I stared into the mirror, shocked by what I saw.
I had wanted to look intimidating for this upcoming meeting, and had used an old design that I had originally thought of in my previous life… Reaching out a hand, I touched the cool glass of the mirror, almost expecting the image before me to change.
The deep red dress flowed down from my shoulders, making me look taller, the golden embroidery sparkling in mesmerizing patterns, catching the eye. I had chosen a more mature hairstyle, with the majority of it pinned above my head except for a few ringlets that hung around my ears. The necklace given to me from the Queen hung proudly around my neck, not looking out of place as it usually did with my simpler gowns.
The overall effect was… more than I had expected.
I studied my appearance, wondering if this is what I would have looked like if I had married Ronan in my previous life…
“I’m so glad you could come and visit me!” Queen Amerande smiled excitedly at me while she poured tea.I took my cup, one sip confirming that she had brewed it strong and sweet, exactly how I liked it. She had always taken small details like this into consideration, despite her high status. It was hard not to feel comfortable around her.“Well, your letters were… delayed, and I felt I should apologize in person for my rudeness in not responding sooner.”She shook her head. “Don’t worry about rudeness, I’m just glad that you’re doing well! If I hadn’t heard anything soon I might have broken down the doors to your home to find you!”__________________________“Has the Queen answered any of my letters?” I hugged myself, sitting in the chair by the fire in my room.
This feels like a trap.I walked into the ballroom of the royal palace, unable to shake a sense of dark unease that hung over me. I glanced around the room, admiring the golden decorations, and the guests enjoying themselves in small groups, each dressed in the latest and finest fashion. Despite the beautiful and jovial atmosphere, there was a tenseness, an anxiety I couldn’t shake. I was on the King’s territory, and I still had no idea as to what his plans could be.Things started going wrong right from the beginning.“I’m sorry miss, only servants from the royal palace may serve in the banquet tonight.” A palace steward blocked Hallers’ path as soon as we entered , explaining his actions with an apologetic smile.I frowned. “Is there no way I can bring him in? I depend on him greatly in all matters.”The steward shook
A long table had been set, groaning under the weight of hundreds of dishes. My mouth watering, I waited impatiently for a groomsman to show me to my seat. Surprisingly, he led me to the opposite end of the table, far away from the King and Queen.I would have thought she would want me nearby. A stray thought crossed my mind and unconsciously I found myself looking towards the Queen. Her face was red with irritation as she argued quietly with her husband, a finger pointing in my direction.Ah. So it wasn’t her idea. I felt relieved at this, before pushing the emotion away. Meeting the Queen’s gaze, I shook my head slowly, letting her know I was okay with where I was sitting. After all, Ronan and Edith were sitting on that end of the table. At least I could eat in peace here. The Queen looked frustrated, but finally nodded her assent and the banquet started.The food was delicious. As I happily tried diff
“Are you okay?”After the crowds had dispersed, the Queen pulled Henry, Nate and me into a room alone. She dismissed the servants, and as the door closed behind them she embraced me tightly, looking terrified for me.I hugged her back, feeling tired. “I survived.”Sitting in a chair and grabbing a cup of tea that had just been poured, I took my time between sips to explain the events of the night.CRASH!The Queen’s teacup smashed against the table, the shards mixed with golden brown tea falling to the floor at her feet. She stared at the destruction, her face angry. “How dare they?” It was just a whisper, but I shivered at the intensity in her voice. “I just wanted to celebrate my birthday with my friends, my daughter… and they try to hurt her instead?”I reached out, grabbing her hand
We stared at each other silently for a few moments as the guard’s words hung in the air between us. Nate’s expression grew increasingly nervous, his head hanging down with shame before he finally spoke up.“I hope you’ll forgive me! I truly wasn’t intending to hide it from you. But… when we spent time together, I came to look forward to how you treated me. I wasn’t sure what you already knew or didn’t know, but I knew I wanted things to stay informal, close.” He paused with a quiet sigh. “But now I’ve waited too long.”“What makes you think I’ll treat you any differently?” I finally found my voice to answer.His head snapped up, his face incredulous at my calm words. “Lenora? Did you already know?”“… I’m not sure.”In the heat of the m
Setting out first thing in the morning, Nate and I headed into town to look at my new shop. It was situated in the center of town, the clean and impressive building fairly eye-catching compared to its surroundings. I stood outside the front of it for a few moments, impressed.“This is a good spot.”Nate grinned, stepping closer and spoke quietly into my ear. “Told you. Did you doubt me?”My heartbeat sped up suddenly and confused, I moved further away, “Of course not. Your information has always been trustworthy.” I felt as if my cheeks were warm, and wondered if I had been out in the sun too long.Nate didn’t speak further, simply grinning at me, the expression slightly mischievous. It made me feel off kilter. He was normally fairly quiet and serious, only smiling occasionally when joking with me during classes with Jim or running around wi
“The King made his move.” Rig frowned as he spoke, staring around the shop with a grim expression.Hallers, Lia, and Marile, who had just arrived to be present for the store’s grand opening, looked at each other with dismay. I leaned back in my chair, setting down the financial reports Henry had asked me to glance over and studied Rig closely.“What happened?” My voice was cold. I clenched my fists in my lap, remembering the King’s expression the day of the Queen’s birthday.“Bandits broke into the Duchy’s main residence. They ransacked a few rooms, stealing a few paintings and such, but the worst of the damage was in your room.” Rig’s gaze was filled with anger. “The objects they stole weren’t even worth much, they obviously weren’t thieves.”“He sent men to kill me.” It wasn’t a question. I f
“What are you doing here?” I tried to remain calm, but even the sight of Edith standing next to Nate was making me feel uncomfortable.“I’m here just to visit as a representative of Reterand’s royalty.” She smiled warmly, the expression making my stomach churn. “This kingdom is lovely, Nate. You’ll have to show me around tomorrow.”She stared at Nate, fluttering her eyelashes. My chest hurt as i watched her, my heart sinking as I felt an overwhelming sense of defeat._________________________“Make way for the Prince!” A loud voice called out, waking me from my stupor. I clutched the empty begging bowl in my hand, feeling humiliated, but I didn’t have the energy to run and hide. I could only lower my head, and hope he didn’t look too closely at a beggar on the street.The entourage made its way closer,