood. The recognition and the certainty in his eyes. Now she understood his mission. She felt a cold chill through her spine. 

 "No" she stepped in front of Theodore, shielding him with her body. "Please leave" she ordered with a low yet sharp voice filled with warning, like a mother hen protecting her chick. 

 Maxwell blinked and snapped back from his lost gaze. "Elena please we need to talk, it's been hell for me. I have looked far and wide in search of you. Now that I found you, I need to make things up to you, both of you." 

 Her chest burned with every word that came out his mouth. Both of you? As if he had the right. 

 Theodore looked up at his mama who was tearing up. "Mama, are you alright? who is that?" The question pierced her even further. 

 "Hey son, I'm…." Maxwell tried responding with the joy in his heart, but Elena cut in immediately. 

 "I'm fine my dear, Theo please go to the back and join Sarah, I'll be with you shortly." 

 "But mama.." 

 "Now" she commanded. Theodore hesitated for a second, confused but obeyed. 

 Elena in her fury, turned back to Maxwell. "With all due respect your majesty, you're in no position to do this." She hissed and turned, walking away. 

 "Elena, he's also my son." his jaw clenched with a loud voice. 

 She turned back at him with a loud humorless laugh and teary eyes. "Your son?" Her voice trembled with rage. "You have no son with me Max. You don't get to claim him like some artifact you stumbled upon. You don't know anything, absolutely nothing about him." 

 Maxwell moved closer with a soft, compassionate tone. "I never stopped looking for you my Queen." 

 Something inside of her was ignited by his voice, but she fought herself to ignore the feeling. 

 "You don't get to walk in here after 8 years and act like you care. I was thorn apart and you let them. You promised me love and protection, yet you failed at both. I was treated like nothing and now you walk in here and try to take the only reason I'm still holding on. My son." 

 "Elena," Maxwell's expression darkened. He's my son too and I'll do whatever it takes to have him back to where he truly belongs. His kingdom as my heir, and not in a cafe." 

 This sent fear down Elena's spine, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "Then prepare for a fight, your majesty. Because i will never, ever let you take him away from me." 

 "It is not my intentions to separate him from you. I need you both at my side, to where you truly belong." 

 Silence stretched between them as everyone watched in awe. Elena said nothing more. 

 Maxwell became short of words, but his eyes said everything. He wasn't backing down. Neither was she. 

 With the fury in her, she turned and disappeared behind the kitchen doors. Leaving him standing there in frustration. The weight of Elena's words kept ringing in his head like a suffocating noise. She had looked at him as if he was a stranger. As if he meant nothing to her anymore. 

 Now that he has found them, getting them back will be another challenge to confront. This was only just the beginning.