Princess Iris

NEXT DAY

"Alright, that should be all. Oh, and don't forget to attend to the request of the orphanages. The cold is getting rough they will need extra blankets shipped in as soon as possible," Mother says. This is the fourth time she has come down from the coach to talk to me

"Of course, mother, I will see to it," I say smiling

"Mariah," Father calls.

I could hear the irritation in his voice.

"Oh, hush now you grumpy old man," Mother says.

I can't help it as I start laughing and father groans.

"Alright dear, we will see you tomorrow," Mother says as she hugs me.

Constantine helps her into the coach and they start on their journey to the Kingdom of Cerphila. I turn to Constantine.

"Constantine, any word from Duke Richard?" I ask as we make our way into the castle.

"Yes Majesty, he sent word that the ships have sailed out. He also said the contingency plan went ahead of them two hours earlier as planned," Constantine says.

"Very good, if all goes as planned, we will be able to hit those pirates where it hurts the most," I say.

"If I may ask Your Majesty, isn't this plan only going to provoke the pirates?"

"Yes, of course, it is. That is how I want it to go. This way we can determine how many pirates are out there. Once that is done, King Frederick and I can take over from there," I say.

"What of the shipments going to the Italian kingdom isn't that in danger of falling into the pirate's hands? I mean His Majesty; your father had to stop all shipment going to the foreign kingdoms because we couldn't afford to lose the structure, we had maintained with them for centuries," Constantine says.

We enter the throne room.

"Don't worry about that Constantine. Duke Richard will make sure those shipments will make it to the Italian Kingdom. If the contingency plan goes as planned, we will have nothing to worry about," I say taking my seat. "So, what is the first order of the day?" I ask as I sit on my throne.

Constantine brings out a scroll.

"You have a lot to attend to Your Majesty, today is for the people. They will be coming in one by one with their problems and needs, they will need you to settle their problems and attend to their needs Constantine says. "Well then, let's get to it," I say.

By the time the last person leaves, the sun has gone down. I am so hungry and tired. I had to seat through the whole section, I only had to excuse myself a few times when needed.

"Constantine please tell me that is all for today," I say.

"That is the last person Your Majesty," Constantine says folding the scroll.

"Thank goodness. I thought my head was going to explode," I say standing up to leave the throne room.

"Your Majesty," Constantine says bowing.

"Yes Constantine," I say turning to him.

"Before you go, there is one matter I will love you to attend to," Constantine says.

"Oh no, did we forget someone," I say turning to the entrance of the room.

"No, Your Majesty. There is someone I want you to meet," Constantine says.

"Ok, where is this person?" I ask. "And you can stop bowing," I say. Constantine stands upright.

"I will have to go fetch them," Constantine says.

"Them?" I ask.

"Well, you have met one person but not the other person," Constantine says.

"Ok Constantine, I am curious. I want to meet these people. Go ahead and call them," I say returning to my seat.

As Constantine bows, I observe his face and he is smiling. He doesn't seem anxious or indifferent rather he seems happy about me meeting these people. I watch him leave the throne room and close the door behind him.

Five minutes the door opens, Constantine enters the throne room first holding the door open. The next two people that enter make me stand up on my feet surprised. I watch Constantine and Bridgette as they walk to me. Bridgette has in her a baby boy. The baby looks 7 months old. They both stop at the stairs before the podium.

"Your Majesty," They both say and bow.

I couldn't take my eyes off the baby. He has blonde hair like his mother, Bridgette and he looks so much like Constantine. Just then the baby takes his hand from his mouth, smiles at his father, and puts his hand back in his mouth. I couldn't help but smile. He smiles just like Bridgette. Constantine gently touches his head.

"Your Majesty, I'll love you to meet my family, my wife, Bridgette, and my son, Oliver," Constantine says.

I walk down the stairs. I couldn't take my eyes off Oliver.

"He is very beautiful," I say.

Just then Oliver turns and looks at me. He takes his hand from his mouth and stretches it towards me.

"He wants you to carry him, Your Majesty," Bridgette says.

I look at Bridgette and Constantine and back to Oliver who is still struggling for me to carry him. I gently lift him from his mother's arms into my arms. Oliver stares at me like he is trying to figure out who I am. He gently lifts his hand and touches my face. The gesture warms my heart.

"He only does that to people he likes," Bridgette says.

I look at Bridgette.

"I believe this is the first time I have ever held a baby and I am glad it is your baby, Oliver," I say.

"I couldn't wait for you to meet him," Bridgette says.

"I always knew you were burning a fire Constantine," I say.

I watch Bridgette's face turn red as she smiles. I turn to Constantine.

"You have a beautiful family Constantine," I say looking down at Oliver who is playing with my hair.

Just then the need to protect Oliver gets intense, not just for Oliver but everyone in the Kingdom. I can't help but think of Ri, Nana, Father, Mother, and Queen Guinevere.

"I swear I protect him, as his Queen, I protect him, I will protect everyone. I will make sure no one, no one will die under my watch. That is my promise to you Oliver," I say looking down at Oliver.

"I will be your side, Your Majesty. I will watch over your affairs and I protect everything that concerns you," Constantine says.

I walk to Bridgette and give Oliver back to her. I watch as Oliver hugs his mother. I turn to Constantine.

"I guess I am blessed to have you serve me," I say.

"I will be taking my leave Your Majesty," Bridgette says.

"That is fine Bridgette, thank you for everything," I say.

Bridgette curtsies, she allows Oliver to say goodbye to Constantine before exiting the throne room.

"So, Constantine what's next on my schedule?" I ask.

"I just got word that the Firstline Ladies Club just arrived at the castle and is seeking an audience with you," Constantine says. "Where are they now?" I ask.

"They are being received at the front garden," Constantine says.

"Alright, let's get to them," I say.