YVONNE
"Yes, my lady," the woman said, a sheepish smile on her face. But I knew she was hiding something. You see, I am a very observant person, and I noticed the lie the moment she looked down as she answered me. Not everyone shows it so clearly—some can look you straight in the eye and lie without flinching, some lie through their teeth with ease. But there's always something. Something they cannot hide.
I smiled at her. "Hmm. So, why have you come to inquire about my well-being?" I asked. She looked up at me then, her dark skin catching the light. She was truly a pretty woman, and there was an odd glint in her eyes.
She wrung her hands together. "My lady, please forgive what I am about to say."
I raised a brow but gave a nod. "Go ahead."
She looked uncertain, but leaned in closer. "My lady, have you and the king consummated your marriage yet?" she whispered.
I stiffened slightly, but then quickly relaxed. I mustn't reveal any reaction to such a question. I looked at her; we stared at one another. Then, after a moment, she drew back.
"I'm sorry for getting too close, my lady."
I said nothing, instead turning to Klara and the rest, whose heads were bowed. "Leave us."
My voice rang through the chamber. I was beginning to grow used to this palace and its way of speaking. At my command, they all turned and began to file out. Klara didn't move, lingering as the last maid was leaving.
"Geh, Klara," I said this time in German, so she'd understand. She raised her head, hesitated for a second, but then turned and left. Now it was just me and the lady.
I stood and walked toward the hideous painting on the wall. So this is the kind of art they liked in these times? But I hadn't stood to admire anything—I was simply claiming control of the space. I might be higher in rank, but it was clear she had a set of cards she was playing. I needed to know what kind, and how best to respond.
"Your Majesty, I—" she began, but I cut her off, turning sharply.
"No one else has dared ask me that," I said. "But I am curious about something." I took a single step forward, and her face paled slightly.
She looked down, then up again, searching for the right excuse. I liked her already.
"What is it, Your Majesty?"
"Your tone. Why did you ask about the consummation in that manner?"
She bit her lip.
Before she could reply, I added, "But if you must know, the king and I have not consummated the marriage."
Her wide brown eyes went even wider, and she shot up from her seat. To my surprise, she rushed toward me and grabbed my hand, her grip firm.
"My lady, you must! It wasn't long ago queens were beheaded for failing to provide an heir," she said, looking genuinely frightened.
I opened my mouth to respond, but she shook her head.
"My lady, you must—"
I cut her off. "The king is cold. He refuses to touch me—not that I want his touch on me." I lied, though there was some truth in it. With his hand once around my throat, it seemed all he wanted was to kill me. Well, the feeling is mutual.
She shook her head. "That's not good at all..."
I placed my hand on hers. "But you needn't worry. The consummation will happen soon. But tell me—childbirth. What is it like?"
She froze. "Childbirth?"
I nodded. "Yes. You say the kingdom needs an heir, so I must prepare myself. How does childbirth feel? Is it painless?"
I was genuinely curious. I had never seen anyone give birth, nor had I ever cared to ask. I never fancied children.
She looked up at the ugly painting, then back at me. I needed to know. To affirm my decision that I would not keep any child that might grow inside me.
"My lady," she said softly, "childbirth is a beautiful thing."
She sounded genuine.
"Do you have children of your own, Lady Dunbary?" I asked as I stepped away and made my way slowly toward the fireplace.
"Yes, I do, Your Majesty," she replied with a gentle nod.
"How many?"
"Three boys and two girls."
"Hmm." I turned to face her. "Then I shall ask again—how is childbirth?"
She moved quickly toward me, concern written across her face.
"My lady, it is an ordeal of the body. The pain is great, almost unbearable. But the moment you hold your child, the suffering begins to fade. There is a kind of joy in it… a sacred one."
I gave a small nod. That joy was for others, not for me.
Then, quite suddenly, she leaned in. Too close.
"But it is said," she whispered, lowering her voice, "that the pain may be eased, if your husband lies with you often when your time draws near. It helps the royal passage prepare for birth."
Dear God. Royal passage?
Then she added, almost teasingly, "Well… that is, if you can endure him."
I couldn't help myself—I laughed. "Endure Javier? Never."
"I like you, Lady Dunbary," I said softly as I stepped forward, lifting my hand to caress her face. I tilted her chin until our eyes met.
Then I leaned in and brushed a kiss against the corner of her lips, just enough to feel the tension in her body. She went still.
"It was a pleasure speaking with you."
She stared at me, stunned. If her skin were lighter, she would've turned crimson. But I knew well when someone was flustered.
She lowered her gaze to her hands, then curtsied deeply. "No, Your Majesty. The pleasure was entirely mine."
She stood tall again. "I shall take my leave now. I do hope you'll call for me again."
I gave a slight nod.
She turned and walked away. As the door closed behind her, I turned back to the fire and licked my lips.
She was exactly what I needed to execute my plan.