Chapter 11 Visiting The Queen

• The following day, I prepared to visit the castle and meet the queen , my mother in law. Wanting to bring a thoughtful gift, I baked a chocolate cake.
• The driver took me to the castle, the castle looked stunning. Tall towers with fancy gold details with colorful stain windows . A big wooden bridge crossed a shiny moat with swans gliding through the little lake. Inside, the castle felt like a museum with old tales on the walls. It all seemed important and ancient, making you stop and stare, captivated by its impressive beauty.
• The queen welcomed me with a warm hug, expressing her delight.
• "Chocolate cake! How thoughtful of you, my child!" she exclaimed. She called a servant to prepare tea, specifying a selection of Earl Grey, one of her favorite blends, to accompany the cake.
• As we walked into the garden, the queen shared her love for the peaceful and quiet atmosphere it offered. I couldn't help but smile, recalling the small spot where Isaac and I sought peace e during challenging times.
• The servant brought out the tea, a fragrant Earl Grey, and sliced portions of the chocolate cake. The queen and I enjoyed the serene ambiance, sipping tea and savoring the delicious treat.
• While taking a sip from her tea she asked , “ How are you coping with life as a princess, my dear?
• “Honestly, Your Majesty, it's not what I expected. I thought it would be constant stress, especially considering my husband is a mafia prince. But it's quite different. ”
• She laughed and continued, “Oh, my child, you should bask in the glory of these moments. Once you become queen and move into the castle, relaxation may become a rare luxury.
• “I never thought of it that way. I guess I should appreciate the peace while it lasts.”
• We both laughed about it.
• ,“ Do you remember what I told you last time?”
• I was puzzled and asked, “ I'm not sure , what are you referring to? ”
• The queen, with a gentle smile, replied, "About children, grandchildren."
• Blushing, I nervously admitted, "It's a work in progress. We're working on it."
• The queen took my hand, her expression turning serious.
• “Dante wasn't my only child. At first when I just got married, I had a miscarriage it was so terrible and devastating. But then I was blessed with twins, Dante and Delmante.” she pauses for a moment.
• Unfortunately, Delmante died in an accident, and Dante survived. Due to my grief and depression, I couldn't conceive anymore. Dante is the only child I have left."
• She smiled warmly, squeezing my hand. "I'm happy that Dante found you again."
• Confused, I asked, "Found me again?"
• "You don't remember?" the queen asked, equally puzzled.
• Before I could respond or ask further more , the queen's servants returned with news. "Your majesty, we have received a guest and they request for your presence."
• "Can't they wait? I'm busy . They'll have to wait," the queen replied.
• "Your highness, it's Duchess Matilda," the servant revealed, causing the queen's expression to change, as if she had tasted something bitter.
• The queen turned to me and remarked, "See what I told you? The stress is endless." We both got up and headed inside the castle to greet Duchess Matilda.
• I couldn't help but admire Matilda's elegant appearance. She was dressed in a luxurious royal blue dress, her ginger hair perfectly curled. When Matilda entered, the queen welcomed her with open arms, stretching for a hug, despite her earlier frown.
• "It's good to see you after so many years," the queen said with a smile. However, I couldn't shake the sense of sarcasm in Matilda's tone.
• "Yes, indeed it is..."
• "Matilda, this is my daughter-in-law, Elena."
• Matilda looked at me, scanning me from head to toe with an expression that conveyed a sense of judgment, making me feel uncomfortable.
• “
• “ Pleasure to finally meet the future queen," Matilda said, putting on a smile that didn't even lift her eyes. I responded with a formal bow, saying, "The pleasure is all mine."
• Matilda gave me a bombastic side-eye, which didn't go unnoticed .
• "What brings you here?" the queen asked Matilda.
• Matilda sarcastically gasped and replied, "Am I not allowed to visit my own sister?"
• I was surprised to learn that the queen had a sister who was a Duchess. It seemed like a world of royalty, unlike my background and how I became a a mafia princess. The encounter left me feeling like an outsider in this aristocratic world.
• As Matilda entered the living room, dissatisfaction evident on her face, she scolded, "Did you guys forget your manners? What kind of welcome is this? I have traveled miles, and you can't even offer me a seat nor a glass of water.”
• “ Don't you know your way around the castle?" The queen snapped back.
• The living room, a space adorned with elegant decor, we settled down. Matilda, now seated, began to boast about her achievements as a Duchess. "Well, you know how it is, dear sister. Managing the affairs of the Duchy requires a certain finesse. My social calendar is always bustling with royal engagements and high-society gatherings. Oh, and let's not forget the countless charities I tirelessly support. It's quite the task to maintain such a prestigious reputation," she declared, her words saturated with self-importance. I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and annoyance at Matilda's arrogance.
• As the Duchess continued her bragging, she proudly announced, "My oldest son, Eric, got married. Oh, sorry, I didn't invite you, sister. I must have forgotten... So, he married the daughter of Don Salvatore and Maria, the king and queen of the powerful Castellano Mafia."
• She chuckled at her own boastful remarks before turning her attention to me. "And what about you, Elena? Which kingdom are you from?"
• Feeling uncomfortable with the question, I began to respond, but she cut me off with a mocking tone. "Oh, wait. You're a peasant who was lucky enough to marry royalty." Her laughter echoed in the room, masking the hurt her words caused me.
• The queen intervened, putting an end to the Duchess's disrespectful words. "That's enough Tilda , you can't come into my castle and insult my daughter-in-law like this. Your son is married, good for you, but I'm not interested in your cheap boasts. Are you forgetting you were a peasant as well before your mother married my father? You were worthless and pathetic."
• The tension in the room heightened, and I appreciated the queen's defense, even though the encounter left a bitter taste in the air.
• "Apart from that, you tried to steal my husband from me. Did it work? No, it didn't. Leave my castle this instant." The queen's words were stern, and Matilda, with a final bombastic side-eye, left the room.
• As Matilda exited, the echoes of their confrontation stirred memories of the ongoing feud between Antonia and me.
• Well I didn't steal her husband he wanted me.
• "I'm so sorry about that," the queen expressed genuine concern, and I managed a fake smile. "It's okay.”
• "I will get going too. Thank you for having me over," i said, still feeling the tension.
• "This early? Are you sure you are okay?" the queen asked.
• "Yes, of course. I'm fine. Don't worry about me." With that, I left, seeking solace from the unwelcome confrontation.