Moonlight Ball

“That is not the problem right now,” Sidrain mumbled to himself, almost feeling depressed. So what if the perfect queen was the worst in the world? He would be satisfied if Iris Elaine was his queen. But the problem was that she shriveled up and looked scared to death, like a rabbit trembling in front of a lion whenever she saw him.

“Your Highness, excuse my words. But do you mean to tell me that with your handsome face and your powerful body, you still failed to seduce a woman who was locked up in a tower for all her life?” Elena’s face expressed extreme criticism. “Can you even call yourself a man? A king?!”

Hearing her words, Sidrain jumped up. He had had enough, and he shouted, “Then why don’t you help me? I have no idea what more I have to do!”

“How difficult can it be? Fine, I will help you. Then will you agree with me making her the perfect queen?”

“If that is what it takes, then do what you please!” Sidrain cried out. “Do you think I am some idiot who just stood there doing nothing like a fool?!”

A fire ignited in Elena’s volition, “Alright, I will do what it takes!” And just like that, Elena was assigned the mission of helping Sidrain have an intimate night with Iris before making her into the perfect queen.

Elena had always detested acting as Rosemary’s representative. She may have been of noble birth and held a noble status, but that was all. From birth, Rosemary was shallow and vulgar and Elena hated the fact that Rosemary was their queen. But since it was Iris, she was prepared to give it a go and try to transform her. The Princess of the Tower was gentle and virtuous, and if Iris refined herself a bit more, she would have the potential to become a true queen. More importantly, she had the perfect-looking shell of Rosemary. It was only the substance inside that had changed! But of course, Elena did not know this from the onset.

Elena also didn’t know what kind of misunderstanding and repulsion Iris had towards pregnancy. She had rushed up the proverbial neighborhood hill, underestimating it, when it was a giant mountain to climb, in regards to understanding the entire process of making a child.

In all honesty, whatever Elena In Sethang was doing was none of Sidrain’s business. He believed that it would be good for Elena to give Iris “the talk,” but if not, he would have to do what he needed to do. Of course, he still wished to embrace her and hold her in his arms. Sidrain wanted to pull her closer and have her hold him. But he was okay with not doing that too.

***

“Wow! There is a new market in the forest at the palace,” Iris exclaimed.

Now and then, Sidrain enjoyed simply gazing at her side profile. Although she had Rosemary’s face, he did notice subtle differences. It must’ve been that expression that taught him to control his magic. “You are gentle, and Elena is thrilled about making you into the perfect queen.”

“I beg your pardon, Your Highness?” Iris said, looking perplexed.

Changing the subject, Sidrain looked at the market at the bottom of the green hill, smiling, “It is for you, my Queen.”

“What?”

“I summoned the merchants of the palace because I want to know what you like.”

Iris turned around in surprise. She was on a horse, together with Sidrain. Iris had told him that she knew how to ride, but he had insisted on having her ride with him. His white horse shook its body when she got on, its body sagging with the added weight, but it did not disobey its owner.

Iris felt nervous in Sidrain’s embrace. But that did not last long, as she was now distracted by the market. It wasn’t a massive market, but it was big enough for her to be impressed by it. She couldn’t believe that it had been set up only for her, to find out her tastes and interests. Iris could not comprehend the scale of his gift and stared up at him.

“What? Do you not like it?”

“No, it’s not that I do not like it. It’s just perhaps not a good idea to go to the market.” Iris looked uncomfortable as she continued, “Could we do something that didn’t require bringing people to an empty plot of land to create a market?” Iris swallowed hard and looked up at him.

Sidrain pressed his lips to her forehead. “You are my Queen. Of course, they would come for you.” His voice was confident and strong, which made Iris want to run away! Instead, she resisted the urge to run, as well as a sigh, and looked up at the cloudless sky.

As the day was coming to an end, Iris recalled the last time Sidrain had wanted to make the next successor. He’d said, “My efforts are in vain. I will give up for this month.” According to his words, it seemed the day to create the next heir came every month, and it had been around three weeks since Iris had entered Rosemary’s body. Soon, a month will have passed, which meant that day was near. She had to run away before then because she couldn’t bear the thought of what needed to happen.

“You may keep whatever you desire.” Sidrain’s large hand caressed her soft cheek. His touch was careful and gentle as if he was touching something that would break easily.

Words slipped out of Iris’s mouth before she knew it, “You must love The Queen very much.” Then she realized that she was The Queen and hurriedly added, “I mean, me. You must love me very much.” Feeling flustered, she moved her body away, and Sidrain quickly grabbed her hand. In the next moment, she found herself wrapped inside his arms.