chapter seven : a dark cloud hovers above the castle

the young wife became very cautious of the things she would say or do inside the castle. she respected and abided by the queen's rules. but in her heart, she wished the queen would also understand that she came from a different household where things were done differently. if only the queen would be a little less critical and more tolerable-- she was doing her best to please her.

early one day while she and her husband were in the confines of their chamber, the queen suddenly stormed in. with voice raised, she reprimanded the young wife for apparently telling tales about her to one of the queen's female friends. the young wife was surprised. she saw that queen's particular friend a few times during parties or gatherings, but she hasn't spoken to her even once. in fact, she never starts any conversation with any of the family's friends.

the young wife's eyes looked around for her husband. she saw him slowly walking out the door, easing his way out of the room. she bit her lip, holding back tears. she was trying to explain herself but the queen would not let her put in even a word to her defense. suddenly, the angry voice of the king echoed. he was addressing the queen, ordering her to stop picking on the young wife. the queen was adamant, refusing to stop. the young wife looked at the king in amazement--it was the first time she heard him speak that way. for this particular instant, the laconic king's voice thundered, dismissing the queen. when the queen left, the king approached her and softly patted her on the shoulder.

a few minutes later, the young wife opened their clothes cabinet, sat across the floor and stared at its contents. then she put her hands to her face and started to cry.