Delvin sat on his throne and glared at the noblemen in front of him. Dolores sat to his left and Stel sat to her left. Belinda throne was empty and this gave rise to the matter at hand.
"How does it concern you? The harem is mine, she is my wife and it's none of your business" Delvin declared and slammed his hand on the throne.
"Sire, the consort is with child. She should be given a befitting title so as to secure the status of her child." A minster challenged.
Several others agreed with him. Delvin sighed and looked up at them.
"According to the law I remember, only after the child is born can it's mother receive a higher rank. I don't know what principles you preach of now." He said and looked around.
"Only if she bears a son can she ascend to the status of queen. Is that clear?" He added. The ministers bowed in agreement whilst muttering among themselves.
Later that day, Belinda sent word to Delvin, asking for a audience.
"How did the ministers know that you have conceived?" He asked. Belinda grinned and rubbed the rim of her glass,
"It is not just about me now, but the future of our kingdom. They have a right to know" she answered and picked up the glass. Delvin glared at her.
" Your confinement has ended, you may now walk around freely within the palace." He said and turned to the door. " Wait. That's not why I called you." Belinda stated. " I am bored and miss my family. I was wondering if my brother could visit for a few days.?" She asked. Delvin sighed then nodded. "But he better stay out of my way" he said and left the room.
He returned to his chambers and met Sheila seated by the window embroidering on a piece of fabric. He walked closer and stood behind her to see what she was embroidering. It was a yellow rose.
" Who is it for?" He asked, causing her to jump to her feet. She bowed when she saw his face. " Your majesty, I didn't hear you come in." She said. Delvin motioned for the guard to leave the room.
Then he went and sat in the chair she was sitting on. He took the embroidery and thoroughly inspected it.
" Who is this for?" He asked. Sheila sat on a stool nearby.
" Stel. I discovered that most of the setups that happen around here are done using pieces of clothing. So I decide to mark all of Stel's with these and it is done with a stitching method peculiar to Havon." She explained. Delvin nodded and handed her the cloth.
'What if the servants find out about the mark?'
'its a special Havon stitch known only to nobles. One can tell at a glance ' she replied and cut the thread. Then she placed the cloth in a basket which was overflowing with other cloths. she stood up and picked up the basket, 'now have to get these to her chambers. Be back in a bit' she said, and left. Delvin sat by the window and looked out to the mountains surrounding the kingdom. He thought back to the council meeting.
He remembered how it was when he first married Belinda. she was and still remains a very proud woman and refused to attend the wedding ceremony, asking that she be represented by a small dog. Delvin was humiliated that day in front of his entire kingdom. She never wanted him, no she wanted power, and at the time, he could not give her that power. at least not then. The minute she heard that he had ascended the throne, she scurried back to claim a place as queen. Before, Delvin had genuinely loved her, he had hoped that by sincerity he could win her heart. He was wrong and just when he thought he had her where he wanted, she gets pregnant. he exhaled deeply and leaned back in his chair. A sudden knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
'Who is it?' he asked and turned his head towards the door. 'it is I , Kanis. Your majesty' the person replied. 'Come in' Delvin said and returned his gaze to the window. Kanis walked in and bowed . "your majesty, the minister of west works has asked for an audience' he said. Delvin adjusted in his chair. 'Prepare my study and lead him in there.' Delvin said and stood up to prepare.
Stel sat by the mirror in Dolores's room yapping away about some gossip she heard from the maids. Dolores gently brushed her hair and listened carefully to the child. after brushing and styling the hair, Dolores sat down beside Stel and stroked her head. a sudden surge of energy burst out of Stel and Dolores gasped from shock.
'Are you okay, god-mother?' Stel asked, looking worried. Dolores smiled and placed her hands on her lap. 'I am fine' she replied. she glanced at the clock. 'it is time for your lessons.; she said. Stel stood up and curtsied 'I will take my leave then' she said and turned to the door. Dolores watched her leave till the door shut. then she stood up and walked towards her window. a woman appeared on the chair where she just left, and bowed her head slightly towards Dolores. 'You are troubled, Grand-mistress.' the woman spoke in multiple distorted voices. Dolores glanced at her, she had ten arms; five on each side and eight of them held lotus in pairs above her heads, she had a third eye in the center of her forehead. She wore a crown of rubies on her head and wore her hair straight down. 'a cold storm is yet upon us' Dolores started. 'My humble servant, I need you to prepare for a new assignment' she said. The spirit bowed and vanished. Dolores looked out to the mountains, ' this is going to be a terrible battle.' she said and sighed.
A few days later, Belinda stood in the courtyard and watched a lavishly decorated carriage roll in through the palace gates. As the one in charge of the royal household, Dolores was present to welcome the guest. She covered her face with a shimmering veil and stood under the shelter of an umbrella held by the servants. Stel stood beside her holding a fan in her hand. As the carriage pulled closer she covered her face with the fan. Carriage was stopped a little distance from where thy stood and an incredibly handsome young man stepped out of it. He bowed towards them before stepping forward. He walked straight to Belinda and kissed her finger tips. 'an honor to see you again, sister' he said and she wrapped her arm around his. they turned to face Dolores and Stel. Belinda gestured towards Dolores with her free hand and smiled, 'My sister-in-law and the king's dowager, Princess Dolores.' she said. Then she glanced at Stel, 'This is her go-daughter, princess Stel. she was brought back from the conquered kingdom of …' Dolores cut her of. 'And she is now considered my child' she said and glanced and Stel, who dropped the fan from her face and returned the glance. The young man chuckled and removed Belinda's arm from his, he walked to Dolores and bowed, then kissed her hand. he repeated the same for Stel. He held unto her hand a little longer, ' I don't believe I have introduced myself' he said and let go of her hand. he stood up straight and adjusted his coat. 'My name is Blake, i am the second Prince of Sarkia. I believe we are going to be great friends' he said with a smile.