Chapter 30: Tears of a Mother

Reika lay on the plush bed, her body drowning into the soft linens. Suddenly, tiredness overpowered her, and she gave in to sleep for a few moments. But her peace was short-lived. "Lady Rieka!" the small voice of Daisy broke through her sleep, accompanied by frantic knocking. "Lady Rieka, wake up!" Rieka groaned, forcing herself to a sitting position and rubbing at her temples. "Daisy, what is it?" she called, her voice hoarse. The door opened with a creak, and Daisy stepped inside, her face flushed. "The leader of the prison ward is here. He says it's urgent." Rieka frowned, all weariness suddenly forgotten. "Urgent, you say? Very well. Tell him I'll meet him in the study." Daisy nodded and hastened away to perform her errand as Rieka readied herself. She dressed quickly but crisply, her movements neat and deliberate. Whatever this was, it had to be important. The study was a modest room, its walls lined with ancient tomes and scrolls. The prison ward's leader, a stern man by the name of Havel, stood in wait, his face lined with concern. He bowed as Rieka entered. "Lady Rieka," he began, his tone respectful. "I hope I'm not intruding." "Not at all," Rieka replied, motioning for him to speak. "What brings you here?" Havel shifted uncomfortably. "It's about your brother, Riftan. Your mother has come to see him. She's pleading for his release." Rieka's jaw tightened, her emotions battling between familial loyalty and justice. "And what did you tell her?" Havel hesitated. "I told her it was not my decision to make. Rieka nodded, steel in her voice. "Good. Riftan should suffer for what he's done. He's sullied not just himself but also our family and the reputation of this kingdom." "My lady," Havel cautioned, "your mother's grief knows no bounds. She—" "Where is she?" Rieka curtly intervened. "She is in the visitors' hall," he responded. Rieka's expression darkened. 'I'll see her. But Riftan stays where he is. He must learn that his actions have repercussions." --- The visitors' hall was dimly lit, its stone walls cold and unwelcoming. Rieka's mother sat on a wooden bench, her frail figure hunched with worry. Her face lit up with a mix of hope and desperation as Rieka entered. 'Rieka!" she exclaimed, rising to her feet. Rieka's steps were measured, her posture rigid. "Mother," she greeted, her voice without warmth. "Why are you here?" Her mother wrung her hands nervously. "I came to see Riftan. Please, Rieka, let him go. He's just a boy—he doesn't deserve to rot in that cell." "A boy?" Rieka sounded incre­dulous. "He's a grown man who committed a heinous crime. How can you defend him? Tears welled in her mother's eyes. "Because he's my son! Your brother! I can't sit back and watch him suffer." Rieka's gaze was cold. "You've done enough sitting back, Mother. That's precisely why Riftan is the way he is—spoiled, entitled, a nuisance to society." Her mother's lips trembled. "I only wanted to protect him. After losing your father, I— Protected him?" Rieka's voice rose, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You didn't protect him. You enabled him. You made excuses for his behavior, let him run wild, and now he's crossed a line that cannot be ignored." Her mother fell silent, her tears spilling over. "Please, Rieka," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Don't do this. He's your brother. Rieka's heart ached, seeing her mother in such agony, but she did not let her emotions blind her decision. "No," she said firmly. "Riftan must face justice. If we let him walk free, what message does that send to the people he's harmed? What message does it send to the kingdom? Her mother collapsed back onto the bench, her sobs echoing through the hall. 'You're cruel," she cried. 'You're my worst nightmare." Rieka's chest tightened, but she stood her ground. 'I'm doing what's right, Mother. One day, you'll understand." Without another word, she turned and walked away, her mother's pleas fading into the background. --- Back in her chambers, Rieka found Daisy waiting, her face pale with worry. "Lady Rieka," Daisy ventured, "are you alright?" Rieka exhaled a tired sigh, lowering herself onto the edge of her bed. "I'm fine, Daisy. Just… tired." Daisy faltered, then approached cautiously. "If I may, my lady, you did the right thing. Riftan's actions hurt many people. He must face the consequences." Rieka looked at the young girl, surprised by her maturity. "Thank you, Daisy," she said softly. "That means more than you know." Daisy smiled faintly, but her expression quickly turned serious. "My lady, there's something else. While you were meeting with your mother, I overheard some maids whispering again. They said…" Rieka's eyes narrowed. "What did they say?" "They said you're not fit to be queen. That you don't belong here. Rieka's jaw clenched, anger flaring within her. 'Did they say who they were?" Daisy shook her head. 'No, but I'll find out." 'No," Rieka said, her tone icy. 'I'll handle it myself. I've let their insolence go on long enough." --- As night fell, Rieka stood beside her window, staring out upon the kingdom that was rapidly becoming home. Her mind flew with betrayal and loyalty, family and justice. But Riftan's actions painted a dark shadow over her, and she refused to become consumed by it. The knock on the door took her from her reverie. "Come in, " she called. Daisy came in, looking troubled. "Lady Rieka, there's something I should tell you…" Rieka turned to her, her brow furrowed. "What is it, Daisy?" "It's the maids," Daisy said, her voice trembling. "I think… I think one of them is working for someone outside the castle." Rieka's heart sank. "Are you certain?" Daisy nodded. "I overheard them mention a meeting tonight, outside the east gate. Rieka's mind was racing. With a traitor in the ranks, everything was in danger. She fisted her hands, determination settling over her. "Daisy," she said firmly, "remain here. Lock the door and let no one in until I return." "But, my lady-" "No argument," Rieka interrupted. "I have to see this through." As Rieka walked toward the east gate, her heart pounding, a shadow moved in the distance. She froze, her senses on high alert. Whoever was behind this betrayal was close, and she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.