Chapter 59 - The Search...

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The Author's POV.

The Queen mother was not happy with Queen Valeria for exchanging words with her co-wives. She had respect for her because she was the Emperor's first wife and mother expected her to behave maturely when its came to matters of the harem.

Queen Valeria stood at the door of mother's room. She was waiting for the Queen to invite her in.

"Come in Queen Valeria" mother said. She was sitting on the cushion closed to the fire. It's was still cold in Akkad due to the heavy rain that fell last night.

"Greetings mother, you sent for me" she said with a bow.

"Yes I did"  it's was all written on mother's face that she was not happy nor in a mood to laugh.

"Sit there" she pointed a chair opposite. It's may take a while. "I want us to discuss something important."

Queen Valeria did as she was told. She knew mother was going to find fault in her as always.

"It's about the attitude you portray about. I personally think is hard time you stopped what you are doing. The way you talk to the other women like they are slaves. I don't like it at all any more."

"How mother? I don't understand" queen Valeria pretended. She knew exactly what mother was trying to say.

"I was the one who told Sargon to make you the women leader of his quarters. I did that because I respected and thought that you will be able to handle such position" mother said. This was not going well for Queen Ariadne. Her mother in-law was getting angry which was not good for business, sooner or later she might think of giving her position away.

"Mother forgive me if I have gone astray. It's not easy to take care of the harem. Is too stressful that's why I get angry most of the times" Queen Valeria lied. She hoped this would save her from the mess queen Ariadne had put her in to.

"If it is too much for you, then I advised you to get help from the other women instead of Making mockery of that position" Mother advised.

"I will look in to that Queen mother. Thank you for the advice" she said.

"You may leave" the Queen mother gave permission. She hope that Valeria does not go back being the same person she was.

Queen Valeria stood up from the chair and made her way to the door. "Sleep well mother."

She closed the  door and left. There was no way she was going to forgive Queen Ariadne. Because of her, she got scolded by mother. Very soon now, the old woman would start creating doubts in her mind. 

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Queen Ariadne's POV.

Two days later, I was strong and healthy though there was no sign of the Emperor outside his room. All the meetings he was supposed to attend was proposed till further notice. I was told that Apollo and Prince Edwards could enter the Emperor's room without being stopped by the guards. What a world!

I was his wife. I have  been sick and worried about him but he did not care to invite me to his Chambers for once. It's was because of him that I got hurt that night. And now, the Emperor had finally showed me that I was just one of his numerous concubines…exactly the way Queen Valeria had said.

Ever since the incident that happened between us the other day. I have not set my eyes on her. Many said she was hardly seen around. Maybe she has finally come to senses this will help her a lot.

"I asked Apollo if it's was the Emperor that helped you three days ago but he said no. That he never came out of his room" Anne told me.

"If it was not the Emperor, then who was it?" I asked, confused. "Please help me with the zip of my dress."

She did and I adjusted the robe of the dress. Just when we were about to go out, a maid ran into the room. She looked like she has been running since morning.

"What is it? Who is after you,?" I asked. The maid kept a hand on her chest. She must be tired after the run.

"The Emperor is finally out My lady. Princess Morgana told me so" she finally spoke. The Emperor was out? I dropped the comb in my hand and I ran to see him.

When I got to the door of the harem . Everywhere was quiet though I could see the women outside. This was unusual.

The Emperor stood on the highest stairs. Besides him was Apollo, Prince Elvis and Edwards. They all carried the same looks although the latter, looked more fearful.

The Emperor was angry and his looks showed that. It's looked like while he was locked up in the room, no food was fed to him.

" Queen Ariadne, please come closer" Prince Elvis said to me. I was scared to move any further. The last time, we were called like this I almost got killed. I wondered what was wrong this time around?

"You shouldn't wait any of my time here Queen Ariadne" the Emperor finally spoke. He did not even look at me for a second. My parents were no where to be seen. Maybe they we're thrown into the dungeon already and I was next.

I wondered if the emperor has find out about my truth identity. The way he spoke to me was not nice at all and it's been long, he said something similar or rude!

I went closer and stood among the women. My head was too ashamed to stand up right. May be there was still time for me to confess to the Emperor. He might forgive my iniquity. I was about going forward when he started talking – oops too late.

"Am very disappointed standing here" he said. What a start, making me feel bad already.

"I have made a research and I found out that one of you was involved with what happened to Queen Ariadne few months ago" the Emperor continued. His voice sounded dull and it showed that he was very bitter about it. But I was relieved, at least my identity was still save and the punishment was not for me.

"What are you saying Emperor?" Queen Valeria asked first. She looked so surprise and shocked after hearing this. I hope the king gives her a stupid answer.

"Am not talking to you Queen Valeria. It's a general question" The Emperor answered her. "I will be happy if you help me figure this out."

"Sure.. yess … I will"  she stammered.

"We got information from Evelyn saying that the evidence she gave was fake and one of the Queen paid her to do so" Apollo joined in.

"What ? Did she said who it's was ?" Queen Valeria asked quickly.

"No not all. But she said she can remember the Queen's face properly" Prince Edwards said, his hands where behind him just like his father's.

"That's where you come in to help queen Valeria" The Emperor said, tightening his grips on the sword.

"I don't understand why am supposed to come in your highness" she asked.

"You will help us find the Queen who did this, I already promised Queen Ariadne that I will not spare that person. So will you do that for me ?" He looked at her. She was surprised that such a difficult task was given to her. I hope she understood that being the women's leader was not all about punishing all the maids in the quarters.

"Why not? I  love to help you with this your highness"  Queen Valeria accepted the task. I did not expect her to though she did.  The Emperor smiled at her and left the gathering with his accomplices.

What a day. So they were finally closed to the truth? Am sure the Emperor would not spare any one that have made me suffered.

I was about to move from the spot when I mistakenly bumped into her! Queen Valeria! This was no old times when I got to do the apology.

"Good luck queen Valeria. I hope you show us how worthy you are of the position you hold esteem" I said. She was very angry I could tell from her looks.

"Learn to mind your business young woman" she walked and passed me. I did not feel bad about it because she was already burning with in her. Am sure no amount of water in Akkad could quench the fire.

"My lady," a maid called out to me. 

"What is it my dear" I asked the girl in front of me.

"The Emperor had sent for you" she said with her head , bowed.

"Where is he right now?" I asked her.

"In his sleeping Chambers my lady" she said.. Did he finally realized that I missed him when he was away? I gave Anne my hand fan and I made my way to the Emperor's room.