Chapter 54: Queen Violeta
Queen Violeta had a scowl on her face as she marched to her husband’s chambers. She had tried to see him earlier, but the physician had turned her away, saying it wasn’t a good time because the king was asleep. She had requested that she be informed as soon as he woke up.
A servant had come to her moments before to inform her that he was awake, and she had immediately made her way to his chambers. They shared the same wing but no longer the same bedroom nor the same floor.
Years ago, they did, but the sicker the king became, the crankier he grew, and the more alone time he needed. She had not shared a room with him since the year he sent their son away. It was surprising how quickly time had passed. To think it had already been a decade.
The king had always had a weak constitution, and it had affected him greatly. His father, the late king, had almost considered giving the throne to his younger son. However, an incident had prevented that from happening. Queen Violeta didn’t know much about the details. King Gaius hated speaking about that time.
She stood in front of the chambers, and even though the guard had announced her presence for a while now, she still wasn’t allowed in. About five guards stood in front of the chambers. They had all bowed to her as she appeared, but none said a word.
Queen Violeta shuffled her feet awkwardly, but she had to see the king now. If she didn’t, she didn’t know when she would get another chance. He rarely left his chambers, and whenever he did, he was always too busy with his advisors or the lords. They didn’t even eat meals together anymore, as his physicians had to keep a close eye on him to ensure he didn’t choke—or worse.
Queen Violeta had hoped his condition would improve, but it had only grown much worse. However, the reason for her visit wasn’t about her husband’s health; it was a completely different matter. A very important one, at least according to her.
The huge doors finally opened, and one of the physicians stepped out with his head bowed, looking ashamed. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I had to give the king his medicine."
"I understand, Rufus. May I see him now?" she asked.
Rufus nodded and stepped aside as she walked into the room. Rufus was the King’s chief physician and was with him most of the time.
The room was larger than it needed to be, and it held an even larger bed, with the king seated at the edge of it. The rest of the space could have fit at least five more people. The king was propped up with pillows, and a blanket covered his legs. A servant was clearing the table next to him.
King Gaius hated being sick, but more than anything, he hated being seen as sick. Queen Violeta knew he had tried everything—even medicine from across the border, from kingdoms they didn’t have good relations with. Nothing had worked, and sometimes Queen Violeta feared the medicines made him even sicker. However, she knew better than to say this aloud. King Gaius never listened to anyone.
Queen Violeta rushed toward her husband. She stood behind the bed and curtsied. In the past, she would have instinctively reached out to touch him, but that instinct no longer existed; she had learned to suppress it.