Queen Amanda looked at her reflection in the mirror. Many had said her that no woman in this world could match her beauty. She did not believe that. Beauty lied in the eyes of the beholder. She felt every woman was born beautiful. And when there is a kind heart along, the beauty can surpass even the moon.
She was getting ready for the dinner with her husband. She wore the necklace the king had gifted her when Aaron was born. He was so happy to get his heir. Touching the necklace that was now placed on her delicate neck, she admired her reflection. The rubies in her necklace matched beautifully with her scarlet gown. She had decorated her fingers with rings that contained most precious stones. Her dark hair which usually was set in stylish chignon was now styled differently. Her maid has pushed her front hair voluminously up and the rest of the hair flowed down over her back. Sparkling diamonds adorned her ears. One could say she almost matched the tag the world has given her.
The most beautiful queen.
But she never flexed over her beauty. She did not feel her beauty held much power. Her father always treated her different that her brother. They were his heirs. Although she had been a loved and sheltered child, she always yearned for the appreciation her father had for her brothers.
She used to think once she got married, her husband would treat her as the one and only woman in the world. But even after marrying to the king of one of the strongest kingdoms, she still did not get her designation of the one and only. She was never enough for her husband.
She sighed and told her reflection in the mirror, "I am never the one and only".
"Yes, you are".
Two softest voices of those whom she loved the most in the world spoke. She smiled and turned her head towards the door to see her two beautiful children standing there. Beckoning them towards her, she haunched on her knees to gather their little bodies in her arms. They engulfed her in the warmest hug.
"You are our one and only mother, mama". Little Aaron spoke. She moved back from the hug to look at his precious face.
"And you are the one and only most beautiful mother, mama. You look gorgeous!" Amelia said.
"Yes! Go-gorbious!" Little Aaron tried to repeat.
Queen Amanda laughed one of the happiest laughs of her life. No matter how her husband was, she could forgive his every sin for he has given her these two precious souls. They were her will to live. Her strength. She could overcome every emptiness of her life just by looking at their happy faces.
"Thankyou, but your were supposed to be in your bed, my loves".
"Amy couldn't sleep, mama". Little Aaron pointed his finger towards his sister.
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Aaron wanted to have another pastry, mama. He didn't let me sleep".
Their mother sighed. "Darlings, you are not supposed to eat more than one pastry. Sweets spoils your teeth".
"That's what I said, mama", Amelia said with a huff. "Think Aaron. How will you look as a king who has no teeth?"
"Just like you". Aaron grinned, pointing at the gap in his sister's teeth.
Amelia immediately covered her mouth with her hand. "It will grow back!"
"Alright", queen Amanda said. "Aaron, you must not tease your sister. She will get another tooth much stronger than the fallen one. And you cannot have another pastry."
"We already had one". Both of them said in unison with wide grins over their faces. "We are just coming from the kitchen. The cook gave us extra pastry when we asked". Little Aaron said.
Queen Amanda chuckled. Every servant in the palace was hellbent on spoiling her kids. They all adored them. Amelia and Aaron could ask them their arms with a smile on their little faces and they would easily give them that.
"Since you have accomplished your mission pastry, you can go back to your bed", she said.
They both rushed amd climbed on their mother's bed, wrapping the blanket over themselves.
"We will sleep here tonight, mama". Amelia demanded.
"Sing us a lullaby, mama". This demand came from Aaron.
"As you wish, Your Highnesses." Queen Amanda sat beside them and sang their favourite lullaby.
"I have my heart for the smile of you,
I have my heart for the love of you,
I will pour the rain of happiness,
Through the pretty clouds above of you.
And my hand hold every star in the sky,
Darling, such is my behove of you".
With a smile on her face, she watched her children drifting towards sleep. She prayed for their long life and happiness.
Minutes later, there was a knock on her door. Not wanting her children to wake up, she left their side, opened the door and stepped out of the chamber. She closed the door behind her and looked at the maid.
"His Majesty is back from the hunt, Your Majesty", the maid informed.
Queen Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. She looked outside, the wall in front of her gave the garden view. The sun was about to set. She was so glad her husband was back on time. Ordering the guards to watch carefully, since the kids were sleeping, she dismissed the maid and started to make her way towards the king's chamber.