Returning to the Castle

I was roused from my slumber at the break of dawn by the gentle touch of Jacob.

"My dearest, we must make haste and return to the castle," he whispered, conveying a sense of urgency.
"I have already dispatched a message to double your guards, my love.”
“Forgive me, but I must depart upon our arrival.”
“This treaty demands my immediate attention."
"Of course, my lord," I replied.

The journey back to the castle was swift, and within an hour, we had arrived at our grand abode. We entered the courtyard. we were greeted by the ever-gracious Macy.

"Your majesties," she greeted us with a deep curtsy.
"Macy, you and the guards shall escort the queen to our chambers," Jacob commanded, his voice firm yet gentle.
" Vivian and I must be on our way."

With a tender kiss, Jacob bid me farewell.

"My love, I shall return to you in a week's time.”
“Sooner than planned, but I cannot bear to be away from you any longer."
"Yes, my lord," I replied, my heart rejoicing at his departure.

Jacob and Vivian made their way to the carriage. The ever-attentive Vivian noticed the gunshot wound.

"My lord, what happened to you?" she inquired, her voice filled with concern.
"It was a mere misunderstanding," Jake replied, his voice calm and collected.
"I heard of a revolt in the castle, and I needed to ensure the safety of my beloved queen.”
“I could not risk the safety of others, so I took matters into my own hands."
"Vivian, my dear, we must be on our way," Jacob said, his voice filled with urgency.

With one final kiss, he bid me farewell, and the carriage was off, leaving me with a sense of relief.

“My dearest Jake, I shall hasten to your presence with utmost expediency.”

Macy graciously escorted me to my quarters, whereupon we found ourselves alone in the resplendent confines of my lavatory.

Without delay, she uttered with great remorse, "Katherine, I beseech your forgiveness."
To which I replied, "Macy, I am cognizant of the unfortunate events that transpired, and I assure you, it was not your doing."
Concerned for her well-being, I inquired, "How fares your eye, my friend."
"Fear not, for it no longer hurts," she reassured me.

"My dear friend, my primary concern lies with your welfare and that of the precious life within you," she expressed with genuine worry.
"Rest assured, my dear, I am in good health," I replied, attempting to alleviate her concerns.
Macy inquired, "Pray tell, what were Jake's words when Jacob discovered you?" I divulged,
"He informed Jacob of a brewing rebellion within the castle walls, and in an act of unwavering devotion, he spirited me away to ensure my safety."
Impressed by his quick thinking, Macy interjected, "Indeed, his resourcefulness is commendable."

However, her countenance changed as I revealed, "he resorted to violence.”

"He discharged his weapon."
Alarmed, she inquired, "Where, pray tell, did he aim?"
"He aimed for the leg" I responded.
"While his life may not be in jeopardy, he has sustained grave injuries, and I bear the weight of responsibility for this unfortunate turn of events," I lamented.
Macy, ever the voice of reason, interjected, "Katherine, my lady, he acted out of profound love for you."
Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, I implored Macy, "Could you ascertain if any sentinels are stationed outside his chamber?”

“I am in dire need of speaking with him."
"I shall undertake this task on your behalf, my lady," she dutifully pledged.
"To avoid detection, I shall traverse the clandestine tunnels," she declared.
"Rest assured, my lady, I shall return expeditiously," Macy assured me as she gently closed the door behind her.

She arrived at Jake's quarters in a mere matter of minutes, effortlessly gliding through the corridors without encountering a single guard stationed outside his door. With a gentle tap, she announced her presence, and upon receiving his invitation, Macy gracefully entered the sanctuary of Jake's bed chambers.

"Macy, how is our beloved Katherine faring?" Jake inquired.
"She is consumed with worry for your well-being," Macy replied.
"Will there be guards stationed outside your door tonight?" Macy inquired further.

"Only for this evening" Jake reassured her.
"She longs to see you, to be by your side," Macy conveyed, her words carrying the weight of Katherine's unwavering love.
"I cannot allow her to risk her safety for me," Jake protested, his voice tinged with a mixture of protectiveness and selflessness.
"I shall go to her then," Jake declared, his determination shining through his eyes.

Macy prepared to make her way back through the secret tunnels. Jake unexpectedly handed her his lunch tray.

"Take the route through the parlor.
“If anyone dares to question your presence, simply inform them that you are delivering my delectable repast to the esteemed kitchens.”
"After the stroke of midnight, I shall reunite with Katherine," Jake affirmed.
"I shall inform the Queen of our plans," Macy assured him.



Whilst I languished in anticipation of Macy's return, a resounding knock reverberated through the halls of my abode. Rising from my seat, I beheld the regal figure of Jacob's mother gracing my doorway.

"My lady, your unexpected presence is a delightful surprise," I uttered, my voice laced with deference.
"May I have the honor of inviting you inside?"

With a graceful gesture, I stepped aside, allowing her to traverse the threshold into my lavishly adorned chamber. Once she had crossed the threshold, I gently closed the door, sealing us within the confines of my sanctuary. Yet, to my astonishment, her hand met my cheek with a stinging force, leaving an indignant mark upon my visage.

"Pray to tell, my lady, what transgression have I committed to warrant such an assault?" I implored, my voice tinged with confusion.
"It appears that in the brief moments of my absence, you have absconded with a paramour," she retorted, her tone laced with disdain.
"My dear, I care not for the words of my son, for the maidservants have whispered their tales into my ears.”
“The moment you vanished from sight, I knew of your treachery. Had you not been carrying my grandchild, the gallows would have claimed you by now."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of her disapproval.

"Henceforth, I shall take up residence within the palace, occupying the chamber adjacent to yours, so that I may keep a watchful eye upon your every move," she declared, her voice resolute.

Before I could interject and defend my innocence, Macy materialized in the room, her countenance betraying a concealed shock at the bruise that had already begun to mar my delicate features.

"Maid, I demand that you attire her and present her in the dining hall within the span of five minutes," she commanded, her voice brooking no dissent.
"Yes, my lady," She replied.

Jacob's mother exited the room. I turned and made my way towards the sanctuary of my bedchambers, my heart heavy with the weight of her scrutiny. Macy graciously assisted me in adorning a delicate gown, carefully selecting the perfect ensemble to accentuate my elegance. With her skilled touch, she artfully concealed the faint mark on my cheek, employing a touch of exquisite makeup.

"You are now prepared, my esteemed lady," she declared.
"Macy, kindly relay to Jake that the esteemed mother of Jacob shall be occupying the adjacent chamber to mine, ensuring my utmost protection," I instructed.
"Inform him of this arrangement whilst I partake in the morning repast downstairs."
"Consider it done, my dear friend," Macy responded, her voice filled with loyalty and devotion.
"Rest assured, my lady."
"Thank you, dear Macy," I acknowledged, my words resonating with gratitude.
"You are truly a gem."

"My lady," Macy replied, her voice tinged with reverence and respect.
"Yes, Macy?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"Please, do indulge in some sustenance, for the nourishment of the precious life within you," she implored, her concern evident.
"The baby requires essential nutrients to flourish."
"I shall make an effort, dear Macy," I assured her, my voice reflecting determination.

Together, we departed from the chamber, Macy heading towards Jake's quarters, while I descended gracefully to the opulent dining hall. I entered the hall. I observed that only Jacob's esteemed mother and I occupied the lavish space, enveloped in an air of exclusivity.

“Pray tell, whom doth thou seek, my dearest?" she inquired, my voice dripping with elegance.
"No one, my lady," came my humble response.

I gracefully settled into my chair, adorned with the finest silk and velvet. The morning repast was presented before me, a feast fit for royalty. However, a wave of revulsion washed over me as my gaze fell upon the eggs, their mere presence causing a queasiness within me. Nevertheless, I summoned my inner fortitude and compelled myself to partake in the meal. Jacob's mother, a woman of regal stature, remained silent, her piercing gaze fixed upon me. I finished my repast. I rose from my seat, intending to excuse myself. Yet, her iron grip seized my delicate wrist, forcing me back into my seat. A cry of anguish escaped my lips, for my wrist still bore the pain of its previous fracture.

"This, my dear, is the new order of things," she declared with an air of authority.
"Our meals shall be shared solely between us, and thou shalt dedicate thyself to ceaseless lessons from dawn till dusk.”
“Furthermore, a sentinel shall be stationed within thy chambers throughout the night."
"My lady, I have long completed my studies," I ventured, my voice trembling with trepidation.

"These lessons shall mold thee into an obedient consort," she retorted, her tone unwavering.
"By the time my son returns, thou shalt have transformed into the epitome of a trophy wife, a vision to behold, yet silent as the night."

Indeed, I was to be seen, but never heard. I was utterly astounded by her sudden change in demeanor, leaving me pondering the transformation of the once gracious woman who bestowed upon me her exquisite wedding gown and diamond earrings. The sight of the lady before me sent shivers down my spine, evoking a sense of trepidation within. It was then that I comprehended the reasons behind Jacob's peculiar behavior, for he had been raised as an only child under the oppressive reign of a merciless mother. Following a sumptuous breakfast, she graciously guided me toward the library, leaving me uncertain of what awaited me within its hallowed halls. Little did I anticipate the tumultuous events that would unfold during Jacob's absence throughout the week. I found myself compelled to remain on my feet throughout the day, subject to the whims of the former queen. Whenever her patience wore thin, she would resort to physical aggression, striking me with her hand.

"You cannot treat me in such a manner, for I am the queen," I protested, desperately clinging to my sense of entitlement.

Yet, deep down, we both knew that Jacob held all the power within his grasp.

"You are naught but a mere visage adorning the throne," she sneered, belittling my presence.
"Then why did you permit me to wed your son?" I inquired, seeking answers amidst the chaos.
"My son always attains his desires," she retorted with a chilling certainty.
"He chose you, and I could not deny his wishes.”