<div style="text-align: justify;">Esther was deeply grateful for her sister’s presence in England. Her presence and little Cosimo’s affection made things much easier for her in the times she was going through. Being a queen, Esther was constantly under scrutiny, and one of the worst parts was the fact that she had to deal with the rumors. <span style="font-style: italic">The barren Queen</span>. That was what the rumors said. That the Queen could not provide an heir to the King, and should be cast aside in favor of one who could. “She cannot even produce a girl”, the rumors said, breaking Esther’s heart. <br/><br/>The only thing that comforted her a little was to know that Braiden would never cast her aside. That would have killed her, as Esther really loved her husband. But the fact that they had no child remained, and she was unsure of what to do to make things work.<br/><br/>For now, though, she was more interested in hearing little Cosimo say the new words in English he had learned. Despite her inability to conceive, Esther had never felt envy towards her sister. She knew God was in charge, and it was not Isabel’s fault that she might be unable to have a child. <br/><br/>Picking her nephew up and cradling him in her arms, Esther covered the boy with kisses. “You are becoming a very intelligent little gentleman”, she complimented happily. “Your son is the most adorable child in the world, sister”, the young queen added to her sister. She was being honest, as Cosimo was a well-behaved child and was being raised properly. Esther was very proud of her nephew’s behavior, as she felt he could be presented in any Court without making anyone ashamed of him.<br/><br/>While Fernando left to talk to Braiden - and she wondered for a moment what matters they would discuss -, Esther turned her attention back to her sister and nephew. Ruffling Cosimo’s hair, she smiled. “Sister, if you and Fernando wish to send Cosimo off to further his studies when he is older, please consider sending him here, and Braiden and I will see that he finds a place in Oxford”, she requested. “It is a fine institution, after all, and we will be able to keep an eye on him”, she carried on.<br/><br/>After a pause, she spoke in a softer and sadder intonation. “It might be my only chance to care for a child of my own blood”, she murmured, trying not to start crying. It was more than clear that the rumors were getting to Esther and hurting her deeply, even though she would not acknowledge them in public.<br/><br/><a href="//www.creativefreedomrpg.com/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&amp;u=110711">@Fain</a> <a href="//www.creativefreedomrpg.com/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&amp;u=111849">@Sojourn</a></div>