The Ex-Queen's Punishment

"What is the meaning of this commotion?" I demanded, my voice dripping with disdain.
"Release me this instant!"

Emerging gracefully from the depths of darkness, Jacob's mother made her presence known.

"These gentlemen are under my command," she declared with an air of authority.
"Your unfaithfulness demands retribution, and punishment shall befall you."
With a regal wave of her hand, she commanded, "Gentlemen, escort her to the awaiting carriage."

The men, obedient to their mistress, propelled me forcefully towards the courtyard, their grip unyielding. Desperately, I attempted to maintain my balance, struggling to free myself from their clutches, but my efforts only served to tighten their hold.

Swiftly, they ushered me into the opulent carriage, leaving me alone in their company. Their unrelenting grasp remained, rendering the journey most uncomfortable, as I pondered my uncertain fate.

I pondered about the mysterious destination they were leading me towards, accompanied by the elegant presence of Jacob's esteemed mother, gracefully trailing behind us in a resplendent carriage.

We arrived at the heart of the town. My eyes were captivated by the sight of the formidable whipping post, yet I couldn't fathom the notion that she would dare to subject me to such cruelty, especially in the delicate state of carrying her precious grandchild.

Without warning, the men callously seized my trembling hands, forcefully restraining them behind my back, ensnaring them with a taut rope that mercilessly dug into my delicate wrists. A sharp pang of pain coursed through me, as crimson droplets of my life essence began to trickle down my wrist, staining the purity of my being.

To further silence my cries, they cruelly inserted a coarse gag into my mouth, depriving me of the very breath that sustained my existence. The rough texture of the gag irritated my senses, provoking an overwhelming urge to cough, yet I remained stifled and silenced.

With an air of authority, the men compelled me to disembark from the luxurious carriage, forcibly guiding me towards the elevated stage. The rope that had bound my hands was unfastened, momentarily granting me a glimmer of hope.

However, my desperate attempt to turn and flee was swiftly thwarted, as they swiftly maneuvered me onto my hands and knees, ruthlessly subduing me. My body was then firmly secured to the unyielding whipping post, rendering any possibility of escape futile, as I helplessly struggled against the unyielding bonds that ensnared me.

Jacob's mother graced the stage. The audience was left in horror at the sight of the whip in her hand. With a commanding presence, she addressed the crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great regret that I must inform you of a heinous crime committed against the crown by your Queen."

"To protect her reputation, I shall not divulge the details of her wrongdoing."
"However, justice must be served, and by law, she shall be punished accordingly."
"I hereby sentence her to fifteen sound lashings."

The crowd was left in utter shock and dismay. As for myself, with child, I was not spared from the wrath of the Queen's punishment. Jacob's mother, with a swift motion, tore my dress and exposed my back to the cold air. She whispered in my ear,

"You should consider yourself fortunate that you are not on death row."
"Had you not been carrying the King's child, I would have had you hung."

I let out a resounding cry of anguish as the whip's sting seared through my delicate flesh, causing rivulets of crimson to cascade down my supple back. Each merciless lash delved deeper into my very being, leaving an indelible mark upon my soul.

I meticulously counted the twenty-five lashes, my resolve to remain silent unwavering, though a solitary tear betrayed my stoicism, tracing a path down my porcelain visage.

When the guards finally released me from my torment, my weakened form crumbled to the ground, my trembling limbs unable to bear the weight of my anguish. Fear gripped my heart, for I dreaded the impact of my fall upon the precious life growing within me. The mere thought of endangering my unborn child rendered me incapable of summoning the strength to rise.

With utmost care, the guards enveloped me in a sumptuous blanket, their solicitous hands guiding me to my feet. Swiftly, they escorted me towards the awaiting carriage, where my cries of agony mingled with the opulent surroundings.

Despite the excruciating pain that coursed through my veins, I valiantly resisted the encroaching darkness, determined not to succumb to unconsciousness during our journey back to the resplendent castle.

The return to the castle was a blur, the carriage hurtling through the day with an urgency befitting my dire condition. We arrived at our regal destination. The guards tenderly assisted me in alighting from the carriage, their touch a balm to my tormented body.

Macy graciously greeted me at the grand entrance, her eyes filled with concern.

"My dear lady, pray tell, is everything in order?" I let out a cry of anguish, and in an instant, she beheld the marks of the lashings upon my delicate frame.

Witnessing the dire state I was in, she promptly guided me toward the sanctuary of my chambers. With utmost care, she tenderly laid me upon the bed, ensuring my comfort.
A symphony of agony escaped my lips as the scorching wine and soft towel made contact with my tormented back.

"Forgive me, my lady, but certain wounds require the expertise of a skilled needle and thread."
"Alas, the physician is currently engaged in a business sojourn, and I possess no elixirs to alleviate your suffering."
"Proceed as you must, dear Macy."

She gently placed a cloth betwixt my teeth, muffling the anguished cries that threatened to escape. Eventually, the intensity of the pain overwhelmed me, and I succumbed to unconsciousness. Each stitch, as if a searing flame, was felt with excruciating clarity. My back, consumed by an inferno of torment, seemed to be aflame.

Upon receiving the disheartening news, Jake expeditiously dispatched a meticulously crafted missive to the esteemed Jacob.
Meanwhile, in the opulent realm, Jacob found himself in the presence of the king.

"Your Majesty, King Jacob, it is with utmost reverence that we humbly accept the terms and conditions of your illustrious treaty."
The King's countenance grew stern as he warned, "Should you dare to falter in your commitment, we shall be left with no choice but to engage in a most regrettable conflict."
Jacob, his voice resolute, assured, "Your majesty, I pledge my unwavering dedication to this sacred accord, regardless of the exorbitant price it may exact upon me and my kingdom."
A glimmer of satisfaction danced in the King's eyes as he responded, "I am most pleased to hear such unwavering devotion."

The king, his tone tinged with anticipation, eagerly added, "I eagerly await the day when this momentous treaty can be fully realized.”
“Although my son is but a tender babe, I am confident that you shall produce a suitable heir to solidify this union."

Jacob gracefully extended his hand in a gesture of concurrence, his refined manners reflecting his agreement. With an air of sophistication, he proceeded to affix his signature to the remaining documents, completing the necessary formalities.

He made his way back to his chamber. His contemplative mind delved into the realm of hypotheticals, pondering the words he would utter should he stumble upon knowledge of the treaty.

Deep within, he harbored an understanding that such an arrangement, tantamount to bartering his yet unborn progeny, would undoubtedly displease my personage. Alas, the fairer sex, burdened by societal expectations, bore the brunt of this unjust practice.

Often, princesses were betrothed even before their first breath, their lives predetermined by the whims of others. Princes, on the other hand, were afforded the luxury of seeking their own romantic endeavors, their hearts free to explore the vast realm of love.

It was a truth universally acknowledged that a prince, more inclined to indulge in extramarital affairs, held a greater degree of freedom than a princess.

Should fate bestow upon him a daughter, he would meticulously mold her into the epitome of perfection, a flawless match for her future spouse. He would sternly forbid her from engaging in any interaction with a gentleman of her own age, for he yearned to safeguard the integrity of his meticulously crafted treaty.

He gracefully ascended to his chambers. Vivian, awaited him at the grand entrance.

"My esteemed lord," she greeted him.
"Vivian, the peace treaty has been successfully finalized," he announced with a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
"Indeed, my lord, that is truly splendid news," she replied.
"Shall we prolong our stay in this luxurious abode for a few more sunsets?" he pondered aloud, his eyes glimmering with the allure of indulgence.
"If it pleases your noble desires, my lord," Vivian responded.

Their conversation, however, was abruptly interrupted by the entrance of his devoted servant, who approached him with the utmost deference. With a graceful gesture, the servant presented him with a delicately sealed missive.

"Pray, my lord, may I inquire as to the sender of this urgent correspondence?" Vivian inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"It appears that your esteemed husband has dispatched a pressing message to my humble self," he revealed, his tone tinged with intrigue.
"What calamity has befallen us now?" Vivian questioned, her voice filled with concern and apprehension.
"The contents of this letter, alas, do not divulge the nature of the transgression," he lamented, his countenance clouded with a mixture of frustration and worry.

"What course of action do you intend to pursue, my lord?" Vivian inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.
"The former Queen, in her audacity, has taken it upon herself to administer a public punishment to Katherine," he declared, his voice resonating with a sense of righteous indignation.
"Now that the treaty has been successfully concluded, it is imperative that we return to our ancestral domain," he asserted, his voice filled with determination.
"I must handle this delicate matter with the utmost discretion, for my mother has overstepped her boundaries," he declared, his voice laced with a sense of regal authority.
"Prepare our belongings expeditiously, for we shall embark on our journey at the break of dawn," he commanded, his words leaving no room for hesitation.

With utmost haste, Jacob adroitly assembled his belongings, his countenance marred by an indignant fury provoked by his mother's impulsive decree. Aghast at the potential aspersions cast upon Katherine's virtuous character, he resolved to safeguard her impeccable reputation, particularly in light of her delicate condition, carrying within her the fruit of their love.

The notion of his beloved spouse being perceived as disloyal was utterly inconceivable. Thus, he resolved to publicly repudiate the insidious rumors, sparing no effort to quell their insidious spread.

However, he was confronted with the arduous task of disciplining his mother, a task that demanded a judicious approach, one that would not culminate in her untimely demise.

For he knew all too well that his father, the epitome of paternal benevolence, would never extend his forgiveness if he were to condemn her to the ultimate punishment. Hence, banishment emerged as the most prudent recourse, a measure that would ensure justice was served while preserving familial harmony.

She could luxuriate in the remaining days of her existence, far removed from the tumultuous court life that had caused her so much distress. It was the epitome of a flawless solution, one that would bring her peace and tranquility. He sought respite in slumber. He fervently hoped that my suffering was not too severe.

The anger within him burned fiercely, for his mother had irreversibly marred my appearance, leaving behind an indelible scar. He was well aware of the depth of his mothers cuts, a testament to her uncontrolled strength when consumed by fury.

Sleep eluded him, for comfort seemed elusive. The morning sun greeted him as he crossed paths with Vivian in the courtyard. The king himself appeared, extending his well-wishes as Jacob prepared to depart.

"May your journey be safe," the king intoned, to which Jacob replied with utmost deference, "I am eternally grateful, your majesty."
The king's words resonated with warmth, assuring Jacob of his perpetual welcome in their majestic kingdom. "I eagerly await your return," the king added, his anticipation palpable.

Assisting Vivian into the carriage, Jacob closed the door, signaling the commencement of their journey.

"Is everything in order, my lord?" Vivian inquired. Jacob sighed, burdened by the weight of his impending task.
"I am merely contemplating the most delicate manner in which to inform my father of his wife's permanent exile," he confessed.
Vivian, ever supportive, offered her reassurance, "I have faith that you shall find the perfect approach, my lord."
"I am certain that you are eagerly anticipating the arrival to the castle so you can see Jake," Jacob remarked.
"I am positive that my beloved husband found solace in my prolonged absence," she stated, her tone tinged with a touch of satisfaction.

"What leads you to such a conclusion?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
"After all, he never even desired to wed me, so why would he yearn for my presence at home?"
"Rest assured, he will soon come to his senses," he assured, his voice exuding confidence.
"I am confident that Katherine will be overjoyed by your return," she expressed, her voice filled with hope.
"I cannot fathom how long her happiness will endure," he pondered aloud.
"I am well aware that her joy will be short-lived once she learns of the treaty," he acknowledged.

"She must acquiesce; she has no alternative, Vivian declared.
"Vivian, I beseech you to become my trusted advisor," he requested, his voice carrying a sense of authority.
"As you wish, my lord," she responded obediently. He then leaned in and planted a tender kiss upon her lips.
"My lord, you appear preoccupied," she observed.

"I cannot help but be consumed by the thought of Katherine's anguish," he confessed.
"Is there anything I can do to alleviate her suffering?" she inquired.
"Keep me occupied and my mind diverted," he requested.
"As you wish, my lord," she acquiesced.

Vivian did her utmost to keep his attention diverted. The majestic castle loomed into view. She straightened her exquisite gown and meticulously adjusted her hair and makeup.
Jacob meticulously smoothed his attire and ran his fingers through his perfectly styled hair. The carriage came to a halt. He swiftly opened the door.

"I must go and attend to Katherine," he declared with urgency.
"I shall be fine, my lord," she reassured him. He hurriedly made his way to his private chambers.

He burst into the chamber, his presence commanding attention. I lay upon the bed, enveloped in slumber's embrace. The anguish etched upon my countenance did not escape his discerning gaze.
A nurse adorned in a pristine uniform, entered the room, her steps as graceful as a swan gliding upon a tranquil lake.

"Pray tell, where is the esteemed doctor?" he inquired.
"Alas, he is currently embarked on a sojourn beyond the borders of our majestic kingdom," the nurse replied.
"And who, then, tended to my beloved wife?" he queried, his regal stature demanding answers.
"I believe her loyal maid attended to her wounds, Your Majesty," the nurse responded.
"Has she been administered any relief for her suffering?" he inquired.
"Regrettably, there is naught within the castle's walls to alleviate her pain," the nurse lamented.

"How fares our precious offspring?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"From my observations, the babe appears to be in good health," the nurse reassured her words a balm to his anxious heart.
"A sigh of relief escapes my lips," he exhaled, his voice filled with gratitude.
"She shall drift in and out of slumber, Your Highness," the nurse informed, her voice imbued with compassion.
"Thank you, dear nurse," he expressed, his gratitude evident.
"I shall apprise you promptly upon her awakening," Jacob exclaimed.

Approaching the bed with utmost tenderness, he delicately clasped my hand. Though I flinched, my slumber remained undisturbed.

Thoughts raced through his mind, vowing retribution upon his mother for this transgression. She shall not evade the consequences of her actions. Hours passed, yet my slumber persisted, undisturbed by the passage of time. The nurse made several visits, ensuring my well-being.

Dawn broke. He was roused from his own slumber by the stirring of my awakening.