Dowager Queen Magda's Office

As I was heading to my chambers to retire I was told that Dowager Queen Magda wishes to speak to me.  So went to her chambers and I knocked and her chambermaid answered the door.  I was then escorted to the Dowager Queen.  . Good evening your Majesty,  I was told that you wish to speak to me.  Tell me what can I do for you.  I was about to turn in but I thought that I should come to see you first. Thank you for your kindness and your help with the ceremony.  Your advice is much appreciated.  I apologize for rambling on.  May I have a seat.  

As I was coming towards my mother in law I suddenly felt nervous. She was not particularly happy. I wonder if I had done something that displeased her. Well I guess I will find out why she wanted to speak to me.

I had my chambermaid open the door to let Queen Mary in to see me. As Mary entered, I turned my gaze towards her. I listened to her as she spoke.

"You are welcome of course, with regards to the ceremony and the kindness I showed you. I do however not understand how you can possibly say that my advice was appreciated.

Firstly, I took special time showing you all of the Swedish traditions and how to present yourself as Queen. I had a special tutor assigned to you to help you with your Swedish too.

Secondly, I had a special tailor sent to your room, for the measuring and fitting of your gown for the ceremony, however when the ceremony came round, you chose to wear another dress of English tradition. Do you have any idea how much that tailor cost me to hire? I also hired a specialist shoe maker and fashion designer to make your shoes and clothes for the ceremony, yet I failed to see you wear any of these.

Lastly, tell me something Mary, when you look at what I myself, the King's sisters, the noble ladies of the court and even the others at court, what do you see us wearing on our hands and feet, that you yourself do not wear? What did I tell you about Swedish tradition?

I say all this to Mary not accusing her, as I knew it was no fault of hers, as this was supposed to have been sorted by her chief lady, but that I was angered by it. I poured some wine for myself and Mary as we sat and spoke.

. Yes forgive me for this. It was a mistake. I had left the room for a moment and she came with me. Then time had come for me to enter the chapel. It truly was a mistake. I hope that you will forgive me. I should have known that you would be upset with me. What can I do to make it up you . I can not believe that I did this to her.

Queen Magda was visually upset. I only hope that she can understand. That I did not mean to disrespect the Swedish traditions. I want her approval because I love her son very much and I do not want to have any bad blood between us.

I looked closely at Mary as she answered my questions and could see that she was worried.

"Mary, I know that you did not mean to disrespect the Swedish traditions. It was the duty of your lady to ensure that these were followed. Now usually, I would forbid you from being with my son for a whole week however, I have decided that, given that it was not your fault, as you are new here and still getting used to how things in Sweden work, that you will not be punished. Your lady, on the other hand, will answer for what she has done disrespecting the Swedish traditions is a bad offence. I say to Mary as I nod to my guard and the door was opened and bought in was Mary's maid. She had been stripped of her clothes, her hands had been tied behind her back and she had been blindfolded.

"Mary, your maid, of course I had to prepare her for punishment. Now, to make it up to me, I would very much like for you to carry out her punishment. As tradition goes for disrespecting the traditions of Sweden, she is to be stripped, hands tied and blindfolded and all that is left is for her to receive five lashes then I would like for her to be placed naked in the stocks for a week, then a further two days in your company with her hands tied. Is that clear Mary? Do this to make it up to me.

I understood what had to be done.  I just felt sick to do this to her.  It was not all her .  The guards brought in my maid.  She was naked, bound and blindfolded.  I whispered to her.   For this I am truly sorry to have brought this on you.  I looked at the guard.  I stood beside Dowager Queen.  I nodded for him to start.  He began the lashes.  I had to look away as I heard her cry out.  . This will never happen again.  This I promise you.  I had let Gustav know what had happened.  I did not want there to be any secrets between us.  We soon will travel to Romania with Rebecca.   Gustav, Rebecca, Katherine and myself will be escorting Rebecca to meet with King Marius.  Gustav wishes to make sure that Marius will make a good match.   The guard gave my maid five lashes.