yes

She is your mother after everything; you owe it to her to hear her out even if she does end up lying, so you allow her to continue speaking, “I am sorry. I only did what I had to, to protect our country and, most importantly, your sister. I… If I tried to help you, we would have lost everything, so I could only hope that you would find your way, and I am so happy you did.”

It’s hard to tell if she is lying because she is so emotional. However, you know that your position in the country ‘as king’ is extremely unstable, and you can use her to stabilize it. “I believe you.”

Mother “You do? Oh, right, you do. I always knew you were wise beyond your age.”

You continue, “Yes. If you tried to stop my uncle before I had an army, it’s likely the three of us would have died. You did what you had to both save our country and my sister. However, our country and my family are still not safe. Once I dismiss the nobles, half are likely to start a civil war out of their own ambitions and greed. While the other half will try to sit on their hands, waiting for a victor. We need to shore up my throne before the country falls into chaos.”

She looks at you, confused. “What are you suggesting?”

“If a country is not going to respect the king, they must at least respect the queen.”

She instantly takes a step back. “We can’t; I am your mother.”

“Mom, you married your first husband’s brother. And you yourself said you would do what you had to protect this nation. Too much has changed already. The country needs at least one thing to stay the same, and that must be the queen, at least until the dust settles.”

You watch as her mind races. It is clear that she is looking for a way to say no but can’t find one. “Until the dust settles?”

“Of course.” you extend your hand.

She starts to reach out her hand but quickly pulls it back “no sex.”

You pull your hand back. “I can’t agree to that.” “

She looks at you. “Why not? It’s not like you should want to have sex with your own mother.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, mom; you are one of the most attractive women in this country. Along with that, on my travels, I have grown accustomed to having pretty women in my bed. If you’re not one of them, it will raise the question. The question that we don’t want to be asked.” You calmly walk around her, eying her up in her red dress “aside from all that, when is the last time you have heard of a queen successfully peacefully stepping away from her marriage. Because I can’t name a single one. No to protect both my sister and this country, you will need to perform your queenly duties to the best of your abilities.” You hold your hand out as she thinks.