Braiden watched the servant return with his message and nodded. Leaning back and relaxing again. He gave a genuine and warm smile as Fernando joined him. He was worried about what he was going to say and the darkness in his eyes showed his fear and uncertain. His reservation.<br/><br/>"In a matter of speak Fernando there is," Braiden sighed heavily. His eyes closed as if the subject was painful to discuss. Drawing in a breath he went on. "The court is pushing to have my wife removed as Queen so another may take her place. They claim she is barren and that it is my royal obligation to produce an heir." He drew in another breath before he pressed on. His voice growing soft, but just as stead. "I love her Fernando I cannot just leave her. I need a solution to this that keeps Esther with me. As my Queen. As my wife."<br/><br/>He let the words hang between them for a long moment. Thinking through how best to word what he had to say. He leaned his head back further keeping his eyes closed as he admitted something he thought never to have to admit to anyone.<br/><br/>"I have found only one way that could work around the restrictions. To have a mistress conceive the child from myself and then allow Esther to adopt the child into our family. Making him legally hers. Thus insuring the sanctity of the bloodline for succession," It was evident as Braiden spoke that he knew how deeply this would wound his wife. How reluctant he was to do or suggest such a thing. He did not want to seek a child outside his marital bed, but he didn't have a choice. He needed an heir. it was his duty. His obligation. His responsibility. If he did not. He would be allowing the throne to be under uncertainty and allow civil unrest to stir the kingdom. He couldn't allow that.<br/><br/>Speaking these words left Braiden hallow inside and as he finished speaking he looked over to Fernando with pleading eyes. His expression grave and the resignation evident in his face. Sadness darkened his features.