The Ex Queens Lessons

"Allow me to enlighten you in the art of refinement, my dear.”
"My lady, I am already well-versed in the ways of etiquette," I retorted with a hint of defiance.
"Your words may lead you astray," came the cautionary response.
"Your strong-willed nature is ill-suited for one involved in politics." "You possess a rare gift of speaking your mind," she continued.
"Yet, your adversaries shall exploit this vulnerability.

" "It is imperative that you learn the art of concealing your intentions."
"Silence is golden, unless summoned to speak," she advised.
"You must never defy Jacob in any manner."
"My lady, I am not one to be commanded by him, for I am his wife," I protested.

"You hold the title of his wife, and naught else," she coldly reminded me.
"This does not grant you the privilege to disobey his every command."
"Nor does it justify your clandestine rendezvous with another man," she added.

"My lady, he keeps a mistress," I revealed.
"Indeed, he is entitled to such indulgences, while you are solely meant for Jacob," she declared.
"My lady, I bear Jacob's child.”
“Why would I seek solace in another man's arms?" I pleaded.
"You never truly consented to this union; doubt was etched upon your visage on our wedding day," she observed.
"Furthermore, you hesitated when he proposed to you," she pointed out.
"I was merely nervous, my lady," I confessed.

"May I take a seat, my lady?" I inquired.
"No, you shall remain standing," she commanded.
"We have much to discuss today."

“The first decree of being a queen is to speak only when spoken to.”
“The second decree is to remember your place.”
“The third decree is to bear an heir to the throne.”
“The fourth decree is to fulfill your husband's every need.”
“The fifth decree is to safeguard the kingdom above all else, even yourself.”

The hour of luncheon approached, a ravenous hunger consumed me, my stomach growling with anticipation. With utmost grace and elegance, the former queen swiftly guided me towards the dining hall, where a feast fit for royalty awaited. I settled into my seat. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips, a momentary respite from the burdens of my new role. However, the former queen, ever vigilant, chastised me for such a display of vulnerability, reminding me of the strength required to reign.

"Katherine, your sigh was superfluous," she admonished.
"It diminishes your regal aura."

Bowing my head in deference, I apologized profusely, vowing to never repeat such a lapse in decorum. With a flourish, I delicately placed my napkin upon my lap, a symbol of refinement and refinement alone. The servants, ever attentive, poured crystal-clear water into my goblet, their movements silent as the former queen's piercing gaze remained fixed upon me. Each morsel of food was savored with meticulous care as if every bite held the weight of my newfound responsibilities. The former queen, her voice laced with approval, commended my impeccable etiquette, recognizing that being a queen entailed far more than mere manners. Once the repast had concluded, the former queen whisked me away to the grand library, a sanctuary of knowledge and refinement.

"We shall commence our endeavors to refine your posture," she declared with authority.
"Stand tall and proud."

Suppressing a wince of pain from the bruises inflicted upon me earlier, I straightened my spine, every muscle protesting against the strain.

“Your wardrobe requires attention as well," she continued, her discerning eyes scanning my attire. "Jacob's taste in attire may be questionable, but fear not, for I shall commission exquisite gowns befitting of your regal stature."
Grateful for her intervention, I expressed my gratitude, though she swiftly reminded me that her actions were driven by her duty to protect the sanctity of her kingdom.

"I do this not for you, but for the preservation of my realm," she asserted, her voice resolute.
"An unworthy queen shall not tarnish its splendor."

She swiftly escorted me to her esteemed seamstress, who meticulously took my measurements with utmost precision.
Without delay, she summoned her renowned shoemaker, knowing my aversion to wearing heels. Despite my reservations, she had numerous pairs specially ordered, as if to cater to my every whim.

"Pray to tell, my dear, I fear you are gaining weight," she remarked with a hint of concern.
Startled, I confessed, "I am with child, bearing the offspring of the noble king himself."
Unmoved by my revelation, she retorted, "That is no excuse, my dear.”
“When I carried Jacob, I did not appear corpulent."
Determined to maintain my figure, she insisted, "We must curtail your food intake."

Fearful for the well-being of my unborn child, I pleaded, "My lady, the baby shall starve!"
Dismissing my concerns, she coldly stated, "Missing a single meal shall not deprive the child of sustenance.”
“Tonight, you shall retire to bed without partaking in dinner."

A wave of relief washed over me when the resounding chime of the dinner bell echoed through the halls.

"You are now free to leave," she declared, her tone softened slightly.
"Thank you, my lady," I replied, grateful for the reprieve.
However, her parting words served as a reminder of her watchful eye, "Remember, my quarters lie adjacent to yours.”
“ Do not dare engage in any foolish endeavors."

I made my way back to my chambers. I felt a sudden weakness overcome me. The mere act of ascending the stairs was a difficult task, and I could barely recall how I managed to reach my destination. The day had taken its toll on me, and my body ached with exhaustion. I finally entered my room. I was barely able to stand, my mind consumed with thoughts of Jake and whether or not my message had reached him through Macy.

Suddenly, I was startled by the presence of a guard who had entered my bed chambers.

"My lady," he spoke, and I could barely muster a response.

He informed me that he would be my guard for the night, but I requested that he wait in the parlor. However, he was bound by his orders to remain in my chambers. Feeling uneasy with a man in my room other than Jake, I decided to retreat to my luxurious bed, covering myself completely with the softest of covers. Sleep eluded me that night, as my mind raced with thoughts of the man I longed for and the stranger who stood guard in my chambers. I found myself restlessly tossing and turning, my thoughts consumed by the enigmatic Jacob. The absence of his presence in my bed felt peculiar, yet paradoxically, it also left me with a sense of vulnerability. How I longed for Jake's embrace, to be nestled once again in the warmth of our cottage, cocooned beneath a cozy blanket. It was evident that we needed to seize another opportunity to escape this confining reality.

Just as Jake was about to depart when, a gentle knock resonated upon his door. Summoning his strength, he stumbled towards it, granting entry to Macy.

"Please, do come in, Macy," he beckoned.
"Regrettably, my time is limited, Jake," she responded urgently.
"There is a guard stationed directly inside Katherine's chambers tonight."

A flicker of disbelief danced across Jake's face.

"I can assure you, Jacob would never have sanctioned such an order," he retorted.
"Pray, tell me, who is this guard?"
"It is none other than the newly appointed sentinel," Macy revealed.

A glimmer of hope ignited within Jake's eyes.

"Perfect," he murmured, a plan forming in his mind.
"Convey to Katherine that I shall rendezvous with her in her quarters tonight.”
“ This guard, you say, he is a trusted confidant of mine, one who shall not betray our secret."

Macy nodded; her loyalty unwavering.

"Rest assured, Jake, the room has been meticulously prepared for your clandestine meeting.”
“ I shall assume Katherine's place, ensuring her slumber remains undisturbed."

Gratitude washed over Jake's countenance.

"I am indebted to you, Macy," he expressed sincerely.

Macy gracefully exited the chamber and proceeded towards my quarters. With a nod, she bid farewell to the vigilant guard, who dutifully withdrew from the room. In a gentle manner, Macy delicately roused me from my slumber, causing me to awaken abruptly.

"Fear not, my lady, it is I," she reassured me.
"I apologize, Macy, for I have endured a most arduous day," I responded wearily.
"Pray tell, what did the former queen convey to you?" she inquired.

"She admonished me to refine my etiquette," I lamented.
"You appear quite unwell, miss," Macy observed with concern.
"Indeed, my entire being aches, as the former queen forbade me from resting throughout the day," I disclosed.
"Did you manage to partake in a sufficient repast?" Macy inquired.
"I did partake in breakfast and lunch," I replied.

"Did you not partake in dinner?" Macy pressed further.
"Alas, she disparaged my figure and vowed to withhold my evening sustenance," I confessed.
"You are with child, my lady, and it is imperative that you nourish yourself," Macy insisted.
"She claimed to have gained minimal weight during the birth of her own son," I recounted.

"Rest assured, my lady, I shall ensure that you receive sustenance," Macy vowed, determined to fulfill her duty.
"The infant requires exquisite nourishment to flourish in perfect health," the lady expressed with a hint of concern.
"Macy, what shall I do?" I continued, my voice trembling with worry.
"Pray tell, what is troubling you, miss?" Macy inquired.

"I am consumed by fear at the thought of bringing this child into the world," I confessed, my vulnerability laid bare.
"Rest assured, I shall stand by your side throughout this journey," Macy reassured me, her loyalty unwavering.
"Macy, if I bear his child, I shall be forever bound to him," I lamented.
"Fear not, my lady, we shall find a solution," Macy assured me, her determination shining through.

"Have you encountered Jake?" I inquired.
"Indeed, my lady," Macy replied.
"He shall rendezvous with you through the secret passageways."
"That is perilous," I exclaimed.
"Rest assured, my lady, the guard assigned to watch over you tonight is a trusted ally of Jake's," Macy revealed.

"However, Jacob's mother shall surely notice if my bed remains untouched," I fretted.
"Worry not, my lady, I shall occupy your bed, ensuring no suspicion arises," Macy offered.
"I implore you to return before the break of dawn," Macy pleaded gratefully.
“I shall return before then.”
"Thank you.”
"Jake is expected to arrive around the stroke of one in the morning, thus I suggest you seek respite and replenish your strength with slumber," Macy advised.

She graciously assisted me in settling into the plush bed, her gentle touch soothing my weary soul.

"Macy?" I called out to her.
"Yes, my lady?" she replied, her voice as soft as silk.
"Would you be so kind as to spend the night here with me?" I asked, my eyes pleading with hers.
"As you wish, my lady," she acquiesced, her loyalty unwavering.
"Thank you, Macy.”
“I am not accustomed to sleeping alone anymore," I confided in her.
"I understand, my lady," she empathized, her compassion palpable.

She tucked the covers around me with the same tenderness as my mother used to, her care reminiscent of a bygone era.

"You may sleep on the bed if you wish," I offered, extending my hospitality.
"Thank you, my lady," her demeanor gracious. She climbed onto the bed, her presence comforting.

I drifted off into a peaceful slumber, my thoughts wandering back to the cabin. I pondered what our fate would have been if Jacob had not found us. I ran my fingers over the luxurious blanket, reminiscing about Jake's embrace as I drifted off to sleep. My dream transported me to the delivery room, where Jake held my hand and whispered sweet nothings in my ear. The doctor urged me to push, and soon the room was filled with the sound of a newborn's cry.

"It's a boy," the doctor announced, his voice filled with joy.
"He is strong and healthy."

I breathed a sigh of relief, and Jake praised me for my bravery. The doctor cleaned off the baby and handed him to me, his tiny fingers wrapping around mine. His eyes fluttered open. They revealed a mesmerizing emerald hue, reminiscent of his father's captivating gaze. A solitary tear cascaded down my cheek, a testament to the overwhelming emotions that engulfed me.

"Are you alright, my love?" I heard Jake inquire.
"He is perfection personified," I whispered, my voice filled with awe.”

The question of his name lingered in the air, and I confessed, "I have yet to decide."

"George," I mused, the name rolling off my tongue like a symphony of elegance.
"George is indeed a flawless choice," my beloved concurred, his lips curving into a gentle smile as the precious bundle surrendered to slumber, his delicate eyelids closing.



In that moment, Jake's tender kiss graced my forehead, a gesture of unwavering support.

"You must rest, my dear.”
“Allow me to care for the little one," he insisted, his voice a soothing balm to my weary soul.

I began to surrender to the embrace of sleep, my heart yearned for a life far removed from the confines of the castle. I longed for the freedom to raise our child unburdened by the tyranny of his father, to shield him from becoming a mere replica of Jacob. The child cradled in my arms exuded innocence and sweetness, deserving of a father who would cherish him unconditionally. I yearned for him to forge his own path, to carve his own destiny. I yearned for the liberty to nurture him according to my own aspirations.

Deep within, I knew that Jake possessed the qualities of an exceptional father, evident in the tender care he bestowed upon his sister. He deserved happiness, and I was certain he would raise our child as his own, showering him with love and nurturing. I yearned not to be roused from this ethereal reverie. The abode, though petite, resided in a realm far removed from the clamor and commotion of the grandiose castle. It presented itself as the idyllic sanctuary to nurture a burgeoning family. Jake, the epitome of a provider, would bestow upon us prosperity and contentment.

Yet, an ever-looming specter of Jacob's discovery cast a shadow upon our bliss. The mere thought of Jacob's wrath, should he stumble upon our clandestine existence, sent shivers down my spine.
Jake, regrettably, would likely meet his untimely demise upon our return to the castle, for Jacob's fury knew no bounds. No amount of eloquence could extricate Jake from this perilous predicament.

A solitary tear cascaded down my visage, even in the depths of slumber. Witnessing Jake's anguish, a consequence of my own misjudgment proved unbearable. The notion that I, through my own folly, had truncated his precious existence weighed heavily upon my conscience. I pondered whether it would have been preferable to have abstained from succumbing to love's intoxicating allure. Perhaps, had we acquiesced to my parents' wishes and resigned ourselves to an ordained path, our lives would have been spared this torment.

Yet, a life devoid of love amounted to naught but an existence bereft of purpose. Jake, the embodiment of selflessness, would willingly lay down his life for mine, and I, in turn, would gladly relinquish my own for his. Deep within the recesses of my being, I knew that my affection for him was unequivocal and profound.