The Banishment

I stirred from my slumber. I was met with the sight of Jacob standing over me, his regal presence commanding the room.

"Jacob, I did not anticipate your swift return," I murmured in surprise.
With a confident air, he replied, "I have successfully negotiated a peace treaty with the kingdom, my dear.”
“What about your mother?"
"Jake has informed me of her latest correspondence."

My heart sank at the mention of his mother, knowing full well the trouble she could bring.

"Jacob, please, let me explain," I pleaded, hoping to ease his concerns.

He simply shook his head, his piercing gaze unwavering.

"There is no need, my love.”
“I have already spoken to the guard who confirmed your innocence."

Just then, his mother entered the room, her presence unwelcome.

"Jacob, my son, you have returned!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with enthusiasm.

Jacob's tone was cold and dismissive.

"Leave us, Mother," he commanded, his eyes never leaving mine.

She scurried out of the room, Jacob turned to me with a tender expression.

"My darling, I must clear up any misunderstandings.”
“Rest now and know that I will always protect you."

With a gentle kiss, he left the room, leaving me to ponder the events of the day. In a regal manner, he strode towards his father's chamber, his footsteps echoing through the grand halls.

With a gentle knock, he announced his presence.

"Enter," came the commanding voice from within. Jacob pushed open the door and stepped into the room.
"Father, I have returned from my journey," he announced.
"I bring good news.”
“ The kingdom has agreed to our terms."


His father's face lit up with pride.

"Well done, my son.”
“Your diplomatic skills are truly remarkable."

Jacob's expression turned somber.

"Father, there is something else I must discuss with you.”
“It concerns Mother.”

His father's brow furrowed in concern.

"What has she done now?"

Jacob took a deep breath.

"She has committed a grave injustice against my Queen.”
“She punished her in a most public and unfair manner."

His father's face darkened with anger.

"I cannot condone such behavior.”
“Mother will be banished from court, never to set foot in this kingdom again."

Jacob’s father nodded in agreement.

"I believe that to be a just punishment, Jacob."

He left his father's chamber. Jacob's mind was already turning to the next task at hand. He made his way to the royal court, where he addressed the assembled gentlemen with a commanding voice.

"We must convene an urgent session," he declared.
The courtiers looked at him expectantly. "What is the matter, Your Majesty?"
"My mother has committed a heinous act against my Queen," Jacob announced.
"She claims to have proof of a crime.”
“I have spoken to the guards and they confirm that she never visited the Queen's chambers last night."

The courtiers murmured amongst themselves, clearly shocked by this revelation.

"What do you wish to do, Your Majesty?" one of them asked.
"I want this to be a public event," Jacob declared.
"I want the people to see that justice will be served in this kingdom."

The courtiers nodded in agreement.

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

In less than an hour, Jacob was seated upon the throne in the grand hall, surrounded by the opulence of his kingdom. The courtiers settled into their places. Jacob summoned his mother to appear before him.
With a graceful curtsy, she approached the throne.

"Your majesty, you wished to speak with me?" she inquired.
"Mother, you have committed a grave offense against the crown," Jacob declared, his voice ringing with authority.
"My dear son, I was only trying to protect the reputation of the crown," his mother replied, her eyes downcast.

"Mother, I have undeniable proof that you are lying," Jacob retorted, his tone firm.

A hushed gasp rippled through the crowd as his mother spoke again.

"Your majesty, we both know that the Queen has a lover."
Jacob's eyes blazed with fury. "Mother, I will not tolerate such slanderous rumors about my beloved Queen."
"From this day forward, you are banished from court and from the kingdom," Jacob declared, his voice echoing through the hall.

"Your majesty, I was only trying to help you," his mother pleaded.
"My decision is final, and the court agrees," Jacob replied, his voice unwavering.
"You will be exiled to your country estates, and you are not permitted to leave those grounds.”
“You may only see Father, and no other visitors are allowed," Jacob continued, his words cutting like a knife.
"You must leave the castle premises by sundown, and if you do not comply, you will be charged with treason and executed on the spot.” “I
f you ever return to court, you will be killed without mercy," Jacob concluded, his voice ringing with finality.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Jacob signaled the end of the court session. His mother was escorted out of the hall. Jacob settled back into his throne, his eyes fixed on the future of his kingdom.
The sentinels gracefully escorted his esteemed mother out of the lavishly adorned chamber.

"Father, I beseech you to oversee and ensure that our beloved matriarch departs the castle grounds," he commanded with regal authority.
"As you wish, your majesty," his father acquiesced, bowing respectfully before exiting the room.

Jacob made his way towards the grand entrance. His discerning gaze met Jake's, prompting him to approach the loyal confidant.


"I extend my deepest gratitude for promptly dispatching the missive," he expressed with genuine appreciation.
"I was well aware that you, my trusted friend, would rather be the bearer of such news than for it to reach your ears through other channels."
Inquisitive, he inquired, "Where were you on that fateful morning?"
Jake responded with utmost loyalty, "I was not on duty during those hours, Your Majesty."
Seeking further insight, he questioned, "Pray, enlighten me as to the identities of the guards who aligned themselves with my mother."
Jake dutifully disclosed their names to Jacob.

"Kindly inform them that their disgraceful conduct has resulted in their immediate dismissal from their esteemed positions," he commanded with unwavering authority.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Jake replied, bowing respectfully before taking his leave.
"You are now excused," he declared, his voice resonating with regal finality.

Jacob gracefully made his way back to our chambers. I lay in a peaceful slumber, completely unaware of his return, he approached the room with utmost care and patience.
It was not until I stirred from my deep sleep, my delicate frame wracked with pain, that he swiftly positioned himself by my side, his concern evident in his eyes.

"My dearest, how may I alleviate your suffering?" he tenderly inquired, his voice dripping with genuine compassion.
"Summon Macy, for she possesses the knowledge and skill to provide solace," I responded, my voice strained with agony.

Without hesitation, he promptly summoned my trusted maid, who arrived with haste, bearing a tray of wine and a soft towel. With the utmost gentleness, she meticulously tended to my wounds, her expertise evident in her every movement.

"Miss, the stitches are holding," she reassured me, her voice filled with soothing reassurance.
"You shall experience discomfort for a fortnight until the stitches are removed."

She continued her ministrations. Jacob couldn't help but express his gratitude for her exceptional care.

"I have heard of your remarkable efforts intending to the Queen," he acknowledged, his voice filled with admiration.
"It was my duty, Your Majesty," she humbly replied, her loyalty shining through her words.
"I am eternally grateful, for without your quick thinking, both the Queen and her precious child could have been lost," Jacob conveyed.
"Thankfully, both mother and baby are thriving, their strength and health a testament to their exceptional care.

She gracefully exited the chamber, her steps echoing softly against the marble floors.

"I am elated to witness your safe return, Jacob.”
"I apologize for my mother's behavior," Jacob replied with a hint of remorse. "It was not your doing, Jacob.”
"She has been exiled from the castle and shall never return."

My emotions were conflicted. Although I was relieved that his mother was gone, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. This was her home, after all, and she would never have the chance to see her grandchildren.

"Would you care for some sustenance?" he inquired.

Although I had no appetite, I knew I needed to eat. I nodded in agreement. Jacob summoned a servant, and we were promptly served their meal. Despite my lack of hunger, I forced himself to eat. As I consumed my meal, I began to feel lightheaded. I rested his head on the plush pillow, succumbing to the dizziness.

Vivian had just returned to her chamber when Jake, with his impeccable timing, caught up to her.

“Vivian, you have graced me with your presence once again," he remarked.

"Indeed, I have," Vivian replied.
Jake, ever the inquisitive one, inquired about her journey. "Pray tell, how was your sojourn?"

Vivian, her thoughts shrouded in uncertainty, responded, "I cannot say for certain if my influence proved advantageous, but we did manage to reach an agreement with the esteemed King."
A sense of relief washed over Jake's face as he uttered, "I am most pleased to hear that everything has been resolved."
Vivian, however, remained cautiously optimistic. "Only time will reveal if our endeavors truly bear fruit," she mused.
Perplexed, Jake pressed for further clarification. "What do you mean by that?"
Vivian, mindful of the delicate nature of their negotiations, chose her words carefully.

"The terms we negotiated pertained to the future heirs of the kingdom.”
“Alas, that is all I am permitted to divulge."

Concern etched across his face, Vivan inquired about the well-being of the Queen.

"How fares Her Majesty?”
“Is she and the precious babe in good health?"

A flicker of surprise danced in Vivian's eyes as she questioned, "Pray tell, how did you become privy to this incident so swiftly?"
Caught off guard, Jake's tone turned defensive. "What are you insinuating, Vivian?"
A mischievous smile played upon Vivian's lips as she coyly replied, "Did you not abscond with the Queen during our previous escapade?”
“Being the captain of the guard, makes me privy to all that transpires within these walls."
In this luxurious realm, where secrets and intrigue abound, Vivian and Jake danced a delicate dance, their words laden with elegance and their every move shrouded in mystery.

"Shall I be graced with your warm embrace upon my arrival, my love?" she inquired.
"I have already bestowed upon you that honor," he replied, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.
"My dear, I long for more than just a mere kiss," she purred, her eyes sparkling with desire.

"Tell me, did you not yearn for my presence in my absence?"
"Vivian, I find myself perplexed by your expectations," he confessed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"You coerced me into this sacred union, only to depart the very next day," Jake lamented, with frustration.
"I had a solemn duty to fulfill for our beloved King," she defended.

"What is it that you desire from me, Vivian?" he questioned, his voice filled with exasperation.
"Being your devoted wife, I crave the joys of motherhood and your unwavering affection," she declared.
"My affection is not bestowed freely," he stated, his voice firm and unwavering.
"It must be earned."

"I had hoped that as your wife, I would naturally earn your favor," she confessed.
"Yet, it seems that our forced union has only distanced you further from my heart."

With a heavy heart, she gracefully exited the room, leaving behind an air of unfulfilled desires and unspoken yearnings.
Vivian encountered Jacob within the confines of his study.

"Dearest Vivian, what brings you to my presence?" he inquired, with sophistication and charm.
She, with an air of grace and elegance, responded, "Pray tell, how fares our beloved Queen in her regal splendor?"
Jacob, with a hint of pride, assured her, "Both the Queen and our precious offspring are in perfect health and thriving."
Curiosity piqued, Jacob inquired about her encounter with Jake, to which she lamented, "Alas, he dismissed me without a second thought."

Jacob, ever the optimist, offered solace, "Fear not, my dear.”
“Give him time, and he shall surely come to appreciate your worth."

Confusion etched across her face, Vivian questioned the motives behind her orchestrated meeting with Jake, to which Jacob replied, "Jake, my dear, is a man of virtue, and you, my love, are a perfect match for him."
Jacob continued, revealing the underlying cause of Jake's distress, "His sister's ailment weighs heavily upon him, for he yearns to procure the finest treatment for her."
Determined to win Jake's affection, Vivian vowed, "I shall endeavor to earn his love and devotion, my dear."
Jacob, with a glimmer of cunning in his eyes, proposed a plan to secure Jake's unwavering commitment, "One surefire way to ensure his unwavering presence is to bear his child, my dear.”
Vivian, plagued by doubts, questioned the feasibility of her becoming pregnant when intimacy seemed distant, to which Jacob reassured her, "Fear not, my darling.”
“I shall guide you through this journey."

With a clandestine rendezvous planned for the evening, Jacob whispered, "Meet me tonight so that I may assist in securing a prosperous future for us both."
Vivian, ever the loyal subject, pledged her unwavering presence, "I shall be there, Your Majesty, ready to embark on this clandestine endeavor."

To avoid prying eyes, they decided to retreat to an inn nestled within the village, where their secret would remain concealed from prying eyes.