Chapter 493 - The Yellow Flags

For the evening function Adrianna had worn a pale yellow, silk evening gown with a plunging neckline. Her topaz necklace reflected the light from the orbs and seemed like a cluster of tiny suns on her neck. Her maids had parted her hair in two, with the top half being woven into a braid that was bejeweled with small pearl pins. She was wearing a white fur shawl to keep herself warm. 

When the function was over, all of a sudden, right in front of the first row of seats where the royals were sitting a line of yellow flags rose from the ground and fluttered in the soft breeze. All the flowers that spiraled over the guests near the orbs of light, turned yellow and their petals showered over the entire field. In a few minutes, the entire ground turned yellow and all the subjects started to cheer. This was an announcement about Adrianna's pregnancy. The crowd went into a frenzy. The fists were up in the air. "Long Live the Wizard Queen! Long Live the King!" The eyes flung wide open. The gathering was electrified at the new announcement. The emotion amongst the subjects was unfathomable. Their spirits leaped out of their hearts and shouts of joy echoed around the entire field to the extent that it could be heard in Level Two. 

Two wizards flew over the royal couple and Adrianna and Dmitri were showered with yellow petals to the extent that they were almost half-covered with them. 

The crowd continued to cheer at this wonderful news. They applauded the Queen for steering them through the difficult times even when she was pregnant. Their love for her grew multifold. 

Although Dmitri had asked her to stay quiet about the pregnancy, Adrianna had made up her mind to share it with her people. She had a reason and she had discussed it with Dmitri a night earlier, before telling it to everyone. And that was the reason why she chose to wear yellow. 

The royal couple rose from their chair and came forward. They waved at the crowd cheerfully. Cora and Pierre couldn't help feeling proud. Adrianna hoped her Grandfather was there too. 

All the Ministers stood up with the King and Queen. Even they were shocked to hear the news. Everyone except one was happy. 

Lenny's face became pale. With Adrianna pregnant there was no way she could even touch her. All eyes would be on her and even if she got a scratch while carrying the next ruler of the Wizard Kingdom, the person responsible would be lynched. Lenny knew what emotion the wizards and witches had for their rulers and for their babies. All her hopes dashed. Sweat poured down her face. She looked at the crowd. A fresh wave of roars exploded and rose to a crescendo. And she knew that this wouldn't settle down until Adrianna delivered the child. She had to do something and soon. 

Everyone exited the arena and walked towards the place where dinner was served. All the important people were immediately surrounded by the Mozia for the fear that they would come near them and may cause harm. The announcement had made everyone extremely excited. It had been a long time since any ruler had given this kind of news. The crowd swelled to the extent that three layers of Mozia and some spells were also difficult to stop them

Adrianna and Dmitri laughed at the way they all reacted. It was new for them. Dmitri quipped, "I think we should have more babies."

Adrianna rolled her eyes. 

They had to get there as soon as possible. 

--- 

Once the festivities were over, Adrianna had to go to the noble court. There were plenty of pending matters that she needed to discuss with the Crown apart from the daily issues that had piled up over the past few weeks. The Crown had been waiting for her. When the Crown came and settled itself on her head, immediately a thick mist surrounded her. He had to speak with her before letting her talk to the ministers. 

Adrianna found herself in a garden with yellow flowers blooming everywhere—her gift from the Crown. ���Take care of your pregnancy now that everyone knows about it." They walked amidst the flowers that bloomed at every step they took. Adrianna felt a lot of joy. 

"I will," she replied gently with a smile and then apprised him of the situation. 

"That was something I wondered about that man. He was always aloof and I didn't like the aura," said the Crown. "But I am happy that the problem is solved now." 

"Thanks,' she replied softly. 

"I see that you want to remove Niiya from the Council's post," the Crown remarked reading her plans. 

"Yes, I don't think he is the right candidate," she said. 

"Well, you need a lot of convincing to do, Adrianna. There are many who would never want you or Dmitri to become the Council Head." The Crown stopped. "There are many who want to harm you. In my opinion you shouldn't go out of the Wizard Kingdom till you have delivered the baby. You should postpone any plans that are related to other realms." 

Adrianna bit her lip. "I will see," she replied. 

"Well then, I think our meeting is over," he said and disappeared. 

The mist cleared and Adrianna returned to the court's proceedings. 

--- 

It had been two weeks since Lenny had joined her job. Since she used to come to the Ministry Block along with her mother, no one would stop her or question her. Things went very smoothly. In Haldir's office there were several things that she came to know about and would often try to leak the information to her brother by bringing the files at home. But she was frustrated when every file would appear blank when she opened them. The files used by the ministry were made in a way that they would become garbage when carried out of the Ministry Block. 

She was desperate to take things forward but nothing was happening. She wondered when Adrianna would go to the Werewolf Realm. In those two weeks she had made it a point to visit Adrianna at least twice only to chat with her on friendly terms. She knew that Adrianna would allow her to enter the palace and spend time with her since back in the Wizard Academy she had helped her. Sometimes Nefasky also joined the two of them and the three friends would reminisce about their academy days. Over the friendly banter one evening Lenny said, "Adrianna, I would love to see the Werewolf Realm one day. I have never ever visited that Realm." 

Adrianna was quick to respond with a smile, "Oh sure! I am going there on Sunday for celebrations. You can always join us." 

"Really?" Lenny clasped her hands in excitement. This was the opportunity she was waiting for. Kenai would be so satisfied. 

"Yes, of course. It would be a pleasure," said an unsuspecting Adrianna. 

The three of them continued to talk about various other things and the hot topic of discussion was her wardrobe. Adrianna wanted to visit the Wizard Kingdom's market and choose dresses like a normal girl would but things had changed drastically for her. The witch fashion designers had come to the palace instead. Adrianna was bored. 

The girls decided to secretly visit the market under a disguise.