Withdrawal

Janice waddled out of the room. She clutched the hem of the gown she donned and caressed her tummy slowly as she felt the baby kick.
"Your majesty."
Janice nodded her head at a maid, as she bowed slightly. She walked past her and let out a gasp as her head almost collided with someone.
"Your majesty!"
"Jeremy!" Janice gasped once more as she stared into the twinkling eyes of Jeremy.
It had been ages since she last saw him. After the wedding, he and Margie had left almost immediately. Janice was a bit sad since the only person she could relate with left.
Now that her husband was here, it was possible she would be around too.
"Where is Margie?!" She asked as they walked towards the dining room.
"I'm glad you are happy to see me too," Jeremy mumbled with a sarcasm laced in his voice. Then, he shook his head. "I'm afraid she is not coming."
Janice let out a disappointed sigh. 
Perhaps, she should have known she wouldn't come since she had told her living at the palace was more like being in a prison. She was not wrong though.
It had been that way for Janice at first. But, ever since she realised she had something for Jules, she had begun to enjoy living with him. Even though he hadn't proclaimed his feelings for her yet.
"Now, I'm sad seeing your face."
"Why, your majesty? Do I look hideous?"
"Of course, not! Margie is the only person I can associate with and since she didn't come with you, living here would be just as always. Totally Bland!"
"Well, it's a good thing I'm here."
Janice's eyes widened as she saw the Duchess appeared from her back. She gripped the fashionable straw hat that was on her hair as she did a slight bow.
"You look radiant as ever, best friend." She beamed.
"Jerk," Janice muttered, smacking Jeremy's chest.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that cuss word."
Janice's cheeks reddened as she glimpsed the Dowager queen. She bowed her head and stepped away from the door leading into the dining room for the woman to go on.
"Good thing she is pretending not to hear," Jeremy muttered in her ear. "She could be quite scary if she hears you saying nasty words especially now that she has a grandchild coming on the way."
"I heard that." The dowager queen mumbled, but she didn't stop walking.
Margie smacked his head, cocking an eyebrow, "Perhaps, you want her to punish you instead, for not knowing how to keep your mouth shut?"
Jeremy shrugged, walking away from her as she attempted to flick his head once more.
The queen sat and turned towards them. She eyed each of them slowly, before clearing her throat slightly.
"Where's Jules?"
Janice knew the question was directed at her since she could feel the older woman's gaze on her. Yet, she didn't have an answer to the question herself.
Since she had awoken, she hadn't seen him. Even the part he had slept on the bed was cold, making her wonder if he had slept somewhere else.
Also, he didn't leave any mail or message to inform her of where he had gone.
But, she believed he was old enough and he knew Cherview as a whole. So, he might be somewhere and not lost.
"Janice."
"I don't know," Janice muttered. "I haven't seen him since I woke up."
"And you didn't care to look for him?" She lifted her brow.
"I'm sure he's fine," Janice said. "Maybe, he's busy somewhere."
The dowager queen shook her head, sighing.
"But, Mother," Jeremy began. "If it was me, you wouldn't even mind if I got lost or not."
"That's because you were a rambunctious child. Even now as an adult."
Janice and Margie giggled, making them earn a glare from Jeremy. "Perhaps, in a good way." He said with a cheeky smile.
"Anyway, I'm sure he's fine. He likes going out this way too when younger. Oh! Have you forgotten what today is?"
"Now, I'd appreciate it if no one talks again." The queen asserted as she sighted the maid who dragged the trolley with the food in.
What does today mean? Janice creased her brows as she thought of what Jeremy had said. Jules liked going out like this. For what exactly?
The same question that was playing in her head was at the tip of her tongue, but she bit her lips to stop it from slipping out.
She knew the queen wouldn't appreciate them talking when eating. Not even after. She would say, it was a lack of manners and it was unacceptable.
As soon as the meal finished, all of them were dismissed. Janice gripped Jeremy's hand immediately as they stepped out of the hall.
He flinched as her nail dug into his skin. "That's some sharp nails you've got!"
"Sorry," Janice mumbled, staring at her nails. She made a mental note to get it trimmed as soon as possible.
"You said something about Jules acting that way when he was younger. May I know what prompts it?"
"I have no answer to that exactly. All I know every time this day was his withdrawal days."
"Something could have prompted it." Janice urged. "It doesn't make sense for someone to withdraw just like that."
"Maybe. I'm sure he would tell you if you ask him. Also, I'm sure he's at his usual spot, as he often called it, 'The Haven'"
Janice doubted he would say anything to her. She was the last person she believed he would like to talk to.
She had always seen him as a mystery because she knew little about him. Even till now. He hadn't said anything about himself.
She only knew she was married to a CEO and a king.
Yet, she believed there was no harm in trying to ask. But, that would be if he would be happy to see her after he had warned her not to go horse riding earlier due to her condition.
But, she didn't care. She needed to know what was wrong with him and she was going to get the information out of him at all cost.