NOVEL WEB Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Prince Atlas leaned toward his mother. "What is Father talking about? Wasn't Emperor Cristiano already dead? Does he really believe these old myths of history books?"
Consort Violet gave him a sharp look and whispered firmly, "Be quiet Atlas."
"Everyone head back. I need to speak with His Eminence," The King ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. As the royal family and court members began to disperse, he added, "Cristiano, you stay."
The group began their walk back to the palace in silence, but Consort Azalea leaned close to her son, Prince Jackson, and whispered, "Now your father has even more reason to believe Cristiano is the reincarnation of the late emperor. Goddess knows what spell the queen has cast to drive him mad."
"Mother…" Prince Jackson's voice held a quiet warning as he gestured subtly toward the queen who was walking just ahead of them.
Azalea scowled but muttered under her breath, "When that old hag dies, I will finally be queen. His Majesty has assured me of it. But no matter what, she clings to life like a curse."
Jackson's tone sharpened. "Mother, watch your words. Speaking ill of Her Majesty will only create trouble for you."
The group walked forward until the queen suddenly stopped as her gaze scanned the group. "Where is Grand Princess Seraphina?" she asked sharply, her voice filled with suspicion.
"It seems the Grand Princess was not informed," Violet commented lightly, though her words were layered with another meaning.
Azalea's lips curled into a sly smile. "How could that be, Violet? The Grand Princess personally oversees the royal graveyard. Not even a leaf stirs there without her knowledge. She must have been aware."
Violet nodded thoughtfully. "And yet, I don't see the Crown Princess either. Is it ignorance or indifference on her part?"
The queen's expression darkened.
"Your Majesty," Violet continued, feigning concern, "It's not my place to complain but the Crown Princess seems to still live as though she were merely a duke's daughter. She ignores her duties as both a wife and a royal. Does she even intend to stay married or is she here to squander the royal treasury?"
Azalea let out a gasp while pretending to scold. "Sister, how could you say that? Didn't the Crown Princess willingly marry the once-rejected Crown Prince? Surely, she is trying her best!"
The queen's humiliation boiled beneath her calm exterior. She despised these two women. Azalea and Violet but her hatred for Portia burned even brighter.
When the queen finally reached her chambers, she wasted no time summoning her trusted maid. "By the end of the night, throw Courtesan Isabella out of the palace. And ensure every arrangement is made for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess to consummate their marriage."
The maid bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty."
The queen dismissed her with a wave but her mind was already plotting her next move. No matter which outer-worldly miracle had happened in the Moonhaven today, the royal palace scheming must never be stopped.
Even as a queen, she was aware of the limits of her power. Although she could not change the Crown Princess now, she would at least make sure that Portia becomes queen in the future. Because she would never allow Prince Jackson or Prince Atlas to take her son's rightful place. And she could not allow her daughter-in-law to be insulted by the King's royal whores.
Therefore, she decided to take the matters of her son's married life into her hands.
As long as Cristiano and Portia consummate their marriage, there is a hope for a royal grandson.
And once there was a royal grandson, the king would not change his mind anymore.