Chapter Four

EVERYONE HAS EXPECTATIONS FROM THE QUEEN.

Queen Sevina could see that from the looks of the Royal Minister who kept their eyes focused on her as she remained stoic and unwavering from her throne. She could see the spectators trying to read what she was conveying through her expression but no one could really came up with an answer.

The engagement date was just a few days near and Queen Sevina knew she had to say something about it to inform the rest of the royal officials about what to prepare and what to expect on that day. Prince Kevian's presence also filled the tension inside the hall as he stood at the front, looking straight to her. 

She did not want to look in his direction but she could catch a glimpse of his posture from her peripheral vision. It made her a little bit nervous but other than that, Queen Sevian tried her best to look composed.

"Royal ministers, people of Vire, the loyal citizens of this kingdom," Queen Sevina began with her strong introduction, holding nothing more but sternness and pride in her clear intonation, "I am very glad to announce that the final arrangements of our alliances with the neighboring kingdoms is now strengthened with the promise that the future has a better view for the next generation."

The systematic applause followed right away as Queen Sevina took a pause and the noise echoed in the air as she traveled her gaze around the extensive hall filled with the officials. 

"This will mark a new beginnings of camaraderie and stable negotiations with the rest of Earthoria, knowing that there will be peace and order for everyone at least," she added. Then as if meaning to, her eyes finally landed on Prince Kevian who did not even try to hide his smile as their eyes met for a brief moment.

"As for the future of the throne," Queen Sevina took a deep breathe as she continued, "You all already know by now that the next of kin, crowned Prince Kevian, is set to take over the crown soon. And this also means that we are looking forward to a much abundant prosperity of the next in line. And without further delay, I am officially informing everyone that Prince Kevian will be arranged to meet a prospect for the position of his queen before he takes over this seat."

"Indeed, your Highness. All hail Vire and the Queen!" the crowd said in unison, as their formal response to the words uttered by Queen Sevina. Seeing no one proclaiming any feedback about this, Queen Sevina spoke more.

"Now that this is publicly prophesized, I surely am looking forward to the very day that this kingdom will bring forth a new King that will continue the prominence of the Vire and its strong presence that will rule with justice and will exist for the common good of all and its allies."

"All hail the Queen and the future King of Vire!" The crowd cheered again.

But just as the matter was coming to a close and Queen Sevina was feeling the weight of her burden slowly creeping into her soul, Prince Kevian suddenly moved from where he stood and stole everyone's attention with his unexpected call.

"My Queen, it might not be best for me to speak on behalf of what I have in mind, but I would like to also say something that might also provide another offer the people present here might need to hear."

Looking courageous and still tall even with one bended knee, Prince Kevian succesfully managed to reel everyone's eyes towards him as the words that had left his mouth gave a striking impression not just to the audience who watched him from afar but also to the Queen herself who could no longer mask the shock on her face. Queen Sevina froze up as the royal advisor who was the nearest to her started to open his mouth to say something but the Queen immediately raised her hand up to stop whatever thoughts he was going to say as well.

"I permit you to speak if you must, Prince Kevian," she daringly accepted, slightly narrowing her eyes as Prince Kevian beamed back and slowly stood straight after receiving a chance to share what he had in mind.

"I am a crowned prince, the flesh and blood of the late King and Queen of Vire whom everyone here knew and loved so dearly as much as I did. And trusting the power and integrity of the present Queen, our Queen Sevina, I am very grateful that I have been brought up to existence with such privilege and promise to fulfill my destiny as the future king of Vire," Prince Kevian began with the sound of superiority and charm in his tone as he made sure to give eye contact to all the people who were staring back at him.

"And hearing about the official statement in regards to my future engagement with a prospect for my Queen, I am honored that such opportunity is provided to me as well and is warmly welcomed by everyone. But I have something to propose, if yet this might be a better way to strengthen the power of the throne as well..."

Hushed anxious voices echoed among the sea of people as Prince Kevian's words were absorbed and even the Queen felt a little alarmed about where the prince was going now. Yet, Queen Sevian tried to keep up a voided face, making sure she didn't look quite as shaken and bemused about this.

"I would like to raise my suggestion to choose the one I must marry and make my Queen, people of Vire," Prince Kevian said in a much louder and stronger voice as he scanned the crowd, trying to read everyone's expressions, "I want this kingdom to retain its authority and strong presence in Earthoria and there would be no one else more suitable to stand as my Queen once I become King other than the Queen, herself!"

Gasps was heard in the air. Silence surrounded the tensed atmosphere as those last few sentiments had been heard very clear.

Queen Sevina stopped breathing for a moment. No, he just did not!

But the look on Prince Kevian's face showed no hesitation, he was even more confident to raise that suggestion despite the horrified looks on everyone. He wanted this...

There's only one queen indeed that this kingdom needed. Only one queen that the prince needed for the rest of his life...

And that was the Queen herself who was standing right there on the throne.