Gone was the dreadful air. The atmosphere turned cheerful and joyous and the talk of the kings deep care for the queen as well as regards of consolation for Rihannans deceased mother.

Seraphina, whose sole intent had been to insult the queen had resulted in the nobility sympathizing with her due to her tragically sad past. Her face hardened the more the nobility comforted and extended their hearts out to their queen. She bit her lips in anger when a thought formed in her pretty, little head and she immediately smiled smugly.

Your Majesty, is it not a fact that both your parents are buried in that place? Seraphina asked.

Rihannan nodded. Yes. After my father passed away, both laid to rest in that same place. I gave them my heartfelt greetings and plan to do so each visit.

Seraphinas lips raised slightly. Then why do you speak of your mother and not your father? Ah, I think I know why. After Her Majestys mother passed away, you had chased your father out of his own home. Am I correct?

Her voice wore a triumphant victory.

It was unprecedented and unheard of for a child to chase out their own parents. Those who valued tradition and sense of honor and duty would dare accuse the queen of shoddy behavior. Had she not travel straight to Chrichton afterwards and remained in Arundell, Seraphina was sure that shed suffer backlash and criticisms.

I was surprised actually after learning of this. To think such things could happen Im sure you had an adequate reason, Your Majesty, but for me I dare not imagine myself doing such a thing.

At her crude remark, a wave of silence fell onto the room. Even those in the corners of the ballroom felt the uneasy air emanating from the queens location and shut their lips tight.

Rihannan noticed that everyones gazes were focused on her.

She looked at Seraphina and smiled warmly. You speak such an awfully interesting story. Please continue.

Her reaction was unexpected, neither angered nor flustered, but a soft and warm smile.

Seraphina became more aggressive.

What do you mean? Interesting story? Are you not able to comprehend my words, Your Majesty? Is it not wrong for one to chase out their parents? And you were a child too. To do that to your own father, its blasphemous! Its unheard of and

Seraphina!

A loud, booming voice stopped Seraphinas vulgar comment midway. It was her father Duke Rissel. His face was white and pale as he quickly ran towards his daughter and grabbed her arm.

What crude things are you saying to the Queen?!

What is it, father? What I speak of is no lie, Seraphina answered. She did not know why his father hurried towards her uncouthly.

Duke Rissel lowered his voice and whispered, Are you mocking both the king and queen themselves?!

The dukes daughter realized promptly what she should not have said. The kings situation was the same as the queen. Like her, he too had chased out his mother out of the palace. The words she spoke meant to openly criticize the queens wrongdoings had indirectly extended to chastising and condemning the kings action.

Seraphinas face paled.

F-father I didnt mean that

Shut your mouth!

Duke Rissel sternly shut his daughters attempt to retort. He turned to face Rihannan and bowed deeply. His receding hairline was wet with cold drops of sweat.

Your Majesty the Queen, please forgive us. My immature daughter had said things that she did not mean. I ask that you grant us mercy.

He turned his head slightly towards the king tucked far away in the corner. He was fortunate that he seemed unable to hear what his daughter had spoken into existence, merely staring at them as if attempting to figure out the current situation. Therefore, if he was able to appease the queens anger then the issue may not take a turn for the worse.

He quickly bowed his head.

My Queen, please be charitable and forgive my daughters impertinent and cheeky behavior directed towards you. I promise to go home and give her just punishment accordingly.

.