As Peter and I entered the Queen’s personal office, I was immediately struck by the air of elegance and authority that permeated the room. Whilst on our way here, Peter had clarified that the room where I had once had a personal meeting with the Queen, wasn’t actually hers, but Duke’s. It all made sense now. The difference was clear.
The walls of this office were adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of royal lineage, while intricate carvings lined the wooden furniture, each piece a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the community’s artisans.
At the center of the room stood a grand desk, its polished surface gleaming in the soft light that filtered in through the tall windows. Behind the desk sat the Queen herself, a regal figure dressed in flowing robes of deep crimson.
I and Peter bowed, and greeted.
Beside her stood her brother, Hendel, his expression stoic yet filled with an undeniable sense of pride.
But it was her two children who caught my attention. Duke and Rachel.
So this was where Rachel spent her days, since she had been suspended?
I thought she was supposed to be serving some punishment?
Peter must have had the same line of thought with me, because he bestowed me a knowing glance, free from nervousness, before resting his aloof gaze on the Queen, making sure not to meet her eyes.
I wasn’t concerned for that. My eyes were on Rachel and Duke. They had been playing a game of chess before we came in.
Family time. I mused, steeling my nerves when Rachel gazed at me blankly. I wondered what she thought of me now. A competition? Some trouble? A rival for the throne? Well, that was okay, so long as they leave out Diana from their hideous schemes.
As a matter of fact, I was beginning to see the fair side of my benign display of magic.
Diana was safe.
Duke was a different case by the way. He had a scowl on his face. I didn’t care for that either.
A creaking sound of a chair pushed back, grabbed my attention from the Queen’s children, back to the Queen. I watched, maintaining an aloof countenance like her said brother-I really don’t believe they are related, as the Queen rose from her seat with a graceful smile, her presence commanding the room with effortless authority.
“Dora,” The Queen greeted me warmly, her voice soft yet filled with a splendid undertone. “I’m delighted that you heeded my call. I see you came with your guardian… Well, you both should take your seats.”
There was a crack there. She had really expected me to come alone?
I returned her smile with a stiff nod and took a seat, suddenly feeling acutely aware of the entirety of gazes on me. Would the meeting hold with her family looking at me like that?
She must have sensed my mental queries because the next minute she was asking Duke and Rachel to excuse us. Hendel wasn’t left out.
Hendel was surprised when she asked this of him. When he opened his mouth to object, she waved him away.
“Peter is a good man. Dora couldn’t possibly do harm to her Queen. Don’t fret much. We are just about to have a harmless discussion.”
Fortunately, the three left us alone, without making any more fuss. I almost sighed in relief, but that would be me making it obvious that her family had made me nervous for a second there.
“So, now to the business of the day,” The Queen started without much ado. “As I mentioned last night, Dora will be having more specialized classes from next week. I am sure that Principal Lethon had informed you of the new changes. It is official now.”
I gave another stiff nod.
“Good. However, let it be made known to you that the classes won’t be an easy pass. They are rigorous. I’m sure Peter will explain better to you once you get home. Also, you will be having a special training with me every Saturday morning…”
“Why?” I bit out, unable to hold back the question. Peter’s sharp inhale informed me that I had made a wrong step. Oh, well… What could go wrong?
There was a beat of silence, during which I focused my gaze on the Queen’s long smooth neck. I didn’t want to be found guilty on two faults-interrupting the Queen mid sentence, and looking at her in the eyeballs whilst speaking.
She finally broke the silence. “To balance your magic levels. Even though you have great amount of power, you need to exercise control over them. You need a guide.”
“I would prefer to train with Peter and Laura then. I’m sure they are skilled in that. Especially Laura. After all, she was the first to discover the magic gene in me. I’m sure I will fare better with her. No offense, my Queen.” I ventured, my voice thrumming with confidence, which may have fared well because the Queen hadn’t called me to order for my mistake. I believed that she was taking care to tread carefully with me. She wanted me on her side.
But the Queen’s response to my suggestion was swift and unwavering. “It’s not a choice, Dora.” Her tone left no room for argument.
Well, here was the card. I thought bitterly, reclining deeply into the chair. It was Peter’s turn to play.
“Ehem…” Peter cleared his throat, leaning forward.
The singular act caused the Queen to frown. She must have probably read off Peter’s energy.
“Oh Queen, live forever…”
Really, that was how the man was starting?
Interesting.
“I accompanied Dora here for a reason. You might not be in support of it, but I have no choice but to lay down my burdens at your feet. Should I go ahead?”
A beat of silence.
Quite expected. The woman must be calculating what burdens Peter were talking about. That’s if she wasn’t already roaming around in his mind.
However, she nodded. “Go ahead, Peter. Let me hear it.”
“I heard, from a verified source, that you have been training my daughter, Diana, specially. Is that true, my Queen?”
No response.
The Queen’s face now was on the brink of stoicism, her gracefulness already fading to the background.
“If that is so, then I am not happy about it. As a matter of fact, I came here to push the motion that your return the kids’ classes to the general school, just as it had been before. I’m sure you have much responsibilities to cater for. You don’t need to stress yourself over troublesome children. However, seeing the demand you just laid on Dora, then I have to push a second motion. That you let Dora choose who her guide will be.”
“And if I do not accept your motions?” The Queen asked, driving straight to the point. She must have read off that Peter had come with a trick up his sleeve.
“Then Laura quits her pratice, and experiments. We won’t be staying at the community either. Hopefully, you wouldn’t use coercion against us. I wouldn’t advise that.”
“Okay then.” The Queen stated coldly, without wasting a second. “Have it your way. But be prepared for consequences, Peter. Be prepared. I don’t take threats lightly.”