Abba wants her banquet
In the queen’s chamber, Amberjill, without pause, took all day writing the letters she needed to get to the people who would give her freedom. Of course, without risking her own life, or unleashing a war. The queen will try to cut everything off, as cleanly as possible, her relationship with the kingdom of Mahala, including her king. And when this is done, not even the mighty King Alcott will be able to stop it.
She was putting the last of the letters inside its envelope when a knock on the door distracted her. She knew that it was not one of her servants, because they always enter without the queen giving them permission to do so. No, it was someone else. Amberjill hastily hid the letters under her embroidery basket, and adjusting her dress, replied, “Come in.”
As the door opened, one of Lady Abba’s servants entered, bowing her head, and opened the door for her mistress to enter. The queen, seeing Abba’s glorious face, her mood soured. But that was not all, her stomach began to burn, and her lungs became small. But the usual smile that the queen must have had, was forced out.
Lady Abba, seeing the queen in front of her, made a courtesy, and smiled brightly. Showing how happy she was. Amberjill knew this was all a plot to rub her in the face that she was with a child. The queen cast her eyes to Abba’s stomach, which was still flat, and perfect. “Your majesty, forgive my intrusion. I should have requested an audience with you, but considering that we don’t have much time, I decided to take my chances.”
Amberjill couldn’t believe the rubbish on this woman’s brain. It seemed as if she had been taken off the streets only recently, and had never been raised to be a princess. Amberjill had already detected that. But in her current position, saying or implying anything about Lady Abba would be taken as jealousy. But that was not her problem, if Lady Abba wanted to behave like that, she would receive retribution soon. The court is not a place that allows flexibility. Of that, Amberjill was sure.
The queen waved her hand, letting her know that she could enter. Abba did so, and without further ceremony, she sat down in one of the chairs that were in front of the queen. Amberjill regarded her with distaste. However, she did nothing. Amberjill will let it all fall under its own weight, eventually.
“What can I do for you, Lady Abba?” That was how the queen approached this situation. But Abba, still smiling, replied, “Your Majesty, my business couldn’t wait any longer. The date is approaching, and it is necessary that we begin the preparations. Everything must be ready.” This, of course, piqued the queen’s interest. What move is Lady Abba planning?
“Please, Lady Abba, continue.” The queen urged her to finish.
“Yes, your majesty, of course. It is a tradition in my kingdom that the wife, or new wife, is presented before the noble houses on the husband’s side. As you will remember, my wedding was attended only by members of my family, and that of the king, but none of the nobles that ruled the kingdom of Mahala alongside the king.”
Oh! Amberjill’s mouth went dry, and her body turned to stone. The only thing that showed that the queen was still alive was her white eyelashes, trembling slightly, almost imperceptibly. And when the queen managed to react, her mask was nowhere to be found. Amberjill rose abruptly and went to the window, with her back to Abba. Contemplating the magnificent scenery from the window, the queen said, “My king is the only one who can authorize a congregation of such great prestige. I am sorry, Lady Abba, but I am not able to help in what you ask of me.”
Abba’s face contorted in fury, but luckily for her, the queen’s back was turned, preventing the queen from seeing her murderous thoughts.
But Lady Abba would not give up so easily. “Your Majesty, our husband, the king, assure me that you are in charge of managing the castle’s resources, and everything that entails the town’s festivities. He also assured me that you would be in the best of dispositions to help me settle into my new home. Now I see that it is not so. Your majesty, reconsider, otherwise, I will take my case directly to the king.”
Abba thought that this threat would be enough to make the queen relent. She has to do this, because, inexplicably, has not been able to gain an audience with his majesty, the king. For some strange reason, Alcott has not wanted to grant her any audience or go to visit her in her bedroom after the first and only night they spent together. That upset her immensely. Lady Abba had no choice but to go to the queen.
Our husband? The queen lost all the warmth in her body and more, but she was no fool, she knew that the woman in front of her wanted to destabilise her with a threat that was empty and remind her that she was not the only wife or the great king. The king, despite his betrayal, would never attempt anything against her. Of that, Amberjill was sure. If the queen were not forced to perform this banquet, for her part, she would not do it. The move that Abba was making was very risky for her future. Amberjill knew at this moment that Abba’s action was telling of a very dangerous opponent.
“I’m sorry, Lady Abba,” the queen said, turning to face her. She could see with satisfaction how the king’s second wife’s impetuous temper was out of control. That gave her a lot of satisfaction, even if it didn’t help at all.
“I am very sorry about this situation, but my hands are tied. Unless I receive an official request from the king to convene and organize this event, I’m afraid it won’t be possible. And if that’s all, I ask you to let me finish my work that was rudely interrupted by your unannounced presence.
Abba’s cheeks burned with anger. She wondered how the queen was able to deny the king’s wife something. But Abba’s thoughts darkened, and a malevolent calm settled in her. Invading her being. Abba, managing to contain the storm that was forming inside her, finally, her well-known smile emerged from her face. And making a courtesy to the queen, she said, “My apologies, your majesty. I do not know what I was thinking. I lost my mind for a few seconds. This banquet is very important, and that’s why I couldn’t contain my displeasure.”
Amberjill eyed her for a few seconds, trying to decipher her intentions, but Abba didn’t give her time to analyze anything, as she lowered her head bowing again, then, she said, “Your majesty. My interruption was unforgivable, and it will not happen again.” With that said, Abba turned and headed for the door, but before she could leave, the queen’s voice stopped her, “Lady Abba, the next time you need something from me, request an audience through the official channels.” Abba, saying nothing more, stepped forward, until she left the queen’s room, cooking up her next move in her mind.
