Chapter Three-Hundred-and-Twelve
3rd Person POV
It did not take long before the ministers realised that they were in a new dispensation. It was one that was more thorough and rigorous than the former. Many of the things that Alison would have ignored or would have been lenient about, Queen Irvette was not willing to ignore. Harlin quickly realised too that his mother was even harsher than Queen Emily. He knew that many of the liberties he had enjoyed with his aunts he would no longer enjoy now that his mother was in power.
“Lord Lowell is to be executed tomorrow by Dawn. His execution will be public and would serve as a warning to anyone who is remotely tempted to follow his path,” said Irvette, her eyes going around the throne room looking for opposition.
“If anyone has anything contrary to say, let them step forward now,” said Queen Irvette.
The throne room was silent for several minutes until the senior Lord Lowell timidly came forward.
“Your Majesty, if I may?” he quipped fearfully, he knew that if he was not careful he would be joining his son in the gallows tomorrow but he could not help it, this was his only son.
“You may go ahead,” Irvette gave her permission for the man to speak.
“The Council of Elders were meant to preside over…”
“I am Queen and this concerns my pack. The Council of Elders will stay out of our business,” Irvette's tone was so harsh that the man physically recoiled at her words.
“If you cannot pull yourself together at a time like this then take yourself out of my throne room,” Alison stared at her sister in awe. She understood now why the Council of Elders had no problem reinstating her as queen at once. She was indeed an enigma to watch.
“Moving on?” quipped Irvette.
“The Prince's coronation as Alpha,” said Harlin.
“We shall revisit the matter a year from now when I have ascertained that he is fit to take on the responsibility,” was Irvette's response. Harlin was slightly shocked and relieved too. He had not been ready to be Alpha but he had not expected his mother to suggest he could not handle the pressure as of now.
****
“Are you accusing me of neglecting my duties? Is that what this is about?” quipped Charlotte, her eyes brimming with fire. It was a pity that she was not allowed into court with her sword or that disputes could not be resolved by sword fights. If that was the case, she would have chopped this old man's body into pieces and served his flesh to dogs.
“I mean no offence Princess but you only seem to remember your duties when it is convenient for you,” said Lord Trenton.
“When I was off to war and you sat your stupid ass at home and that of your sons, was it convenient for me then? I risk my life when a lot is at stake for me just to protect this pack and this is the thanks I get? You want to impeach me from my birth privilege which I have worked very hard to meet up with?”
“We just think that you are not suited for the…”
“Finish that sentence Trent and you will find your head on the floor,” Charlotte threatened. The man was quiet at once because Charlotte never made empty threats.
“The only reason you still hold this position is because you were born into it. Let me announce to you that all of that changes very shortly,” Charlotte's voice rang throughout the hall.
The other ministers cleared their throats and shared looks amongst themselves. If Charlotte proved difficult they were going to ensure she never ascended the throne. They remembered with a shudder that King Napoleon’s twin had proved stubborn too. She had wanted to change the entire system and reduce the power of the elite class but they had stopped her. They believed they could stop Charlotte too.
“We understand you perfectly, princess. We would just prefer that you show more interest in the governance of your people,” one of the ministers said.
Emily who had said nothing all this while cleared her throat. She had allowed Charlotte to defend herself.
“I look forward to your suggestions for changes…” but Emily could not complete the sentence as a sharp pain jolted through her body.
“I look forward…” she tried again to finish her utterance but she could not, the pain once again and it was from her stomach.
“Get the physician!” said Emily. She was in a lot of pain but she refused to scream or allow the pain to take over her face. One thing she could never do was allow her fears to show in front of all these men. They would only hold her vulnerable moments against her.
“Leave the room at once!” Charlotte commanded the ministers.
“Court is postponed until further notice,” added Regina who was already by Emily's side.
The moment they had all filed out, Emily screamed in pain.
“It's too early, the baby may not live,” remarked Regina softly. Emily was barely five months pregnant and it appeared like she was in labour already.
“Your…”
“Save the fucking greetings!” screamed Emily at the physician who had just entered the throne room. He rushed to Emily's side when he saw how much pain she was in. He examined her as quickly as he could and then said, “Her Majesty is in preterm labour. I will give her something to calm down and hopefully, the labour stops.”
Emily was carried to her room and made to lie down. The physician gave her something to drink and in a matter of minutes, her body sagged with relief.
“What's wrong with my wife?” demanded Thoma who had just found out that Emily was in labour before she was due.
“Her Majesty will be fine but I must recommend absolute bed rest until she has delivered her baby.”
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