Kapitel 13: Queen Diamonique's Order
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CHAPTER 13
Scarlet could not believe the words her mother had said to her.
They struck hard at her heart as though they could quench the very life force that gave her life.
"Scarlet, this is good news," Queen Diamonique informed her with absolute glee.
She ignored the look of shock and terror on her daughter's face and dished out more information as she had done.
And when Scarlet uttered no for the second time, only then did the words sink into Queen Diamonique's ears.
"No?"
"Yes, mother. No."
"Why? Did you listen carefully to the words I said, perhaps?" She turned her head to the side, hoping that was originally the problem her daughter faced.
"Mother," Scarlet's eyes glistened as she stared with lips parted at her mother.
"Scarlet child," Queen Diamonique breathed out and took a step forward. "You should understand this better than anyone. Your future is at stake and we need to prepare the best match for you."
"No." This time her voice rose higher than before but Diamonique thought to try again.
Reaching for her daughter, she took two steps forward, when Scarlet let out a loud yell.
"No!"
Her scream had surprised her mother whose hand halted before they could reach her daughter.
With unblinking eyes, Queen Diamonique pressed her lips into a thin line while thinking of a better way to handle this matter and ensure her daughter processed it all.
"I do not want to marry him. I do not wish for an arranged marriage, mother," Scarlet let out.
Still, Queen Diamonique did not utter a word to her.
"Mother."
"You see Scarlet, in this life, there are things even I your mother must be careful to stop. Besides, I see no reason why I should stop such an auspicious union."
"Mot…"
She held her palm in front of Scarlet, cutting her off before she could lay any more complaints.
"I am sorry, my pride and joy but this is not up for negotiation."
"Why? I do not know him," Scarlet debated.
"Then you shall come to know him."
"I do not love him, mother."
"You will. In time and you should count yourself lucky. Your betroth is ready to accomplish all just to win your heart before your marriage."
"How could you do this to me? Why didn't you stop father from taking this decision?"
"And why should I? This is literally one of the best decisions he had made all of his life. This and making you the heir to his throne," Queen Diamonique stated as a matter of fact.
"I do not want to." A tear slid down her cheek as she showed her mother her pain.
She hoped deep within it would reel out emotion and affection from her.
Instead, the queen's lips pulled back into a satisfied smile, spilling into her eyes as she closed the gap between them.
"Darling," she said, lifting her chin a bit, "you must remember, the position you have now was not freely given. It had to be taken."
Her brows scrunched at her mother. She did not understand the words she had said. "You need to secure your place on the throne as its queen and have your royal husband."
"But… I am already the heir apparent to the throne, mother."
"I know. Chances cannot be taken should the queen birth a male child."
Scarlet sighed and shook her head. "What's with this mother? You clearly said she is a barren queen who cannot birth a child. So, what are your fears?"
She turned from her daughter and made her way close to the mirror seated on the opposite table,
Both hands remained clutched in front of her as she peered into the mirror screen.
Her face turned pale with each passing second.
**Flashback**
Standing close to the window in a semi-dark room, a young Queen Diamonique stared far into the night sky, unaffected by the thundering sound of the lightning as the rain continued to pour nonstop.
Suddenly she felt a presence stalk close to where she stood, illuminated by the single candle flame in the room.
Regardless, she remained unmoving and shut her eyes for a second.
"What do you want, witch?"
The venom in her tone as she spat out that last word would have sent a shiver to anyone but not the person currently standing behind her.
"Ah! Witch? Says the one who has a heart as black as soot. How do you think the world would see you when they have learnt what you have done?"
She turned swiftly on her heels as the sound of the thunder letting go in the skies echoed around the kingdom and far away.
"You wouldn't dare." Her eyes blazed with untold anger as she glared dangerously at the middle-aged hunched woman draped in a grey gown underneath her black hooded cloak.
Her brown hair slipped from her cloak, falling freely down her shoulders as her lips shone gracefully even in her demeaning appearance.
She looked haggard for the most part, especially with the long stick she held in her right hand, using it for support as she lifted her head to look at Queen Diamonique.
"I dare, Diamonique."
"Queen…" her voice trailed off authoritatively. "I'd be sure to remember that if I were you."
"That's it. I am not you neither do your words threaten me in any sense., Diamonique."
She gritted her teeth, balling her hands into fists at her side. Her jaw clenched hard as she took in short deep breaths to calm her rage.
"I will be fast in delivering my message. Listen if you wish. If not ignore it. After all, I do not wish to punish or expose you."
Hearing this, she released a sigh, but her eyes still held her anger as she waited for the lady to speak her words first.
"For that which you have done, the very throne you seek for your own would be taken by her own too in the future."
"What?"
Her eyes widened in shock. She knew what she had done but if it is said to be for nought, shouldn't she be alarmed?
"Yes, Diamonique. In the end, your actions shall be in vain and you shall be tormented with the very thoughts of your actions for eternity."
"It was you–you witch! You caused that. You are to blame for ruining my plans."
Her veins pooped out from either side of her head as she glared at the witch, clenching her fists tightly and getting ready to attack.
"Stupid queen."
Ignoring Diamonique's rage, she stood her ground and waited for Queen Diamonique to attack.
Just as she tried to grab her shoulder, the lady disappeared before her eyes, leaving her in the damned dark room.
"In time, Diamonique. In time." She heard the witch's voice call out and suddenly everything returned to normal.
**Flashback Ends**
"Mother?" Scarlet called out once more, wondering what had gotten her mother transfixed into space as she stared at the mirror and her gorgeous reflection.
"Mother?"
"Huh?"
She walked over to her with worry plastered on her face. Placing her hand on her shoulder, she tried again. "Mother?"
"Huh? Yes, dear."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes." She gave a weak smile and lowered her head, carefully remembering those words that had haunted her for quite a time.
Finally, she inhaled deeply and with the fluttering of her lashes, her eyes changed, turning colder than Scarlet had seen earlier.
She had a look she only wore when she was going to make an unfavourable announcement, especially one involving the maids.
"You will marry Prince Jasper," she stated sternly, forcing Scarlet's brows to knit as her eyes darted in confusion.
"No."
"My word is final. You will not miss this chance and ruin your future. I will discuss this with your father and have him write to the King of Meridore. The wedding would be held soon. The quicker the better."
"Mother!"
"I am sorry, child. One day, you will understand that all I do, I do because I love you. Oh, and never show any tears again. It makes people see you as weak. No ruler of Noterra shall be seen that way. Not on my watch."
Before she could say anything, Queen Diamonique turned on her heels and walked out of the chambers in a hurry, leaving a devastated Scarlet behind to figure out what just happened.
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