Chapter 15

***Serafina's POV***

I just woke up but my body feels tired. I don't want to get up, but I can hear someone knocking on my door so having no choice I get off the bed to see who it was. Upon opening the door I saw Odessa standing outside with a bright smile plastered on her face.

How I wish I could smile like that too.

"Good morning Queen Serafina. King Calixto wants you to join him for breakfast,"

A smile graced my lips when I heard those words. It was a simple gesture but eating breakfast with him is a huge thing for me. I can spend time with him even just for a few minutes.

"Just give me a minute Odessa,"

I excitedly ran towards the mirror to see my reflection. I fixed my slightly messy hair and checked my face thoroughly to see if I had dirt.

I even smelled my breath and it smelled fine so I stepped out of my room and followed Odessa as she walked towards the dining room.

A smile never left my face and it got even bigger as we got closer to the dining area.

The moment we stepped inside I saw King Calixto sitting at the center end of the table and standing beside him was Maximus.

I smiled at Maximus when our gazes met before I walked towards the table and took the seat on the left side of King Calixto but the moment I sat down I saw him raising his eyebrows as if I did something wrong again.

"Good morning King Calixto," I greeted him almost a whisper.

Maybe he is mad because I did not greet him immediately.

"That's not your seat Serafina. Your seat is at the other end of the table,"

I turned my head on the other end and it was ten seats far from him. This huge dining table is too huge and if I sit there I will be meters away from him.

"But that's too far," I whispered but I know he heard it.

He just looked at me waiting for me to stand up and walk to my seat so even if I didn't want to I walked towards the other end and sat across from him.

How can we talk to each other if we are this far?

I badly want to talk to him. I don't care if I need to blabber nonsense I just really want to talk to him.

"Eat your food and stop staring at me," he coldly uttered so like a helpless little kid I started digging in.

The food looks good but I can't enjoy it. I already lost my appetite and I don't feel like eating anymore.

We both settled in silence. I can feel the tension hanging in the air. None of us dared to talk and the only sound I could hear was the sound of the utensils against each other.

"Can I visit Cressida?" I asked breaking the silence between us and just by mentioning Cressida's name I managed to get all his attention.

"There is no need for you to visit her Serafina," he firmly uttered.

I know he doesn't want me to get Cressida because he is afraid that I will put his life's mate in danger.

"I just want to apologize to her for what happened. It was my fault why she got hurt,"

"I don't think she wants to see you,"

"Just a few seconds King Calixto. I just want to check if she's doing fine-"

My words were cut off when he harshly put his utensils down and glared at me.

"I am warning you Serafina. Don't you ever get close to Cressida again,"

He sounded so mad. I can see the vein popping out on his neck.

I noticed Maximus whispering something in his ear and after a while, he took a deep breath and wiped the side of his lips before he stood up and marched out of the dining room.

Maximus looked at me apologetically before he followed King Calixto.

I bit my lower lip when I felt tears forming in the corner of my eyes again. I swallowed the lump on my throat and with shaking hands, I reached for the glass of water and drank it straight to calm myself.

I can feel my chest tightening as I try to suppress my tears.

"Are you okay Queen Serafina?"

I turned my head on Odessa and gave her an assuring smile.

"I'll just go to the garden,"

I stood up and she was about to follow me but I shook my head.

"I want to be alone Odessa,"

She was contemplating if she would follow me or not but I am glad she chose to respect my request.

I headed towards the garden and on my way there I received countless greetings so even though my inside was breaking I smiled at them and acted like I was all fine.

The moment I reached the garden I sat on the wooden bench and took a few deep breaths and contented myself by staring at the fully bloomed flowers.

I felt tears formed on the corner of my eyes so I immediately wiped it off. I can't cry here. Rumors would spread if someone saw me shedding tears in the garden.

"There you are. I was looking for you everywhere,"

I plastered a fake smile on my lips when I heard Lady Ysobel's voice. I turned my head and there I saw her standing behind me with a bright smile plastered on her face.

She sat beside me and held my hand while looking at me directly in the eyes.

"How is your wedding night?" she looks excited to hear what happened.

Should I confess the truth? Should I tell her that nothing happened between me and her son? Should I tell her that her son swore that he would never claim me?

"It was fine Lady Ysobel,"

I lied. I can't confess the truth. No matter how cruel he treats me I can't bring myself to ruin his image in his mother.

"I don't want to put pressure on you Queen Serafina but you must bear an heir as soon as possible. The whole Kingdom is expecting you to conceive the King's heir before the next full moon,"

"When is that?" I asked trying to conceal the fear that was eating me up.

"A month from now,"

I felt my heart sank when I heard her response. How can I make that happen? How can I convince King Calixto to claim me in that short period?

"What will happen if I fail to conceive?"

Lady Ysobel's forehead creased looking at me filled with confusion and worry.

"Why? Is there something wrong Serafina? The doctor has examined your body and told me that you are capable of bearing a child so why are you asking me that question?"

I flashed a nervous smile and shook my head.

"Nothing I was just curious Lady Ysobel but you don't have to worry I will do everything to give King Calixto an heir," I gently squeezed her hand and gave her an assuring smile and that eased the worry written in her face.

"You are scaring me but to answer your question it was written on the rule that if the Queen failed to bear an heir she must be executed as her punishment for her failure to fulfill her sole duty which is to continue the King's bloodline,"