King Arthur, seated at his grand oak desk, perused a stack of documents with a focused frown. The door to his study opened, and a servant entered with a letter in hand. "Your Majesty, a letter has arrived from the Dradevows Kingdom," the servant announced, bowing respectfully.
"Dradevows?" King Arthur repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I do not recall any current dealings with them. Dispose of it."
The servant hesitated. "Your Majesty, this letter has been marked as illegal."
King Arthur's interest was piqued. He took the letter with a dismissive wave, and the servant left the room. The king broke the seal and unfurled the parchment, his eyes scanning the elegant script. His expression shifted from curiosity to shock.
"The crown princess is still alive?" he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I was led to believe only the second princess survived. Give me a writing implement!"
In the opulent chambers of Princess Genevie, the gentle rustling of papers interrupted the quiet. Hannah entered, a letter in hand. "Your Highness, a letter has arrived for you," she said, extending it carefully.
Genevie's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Thank you, Hannah." She took the letter, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened it. As she read, her face tightened with frustration.
"Who is it from, Your Highness?" Hannah inquired; her curiosity evident.
Genevie glanced at her with a sad smile. "Hannah, do you dislike me?"
Hannah's eyes widened in shock. "Your Highness, I could never harbor ill feelings towards you."
"But others do. They call me an outsider," Genevie replied, her voice tinged with melancholy.
"They judge you too hastily. I don't care where you come from, Your Highness. I've pledged my loyalty to you because I admire your strength and the trials you've faced. I love working with you, and I will always stand by you. Please don't doubt my loyalty," Hannah said earnestly, holding Genevie's hand tightly.
Genevie's eyes softened, touched by the young maid's sincerity. "Is that so? What if I were to do something terrible-would you still stand by me?"
Hannah's understanding smile remained unwavering. "You have my loyalty, Your Highness. Even if it means risking my own life, I am devoted to you," she said, kneeling down in a gesture of deep commitment.
Genevie placed a reassuring hand on Hannah's head. "Thank you, Hannah."
Genevie penned a response to King Arthur, her thoughts focused and deliberate. "Hannah, this is your first mission. Will you undertake it?" she asked, handing the letter to the maid.
Hannah accepted it with a determined nod. "I will do it, Your Highness."
"Then I leave it in your capable hands," Genevie said as Hannah departed.
"Are you certain she will be alright?" Benjamin asked, his concern evident.
"Absolutely. I trust her completely," Genevie replied with confidence.
The next morning, Genevie felt a wave of dizziness and nausea that was unlike any she had experienced before. In the quiet of her chambers, she confirmed her suspicions. "Are you alright, Your Highness?" Hannah asked, noticing Genevie's pale complexion and the bowl she had been using.
"I'm fine," Genevie replied weakly, though she struggled to keep her voice steady.
"But Princess, you look quite unwell. Should I call for the doctor?" Hannah pressed, guiding Genevie to a chair as she continued to recover from another bout of sickness.
Genevie hesitated. "I haven't seen His Highness in a week. He mentioned being very busy."
"Princess, I'm truly worried about you. Let's see the doctor," Hannah urged, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Genevie sighed and nodded, pointing to a glass of water. Hannah quickly poured and handed it to her. "Please, Your Highness," Hannah implored, wiping the cold sweat from Genevie's forehead.
Genevie agreed, and Hannah left to fetch the doctor.
As news of the request for a doctor reached Alexander, he hurried to his wife's quarters. He arrived just as the doctor was exiting. "Your Highness, congratulations! Long life to the ruler!" the doctor exclaimed cheerfully.
Alexander's eyes widened in confusion. "What?"
"You are to have an heir," the doctor confirmed.
"Heir?" Alexander echoed, his mind racing.
"Yes, congratulations again. Now, go see your wife," the doctor advised with a smile before leaving.
Alexander stood at the door, his hand hovering over the knob. He felt a wave of nervousness and excitement. He hesitated, then let go of the knob, walking away only to return moments later. His emotions were in turmoil-joy intermingled with anxiety. He paced back and forth, conflicted and agitated.
"No," he muttered, his nerves getting the better of him. He turned to leave again, his mind a whirlwind.
In the princess's chamber, Hannah excused herself to fetch water. Genevie lay back on her bed, exhausted. Just then, the door opened, and the King and Queen entered.
"Oh, she's asleep," the Queen remarked.
"Why are they here?" Genevie wondered, barely managing to stay awake.
"My King, we should celebrate the news of our grandchild," the Queen suggested with enthusiasm.
"But the baby has not yet been born. Isn't it a bit premature?" King Arthur replied.
"You're right. Perhaps we should prepare for the coronation soon," the Queen said, already planning ahead.
As the King and Queen exited the room, Hannah reappeared with a glass of water. In her haste, she accidentally spilled it onto the Queen's gown.
"Your Majesty, I am so sorry!" Hannah cried, frantically trying to clean the spill.
"What are you doing?!" the Queen yelled, her face flushing with anger. She slapped Hannah, her fury palpable. "Don't ever show your face before me again, you wretch."
"No, Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Hannah pleaded, clutching at the Queen's feet.
The Queen screamed in rage, and the King stepped in, pushing Hannah away. "Leave, now!"
Genevie, awakened by the commotion, rushed outside. She saw Hannah on the floor, her face streaked with tears. "Your Majesty, what is happening?" Genevie asked, her voice trembling.
"Oh, there's nothing to worry about, my dear. We simply don't need this kind of maid in the castle," King Arthur said dismissively.
"On behalf of my maid, I beg for your forgiveness," Genevie pleaded, kneeling before the Queen. She could not afford to lose Hannah, not with her plans so carefully laid out.
"Oh, Princess, please lift your head. This is my fault," Hannah begged.
"No," the Queen snapped. "Stand up, Genevie."
Genevie slowly rose, and Alexander arrived on the scene. "Mother, what is the matter here?" he demanded.
"Nothing of concern," the King replied tersely.
"Next time, watch your step," the Queen whispered harshly to Hannah as they left.
"I am sorry, Your Highness. I was hurrying and didn't notice the Queen," Hannah explained, her voice shaky. "I'm so ashamed. You shouldn't have to..."
Genevie embraced Hannah, her voice soft and comforting. "If I hadn't intervened, I might have lost you too," she whispered.
Alexander overheard the exchange and was overwhelmed with guilt. He had recklessly destroyed Narva, leaving countless people enslaved and homeless. His actions, driven by the manipulations of the Dradevows' King and Queen, had caused untold suffering. Witnessing Genevie's distress over her maid's mistreatment, Alexander realized how deeply his decisions had affected those she cared about. Her fear of losing another loved one, due to his actions, weighed heavily on him.