Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

Chapter 693: Story Of A Prideful But Hurt Queen

In the afternoon, Seren paid a visit to Queen Niobe, joining her for tea in the garden of the Queen's residence. They made themselves comfortable inside the gazebo, surrounded by lush greenery and the breathtaking display of flowers in full bloom.

For the past two decades, none of the palace gardens ever had a single blossom on them, aside from the garden belonging to the Third Princess as well as those rare instances where Seren's positive emotions would cause flowers to bloom all of sudden.

However, with Seren blessing the land as he Deity of Earth, her divine powers negated the 'curse' within the capital of Abetha, returning them to their original state. Flowers could naturally bloom once more depending on their rightful seasons.

The queens sat around a beautiful tea table after greeting each other respectfully, civil like strangers, rather than as mother and child. After the servants served them tea and snacks, they stepped aside to let the two women have the privacy they wanted.

"I believe Queen Seren had a good time while spending time here in Abetha," Niobe said with grace.

"It was surely better than the time I had spent here before," Seren replied, her words cutting despite her voice being polite. She didn't intend to mock Niobe, but she was telling the truth.

"I am glad to hear that. I must say, going to another kingdom sure made you mature."

"I won't deny the claim, Queen Niobe. I am glad I could leave this kingdom and see a clear picture of the outside world. I can understand the people better and see things through more clearly."

"Experience is the best way to become a wise person," Niobe replied as she sipped on the honeyed tea.

Seren nodded and said after a short silence between the two, "Queen Niobe, would you like to hear a story?"

"What kind of story?"

"A story which I can clearly understand now, just to show you an example of how I can understand things now."

"Is that so? Then, it is only proper for me to listen."

Seren offered the woman a light smile. Unfortunately, it was hidden under her veil.

"It is a story of an extraordinary royal princess. Not only is she renowned for her beauty, but she is intelligent, excelling both in the arts and dealing with high society, capable and wise, the most desirable woman worthy of ruling a kingdom even on her own. Some say, it was a pity she was born a female, for with her qualities she would have made an excellent ruler on her own.

"Outstanding young noblemen and chivalrous princes from every kingdom sought to ask her hand for marriage, offering her promises of a life of luxury and power. Invitations and proposals had flooded her doors, but at her coming-of-age ceremony, she made an unexpected announcement. It was her choice of a husband.

"Of her many capable suitors, she rejected them all in favor of a scandalous marriage to a man who showed no interest in her, a young king who was grieving over the demise of his beloved queen after giving birth to their only child."

With the last statement,Niobe's hand which was holding the teacup flinched. But that was all. She was a woman who had trained to control her emotions all her life. She didn't show anything on her face.

Seren continued as if she did not notice this, "That princess decided to marry that particular king, surprising everyone, even her own family. No one knew the reason. That kingdom was neither the strongest nor the wealthiest, and its king was mediocre. She was not even forced to marry under pressure nor was there of any political significance.

The shaken queen could only quietly put her cup down and Seren filled it with another round of tea.

"Queen Niobe, I have one question."

Without hesitating, Niobe straightaway looked into Seren's eyes. "Feel free to ask, Queen Seren."

"Who do you think is the most pitiful person in this entire story?" Seren asked.

Niobe had a sip of tea and answered calmly, "That child, of course, who was hurt in the matters between adults."

Seren observed the older woman for a while. She could not help but think highly of Niobe's elegant composure. She was truly a strong woman, worthy of admiration.

"I think you are wrong, Queen Niobe," Seren spoke.

Niobe offered a puzzled look and Seren answered her unspoken question.

"The most pitiful person in this story was the Queen who could never get her husband's heart despite her sincerity. All her sacrifices and efforts were for naught, and maybe she will always remain devoid of his love. What can be more painful, more pitiful than not being able to gain what she wanted the most—the King's heart?"

Niobe's blue eyes did not stray away from Seren's purple ones. Even though they were clearly shaken, Niobe held still. Her pain, she would never say it out loud, and it would never be shown. Her pride would never allow her to.

"What more," Seren continued, "the illegitimate princess married off to another kingdom discovered her worth, and she has nothing but gratitude for the Queen for sending her away."

"Glad to know that child found her happiness," Niobe commented, a faint albeit sad smile gracing her beautiful face.

"Now that child has become a wife herself, she can understand the complicated emotions of the Queen. She doesn't detest the Queen for making her a target of her anger but instead feels sad for the Queen that her presence caused pain to her.

"That child is fortunate, as her husband dearly values her and vice-versa. She cannot even imagine the pain she would feel if her husband was to accept another woman in his life. Maybe, she too would turn as cruel as the Queen."

At that, Seren put down her teacup.

"The child won't forgive the Queen as that child had suffered her entire life and neither did the Queen have the intention of apologizing, but she doesn't hate the Queen either, for the Queen's pain was not of her own making. Instead, the child wishes to apologize to the Queen on her mother's behalf."

Seren's purple eyes held a sheen of tears.

"Queen Niobe, these words will never bring back time, and it might never heal the broken pieces of your heart, but for causing you pain, as the daughter of those who trampled on your pride as a wife, a mother and a queen, please accept this child's sincere apology."

Niobe froze in place.