Chapter 31: Her Return
Ethan's POV
The palace was full of news of the Queen's return. Her absence had left a gaping void, and her return promised to shake things up. I could feel a mixture of anticipation, fear and hope in the air as the Queen Mother was on her way to the heart of the kingdom.
I met her at the palace gate, where I was greeted with an outstanding gesture worthy of her step. Her presence was as regal as ever, though her demeanor seemed more reserved, as if she were carefully considering her surroundings after a long absence....
"Mom," I said, bowing slightly. "Welcome back." she looked at me coldly but calculatingly. "Ethan," she said, her voice holding an undertone of opportunity and denial. "The palace seems to have changed a bit in my absence." "Yes," I pointed inside.
"There has been some violence. We have had our share of challenges." As we walked along the highways, I told her about the latest news. I covered the general confusion and atmosphere among the nobles, carefully omitting any reference to Theron, who was not concerned with his immediate concerns But her attention was drawn to something else entirely. "What about your partner?" she asked. SHe asked, a subtle tinge of pride in her voice.
"Bianca?" I asked, anticipating her reaction. "sHe's living perfectly. We are focused on our life together." her face hardened. "I have seen it. I've heard some concerns about her and her condition here."
I felt very angry, but kept my voice level. "My relationship with Bianca is my problem, not the court's. We are focused on finding peace in the midst of violence." We got to her room, and I left her to sit on other things.
I knew her return would not go unnoticed, and her disapproval of Bianca would soon become a staple of courtroom discussion. The next morning she felt her presence. And began meeting with various courtiers, and Bianca's rejection became the subject of much discussion.
The conduct of the queen mother was one of detached authority, and she was evidently unwilling to accept the new situation.
During one of our conversations,she then made her feelings known for Bianca. "Ethan," she began, her voice carrying a final note. "I can't accept Bianca as your partner. Her presence here is disruptive and contrary to the traditions and values of our court."
I tried to get them to think about my reaction. "Mom, my intention is to maintain peace and tranquility. Bianca and I are committed to our relationship, and while I respect your opinion, I won't make my own choice." her eyes were like steel. "You may have your own priorities, but it's also important to keep the court together. Making decisions means more than just your own happiness."
I understood what she was saying but felt a growing sense of frustration. My priority was my peace of mind, and the last thing I needed was another conflict about my relationship with Bianca. I wanted to protect her from bad things and keep our relationship running smoothly without any hindrance.
The Queen was unmoved by her disapproval, and equally expressed her dissatisfaction to anyone who would listen. It became increasingly clear that her return was not just a personal matter but it also had implications on the broader politics of the Court.
As the days passed, I focused on the problem in the palace. I defended the Queen Mother's disapproval of Bianca so that court politics wouldn't interfere too much with our personal lives.
My goal was to strike a balance between my leadership role and my desire for personal happiness. During this time, Bianca continued to be my pillar of support, and despite external pressures, our relationship remained strong.
I was determined to protect her from the vices of the court and to make our shared life a source of comfort amidst the chaos. The return of my Mother had brought new challenges to the court, but I was resolute in my commitment to Bianca, to our future together.
My intention was to maintain our peace and overcome the challenges that came our way.
One afternoon, as I walked through the palace gardens, I saw the Queen Mother talking to several impressive nobles. Her words, although I couldn't hear them from where I was standing, clearly moved the crowd.
I approached with caution, knowing that her influence could sway the minds of even the most loyal supporters. "Ethan," she said, her voice a condescending tone as I joined the group.
"They're here. I was just discussing some concerns with your esteemed counsel." "Mom," I greeted with forced kindness. "I hope you find your return back to the palace comfortable." She nodded bitterly.
"It's a relief, yes. But I am deeply concerned about the direction this court seems to be taking." Several courtiers nodded in agreement, their eyes narrowing between me and Bianca.
I knew what was coming; The disapproval of the Queen Mother was not something that could be ignored, especially when it came to court politics.
Your choice of mate, Ethan," she continued, "is causing quite a stir. They are destroying the traditions and values of our country."
"I understand your concern," I said, trying to calm down. "But what matters most to me is the stability and happiness of our country, and that's what Bianca and I are focused on."
Her eyes widened. "Your personal interest is one thing, but you shouldn't overlook the impact of your choices on the wider court. This country has a long tradition that must be upheld."
I can feel the weight of her words, and I knew his influence extended beyond the palace walls. It was only a matter of time before her dissatisfaction with Bianca became central to court discourse and had major political ramifications. On that same evening, When I walked into the main dining room, I found Bianca sitting with a few of my closest friends.
Her face was calm, but I could feel her tension. The my Mother's favor was not easy to dismiss, and its effect on Bianca was becoming increasingly evident.
I went straight and sat across the table, with my trusted advisor at her side. The meal began quietly, each of us acutely aware of the unspoken tension we felt.
After a moment, I broke the silence. "I want to deal with the situation of the concerns of my Mother. Clearly, her return has brought issues that need to be addressed with caution."
My counselor exchanged unpleasant thoughts. "You could feel the Queen's excitement all over the court," one of them began. His opinion is weighty and can influence other gentlemen who helped you in the past."
"I understand," I said. "But my main concern is maintaining the stability of the kingdom and ensuring that Bianca is not unfairly targeted because of her personal feelings towards the Queen."
Discussion continued throughout the night, offering strategies for dealing with the influence of the Queen. It became clear that we had to be strategic in our approach, balancing the Queen's sense of tradition with the immediate need to maintain unity within the court.
"I respect your opinion," I said, "but I must ask you to allow us to find our way. Your influence should be a force for unity, not division." said to the queen my mother Thoughts weighed down her silence.
"I'll consider your case, Ethan. But I have to realize that my commitment is for the good of the country, not just personal matters." This made me feel uncomfortable and I turned to her conversation.
The return of my Mother certainly complicated matters, but I was very determined to protect Bianca from undue scrutiny and to navigate the politics of the kingdom with integrity.
As the days passed, the disapproval of my mother cast a shadow over the palace. Her influence was undeniable.