The grunting sound coming from Lady Chlaricia could be heard loudly, as if her life was filled with misfortune.
However, not long after travelling through the forest, her carriage was stopped by a dozen hooded figures. The sudden stop made Lady Chlaricia peek through the window to see what was going on. As soon as she saw the situation, she panicked and hid quietly inside the carriage, waiting for everything to be over.
"Our lady seeks to meet Lady Chlaricia." One of the hooded figures shouted to get Lady Chlaricia attention. His voice was loud and rough.
"Who is it?" she said behind the curtain.
"You'll see her. Come," he continued. He didn't tell her their lady's name as instructed and as a safety measure.
"I don't trust you. Guards, kill them all," she shouted.
"Wait, I got a letter to give you from our lady," he said. The hooded figures were strong enough to fight the guards, but they had been instructed that no harm should be done to any of them.
"Bring me the letter," she said to one of the guards.
In the letter, it says:
I can help you return to the capital. Not only that, I can give you title and wealth. I only want you to do one little favour. Come see me if you are interested. I can assure you, you will love it. Sincerely, CH.
Lady Chlaricia, who is interested in nothing but wealth and title, accepted the invitation without thinking twice. Besides, she was desperate to get away from the south of Quirinus, as there was nothing luxurious in her eyes. The south was full of greenery, where the land was prosperous with crops and livestock. Furthermore, when you travel past the flower's farm, you can smell the fresh and nice scent as it floats on the clear blue sky. All these things didn't catch the eyes of a city woman like Lady Chlaricia.
"Take me to her," she said.
The ride towards the meeting became more and more familiar. As soon as she arrived, she realised that it was none other than the great palace of Quirinus.
Although it was the palace, it was not like any other; quiet and serene. No one can be seen walking past this garden. It was beautiful and well-kept, but no one was there to mesmerise its beauty.
After a few minutes of walking, she arrived at the heart of the garden, where a beautiful lady sat elegantly while doing some embroidery.
"My Lady, Lady Chlaricia has arrived," the men said.
"How was your trip, Lady Chlarcia? I hope you weren't offended that I stopped your journey to the south, "the lady in white was smiling at Lady Chlaricia.
"Lady Claudia," she said, shocked as the person who sent an anonymous invite was none other than Lady Claudia, the mother of the first prince.
Although she is the mother of the first prince, not many know what the first prince looks like, not even Lady Chlaricia. However, many know her because she was famous for being the king's lover.
The prince didn't openly introduce himself as a prince or act like one. Even his mother herself was never seen with his son out in the open. Hence, only the higher rank and the maid from her mother's place knew he was the first prince. Everything had changed since he returned to the palace. He had never felt love and comfort from his mother, though he had waited a long time for her. He would occasionally visit her, but she was a woman with a few words, but whenever she talks, it's always the same thing. Sometimes, he just felt that she did not love or want him, but needed him. He believed that his duty was to serve the country and make his mother happy. That's why he didn't fight for the throne, but help Prince Leon as much as he could. He believes that any political fight will end up hurting the one he cares about, especially when the opponent is the Queen herself and her most proud son, the second prince.
"Would you like a cup of tea?" Lady Claudia said. Her voice was soothing to the ears. She was gentle with every move she made. She's beautiful, even in the eyes of other women.
"Yes, please," she said.
"It is nice to be outside sometimes, isn't it?" Lady Claudia said as she tucked her hair gently behind her ears as it was blown softly by the wind.
"My lady, why did you ask for me? What do you mean, you can help me? " She said curiously.
"I mean everything I said. Do you know who will be the strongest woman in the country? " Lady Claudia asked.
"Who?" She said, confusedly.
"The king and queen's mother, "Lady Claudia said, with a big smile on her face.
"I am sorry, I don't get what you mean," she said.
"My son, the first prince, will be the king, and I chose your daughter to be his wife. We can have anything we want without others telling us no," Lady Claudia said.
The only thing Lady Claudia wanted more than anything was to break free from the king. She felt suffocated living in the palace. Every day she wishes to run away from there, and live with the one she loves dearly, though she doesn't know where he is right now.
She loves her son, but sometimes the thought of him being the son of the king makes her hate him a bit. The blood of the king ran through his son's veins, which she thought was dirty blood.
Furthermore, she didn't need to worry on her end. As long as Lady Chlaricia agreed, the plan would go smoothly. She knew her son would not say anything, as he loved his mother dearly. Since he was little, he never refused his mother's words. He, who wanted to be loved by his mother, was willing to do anything just for the sake of her happiness.
"I accept your proposal," Lady Chlaricia replied, grinning happily.
"Good, I am happy to hear that," Lady Claudia said.
After the agreement was set, Lady Chlaricia walked happily towards the carriage. She thought that from now on, no one could touch her as long as she got Lady Claudia on her side. She vowed to bring me down to the deepest pit, so she wouldn't have to see me again; the person she hated the most.
As Lady Claudia said, she still needed to go to the south as instructed by the duke because everything had to go accordingly and without any suspicions. Hence, she sat comfortably and enjoyed the ride to the south of Quirinus, while thinking of her happy future.
Before she left, she wrote a short note to her daughter, Eliana.
Eliana, my beloved child, I wish you happiness always, as a mother only wishes for her child to be happy and healthy. The only thing that I asked of you was to obey me. Go with the first prince to the upcoming ball, and I shall grant you anything you want. Love, your mother.
Anyone who reads the letter will feel disturbed by its content. It is a short message but carries different messages that contradict one another. She knew her daughter would grumble about it, but eventually follow. Eliana seems like a spoiled child, but she thinks more about her family. If things go sideways, she will stay quiet, worried about her family breaking up. She will follow what her mother and father say, although she talks back at times. When her mother was sent to the south, she didn't bother about it as she knew it wouldn't be long. She knew her father wouldn't let it happen, and her mother also needed to cool her head off.
When Eliana arrived home, she was greeted with a letter from her mother. She read it and ripped it all apart.
"For my happiness? Don't make me laugh, "her voice was full of annoyance.
"You only want what is best for you," she continued.
She was just grunting and complaining, though she knew she would eventually follow her order.
We all complained to vent something out. There was no division between small and big things. We would complain about all the things that make us frustrated. However, self-talk can be seen as both negative and positive. When we talk about positive things, we boost our mood as we try to make ourselves believe what we are saying. But, it is said to be negative when we vent negative things. We unconsciously experience the same things twice: once when we vent it and again when we experience them.