The Story of A Queen
Chapter 6- Hard Times Within Palace Walls
Disclaimer: I do not own Princess Diaries or the characters thereof.
One month later
Mia's ankle was completely. She was now showing much more. Parliament has called a meeting to discuss some issues within the kingdom and all of the honoraries and the judge were seated.
"What is the first order of business?" Mia asks as she seats herself. Nicholas' uncle stands.
"I would like to discuss a matter of great concern to the court. All of you know that a law was passed declaring that the first born of the throne would have the option of not ruling," the honorary says.
"Please continue," Mia says knowing where he is going with this remark.
"I do not believe the first born should have a choice in the matter. It is their place to take the throne. We do not want to resort to having someone outside of the royal family as ruler of the country," the honorary says.
"Queen Amelia, what is your opinion on the matter?" the judge asks.
"My opinion is that it is completely unethical and this law should not be reprimanded," Mia says trying to keep from getting upset.
"He does bring up a very interesting point," the judge says. Mia places a hand on her stomach protectively.
"This child should have just as much right as anyone else in the kingdom. Genovia is a free country and the people, royal or not, have the option of choosing their own life. Whether it be priesthood, or ruling a country, this child will have the choice in the matter," Mia says sternly.
"We must vote. All in favor," the judge says. Very few I's were heard.
"All opposed," the judge replies. "No," the courtroom says. They were soon dismissed leaving Mia a bit perplexed at Nicholas' uncle's constant remarks. She is now in the Queen's office busily preparing for a meeting with a few other European countries to resolve some of the issues with the orphanages in those particular areas. A knock comes at the door.
"Who is it?" Mia asks curiously.
"It's Joe," Joe says from behind the door.
"Come on in," Mia says happily. Joe walks in looking a bit distraught.
"What is it Joe?" Mia asks worriedly.
"Well, your grandmother has been acting strangely lately. I think it has something to do with parliament," Joe answers.
Mia puts away what she is doing, "There is a particular member of parliament that needs to be removed. I've been having several problems with him. I'm sure it was him."
"Is there anything we can do to remove him from his position?" Joe asks inquisitively.
"I don't think there is any way we can," Mia replies with a troubled look, "They are trying to get her to divorce you most likely."
"Why wouldn't you be able to remove him?" Joe asks when he hears this comment.
"He is Nicholas' uncle," Mia replies with a defeated tone.
"How on Earth did he get back on parliament?" Joe asks angrily.
"It's not the same uncle. It's one of his other uncles. But he causes just as much trouble," Mia replies, "Joe, I am no more happy about it than you. I cannot ask Nichols to remove his own uncle. No matter how much trouble he causes."
"Mia, I know that you think you are doing what is best, but you, your grandmother, and I are suffering for it. If you won't speak with Nicholas, I will," Joe says sternly.
"He is so stubborn he won't listen to anyone, but I will speak with Nicholas," Mia says caringly.
"Thank you, Mia," Joe says, "Oh, and by the way, I am very happy about the new addition to our family. I haven't spoken to you since you announced it."
"I know. I have been so busy," Mia says as she looks down at the stack of papers on her desk.
"I can see that," Joe says. Just then Clarisse walks into the room.
"Joe, what are you doing in here?" Clarisse asks as she walks over to Mia's desk.
"Oh, I was just congratulating Mia on the new addition to the family," Joe answers as he gets up and kisses her cheek.
"I see, well, if you don't mind I need to speak with Mia alone for a few minutes," Clarisse says.
"Of course. I'll see you later," Joe says as he walks out of the room. Once he leaves Mia begins talking.
"Grandma, what is going on? You never brush Joe off like that," Mia asks as her grandmother sits in front of her desk.
"Mia, we must do something about Nicholas' uncle," Clarisse says sternly.
"I know, I will speak with him about it this evening," Mia says reassuringly.
"I don't know how much longer I can handle his constant remarks in parliament," Clarisse says angrily.
"I understand. He has been giving me a lot of trouble lately as well. Grandma, why don't we go to the country house?" Mia says trying to change the subject, "I'm getting a bit overwhelmed."
"I can see that. A holiday sounds perfect at the moment," Clarisse says tiredly.
"I will cancel this week's appointments, and the four of us can go to the country house," Mia says as she picks up the phone. When she gets off she replies, "Everything is ready. Nicholas will meet us there this evening."
"Alright I will meet you downstairs," Clarisse says as she gets up to leave.
"I'll se you then," Mia says with enthusiasm. After Clarisse leaves Charlotte comes in.
"Charlotte, please make sure that Nicholas gets the message to come to the country house when his meeting gets out," Mia says.
"Of course, your majesty," Charlotte replies.
"And Charlotte?"
"Yes, Queen Mia," Charlotte answers as she turns back around towards her.
"Please make sure that everything is taken care of while I am gone and if anything comes up that is urgent contact Nicholas or myself," Mia says.
"I will," Charlotte answers as she leaves.
Later that afternoon Clarisse, Joe, and Mia are all at the country house. They hear a car pull up in the drive and soon Nicholas walks into the house.
"Hello, Nicholas," Joe says happily.
"Hello, Joe," Nicholas replies, "Where is Mia?"
"She is back in the bedroom napping," Clarisse replies.
"A nap sounds absolutely wonderful," Nicholas says, "I think I'll go join her." Nicholas goes back into the bedroom where Mia is staying. He slowly opens the door trying not to wake her, then takes off his shoes and lays down on the bed beside her. Ever since she got pregnant she has become a very light sleeper. He slowly moves the hair off her face.
"Mmm," Mia says as she slowly opens her eyes.
"Hello, my darling," Nicholas says sweetly as he gives her a kiss.
"Hi, when did you get here?" she asks tiredly.
"Not long ago. I had to finish a few things before I got here," Nicholas answers as he takes hold of her hand.
"Nicholas, I need to talk to you about something," Mia says.
"What is it darling?" Nicholas asks.
"Um…well, um, do you want to know what we are having?" Mia asks as she tries to avoid the question about his uncle.
"Yes, of course. When are we finding out?" Nicholas asks.
"Next week," Mia says.
"Is that all you want to ask me?" Nicholas asks curiously.
"Nicholas, I need to talk to you about your uncle and his position in parliament," Mia says.
"What seems to be the problem?" Nicholas asks.
"Well, your uncle is the problem," Mia says nervously.
"What did he do, love?" Nicholas asks.
"He is constantly trying to change former policies about me and the baby, and is beginning to tear Grandma and Joe apart," Mia replies.
"Mia, he is my uncle. I don't know if I can remove him," Nicholas says.
"Nicholas, this is not about your feelings toward him. One of these days he is going to come up with some silly policy that will ruin Grandma and Joe," Mia says get teary eyed, "and maybe even you and me."
"When we get back I will have him removed. He will not treat my wife or anyone in her family with disrespect," Nicholas says caringly.
"Hopefully this will resolve the problems we have been having with parliament," Mia says.
"Let's just not think anymore about parliament or meetings, and enjoy our time together," Nicholas says as he kisses Mia.
"I like that idea," Mia replies as she kisses him back. A knock comes at the door.
"It's like someone puts some sort of sign up every time we start kissing 'Come and knock'," Mia says frustrated.
"Come in," Nicholas says as he walks over and opens the door. One of the security guards is standing outside.
"Your majesty, would you mind stepping outside for a moment," the security guard asks Nicholas.
"Of course. I'll be back darling," Nicholas replies as he shuts the door behind him. Mia waits patiently fighting the urge to go listen at the door.
The security guard begins, "Sir, there has been an accident."
"What sort of an accident?" Nicholas asks inquisitively.
"This is very difficult for me to tell you. It seems that Queen Amelia's mother and stepfather, have passed away in a terrible car accident last night," the security guard replies sadly.
"Oh dear," Nicholas replies as he run his fingers through his hair, "What about Trevor?"
"Trevor, was with a babysitter when the event occurred," the security guard says reassuringly.
"Well, at least he is alright," Nicholas says completely overwhelmed by the situation, "I must tell Mia."
"Actually, if you don't mind, the lawyer needs to speak with her as well when you have told her the situation," the security guard says trying not to get emotional about the entire situation. He knew that his queen was about to find out something tragic and it would be painful for him to see her hurting.
"Alright, but we will need some time. Please, go and inform Clarisse. Mia will need as much support and love around her as possible," Nicholas replies, knowing that Mia is going to take this hard.
"I will go inform Queen Clarisse," the security guard says as he walks to the other side of the country house.
"Oh, my poor Mia," Nicholas says as he takes a deep breath and opens the door. Mia can see a look of sadness that has fallen upon his countenance.
"Nicholas, what is going on?" Mia asks nervously. Nicholas walks over and sits down beside her and takes her hand in his.
"Nicholas?" Mia says again getting more worried at his gestures.
"Mia, darling, I just received some bad news," Nicholas says clearly trying to hide how upset he was.
"What's wrong?" Mia asks nervously.
"It seems that, your stepfather and mother were killed in a terrible car accident," Nicholas says sadly.
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. You all are very encouraging. Please read and review!