Finn adapted to palace life a lot quicker than Mrs. Muiner; it was rare for him to be able to eat so much, including sweets and now he got to see his mother all the time. Mrs. Muiner on the other hand would receive mild mannered threats if she did not comply. She had initially refused to eat or wear any of the gowns provided for her. Once she began to regain more fullness and radiance in her looks from eating well the king decided to make his move.

Reginald: “You’re looking well,” he says to Mrs. Muiner as they sit around the long table eating breakfast.

Mrs. Muiner ignoring that comment entirely: “Where is the queen?”

Reginald: “In her chambers being tended to that last delivery really took its toll on her but forget about the queen now alright. It is time to get down to business.”

Mrs. Muiner: “And what business would that be?”

Reginald: “You will give me an heir.”

Mrs. Muiner: “Hang on now I never agreed to that. I abide here with you, cook your meals, wear your clothes, and eat as I am told. I would never have a child with you.”

Reginald: “Now I thought you might say that need I remind you of our little arrangement. You want the restaurant to continue to prosper don’t you?”

Mrs. Muiner sits there in silence as a single tear escapes down her cheek. How can this be happening she thought. How can such cruelty befall her family who just wanted to make an honest living feeding their fellow impoverished folk.

Mrs. Muiner: Just let me freshen up a bit she says meekly and returns to her room with Finn in tow.

Mrs. Muiner’s thoughts: I am a prisoner in this tower. They never let me leave, my food is monitored, my dress, my whereabouts. I would never be able to get my hands on any poison. I made a vow to my husband till death do us part and we are apart and yet both of us still live… 

She looks out the window at the scenery surrounding the tower and with that she opens the window and leans back… “I’m sorry Robert,'' she whispers, crying quietly as she plummets to the ground below.

A few days later the queen passed. The King was now left without an heir, a wife, or mistress. The King was entirely fed up with the whole situation and because he didn’t feel like fighting anymore people for the time being he kept his word that Desiree and Balkerin could leave. Not feeling overly motivated to find a new maiden after the events of the last few days the King decided to train Finn on how to be a Prince just in case he was unable to obtain an heir by blood. Back at the restaurant things were going pretty well all things considered and with the extra income the restaurant was thriving. The town was a small tight knit community and people had heard what had happened and came for a bite as often as they could to support the grieving family. They were finally able to make ends meet but at what cost?