47: Envy

The queen was having a good tea time alone while watching the fish in the pond. Then all of a sudden, Athena arrived with a cart of cookies and slices of cake.

"Come, join me over a cup of tea, Athena." The queen smiled and pointed to the chair opposite hers.

"Madam, I can't, the maids are already jealous of how you were treating me."

The queen sighed and did not force her to wish to casually talk with her favorite maid. If she were to keep openly showing her favoritism, the daughter of other nobles, who were working as reserved lady-in-waiting would throw a fit at Athena.

"I see. Shopping with the king made a positive impact. Shouldn't you go out with the king more often?" Athena asked while pouring another cup of tea for her ladyship.

"Well, I am not allowed to leave again."

"Aren't you lonely here, madam?" says Athena.

Little did they know the King happened to sleep in one of the huge trees nearby where the queen and maid were. He did not want to eavesdrop, but his body wouldn't m