As you have done so often before, you arrange your lips into a charming smile. “It would have,” you agree. “I wish I could make things easier for you.”
She turns around, trying to smile back. “Oh, you do that quite well, I assure you.”
“Ricardo is a fine, healthy child,” you say. “We can have another healthy child. Perhaps the next time…”
“Perhaps,” the Queen says.
“And between now and next time,” you say coquettishly, “I am certain we could think of something to do that will ease the pressures upon you…”
Agustina’s smile is genuine that time. She steps towards you, eying your laces. “Right now? In the middle of the afternoon? How decadent.”
There is a tap on the door. You feel like cursing, but keep the pleasant look on your face.
“Yes?” the Queen calls.
It is a messenger from de Vega, requesting a few minutes of the Queen’s time before Court convenes.
“Ah, yes, of course. Tell him to come to my study. I shall be there directly.” The Queen kisses you quickly. “Duty calls, alas. I shall see you at Court.” She hurries out the door before you can say anything in reply.
You turn away from the door and return to staring down at your child. You know what Agustina meant by “it would have made things much easier.”
Though you are Queen Consort, your life has not been altogether pleasant these past five years. The prominent Life Mage families of Iberia openly loathe you, blaming you and the Queen equally for the death of King Consort Esteban. Shortly after your betrothal, Flora de Aguilar (the younger sister of the late King Consort) went so far as to accuse you of conspiring in Esteban’s death. The Queen had her shut away as a madwoman, and this demonstration of the Queen’s power effectively discouraged others from making public accusations against you in Court.
Nothing can stop the silent undercurrents of hatred from the Life Mage families, however, or from your stepdaughter Juanita. Worse, no command of the Queen’s can make the common folk love you as they did Esteban. You are not often actually booed in the streets…but you have never once been cheered.
And worst of all…the hatred of the Life Mages has begun to have serious consequences for Iberia.
The south has been unquiet for several months now. While no borderlord is actually in a state of rebellion, an unusual number of disputes have taken place between the soldiers of the Queen and the soldiers of local lords. The Duquesa de Aguilar, who left Court just before the disquiet began, is widely assumed to be encouraging and coordinating it. No one doubts her motives are as much personal as political.
What actions, if any, have you taken with regard to the situation in the south?
- I have tried to promote reconciliation between the Queen and Family de Aguilar (and the rest of the borderlords). I have been unsuccessful so far–and no wonder, all things considered–but I live in hope.
- I have encouraged the Queen’s anger against Family de Aguilar (and the rest of the borderlords). I cannot have her reconciling with them. It would endanger my position.
- I have taken no action.
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