Making a Difficult Decision
Mother Hatcher stood outside King Erik's study, her heart racing with a mix of determination and apprehension. She had requested this meeting with the king, knowing that the time had come to address the growing concern surrounding Ravanna's presence in the castle. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and knocked on the door.
"Enter," Erik's voice called from within.
As she stepped inside, she found Erik seated at his desk, poring over documents. He looked up, his expression shifting from concentration to curiosity. "Eloise, what brings you here?" he asked, gesturing for her to take a seat.
"Your Majesty," she began, her tone respectful yet firm. "I wanted to discuss the matter of Ravanna and her prolonged stay in the castle."
Erik's brow furrowed slightly, and he leaned back in his chair. "What about Ravanna? She's family, and I want her to feel welcome here."
Mother Hatcher nodded, understanding his sentiment. "I appreciate that, but we must consider the implications of her presence. Ravanna has been away from her home for long periods of time over the last eleven years. She has a husband who needs her, and her neglecting her duties could have repercussions for both our kingdoms."
Erik's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "I hadn't thought of it that way. But she's been through so much. I want to support her."
"I understand that, Your Majesty," Mother Hatcher replied, her voice steady. "But it's time for you and King Max to begin building Snow White and Prince Florian to be the next rulers. They need your guidance and attention, not distractions from family members who are not fulfilling their responsibilities."
Erik leaned forward, his fingers steepled as he considered her words. "You believe sending Ravanna home is the best course of action?"
"Yes," Mother Hatcher affirmed, her gaze unwavering. "Ravanna's presence may be causing more harm than good. It's important for her to return to her own kingdom, to fulfill her duties as a wife and noblewoman. This will not only benefit her but also strengthen the ties between our kingdoms."
Erik sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I want to do what's best for Snow White, but I also don't want to hurt Ravanna. She's been through a lot."
"Sometimes, doing what's best means making difficult decisions," Mother Hatcher said gently. "Ravanna may not see it now, but returning home could provide her with the clarity she needs. It's time for her to take responsibility for her own life."
After a moment of silence, Erik nodded slowly, the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. "You're right. I'll speak with her and encourage her to return home. It's time for her to focus on her own kingdom and family."
Mother Hatcher felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I believe this is the right choice for everyone involved."
As she stood to leave, Erik's voice stopped her. "Eloise, thank you for your guidance. I appreciate your honesty."
Erik sat at his desk, the weight of the kingdom pressing down on him as he contemplated the best course of action regarding Ravanna. He took a deep breath and summoned Gurtrude to his study, knowing that it was time to address the situation head-on.
"Gurtrude," he said as she entered, "please bring Ravanna to my study."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Gurtrude replied, her expression respectful as she left to fetch Ravanna.
As he waited, Erik's mind raced with thoughts of the past eleven years. He had lost Anyna, and the void she left behind had been filled with grief and longing. Now, with Snow White growing up, he felt the need to create a stable environment for her, one that didn't include the constant presence of Ravanna.
When Ravanna finally entered the study, Erik took a moment to observe her. She had always been beautiful, but there was a hardness in her eyes that spoke of her struggles. "Ravanna," he began, his voice steady but gentle, "thank you for coming."
She nodded, her expression guarded. "What is it, Erik?"
He gestured for her to sit, and once she was settled, he took a deep breath. "I believe it is time for you to return home," he said, his tone firm yet compassionate. "You have been away from your husband for far too long, and I'm sure he must be missing you terribly."
Ravanna's eyes widened slightly, and Erik could see the emotions swirling within her. "But I—"
"I invite you to return throughout the year for short visits and to see Snow White," he continued, cutting her off gently. "But I believe she no longer needs you here full-time. It's important for you to take care of your own responsibilities."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture meant to convey understanding and support. "It's time for you to return home, Ravanna. Your husband deserves your attention, just as I have missed my own wife for the last eleven years."
The mention of Anyna's absence hung heavily in the air, and Ravanna felt a mix of emotions surge within her. She had come to Arkenbok with plans to reclaim her place, but now Erik was asking her to leave. "You don't understand," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I thought I could help here. I thought I could be a part of this family."
Erik's expression softened, but his resolve remained. "You are family, Ravanna, but you also have a life and responsibilities back home. It's time to embrace that."
Ravanna felt a surge of frustration, but she knew she had to tread carefully. "I appreciate your concern, Erik, but I can still be of use here. I can help with Snow White, with the kingdom."
Erik shook his head gently. "You've done enough for now. I want you to find happiness in your own life, not just in the shadows of others."
As Ravanna sat in silence, grappling with the reality of Erik's words, she felt a mix of anger and sadness. She had hoped to carve out a place for herself in this kingdom, but now it seemed that door was closing.
Ravanna whirled around to face Mother Hatcher, who was still standing at the back of Erik's study, her expression calm and composed. "You're trying to push me out of Snow White's life, aren't you?" Ravanna accused, her voice sharp with indignation.
Mother Hatcher remained silent, her gaze steady, refusing to rise to the bait. Ravanna stiffed a snort of frustration as she turned back to Erik, ready to unleash her fury. But then, she paused, a cunning smile spreading across her face as she emotionally recalibrated.
With a boldness that surprised even herself, she approached Erik and, without hesitation, settled herself in his lap. It was a daring move, one she had attempted a few times before without success, but today felt different.
In a soft, sultry voice laced with malicious undertones, she leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "What will you look at when you want to remember Anyna?" she asked, her tone dripping with seduction. "You know, Anyna's skin was soft like mine. Her lips were big and pouty, just like mine."
Ravanna pressed her body against his, feeling the tension in the air shift as she whispered, "Don't make me leave, Erik. I can be here for you, just like Anyna was."
Mother Hatcher watched the display unfold, her heart sinking as she saw Erik swallow hard, visibly caught off guard by Ravanna's boldness. The room felt charged with unspoken tension, and she cleared her throat, reminding them both that she was still present.
"Your Majesties," she said, her voice steady but firm. "We need to focus on what's best for Snow White and the kingdom."
Ravanna stood, annoyance flashing across her features as she felt the moment slipping away. Erik breathed a sigh of relief, closing his eyes for a brief moment as if to gather his thoughts.
"I appreciate your concern, Ravanna," he said, his voice steady. "But I've made my decision. You can visit during the Christmas Yule time; we would love to have you."
With that, Erik turned to Mother Hatcher. "Please make arrangements for Ravanna to travel home and have the girls begin packing her bags."
Dejected, Ravanna stormed out of the study, her heart racing with a mix of anger and frustration. But before she left, she paused to give a long, defiant stare at Mother Hatcher, a silent challenge lingering in the air between them.