Chapter 246 - The Queen has Returned (1/2)

”What is happening?” A high voice rang inside the room.

All in the room were frozen in place. This voice came to no other than the queen of Jennovia, Queen Patricia. She entered the wrecked room of the crown prince with the high priest Hector following her from behind.

All of the ones present inside the room bowed downed in her presence.  William also bowed down as acting.

”Greetings to the moon of the Jennovian Kingdom.” The people inside the room greeted in unison.

”All of you stand up and tell me what happened.” Queen Patricia asked again.

”Y-Your majesty, we really didn't know what happened.” A servant replied. ”We left the crown prince and princess inside his highnesses private quarters as ordered by him. And after a while we heard an explosion. What you see now is also what we saw when we first entered.

The queen looked at the injured Gladiolus and me alternately.

”Tell me Alicia, did my son do something to you?” Queen Patricia walked towards me but just stopped outside the force field. ”You can let it down now. No one will harm you my child.” She said with a gentle voice.

I slowly let the force field dissipate until it was gone without any trace left, but I still held the magic crystal tightly in my hand just in case.

The queen walked towards me slowly and looked at me with warm eyes. ”Tell me the truth Alicia. I will punish my own son if he has done anything wrong against you.”

”Y-Your son… Prince Gladiolus tried to s.e.x.u.a.lly assault me, Aunt Patricia.” I told truthfully.

The queen's face darkened with the word 's.e.x.u.a.l assault'. I am sure she knows firsthand how the victim of s.e.x.u.a.l assault feels.

”I see.” Queen Patricia said. ”Do not worry, I will punish my son. But I hope you forgive him for this mistake. I am sure it was a sudden impulse because of his love for you.”

The queen walked towards her son that was still seating on the floor.

*SLAP*

The queen slapped Gladiolus so hard that the sound vibrated inside the room. Everyone present was shocked from what just happened.

”I didn't raise you to not have any respect in women.” The queen scolded her son coldly. ”Now kneel and beg forgiveness!” She shouted in anger.

Gladiolus was momentarily stunned with his mother's slap but then regain his senses after he was scolded. He quickly knelt before me.

”A-Alicia, please forgive me. Because of a sudden impulse, I… I didn't know what I was doing.” Gladiolus said. ”Please, please forgive me.” His head was held so low that his forehead has hit the floor.

I was silent all the while. Of course how will I just accept his apology, after everything that he has done? I looked at him with hatred.

”Don't worry Alicia, I will punish him with what he has done.” Queen Patricia gave her word. ”Take the crown prince to my office to receive my punishment there. As for the princess, please escort her back to her quarters. I am sorry my dear, you had a fright today so please rest well.”

William carried me in his arms while I was wrapped in his cape. I closed my eyes and let him carry me all the way back to my quarters.

**

Queen Patricia had just returned to the palace after escaping near death in the battle at the junction of Deuss River. In her room was her, the high priest Hector and her son crown prince Gladiolus whose wounds has just been treated.

The queen looked fuming in rage while looking at her son.

”I…I am sorry mother. I didn't realize what I was doing.” Gladiolus looked ashamed with what he just did. ”I was keeping myself in check the whole time I came back but after I heard that b*astard Regaleon's name on Alicia's lips, all went dark and…” He trailed off.

”There is no good reason with what you would have done Gladiolus.” The queen scolded. ”The girl will never forget what you have done in all of her life.” The queen sighed.

”I…I know mother. I am sorry.” Gladiolus looked very remorseful.

The queen's rage dissipated when she saw her son like this. She sat beside her son and hugged him close to her.

”It was a good thing she was able to defend herself and stop you before you have defiled her. If it had pushed thru… I don't know what hell your marriage life will be after.” The queen said. ”Remember that a woman will rapist as a monster even after they are married.”