The Legend of Carmine

After 3 months

With the royal decree. General Armine aka princess Carmine headed home. She was euphoric to know that she is having a sibling. She just could not wait to see him or her. Leaving Lex as temporary commander. She left for the palace. She traveled all day and night to get to the palace to see her mother. Finally, she reached the city. But it was already late in the evening. So, she stayed in a hotel. The next day she went to court to greet the King.

General Armine waited outside to be summoned. And finally, when he was summoned he entered the court. The court was filled with ministers and officials. ( Note: only important court officials knew her identity and the rest only knew her as General. And this court had both of them) When she kneeled down to greet the king. He came down and raised her.

"General you have arrived. We have arranged a banquet for you tonight as your excellent work in the war as well as in the military. General since you have suffered during the war. I want you to stay in the palace for the time you stay here in the capital." With that, it was decided that Armine would be staying in the palace.

She had not seen her mother yet. As it was official affairs in the court. It was evident she would not be there. So, in the evening a beautiful banquet was set up. Everyone was invited including Allaya and Lord Owen.

As the banquet was entertained by the best entertainer. Allaya could not help but think to herself," His Majesty has prepared the most famous entertainer for our Princess. Alas, but he also knows that the princess is a better performer than her! I guess His majesty is really just putting a show for all."

Queen Cleo showed later in the banquet. But Carmine's excitement and happiness evaporated when she saw the queen's face. She looked pale and jagged. Like she was sick. That moment, which the princess had thought would be joyous was rather filled with numerous questions in her mind. Princess Carmine was awoken from her daze when it was announced to seat back again after the arrival of the queen on her seat.

The Queen said, " Thank you everyone for joining this banquet. I am sorry to be late for the banquet."

Then she turned to Carmine and said, " General Armine thank you for everything. You have made your family very proud. They must be very proud of your accomplishments."

After the banquet, everyone was farewelled by the King as the Queen had left early to rest.

In the palace, inside Carmine's room. She could not take her mind off her mother's face. She knew she had to see her and ask her in person If she was okay.

In the middle of the night, a dark shadow lurked towards Queen's chamber. As the shadow tried to sneak in through the window it heard a commotion from inside the chamber. So, it stood near the window to hear what was going inside.

The shadow was of Carmine. She could hear a male voice," My majesty, please you cannot take this medicine any longer. Your health has degraded a lot and your body cannot take it any longer."

Queen Cleo commanded, "I do not care... If it elongates my child's life in my womb I will take it. Give it to me. I am so near to having a son. Don't you dare stop me?"

The voice sounded familiar to her. It sounded like the Imperial physician.

Then she could hear another voice

"Her Majesty, if you keep taking this medicine. It has already degraded your health so much that you are at your end-stage. But if you keep taking it. We are afraid we cannot help you live after labor."

"Ha, I do not care about it as long as I get a son."

Carmine could tell this second voice was of Lord Owen. It did not make sense in her head what they were saying. She came to the palace thinking that she will have a new sibling. But, who would have thought the price her mother was paying for it.

Lord Owen, " My majesty. Please drop this idea. How long can we hide this from the King."

Queen answered, "As long as possible. Lord Owen do you remember I had told you when I started this treatment that no one should know this. And I am commanding it again no one should know it. I do not want to argue about it. Everyone, leave the room."

Everyone left the room except Owen. He was making his way slowly to the door when was about to reach the door he turned and said, " Have you thought of Princess Carmine. How will she take this? The things that happened in the war, she was able to endure. But this new will break her."

Queen Cleo who looked very sad to be reminded of her turned away from him and replied," Lord Owen, do you remember when I send you to her to treat her wound. As her mother, I had felt so helpless. The most I could do was send the best physician to treat her and a friend to ease her. Tell me how can a woman live in such a terrible place surrounded by men. With the stench of blood, death, and dead bodies, every moment of constant anxiety of being attacked by enemies. As her mother, how can I let her live such a life? Lord Owen don't you see why I should give birth to a son. If I give birth to a son she no longer has to shoulder this responsibility. She can live a docile and peaceful life away from that. So, please Lord Owen do not stop me."

On the other side of the window. Carmine heard everything. The things that she heard made her dizzy as if the whole world was spinning around. So, she lost her balance. The noise alerted both the Queen and Lord Owen.