Chapter 569 - Five Hundred And Sixty-Nine: Let Her Return Home
The third point of view:
"You called for me, mother," Judy walked into the queen's quarters. It was already late and past royal duties, hence it had come as a surprise to him when she demanded his presence.
"Yes, I did," Queen Roselle gesture to the couch, "Have a seat,"
Judy sat down, wondering what was so important that his mother had to summon him by this time of the night.
"Is anything the problem?" he couldn't help but ask, "Is there anyone objecting to my marriage to Emily,"
The queen had not been the only person that was against his marriage to Emily. Most of the lords had objected to him marrying an outsider, they wanted him to choose a proper woman from Lincolnshire. They claimed she had no idea about their culture and that might affect the upbringing of the prince, Akim. What if she poisons his mind and Akim deviates from their culture in the future? A Lincolnshire woman would never do that.
The others had pressed on the fact that Emily was a divorcee. She was no longer complete - a man had her before him. They told him even the kings before him had married pure women - virgins. None of the women were tainted, not to talk of being a divorcee.
But then Judy had answered them saying, "You claim she would deviate my son from the culture of his people, are you now trying to say that I'm not capable enough to lead my family? Are you claiming the future king has no power over his son's upbringing? If you doubt your prince, isn't that the same as doubting me, your crown prince? Do you not trust my judgment?! "
No one said a word after that. None of them dared to. What kind of King would he be if he can't teach his son properly.
"You claim she's not pure, that another man had her? Have you all forgotten that she gave me a son before getting married? Hence, if there was anyone who made her impure, that's me! Moreover, when did we begin to measure a woman's worth her chastity? Tell me?! Are divorcees half-human?! Aliens?! Disabled?!"
"This woman gave you your first prince and she will be the one to sit on that throne as your queen. If you're uncomfortable with her reign, you can simply give up your position in the cabinet and leave Lincolnshire for good. No one will stop you,"
And just like that, there were no more disagreements. Human beings are selfish beings through and through and will always want what's best for themselves and their loved ones. They all knew what they benefited from being members of the royal cabinet.
Not that Judy would have taken their protest into account anyway. All he needed was the queen's approval and the rest of them could rot as long as he cared. Thankfully, his mother, the queen, has given consent, and now, the wedding will be held as scheduled.
"No, it's not about your marriage," She told him, "It's about Fiona,"
At the mention of Fiona, Judy's countenance changed at once and he growled, "What about her?"
He could sense it, his mother was about to make him an impossible request. Judy hated the sound of that name. If it wasn't because of Fiona, he would probably have a second child by now.
Fiona not only cost him his child, she almost cost him, Emily, as well. There was no forgiveness in his dictionary - he surmised that was what the queen wanted.
"I want her to return to Lincolnshire,"
"What?"Judy was shocked. This was a much worse request. As if he would let that witch come near his dwelling.
"No way," Judy shook his head stubbornly, "She is banished forever,"
"Please, my son, I beg of you. Just let her return home to her -"
"She killed a royal offspring. That's a capital offense and its punishment is death. I've done her a huge favor by letting her live this long," He told her.
But the queen was adamant, "She regrets it, Kai. She never planned on harming Emily, everything had happened in the heat of the moment,"
"No," Judy disagreed with her, "Such thoughts don't just spring forth immediately. Fiona must have thought of it - imagined it - and then, the opportunity to strike presented itself on that day."
"It was my fault! I was the one who pressured her into doing that. If there's anyone who is to be blamed, it should be me!"
"Well," Judy stood to his feet, "I'm sorry, but I'm never letting Fiona into this kingdom again. That's her punishment," Judy finalized.
He was just about to leave when out of the corner of his eye, Judy watched his mother get on her knees.
His eyes widened at once, "What are you doing, mother?" He went over to her and tried to lift her onto her feet, she wouldn't let him.
"I'm not begging you as the queen but as your mother - your mother who had you in her womb for nine months. Your mother who fought fiercely for your life and made sure you survived the invasion," She glanced up at him," I'm not asking you to forgive her, but please let her back into the kingdom. This is her root and she can't be estranged from it, "
Judy ground his jaw while his hands were clenched by his side. He was at war with his emotions.
"I knew she did you wrong but I'm to blame partially. Please, take into account her father's royalty and past deeds. Without his help, we wouldn't have fought against the invaders and given you the home you had now. Please, my son, bring her home,"
Judy took a deep breath and said, "Fine, I'll do as you asked. So can you please stand up from the floor you're the queen for fuck's sake," He helped her to her feet ignoring the smirk that played across her face. She knew he couldn't reject her.
"By the way, lest I forget," Queen Roselle said, "I will have your friends meet the lords tomorrow over a meal. It's best to develop a strong working relationship between families. What do you think?"
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