Chapter 6
As the first light of dawn crept into the king's chambers, Queen Mara stirred, her body languid and relaxed. She stretched, her gaze sweeping the room, only to find the king nowhere in sight. No doubt, he had risen early to attend to the pressing matters of state.
For a moment, Queen Mara indulged in the comfort of the bed, her thoughts drifting back to the events of the previous night. But as memories flooded her mind, she suddenly scrambled out of bed, her movements swift and purposeful. She knelt down, her hand reaching under the bed to retrieve the crystal.
As her fingers closed around it, she felt a sense of satisfaction. But to her surprise, the crystal had transformed into a pile of fine ash. Queen Mara's smile spread across her face; it had done its work. She gently rubbed her still-flat stomach, a sense of anticipation building within her. Soon, she would be expecting a child.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Queen Mara rose to her feet and made her way out of the king's chambers. As she departed, the servants materialized, rushing to restore order to the room. It seemed the king had instructed them not to disturb her, a thoughtful gesture that brought a warmth to her heart. Queen Mara's smile lingered as she walked away, her steps light with promise and possibility.
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Queen Mara retreated to her chambers, where her attendants worked their magic, transforming her into a radiant vision of poise and elegance. They styled her tresses with precision, applied a delicate touch of cosmetics, and arrayed her in attire befitting her exalted station.
With her appearance suitably restored, Queen Mara proceeded to the royal kitchen, where she prepared a steaming bowl of nourishing soup herself. Her destination was the concubine's chambers.
However, as she approached the concubine's quarters, the guards stationed outside barred her path, their faces impassive and unyielding. "What audacity is this?" Queen Mara demanded, her voice laced with indignation.
"The queen mother has issued explicit instructions to deny you entry, Your Majesty," one of the guards replied, his tone firm but respectful.
Just as it seemed the situation would escalate into a full-blown confrontation, a voice rang out, low and commanding. "By what authority?" The guards' heads snapped towards the speaker, and they bowed deeply as the king approached.
"Your Majesty," they chorused, their voices filled with reverence and a hint of trepidation.
Queen Mara, too, bowed her head, her eyes never leaving the king's face. "Permit her to pass," he commanded, his voice brooking no argument.
The guards stepped aside, permitting Queen Mara to enter the concubine's chambers. As she passed, she heard the king's voice behind her, his tone stern and unyielding. "I warn you, do not dare to slight her again. Your loyalty is to the crown, not to petty intrigues."
The guards dropped to their knees, their faces etched with fear and contrition. "We beg for mercy, Your Majesty," they pleaded in unison.
The king's response was swift and decisive. "Rise, and attend to your duties with the diligence and respect they demand." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the guards to scramble to their feet.
In an instant, they transformed from supplicant to sentinel, their faces serious and composed, as if the incident had never occurred.
Queen Mara placed the delicate bowl of steaming soup on the intricately carved table, the aromatic vapors wafting through the air as she waited for Concubine Odessa to complete her morning toilette. The servants bustled about, adorning Odessa in resplendent attire, their hands moving with practiced finesse.
Once Odessa was suitably attired, Queen Mara dismissed the servants with a gracious gesture. Odessa bowed her head in appreciation, her voice soft and melodious. "To what distinguished honor do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Your Majesty?"
Queen Mara's smile was a masterful blend of warmth and subtle calculation. "Please, do not trouble yourself, dear Odessa. I learned of your pregnancy and felt compelled to offer my felicitations." Her words were infused with a sugary sweetness that belied the calculating glint in her eye.
Odessa's response was gracious, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty."
Queen Mara's gaze drifted to the bowl of soup, her eyes sparkling with solicitous concern. "I brought a specially prepared broth, renowned for its beneficial properties. It's said to promote the health and well-being of both mother and child. I daresay, you shall encounter no difficulties whatsoever." Her words were laced with a subtle persuasion, as she gestured towards the steaming bowl.
Odessa's smile was a gentle, acquiescent curve of her lips as she lifted the spoon to her mouth. Queen Mara's eyes locked onto the spoon, her pulse racing with anticipation, as she watched Odessa take a delicate sip. She swallowed hard, her silent prayers fervent and urgent, as she willed Odessa to drink the entire bowl.
As odessa finished the last drop of the nourishing broth, Queen Mara's gaze remained fixed on her, a subtle, triumphant smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. Her smile grew, a self-satisfied glint sparkling in her eyes.
"How do you feel, Odessa?" she inquired, her voice infused with a warm, solicitous tone.
Odessa's response was immediate, her face radiant with a gentle smile. "I feel quite well, Your Majesty."
Queen Mara's smile broadened as she reached for the delicate bowl and tray. "Excellent. Now, recline and permit the properties of the soup to take effect," she instructed, her voice dripping with benevolent concern.
With the bowl securely in her grasp, Queen Mara rose from her seat, her movements fluid and purposeful. "I shall take my leave now," she announced, her tone gracious and authoritative.
As she departed the concubine's chambers, Queen Mara's smile became more pronounced, a subtle, victorious curve of her lips. Her steps were light, her heart filled with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation. The game of palace politics was a complex, intricate dance, and she had just executed a masterful move. Queen Mara felt a sense of confidence, a sense that the balance of power was shifting in her favor. Her smile lingered, a self-assured, enigmatic smile, as she vanished into the palace corridors.