The next morning

The castle was alive with life and the promise of something new the following morning. The maids were moving with utmost haste as they decorated the halls to prepare for the ceremony. Flowers were going in every window, every surface was being dusted, and every linen was being replaced. It was nice to see that the Archduke left no expense to celebrate his union with your mother, although it left you wondering where he got the finical backing to fund this.

You were given the royal balcony seat to watch the wedding ceremony from. It is the best view of the house, allowing you to consider all the nobility that came to witness this union.

Trumpets followed by a singular pinion playing the joyful tone of 'here comes the bride' announcing your mother's entrance. She comes walking in wearing a nice conservative long white wedding gown that didn't attempt to hide her eight-month pregnant belly but does show it off in a nice respectable manner like she was proud to be pregnant.

At the reception, you were given an odd glare when the Harold announced you as "The King of the land, master of the Bride, and father of the Bride's child." The look persisted even. The Archduke came over and gave you the royal greeting before hugging you as a stepfather. It didn't help the glares that he walked you across the room while saying, "Doesn't my wife just look radiant, my king? I must be the luckiest man alive to be married to someone as radiant as her." And without taking a breath, he adds, "It would be my honor if you requested her on our most honorable on nights as the night of our union," with a giant smile on his face.

After such a gesture, it would be considered a massive insult to the Archduke, considering everyone in the room already knows that she is your concubine. So you smiled back and calmly say, "Yes... It would be my honor to call upon her services tonight."

The Archduke pats you on the back while laughing, "Good, my king; then I'll have her in your room the moment the party is done. Now I believe she is waiting for you on the dance floor." Your eyes follow the direction Archduke pointed on the dance floor and onto your mother. You really did not want this to be that public, especially with all the guests' eyes already on you, but once again, it was not like you could publicly turn down his offer, either. So, as confidently as you can, you walk out onto the dance floor.

Lady Beatrix bowed in your presence, "My King, my son, it is my pleasure," before holding out her hand for you to take to dance. You have been instructed to always leave at least an inch between you and your dance partner when you waltz with them. However, your mother's pregnant belly made it impossible to hold a proper waltz posture without your chest touching her. Lady Beatrix must have noticed it too, because she quickly said, "Fear not, my king, everyone here knows you are the father of what I am carrying and that I am your concubine. So, no one will question if we touch in a manner that otherwise would be inappropriate." You can feel everyone's eyes on you, waiting for you to dance. Not wanting to delay this anymore or attract more attention, you heed your mother's words and pull her close enough to touch before waltzing.

Lady Beatrix stared into your eyes as you both slowly glide across the dance floor while asking, "Does my current form please you, my King?" You really wished that she had whispered that question because she said it loud enough to attract even more attention. When you don't answer right away, she leans in and whispers, "I believe you have removed all royal titles from your concubine, but if you still believe that some of the nobility may see a royal title in me, you are free to take me right here in front of them."