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Alexander's Unsettling News

“Your Majesty, I humbly beg your pardon,” Nyx said, his voice low and respectful.

“Have you seen Alexander this morning?”

“I believe he was in a meeting with Matthew earlier today.”

“Thank you, Nyx,” I said, dismissing him with a nod.

Nyx bowed gracefully and departed; his steps as silent as a whisper. I moved with purpose towards the grand dining hall, the shift in the atmosphere unmistakable as I entered. Conversations faltered, eyes turning towards me with subtle curiosity. The absence of Alexander was immediate, his regal chair conspicuously empty, while Cecelia sat poised in her usual place, her expression betraying a smug satisfaction.

I took my seat. The murmur of conversation resumed around me, though my mind lingered on Alexander's whereabouts. I began to eat in silence. Cecelia's gaze bore into me, her eyes filled with a silent challenge as if daring me to react. Some of the ladies at the table engaged me in light conversation, but my thoughts were elsewhere. After the meal concluded, a guard intercepted me.

"Your Highness, the king requests your presence."

With a nod, I followed the guard to Alexander's quarters. I knocked once at the study door, and a guard immediately swung it open. Inside, I tapped lightly on the door to the inner chamber.

"Enter," Alexander’s voice called, sounding fatigued.

I stepped inside to find him seated behind his desk, exhaustion etched on his face. He did not rise to greet me.

“You summoned me, my lord?”

I asked, settling into the chair before his desk. Unease gnawed at me, memories of last night’s argument hanging in the air between us.

“Adeline,” he began, his voice clipped with tension, “urgent news has come to the castle.”

“Some of the nobles are aligning with Cecelia’s views.”

“I need you to host a tea tomorrow for the noblewomen,” he said, his tone commanding but tired.

“Invite Cecelia.”

“We need to show unity in the court.”

“If you take the lead, we can turn the tide in our favor.”

He slid a list of names across the desk toward me.

“These are the women to invite.”

“I trust you with this task.”

“As you command, my lord.”

Rising, I curtsied and turned to leave, but his voice halted me.

“Adeline, wait.”

“Yes, my lord?”

“I apologize for last night,” he said softly, the weariness in his voice more pronounced.

“I should not have allowed things to escalate as they did.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” I replied, though the sting of our quarrel still lingered.

“I have something else to tell you,” he said, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

“Cecelia will remain at court, not as my lover, but as my ‘mistress’ in name.”

“She will have certain privileges, including a voice in royal matters.”

The anger flared in me instantly, but I forced my expression to remain calm. His words pierced me, but I would not let him see my fury.

“Alexander,” I began, my voice steady but firm, “this decision will send the wrong message to the court.”

“Granting Cecelia such a position will only stir more unrest.”

His expression hardened.

“I have already made my decision, Adeline.”

“It is final.”

“I know it causes you pain, but I need you to trust me.”

“I must attend to the preparations for tomorrow,” I said, standing abruptly.

I curtsied once more and left the room, my hands trembling as I made my way to my private chambers. Taking a deep breath, I moved to my desk, where the list of names lay. The task ahead felt like a bitter irony. Organizing a tea for women who gossiped more than they governed. Duty called. I began writing the invitations, my hand tiring after an hour of careful script. Once the royal seals were affixed, I summoned a guard and handed him the envelopes.

“These are to be delivered immediately.”

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

With the invitations sent, I headed to the kitchens to oversee the arrangements. Johnson, the head of the household, greeted me with a bow.

“How may I serve you, Your Majesty?”

“I am hosting a tea in the gardens tomorrow for thirty noblewomen.”

“Prepare accordingly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I am well aware of your preferences,” Johnson replied, bowing once more.

I left the kitchens and made my way to the servants' quarters, where several maids and footmen stood waiting.

“I will need the gardens to be arranged for tomorrow’s tea.”

“The tables must be perfect, and the food must arrive promptly.”

“As you command, Your Majesty,” they replied in unison.

I offered a small smile.

“Your efforts will not go unnoticed.”

“You shall all be rewarded.”

Satisfied, I left the servants to their tasks and headed to the stables. After preparing my horse, I rode into the city, flanked by two guards. The rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobblestone streets echoed in the crisp evening air. Soon, I arrived at Evangeline’s shop, where the elderly seamstress greeted me with a curtsy.

“Your Majesty, how may I assist you?”

“I need a new gown for tomorrow’s gathering,” I said, stepping inside.

“I anticipated as much,” Evangeline replied with a knowing smile, gesturing for me to follow.

After the fitting, I departed the shop and rode back to the castle. By the time I reached my chambers, dusk had settled, and I allowed myself the luxury of a quiet dinner in my rooms. Soon after, I changed into my nightgown and prepared for bed. A knock at the door startled me, and I opened it to find Alexander standing there, hesitation in his eyes.

“May I come in?” he asked quietly.

I nodded, stepping aside to let him in. He entered cautiously, as though unsure of his welcome. I sat on the bed, arms crossed, waiting.

“I noticed your absence at dinner,” he said, his tone gentle.

“I was not in the mood to entertain.”

“I was busy with preparations for tomorrow.”

“Adeline, I know you are angry with me.”

“You have every right to be.”

“Please believe me when I say nothing will happen between Cecelia and me.”

“I swear it.”

“You are forgiven, Alexander.”

Relief washed over his features, and without another word, he wrapped his arms around me in a tender embrace. His touch was warm and comforting, and for a moment, I allowed myself to melt into it. His lips found mine, soft and insistent, a reminder of the love that still bound us. When we finally parted, I laid back against the pillows, feeling the weight of the day lift slightly. Alexander joined me, his presence a silent reassurance as we drifted into a shared peace.

Dawn broke. I awoke to sunlight streaming through the windows. Daphne entered soon after, helping me prepare for the day. She fastened the last pin in my hair and adjusted the tiara on my head. I caught a glimpse of Alexander watching me from the bed.

“You look beautiful, Adeline,” he murmured, his voice thick with admiration.

I smiled, though inside, the anxiety of the day’s duties churned. There was no turning back now.

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