Chapter 15 Could It Be He's Gay?

• Queen Isabelle
• I sat upon my bed, the softness of velvet cushions and satin sheets embracing me as I pondered the enigma that was my son, Darius. The gentle flicker of candlelight danced across the walls of my chamber, casting shadows that seemed to mimic the turmoil within my own heart. My mind lingered on the parade of beautiful young women who had graced my son's chambers, each one carefully chosen for her beauty, charm, and grace—the perfect helpers in waiting for a future king. And yet, not one of them had managed to capture his heart or stir his desires. That stubborn, stoic bastard remained resolute in his refusal to marry, much to the consternation of his father and me.
• "Could it be," I whispered softly to myself, the words barely audible above the rustle of silk as I shifted on the bed, "that my son is... gay?" The thought sent an icy shiver down my spine, chilling me to the core. No, surely not! Not my strong, handsome, manly son, the pride and joy of our kingdom, destined to rule with wisdom and strength. And yet, how else could I reconcile his apparent lack of interest in the fairer sex? What other explanation could there be for his continued indifference to the advances of such delightful creatures as Lady Cassandra Montrose or any of the other lovely noblewomen who fluttered their lashes and sighed wistfully in his presence?