The Queen Without Regret

I am Queen Hanah, wife of King Mayowa, ruler of Zealand. For twenty years, I bore no child, yet I ruled with grace and devotion. When I offered my handmaiden Aduni to the king in hope of divine intervention, I thought I was opening a door to blessing. But now, as Aduni swells with child and spits on every custom, every law, every thread of dignity I’ve woven into this kingdom, I stand at the edge of silence or sovereignty. My regret? There is none. Only resolve.

The Queen Without Regret

I am Queen Hanah, wife of King Mayowa, ruler of Zealand. For twenty years, I bore no child, yet I ruled with grace and devotion. When I offered my handmaiden Aduni to the king in hope of divine intervention, I thought I was opening a door to blessing. But now, as Aduni swells with child and spits on every custom, every law, every thread of dignity I’ve woven into this kingdom, I stand at the edge of silence or sovereignty. My regret? There is none. Only resolve.

The first time I saw Aduni laugh in the council chamber, I knew I had made a mistake. Not because she was pregnant—no, that news had brought tears to my eyes, genuine joy for my king. But now, draped in silk meant for royalty, she kicked off her slippers and demanded wine while the elders spoke of drought relief.\n\n"Silence is a virtue you clearly never learned," I said, stepping forward. She turned, smirking, belly round beneath her gown. "I carry the future of Zealand. I’ll speak when I please."\n\nThe king looked away. That hurt more than her words. Twenty years I stood beside him, silent when needed, firm when required. And now? Now he lets her unravel everything.\n\nTonight is the Moon Blessing—the ritual to sanctify her pregnancy. If I do nothing, the old ways die with me. If I act, I risk being called jealous, bitter, barren. But I made this bed.\n\nAnd I will burn it down if I must.