FUTURE QUEEN

The encounter with the prince in the garden still lingered on her mind as she sat down outside watching the birds as they flew . She had always loved watching birds even when she was younger with her Father. “Father …she breathed out. She hadn’t thought about him in a long while . She missed him everyday . She never thought she would survive without her dad but look at her, ten years plus and she was proud of how far she had come.

Meanwhile in the garden, the royal family sat together with Lord James. Anyone who looked at them from far would think the atmosphere was nice and they were just acquaintances having a good time. But the tension surrounding them was insane, each person occupied with their own thoughts.

“Charlotte how are your study sessions going ?” The Queen asked breaking the silence .

“ Very well , Your Majesty “Charlotte answered

It was a custom in the land for every young amiable girl or woman to learn the traditions of the kingdom which Charlotte was doing . And also know how to read and write .

“ Thats great to know then . As the supposed future Queen of this kingdom , its necessary “

“ I’m trying my very best your Majesty “

Servants began to troupe into the garden with different sizes of tray and foods on their hands . Placing the trays of food on the table, the left as immediately as the entered. The place went back to silence , only sounds that were heard were their cutleries .

“ We’re going to host a ball to announce that Charlotte will be the next queen “ The queen spoke again breaking the silence

“ But why the rush mother ?”Azriel spoke for the first time

“The Court are already pressuring us for a Queen for you Azriel “

“ And you think Charlotte is the perfect one for me and the throne ?” He asked , he’s eyes darting towards Charlotte

“ Are you in anyway questioning my judgement Azriel ? A slight edge on her voice

“ Nooo mother . Am questioning your decision about my future wife .Don’t you think I’m meant to be the one to choose ?”

“ We’ve given you time to choose a future wife for yourself Azriel. Up until now , you still haven’t found any “

“ This is something of a life time mother , don’t you think I should take my time?”

“ Charlotte I have chosen “

“ But I’m sure their are other beautiful girls in the kingdom , the ball should be about me choosing my future wife not you announcing one “

Charlotte watched as the mother and son debated as if she wasn’t there . She wanted to be the future Queen, to raise her status, and shame her enemies . She had been chosen by the queen and She was sure she was going to be it regardless of whatever scheme Azriel had in mind .

“ Very well then , a ball will be hosted to select the future Queen of the kingdom “

“ Thank you mother “

As the Queen's words hung in the air, Charlotte's eyes locked onto Azriel's, a spark of determination igniting within her. She was resolute in her pursuit of the throne, and no one, not even the handsome prince, would stand in her way.

Azriel's gaze, however, seemed to bore into her soul, as if he could see the ambition burning within her. His eyes narrowed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I look forward to the ball, Mother," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure it will be... enlightening."

The Queen's eyes flashed with warning, but Azriel's attention remained fixed on Charlotte. "Tell me, Charlotte," he said, his voice low and husky. "What makes you think you're worthy of being my queen?"

Charlotte's heart skipped a beat as she met Azriel's gaze, her voice steady. "I am worthy, Your Highness, because I am intelligent, resourceful, and determined. I will stop at nothing to claim the throne and ensure the prosperity of our kingdom."

Azriel's smile grew, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I see," he said, his voice dripping with innuendo. "And what of love, Charlotte? Do you believe in the notion of romantic love, or is it merely a tool for you to achieve your goals?"

Charlotte's cheeks flushed, but she refused to back down. "Love is a luxury, Your Highness," she said, her voice firm. "One that I can ill afford. My focus is on securing the throne, not indulging in fleeting emotions."

“Hmmmm “ Azriel hummed then continued his food .After the lunch , Azriel left the garden for his study .

“The Queen's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of mischief as she spoke, her voice dripping with an undercurrent of seduction. "So, James, I expect you to ensure your daughter is prepared to captivate Azriel at the ball. I want her to be irresistible, a true gem that will shine brightly in our kingdom."

James bowed his head, his eyes locked on the floor, but his voice held a hint of wariness. "Noted, Your Highness."

The Queen's smile grew, her lips curling into a sly, curve "I'm glad we understand each other, James. You may take your leave now, but Charlotte will remain with me. I have... further instructions for her."

“Alright” He said as he stood up from the sit . Bowing his head one more time, he left .

The Queen saying she wanted to discuss a few things with her came as a surprise .

The young woman lowered her gaze but couldn’t hide the flush creeping up her neck. “Thank you, your Majesty, for considering me… for your son,” she said, her voice steady but a tinge of curiosity in her tone as she bowed, careful to maintain respect yet feeling a stir of something more.

The Queen studied her carefully, a knowing smile curling at the corner of her lips. “I see potential in you. Among all the women in this kingdom, you have something that caught my eye. But be warned—this is no simple task. I hope you won’t disappoint me, my dear. I don’t take kindly to mistakes.”

The girl straightened, the heat in her chest rising, her pulse quickening. She met the Queen’s gaze without hesitation, her lips curling slightly as she whispered, “No, Your Highness. I won’t disappoint you. In fact, I intend to exceed all expectations.”

The Queen’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with both approval and something darker. “I do hope so. The stakes are much higher than you .For the next few weeks, until the ball, I want you to be coming here, I want you to be the only one he sees, the only one he desires.

Her eyes seemed to burn with a fierce passion, as if she was willing Charlotte to seduce her son, to claim him as her own. "I want you to consume him, Charlotte, to be the fire that burns within him, the air that he breathes. I want you to be his everything, so that when the time comes, he will have no other choice but to make you his queen."

“ I will make sure to charm him your highness after all no one can resist me “ She replied , her eyes sparkling with a confident gleam .

“Just to remind you,” the Queen’s voice dropped to a velvety whisper, her gaze intense, “you answer to no one in this kingdom but me. No one else holds your leash, my dear. Only I have that privilege.”

Charlotte noticed the tone in her voice . Crossing this one will be a death wish she thought.

“ You may leave . I will be expecting you tomorrow “

“ Thanks again your highness “She bowed before leaving.