Chapter 78 - Queen Ariadne Is The Light Of The Palace...

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The Author's POV.

"Come in"

The door flung opened. Queen Texas wanted to react but she saw her two sons prince Elvin and Baron. She moved closer and opened her arms wide for a huge family hug. The two men went to their mother's like little children.

"My boys, I have missed you very much" she said with tears dropping from her eyes. Ever since the Emperor sent her to live with Grandmother in the castle, she never saw her children again. Including Morgana. She wondered how tall she would be by now.

"Welcome mother" they said.

"Where is Morgana?" she asked.

"Maybe she is with the women. Morgana is hardly seen these days" prince Elvin replied.

"Why did you say that? You two didn't take care of while was away" Queen Texas said. She left them with a sister and they could not take proper care of her.

"Mother .. mother, Morgana is always with big brother Emperor. She does not have time for us" prince Baron told her. He moved to the window and drew the curtains.

"You mean they are together?" Queen Texas widened her eyes. She was excited to hear this. Morgana would be the one to strengthen their relationship with the Emperor. Now, she was sure about it.

"Yes mother but why are you excited about it?" Prince Elvin asked, he wondered why his mother picked interest in the Emperor's affairs. It's was becoming annoying.

"Come here brother" Prince Baron called out. He saw Queen Ariadne coming out of the harem she wore a sparling yellow dress. With her was the maid named Anne, who kept on saying what they couldn't comprehend.

"What is it brother?" He asked. Prince Elvin did not want to stand up from the bed. He wanted to tell his mother about Queen Ariadne.

"It's Queen Ariadne. She is coming out of the harem."

"What ?" He dashed towards the window and opened it. Seeing Ariadne was like a dream come true. He wished they could meet one on one.

"Who is that ?" their mother asked.  She was surprised with the way , her son ran to see a woman that was only passing by.

"She is the most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes on mother" he said, with a smile. "Ariadne is light that put on all the candles in this Palace."

"Spare me that" Prince Baron mumbled.

Queen Texas was confused, she looked at Baron and her eyes went back to Elvin who was still looking outside.

"Can I see this woman?" Their mother asked again.

"Come here mother. She is closer now" prince Elvin said, his eyes focused on Queen Ariadne. Queen Texas wondered who could make her son behaved so childish. She went to the window and looked down.

"The one in yellow mother. Isn't she beautiful?" He asked.

"She is … oh my god… you have a good sight" she Pat his back. You like her?

"Whatever' Baron rolled his eyes. Elvin was yet to tell their mother who Ariadne was. – the Emperor's favorite.

"He loves her mother. I hope it doesn't drive him crazy" prince Baron added. He was heading for the door already. "Am going to bring Morgana upstairs. Stay from that woman Elvin."

"She is very beautiful. I like her already" queen Texas said after Baron left. She was glad that at last Elvin found a woman that could make him happy.

"Mother, am glad you are back" Prince Elvin said, shutting the door behind. He wanted to tell his  mother the truth about Queen Ariadne before his brothers.

"I was going to come back someday that I know for sure."

"I love that woman. I wished we could get married" he said. His mother was confused why he said so.

"What is stopping you son ?" she placed her hand on his shoulders.

"She is queen Ariadne mother" he turned and faced her. "The wife of the great Emperor. "

"That's bad Elvin. But I can talk to him on your behalf. I am sure he would let go of one if I ask him" She said. Queen Texas have never seen Elvin this way. He was truly in love with this woman and she won't stop until they are united.

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Queen Ariadne's POV.

It's was time for dinner.  We finished arranging all the cutleries. Mother told me that Queen Valeria was going to sit next to the Emperor. That was how it's was before I came. Though it hurts, I didn't argue. She was doing what was best for us.

"Call the rest of the family members" mother instructed. How on Earth was I going to call every one down here. There were only twenty- two seats available. I didn't move, Queen Alissa smiled at me. I am sure she saw the confusion.

"Do not worry, I will go and call them" she said leaving the hall. Thank goodness she went.

"Mother is there anything you would like me to do?" I asked politely.

"No Queen Ariadne" she said, adjusting the seat that was meant for Grandmother. "Tell someone to bring Arya  downstairs. She will be joining us for dinner."

"Okay mother" I curtsied and looked around for maid. Luckily, I found one at the door.

"Tell Anne to bring my daughter for dinner" I told.

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We were standing at different corners while Grandmother, Queen Texas and Mother sat down. They were discussing about the feast that supposed to hold. I wondered what kind of feast is that.

When the Emperor entered the hall with Apollo and Prince Edwards by his side, we moved to our seats immediately. Just when Queen Valeria was about to sit, he stopped her.

"Please don't sit next to me" he said. We were all surprised hearing him say that. Grandmother was at the table , has he forgotten?

"Why will you say that Sargon" grand mother asked. Her grey hair was shiny this evening.

"Grand Mother , I don't want her to sit next to me today" he replied.

" if not Queen Valeria then who?" she asked him.

"Ariadne" the Emperor said, fixing his gaze on me. What! Me ? This man was going to cause trouble for me. I didn't want Grandmother to notice me.

When I looked up , all eyes were on me. Queen Valeria  gave me a hot look. It could even melt an ice.

"What are you saying your highness" I said, with my head bowed. This was not going as plans. The emperor was indeed stubborn.

"Come sit here my queen" he said, touching the seat next to him. I looked at mother who nodded her head. That means I should go ahead. Whether I like it or not? There was no choice in this . The Emperor's words were final.

"My queen? We don't understand" Queen Texas asked. The shock was all written on her face.

"Yes Step mother. I have not introduced you to her. Forgive my manners" the Emperor said, giving me a head sign to come. I stood up from my seat. I knew every one was looking at me, there was no need to look back

I walked and passed Queen Valeria who was still standing closed to the seat. I sat down and the Emperor held my left hand up.

"Meet queen Ariadne, my favorite queen" he said kissing my knuckles. Was this a dream or he was just trying to provoke queen Valeria.

"O my goodness. You never told me about this your highness" Queen Texas said. Grandmother was still shocked. She could not talk at the moment.

The door interrupted us. It's opened and Arya ran into the hall. I knew she was searching for me

"Mother" she said, I stood up at once to welcome my daughter. I gave a hug.

"Come let's go" I took along and we returned back to the seat.

"When did all these happened Sargon?" Grandmother asked. She was confused seeing Arya. Also, for the fact that she was calling me mother.

The Emperor took her in his arms and made her sat on his laps. "Do you see the old woman over there? he asked Arya, who was trying her best to understand what her father was saying.

"Yes father. Should I go and greet her ?" Her cute voice asked.

"No don't bother. You can say hi from here" he said, kissing her forehead. "She is your grandmother."

"Is she  your child?" Queen Texas asked.

"Yes. I will explain everything to you two later" the Emperor said to her. He was referring to Grandmother too.

"Queen Valeria, you can have a seat there" mother pointing the seat, I left.

"Everything has changed within this short time. My absence has caused a lot of damage than I expected" grand mother said, bitterly. I could feel the pain from her voice. She was yet to accept me.

"Nothing has changed over the years" the Emperor told his grand mother. Only the women in my quarters has" he looked at Queen Valeria, who felt unease.. Was planning to tell her now? I hope he doesn't.