The Golden Cage

The air in the capital was thick with whispers, a volatile mix of admiration and dark speculation. Outside the grand palace gates, visiting Dukes and Duchesses gossiped behind silk fans, questioning the bizarre spectacle. "Becoming a Queen, is it not fascinating?" one murmured. "But I heard the King’s men slaughtered her entire family, didn't they?" Another whispered, "Then why marry him? She must have been forced." Yet, a third retorted, "For two years they have been wed. Look at them. It does not seem forced.

"[Inside: The Queen’s Chambers]

"What an auspicious day, Your Grace! The Princess finally becomes our Queen," a maid exclaimed, bustling around the room. The entire palace was in a frenzy of preparation. Maids worked in harmony, hanging crimson silk banners, polishing massive crystal chandeliers until they reflected the sunlight, and decorating the banquet hall for the coronation. "Ma’am, this will be perfect," murmured Ms. Rey's, arranging a priceless emerald necklace. Joanna, the future Queen, nodded slowly, her reflection in the mirror appearing stunning, yet distant. "What’s perfect is that you are even more breathtaking than yesterday, Ma’am," praised Ms. Queen, fixing the heavy velvet train of the gown. "Thank you, Ms. Queen," Joanna replied with a small, brittle smile. However, her eyes remained tense, reflecting a deep-seated anxiety that she tried to hide. "Ma’am, are you okay?" Queen asked gently. "I am fine," Joanna lied, taking a deep breath and forcing her shoulders to relax.[Inside: The King’s Chambers]On the other side of the palace, King Alexander stood while his valet, Mr. Ralph, adjusted his ceremonial sash.  "Sir, isn't it a glorious day? Your lady takes the throne, and you have amassed jewels from dozens of states as gifts. I am truly delighted, sir," Ralph said, beaming. "I understand your sentiment, Mr. Ralph," Alexander replied, his voice was low and firm. "She is indeed a charming woman, both in appearance and in sincerity. It is great. I look forward to seeing her take the throne. "As Ralph bowed and turned to leave, Alexander’s trusted confidant, Harris, stepped out of the shadows. "Can you give us a moment, Mr. Ralph?" Alexander commanded. Ralph quickly left the room. "What do you mean, Harris?" Alexander turned to his friend, his jaw tightening. "Do you still believe your wife, Our Queen, wants revenge against you ?" "It has been two years, Harrison," Alexander continued, pacing. "It is not happening. Besides, she still doesn't know who killed her family. Just ignore the rumors. "Harris looked at the King with somber eyes. "What you fail to understand is that blood is thicker than water. Even if we don't know that she knows, she might still seek revenge." "Do not jinx me, Harris," Alexander growled. "My beloved will not do that. Even if you say it is a risk, I will watch for it, but she has been with me through every stage. She even stayed after her miscarriage, when I lost my eternal treasure. She still loves me, and she stayed. "Harris listened, maintaining a stoic expression, but as Alexander turned away, Harris thought to himself: She still chose you, Alexander. That is exactly what absurdly disturbs me.

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