Queen Loretta's suggestion was reasonable, and if one were to consider how she said the terms and how she approached Serena, one can say that she has been magnanimous even.
Serena knew that even though she had been pregnant three times in the duration of three years she has been married to Geoffrey, she still failed to give him an heir, and it was his duty as the crown prince to have one.
When Serena lost her third pregnancy, she felt more certain that it was her retribution. Perhaps it was because she did not repent enough. That she was so selfish that she always found ways for her own happiness despite all her sins and losses.
However, even though she acknowledged those, she could not bring herself to agree with her mother-in-law. For how could she ever let any woman other than herself lay claim on Geoffrey when he was her everything? That the only reason why she has not succumbed to the adversaries that life has thrown her was because of him.
Geoffrey was her savior, her knight in the shining armor, the one who has been with her through thick and thin, the one man who has become her saving grace. How could she ever let him go? She would rather kill herself than push him to love another.
And thus, she remained selfish.
She pretended not to understand what queen Loretta was pertaining to. Behind her back, she ensured that no one would dare covet Geoffrey. Then, she used everything in her capacity so that her parents-in-law would never get the opportunity to come in between herself and Geoffrey.
Of course, all these were only possible because Geoffrey loved her and that she was able to solidify her position as crown princess beforehand.
Although she did not purposely strengthen her position as crown princess for her own selfish means, they did come in handy. As the undisputable leader of all the ladies of the ton, she was able to suppress any lady or family that might have any ambition to take her place. As the most loved personage, she was able to use her popularity to the masses so that no one could ever slight her so unreasonably, not even Geoffrey.
At the end of the day, everything that she has done to support Geoffrey's position were used by herself for her own selfish means. She used them even though she knew that by doing so, she also hindered Geoffrey from performing his foremost duty.
"Serena, you do understand what I mean, right?" Queen Loretta asked a bit impatiently after not hearing a response from Serena for a while.
Hearing queen Loretta's words, Serena was shaken from her reverie. "I understand mother. I will try to discuss it again with Geoffrey later." she replied.
Queen Loretta tsked. "We've been discussing this matter for about a year now. If you keep on delaying just because Geoffrey disagrees, then we'll just continue running in circles. Besides, how could you be so sure that Geoffrey is being honest? What makes you believe that he's not only disagreeing because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings? Perhaps if you were to gift him a second wife, he would even be happy.
Aside from that, you do know that there have already been people, even those from Geoffrey's faction, voicing their concerns regarding the reality that he still has no son, right? Aren't you being too complacent just because Geoffrey seems to have solid footing as crown prince now? You've always been smart, Serena. You don't need me to explain further what the current situation entails.
Now, Serena, you have already been married to Geoffrey for almost four years. He has loved you and has given you his utmost care and undivided attention. I know you also reciprocated that love given everything you have done for him. However, if I were to be the judge, what you've done for him is not nearly enough for all the sacrifices he has taken and will be taking for you. If you truly love Geoffrey, then you should know and do what's best for him. Unless…" With that, queen Loreta paused as she sighed for effect.
Serena closed her eyes. It's not her first-time hearing everything the queen said, but every single time, it just keeps getting harder for her to come up with a legitimate excuse. Yes, she knew what they were. Excuses.
"Mother, I am trying. However, it's not easy to find a suitable second wife for Geoffrey either."
Queen Loretta raised her left brow. "Oh? Haven't I mentioned before that your lady-in-waiting, Annalys, is a perfectly suitable match?"
Serena swallowed. That's another thorn in her chest. She knew that she was only buying time for herself by delaying the inevitable. She was confident that Geoffrey loves her, but would that love be enough if she still couldn't birth him a son?
Even though the general public still loves her, sooner or later, she would no longer be able to use their compassion to cover up the fact that she has not given birth yet.
On the other hand, even though she was still the de facto leader of women in high society, it was only so because Geoffrey proved to love her still.
Yet, she would delay it if she can. With no woman daring to go against her and Geoffrey's love still ringing true, she can do it. She will continue to hold on to Geoffrey as he is holding on to her.
However, when the queen mentioned Annalys as the best candidate for Geoffrey's second wife last month, Serena became apprehensive.
--
TBC
Serena always felt a bit insecure of Annalys because she knew that she was the queen's first choice as Geoffrey's crown princess. However, she looked pass that and still chose her as her lady-in-waiting because she trusted Geoffrey's love and that, well, the Cross family held a huge chunk of the military power in their kingdom.
Although Serena's intentions weren't pure, after Annalys became her lady-in-waiting, she did try to truly befriend her. As they got to spend time together, she realized that Annalys' though spoiled, was only misunderstood. She may be honest and tactless to a fault, but given her social standing, what can one expect? Overtime, she grew to become fond of the younger lady.
Serena treated Annalys like her younger sister, daughter even. She helped Annalys build a positive reputation, guided her to improve herself, and she just made her shine.
That's why for queen Loretta to mention Annalys' name, Serena was rattled.
Annalys' standing, compared to her, wasn't far off. As her lady-in-waiting, Annalys was well accepted by her own social connections. Then, there's also the fact that she was an esteemed lady of her own right. Annalys was beautiful, young, she hailed from a ducal family more powerful than her own, and more importantly, she was unmarried. If Annalys had the ambition, she could replace her.
If Serena were to be more honest, those were also part of the reasons why she has kept Annalys close from the beginning.
Thankfully, her kindness to Annalys has paid off.
After the queen mentioned it the first time, Serena casually voiced her concern to Annalys. The reason was not because she had the intention to make it happen. Rather, it was to, one, share her burden, the other, to test her.
Annalys did not disappoint. She determinedly told her that she had no intention to become Geoffrey's second wife and even promised that she would never come between them. Although there's a possibility that they might just be empty words, the resoluteness in Annalys' eyes made her believe them.
"Mother, I already talked to Annalys but she rejected even the possibility." Serena defended.
"What made you so sure that that's how she truly felt? In my opinion, Annalys only said that because she's a real respectable lady with a generous heart. She knew how much you love Geoffrey. However, if you were to expressly tell her that you support the possible union, I'm positive that she would agree." Queen Loretta argued.
Serena at a loss for words for once could not answer. What could she say in rebuttal? That she saw it in Annalys' eyes? Even if she were to say that, if would only become laughable even to her, because how could anyone presume what's truly in the human heart?
Queen Loretta smiled at Serena's speechlessness. Invigorated with the feeling of winning their conversation for once. "In any case, I know that there's still some truth to what you said. I have spoken to Duchess Cross (Annalys' mother), and she mentioned that Annalys was indeed averse to the idea of becoming Geoffrey's second wife, citing you as her prime consideration.
Now, duchess Cross, on the other hand, has been quite taken with the idea. Thus, during one of our conversations, she and I have come to an agreement to have Annalys marry as Geoffrey's second wife. However, her concern was that Annalys might cause a ruckus if she were to force her into it.
So, we decided to delay it to the end of the season so that Annalys would feel like she had the choice. Of course, during that time, I expect you not only to ensure that her attention doesn't stray towards any other man, though I hardly find any man worthy as Geoffrey's competition, but also to ease her to the idea of marrying Geoffrey."
Hearing those words, Serena's eyes instinctively widened in disbelief. Try as she might to show that she was unaffected, she couldn't.
Queen Loretta seeing the expression on Serena's face felt some sort of satisfaction. "I can expect that you can accomplish at least that much, am I correct?"
Serena was not able to answer at once.
Queen Loretta smirked. "Serena, you're agreeable to that, aren't you? Unless… you have been against letting Geoffrey take a second wife in the first place."
Serena, as we all know, was truly against it. But how could she admit it given her current circumstances? It would mean that she, despite being the one with defect, purposely hindered Geoffrey to perform his duty because she has let her jealousy and selfishness cloud her judgement. If the queen had a recorder hidden inside the room which she does not know of, she could even use it to incriminate her.
Gathering her wits, Serena shook her head and smiled. "Please don't misinterpret mother. I was only thinking of how good it is that Annalys would be truly part of our family soon."
Queen Loretta's brows furrowed, not believing Serena's words at all. "If that were the case, then that's for the best."
"Of course, mother. But do tell, does Annalys know about this? Also, when is the wedding expected to take place? I need to know so that I could better prepare how to go about convincing her." Serena asked enthusiastically.
Queen Loretta doubted Serena's intention. However, there was no other way to go about it than to let her know and have her take the necessary steps for it to happen. "Annalys does not, but you may tell her so long as you were to say that it was your idea. There's no exact date for the wedding yet but it should happen before the year ends."
"Alright. I understand, mother. Then, if there's nothing else…" Serena said, to indicate that it was time for her to go.
Queen Loretta also did not want to spend more time with Serena as necessary. Satisfied for getting her point across, she nodded her head.
"Then, mother, I shall go ahead. Thank you for your counsel." Serena said as she stood up. She was at the door when suddenly, queen Loretta called her name. So, she turned back to face her.
Queen Loretta did not feel exactly right about Serena's reaction, so she deigned it to remind her of one thing. "Serena, let me emphasize lest you forget that the Cross family holds a huge chunk of the total military forces in our kingdom."
Serena raised both ber brows, "of course, mother. I know. But thank you for the kind reminder." She mirthfully replied before finally exiting the door.
--
TBC