Chapter 2 Crown Prince's Bride
Inside the Queen-mother's chamber:
"You look quite stressed these days dear, what it the matter?" the queen mother, Shizuka Kuran asked her daughter-in-law, the current queen.
"Same thing that has been going on for years now." The queen responded releasing a frustrated sigh.
"I see darkness under your eyes. You seem to have lost night's sleep. What has our Rido done this time to take that away?" the queen-mother casually asked taking a sip of her tea.
The current queen didn't answer. She just got up from her seat and walked towards the window. Then looked outside, absently. Staring at nothing in particular for a while. It was clear that her exhausted eyes desperately kept searching for some kind of a solution. It was no secret the queen was worried sick about the crown prince.
"The royal astrologer paid me a visit last night," the queen-mother informed, observing the queen. But seeing no change within her daughter-in-law she continued "…I have expressed my concern about my grandson to him. And he assured me that it is not too late. There is still time. He can be brought back."
That information grabbed the red head queen's attention. She now turned back and faced her mother-in-law with great interest.
"And what did he suggest?" Queen Juri asked, now walking towards the queen-mother.
The former queen smirked, amused by her daughter-in-law's sudden interest in their conversation. Which wasn't present even mere minutes before.
They were so much alike…
"He suggested we find him a wife. A young, beautiful, virgin that will distract him from those whores and turn him towards home."
…
Few weeks later:
It was a beautiful spring morning. The air smelled fresh and earthly. With light breeze blowing from the south kept the temperature cool with slight teasing of cold. The sun was bright up on the sky. Its light was soft with subtle hint of warmth.
During such bright days the current queen preferred to spend her time outdoors rather than staying indoors. And that day was no different. Queen Juri was outside, taking a stroll in the garden. This was one of her frequent routine and favorite past time when her husband was not around.
The day was going on like any other day. She did her rounds. Watered her favorite plants. Watched the blossoming flowers and migrating birds as they spread their wings while having her morning tea there. And after completing all her rituals at the garden, just as the queen was about to retreat,
A series of laughter reached her ear…
The queen frowned, then faced her maid with a vexed expression on her face and inquired,
"Who is this manic laughing in such horrid manner in this early hour of the day?"
"Your highness...It must be princess Yuki. I saw her around not too long ago." The maid answered.
"Let's go see what is so funny that is making her act in such un-lady like manner." The queen motioned her maid to lead her towards the direction from where the sound of laughter was coming.
.
.
.
The queen found her princess.
Her daughter was not alone. She was in company of another young maiden whose face she could not see as the latter was standing with her back facing her (the queen). Neither princess Yuki nor her friend took any notice of the queen who was standing just couple of feet away from them. The two maiden were completely occupied into their task of making flower crown for one another.
Soon the queen had her focus shift from her own daughter to the person that was present with her. She observed that maiden as she went forward to pick up more flowers. All the while hoping that she would at least turn back for once. Even though she was just seeing this person from the back, but judging by the quality of her hair, color of her skin tone and figure the queen was able to come to terms that this girl will be quite striking. But still she needed to make sure that reality actually matched her imagination.
So she approached in their direction.
"Yuki!"
"Mother…" her daughter turned beaming her a happy smile.
"Your highness." The other person – who had her back facing the queen all this time finally turned! Upon realizing who was approaching them she quickly got on her knees and bowed. Giving the queen her well desired opportunity to scrutinize her.
And to say queen Juri was impressed would be an absolute understatement. Truth be told she was taken aback, she was mesmerized. Despite being a women her breath was taken away. The sight standing before her in that very moment was no ordinary beauty. She looked no living breathing human, instead what actually appeared as though a wingless fairy. Everything about this girl was immensely beautiful. Even her own daughter, born of royal blood looked simple, plain and shadowed standing beside her. There was something in this maiden that seemed quite out of this world. Staring from her long luscious dark locks that fell below her waist to her bright blue eyes that quite resembled the sky. Then there were those unnaturally long-thick lashes, the small buttoned nose, large dimpled smile and of course those red pouty lips. And one would definitely have to be blind not to see that milky-white skin, the texture of it looked no smoother than butter.
"Rise." The queen commanded. Her full attention fell upon the other maiden. Ignoring her daughter's curious stare she went on to study her friend.
The girl did as she was commanded.
"What is your name?"
"Aiyora, your highness."
"Aiyora what?"
"Aiyora Cross, your highness."
"Are you somehow related to councilor Cross?"
"He is my father, your highness."
"Mother?" this time it was princess Yuki who interrupted. "If it is alright with you may we please resume playing? After all these days I hardly see Aiyora-chan."
"Yes of course my precious daughter. I apologize if my presence has caused any sort of interruption." With that she bid the girls farewell. And on her way back she commanded her handmaiden.
"Find out everything that you can on the Cross family and that girl."
"Consider it done my lady."
Just like that in a matter of few precious minutes Queen Juri found the solution to her problem. She found a bride for the crown prince. Although she appears to be a little too young in age when compared to her first born. But that shouldn't matter. The younger the bride the better they can control.
But the problem is Haruka might object. He does not support the concept of early marriage. Especially when the maiden is still under the age of eighteen.
However if she is able to get the queen-mother's permission. Then together they can convince Haruka. The king maybe able to turn one of them away. But if the queen and queen-mother joins hand the king will left cornered for sure.
…
Inside the Queen-mother's chamber:
"She is councilor Cross's daughter. In fact his only child."
The queen passed her mother-in-law the envelope containing the pictures. The queen-mother gracefully accepted, then opened the envelope. She put on her glasses and thoroughly examined each and every one of those photographs.
After going through each of the pictures in hand the elderly women finally gave her verdict.
"You have done well daughter, I am impressed. You were not lying with your words, which I initially assumed to be your exaggeration." She complemented the queen on her taste.
"…Even though there is no ounce of royal blood in her yet she looks no less any one of us." The queen-mother put the photos back into the envelope and took off her glasses before focusing back on her daughter-in-law who was waiting in anticipation.
"Should I take these words of yours as blessing for this union?"
The queen wanted confirmation. The queen-mother on the other hand gave the envelope back to the queen and motioned for one of the maids in duty to come forth.
"Yes your majesty." The maid bowed, awaiting her command.
"Go and send words to councilors Cross that I have called for him urgently."
And hearing those words a smile made its way to Queen Juri's lips. Finally!
a.n. thank you all for reading. hope you guys enjoyed. the third chapter will be up soon.
