The Rightful Queen

Chapter 9 – His Regret

It all started from there. Well, no. Things turned for the worse from the moment his father died. Various problems cropped up left and right. Sometimes, he feels that he’s going to go crazy from so many responsibilities. His queen is no help. She doesn’t want to be bothered by such issues. She merely wanted to host parties and chat with the other ladies. He’s starting to think that he really chose wrongly. Even when he brought the issue of conceiving an heir, she resolutely said that it isn’t her fault. It’s something she has no control over. In her fit, she also told him to try impregnating his consorts. He has many of them. If he can’t have an heir from any of them, then it must be him that has a problem. He didn’t like the insinuation but he let it go. Cristina has long learned that he would tolerate her and give in to whatever request she has. He’s starting to regret that decision.

If his suspicion is correct, then all is lost already. He won’t be the great king his father heard from the Seer.

Ultimately, it was him who made the wrong decision. Ugh, why does it feel like he already admits defeat? That he was wrong. He stood up and left his suffocating office. He needed a break. He needed a breath of fresh air to clear his head. It’s already throbbing with pain. The grounds and the gardens would be his escape.

As he walked, with a couple of guards following behind, he heard the birds chirping in the trees. Their singing is beautiful, a natural music to the ears. He stopped to listen. In the distance, he saw a beautiful scenery. The garden is in full bloom. Various flowers display their vibrant petals and unique beauty.

His eyes slightly widened in surprise as another beauty appeared. It was Laura, dressed in yellow, which reminded him of their first meeting. He frowned as he noticed that her hands are dirty and she seems to be holding a rooted plant. She moved around and disappeared between the bushes without seeing him. Was she planting them herself?

He remained where he stood and eyed the plants and flowers around them. It looks great and pleasing to the eyes. The mixed scent of the flowers is subtle and enticing. It’s calming him down and he took a few minutes to breath in and simply relax.

A servant from Laura’s residence noticed his presence and quickly informed her master. Laura stood up, perplexed. Why would he be here? Her eyes quickly found him and she immediately bowed. Her servants followed.

What is she supposed to do? She can’t talk to him.

Samuel merely nodded to acknowledge her greeting.

It would be rude of her not to go over and ask if he needs anything. Biting her lip, she quickly cleaned her hands with a wet towel a maid prepared.

“Do we even have food?” She asked them in low tones.

“We still have them.” Though they have the lowest budget from the palace, they manage to make do with what they have. Laura doesn’t live lavishly. Thankfully, her maids don’t judge her harshly because of it.

She quickly sent someone to prepare snacks and slowly approached the king.

“Your highness.” She bowed again in greeting as two other maids followed her.

“You have a lovely garden.” Samuel decided to say, unsure what else he could tell her.

“Thank you. Is there anything you need, my lord? How can we be of assistance?”

Samuel looked at her. Her beauty remained the same and her somewhat disheveled hair made her look seductive. Maybe it’s due to her work, but her forehead is dotted with sweat.

“It seems very peaceful here. I’m taking a break from my duties. Can I request for a chair to sit on?”

Laura was relieved to know that he has no other intentions.

“Of course, my lord. Would you like some snacks as well?” If he’s on his afternoon break, then he must be a little hungry, right? This is what she thought. She is a little hungry.

“Please.” Samuel replied and averted his gaze. He was reminded of the night he told her to shut up. He frowned as his heart ached a little. He wasn’t proud of what he did, but he couldn’t apologize as well. But he’s glad she’s talking to him.

Laura bowed again. She’s dismissed, right? Before she could move back, she heard him say “Thank you.”

Did he just…? She bowed again. “We’ll bring them out shortly, your highness.”

By the time she got inside her residence, the food has been prepared and another maid has spotted a good chair the king can use.

“Would this be alright, my lady?”

“I think so. Go bring it out. Let’s not keep him waiting.”

They were clearly flustered by this sudden visit.

After setting the chair for him and a small table to put the snacks on, the maid asked him if he needs anything else.

He shook his head and thanked them for their hospitality. She hurried away after being given leave.

“What do we do now? We’re not supposed to watch his royal highness, are we?”

“Of course not. Go back to your chores.” The eldest maid told the others.

Laura wondered if she could go back in the garden and continue planting what she uprooted earlier. There are still a few stems she hasn’t replanted in the ground.

After contemplating for a few minutes, she decided to go out again. The poor plants shouldn’t suffer because she’s not comfortable with the king’s presence.

She has mixed feelings toward him. He’s a man of authority and she is his subject. She’s required to show him respect. Still… he’s the reason why she’s in this place.

She walked out and tried to ignore his presence some distance away. She went back to her spot and picked up the plants she meant to move somewhere else. She dug on the soil and focused on her work.

He’s not exactly watching her but there’s a gap in the plants that allowed him to know her location as she moved around.

It was a while before the implications of her actions penetrated her mind. Why is a noble lady tending to the gardens? Clearly, she has maids to do it for her. He narrowed his eyes in her direction. What is she playing at?

He took a deep breath as he sipped the glass of juice they prepared. Her place is peaceful. The maids are nowhere to be seen, but he assumes they’re doing their job inside the residence.

He decided not to interfere with how she manages her household. She has that liberty.

Shaking his head, he tried emptying his mind of all his troubles. Keep calm. Relax. Let’s enjoy a moment of peace in this wonderful garden.

He leaned on the chair as his eyes stared at a particular flower. A yellow daisy. Beyond it, a pale yellow thing is moving.

He might have spent more time in her garden than he intended.

His peaceful break was interrupted when his queen appeared, an unpleasant expression was on her face. She never did like Laura and she made many requests from him to avoid her, to make her situation barely acceptable… 

He’s really starting to think that the woman isn’t who he’s supposed to be with. He closed his eyes as she hissed unpleasant words at him. Sometimes, she would forget herself and speak with him informally in front of the servants, or worse, other people. She has that right as his queen, but still… she should respect him when others are looking or could be listening. She does, but sometimes she doesn’t.

Right now, her words are attacking Laura again. He’s sure the poor girl could hear her unsavory words.

“What are you doing here? Have come here to play with your consorts? In broad daylight, my lord? Couldn’t even wait for the night? Are you finally seeking your amusements elsewhere, just because I couldn’t bear you a child? Maybe if you have more time for me, we’ll be able to produce a son together.”

Despite his wide understanding, Cristina is simply too much. This would be the first time he’s stopping her.

“Your highness, what I do officially in my capacity as king is none of your business. You’ve shown no interest in it, have you? I have obligations to this kingdom and you aren’t much help. As queen, I would like it if you could be more supportive. And please, show some respect. I am still your king.” He tried to remain polite to her as he speaks his mind.

As mentioned, this is the first time he’d done this to her. It effectively shocked her and made her speechless.

“My lord, what…?” Cristina is at a loss on what to say or how to react. She’s used to being pampered and being given what she wants. For him to act like this… it must be that witch, Laura.

He wasn’t pleased when her expression turned to anger and she looked around for her cousin.

Before she could do anything scandalous, Samuel decided to save the poor girl from a lot of trouble.

“I order you to go back to your quarters. Don’t disturb my rest. Go now.”

Being given a direct order, Cristina cannot disregard his authority, even if he is her husband. She fumed as she vaguely bowed and leaving with her servants.

Laura’s head popped up from under the bushes, having heard the commotion and heaving a sigh as her cousin left. Cristina’s presence always means something unpleasant.

She turned her head in the king’s direction and was embarrassed at being caught looking. She quickly withdrew and buried her head between her knees. Just finish planting, then go back inside. She quickly did.

Samuel is glad that Cristina still listened. In a way, he expected her to do something outrageous. He’s starting to finally understand her true personality. He sees it now. She’s not who he needed.

He remembered that they had an audience and he’s not sure what to feel at being seen like that with his queen. Thankfully, Laura didn’t comment on it and only focused on her own business.

Dealing with Cristina stressed him out again. He needed another hour to relax. Taking deep breaths and calming himself, he started contemplating his life.

If it’s too late now, what else can he do? Can he turn things around?