Chapter 9 Stepmothers Interferance

*King Alexander*

Alexander frowned at the table of the council. His advisors exchanged anxious looks between them. The news, they could see, had clearly upset the man.

Why must such things happen now? King Alexander lamented.

Could it not have happened before? Or better, to take place after? No, of course not.

Not for himself. Such was his luck.  

A revolt had occurred in one of the villages and needed his presence. It was serious and could not be ignored. Even for his own daughter.

She’ll be leaving by now. King Alexander knew. The scheduled visit was less than a week away. His daughter was likely already packed and heading to Dawny. Even if she weren’t, a letter would still arrive too late. By the time it reached Nochten, she would have left. 

This left Alexander in a unique pickle.

I’m sorry, Anastasia. Alexander silently apologized. 

“Then there is nothing else to it, gentlemen. Inform the horse master to prepare my fastest horses. Hopefully, we will not need to waste more time and have this rebellion squashed promptly.” King Alexander announced and bid his councilmen dismissed. 

King Alexander remained at the table seeing his men part before heaving a sigh. This news could not have come at a worse time and left him greatly disappointed. He moved to scratch his thick dark beard.

 Just more rotten luck. Alexander thought. He had been anticipating his daughter's arrival since they last wrote. 

Please let it be just a few days. Alexander silently willed. Let the revolt be swept up quickly, and he comes back soon. He did not want to disappoint her. Not when he was just working so hard on mending their relationship.

This really had to be at the worst time.

“Johan,” The King called to have the balding man step out from his place in the shadows.

“Yes, my king?” 

“Inform the queen that I leave for the revolt. I expect her to uphold all the preparations in place for Empress Anastasia’s arrival.” Alexander stood to grab the back of his chair.

“It must carry on as planned until I return. There will be no deviations.” 

Johan nodded with understanding. 

“Yes, your majesty,”  

*Queen Belinda* 

“-There will be no deviations,” Johan repeated the message word for word. 

“Of course, Johan.” Julia, the queen's handmaid, bowed and gave thanks before turning into the queen's bedroom. 

Julia found the queen to still be on the lounge sipping tea. She was in the middle of supervising her sons’ fitting by the royal tailor. The four-year-old seemed to fidget as the old tailor tried, once again, to measure his arms. 

He seemed upset and looked at his mother.

“Mama, my arms hurt.” The boy complained. The queen softened her face at hearing his voice. 

“I know, my dear. But just stay still a moment more and the old man will finish.” Queen Belinda spoke sweetly but gave a chilly glare to the tailor. 

Hurry up or lose your hands, the look seemed to say. The old man shuddered and quickly made it work faster. Queen Belinda was already in a particular mood, to begin with.

As much as she liked to have her own son dressed in fine attire it was another matter as to WHY he needed a new suit now.

To have a new suit commissioned just for her arrival. Belinda tsked.

Why must my beloved husband need to vex me so? Belinda could think of nothing less tasteful than this. Except having to house the very said child in her home, that was.

Queen Belinda narrowed her eyes at the tailor and sipped her tea. The tea was a fine treat sent from her dear and long-time bosom friend, the queen of Almony. It was rich and eased the queen’s otherwise foul mood. 

Upon sipping, Queen Belinda noticed her handmaid step in. Julia had been in her employment since before Belinda was ever a queen but a young noble lady. 

No, even before then.

Julia, Queen Belinda could recall, was always there to serve her. The woman had aged into her gray years at her side. 

Julia was also the only one Belinda had kept after the wedding. The maid had proven herself worth it. She knew how to keep her mouth shut but her eyes open. A valuable quality Belinda had learned to be of great use. 

The queen had found no one better to suit her. 

Julia bowed as if to speak, and the queen motioned her closer. Her interest was piqued seeing her trusted servant look so adamant. 

“My queen, his majesty’s servant, has informed me that he will leave to assist against the rebellion at the village.”

“Oh?” Belinda voiced but was not surprised. Julia nodded and continued.

“Yes, and you are expected to uphold the preparations for the Empress's visit until he returns. There are to be no deviations-“ Julia relied on as Belinda cut in with a laugh.

The sound was short and sweet. A quick sneer ran over her features. But just as quickly, it was wiped away. Her face was pleasant again.

“'Deviations', he says, really now. Does he think I would not?” Belinda asked more to herself before a darker smile crossed her lips.

“Of course, I will do as my beloved husband asks. Until he returns.” Belinda voiced but her mind was already working. She could see this as a golden opportunity.  

As it is said, when the cat is gone, the mice do play.

Belinda mused with eyes glancing over to her son. She noted his cheeks were a little red from the tailor's measurements. It inspired her where to start first. 

“Nicoli, are you not feeling well?” Belinda asked to have her son look up. He shook his head a ‘no’ but the queen still got up. Walking over, the tailor stepped aside to allow her to pass and not get in the way of her large dress.

Belinda moved to touch the boy’s forehead. 

“Oh, you feel feverish.” Belinda played up a dramatic tone. Nicoli shook his head again.

“I do? But I don’t feel sick, mama.” Nicoli returned in a sweet voice. The queen sighed and cupped his face. She quietly admired how sweet and innocent he looked at the moment.

Such a handsome child of mine, she thought proudly. 

“Trust me, my darling. Listen to Mother.” Belinda cooed before turning to the tailor.

“Cancel the suit” Her voice came out much harsher.

“My queen?” The tailor bulked and stared dumbfounded at her majesty and then Julia. The handmaid only blinked at him. She seemed to already know where this was going and just accepted it.

The tailor looked back at the queen, greatly confused.

“What about his majesty’s suit? The king ordered me to-“

“My son is unwell and will need strict bed rest. There will be no meeting of anyone until he is better.” Belinda announced and took to pick up her son. The boy moved to wrap his arms around his mother’s neck. He was used to being carried as such. But his little eyes were not dumb to miss the discomfort on the tailor's face. 

Something was up but he stayed quiet to listen to his mother. 

“He will not be needing the suit.”

But I’m not sick, Nicoli thought, taking a moment to feel himself. He didn’t feel warm or achy. Nicoli wondered what his mother was doing as Belinda carried him off in her arms.

 She was heading back to his room.

“Julia, inform the servants that Prince Nicoli is under strict bedrest. He will not leave his room until I deem him healthy again.” Belinda voiced to have Nicoli sit back to look at her in protest.

“But I’m not sick-

“Understood, my queen.” Julia voiced and turned to do so.

Belinda smiled at her obedience, but Nicoli pouted.

“Mama! I’m not sick. I want to go and play.” Nicoli complained, but Belinda only kissed his forehead. She carried him closer to his bedroom.

“You may not be now, my dear. But a mother needs to protect her child.” Belinda cooed. Nicoli sighed. He rested his head on her shoulder and moved to play with her tight curls as if in defeat. 

“Okay, mama.” Nicoli faked a yawn but carefully watched his mother's face. He could see her smile as if triumphant over something.

Her smile made him curious.