Lara and Scarlet made their way into the palace. The Queen's eyes scanned the Guardian Angels lining the halls. She crossed her arms and her lips stretched into a proud smile.
"I can just tell that nothing is the same as when I lived here."
Scarled chuckled. "I am sure it isn't."
The delegation followed after the duo, wary of the unknown angels.
"Do they also consider my sister their mother?"
Scarlet hummed. "I suppose they do. They are creations of Lord Cedric, and since he and Mother will be married one day, they definitely would consider her mother."
Satisfied with the answer, Lara picked up the pace, eager to meet with her dear sister.
She made her way into the throne room, and her gaze immediately fell on Aurelia and her closest guards. They resembled Scarlet, yet they were clearly different individuals. Not to mention that they were almost as cute as Scarlet was.
Lara suppressed her urge to squeal before clearing her throat and kneeling in front of the new queen of Valar.
"Queen Lara of Salac responding to the summons. I hope we can come to an arrangement that will benefit us both," she said formally.
The delegates and Scarlet herself joined her and knelt in front of the queen.
In Lara's eyes, her sister looked majestic. She had never seen her so radiant and happy. She couldn't fight her smile as she lovingly stared at her.
'I am so glad you are doing well for yourself, sister.' Lara smiled and panned her gaze to the floor, waiting for Aurelia to call upon her.
The queen of Valar rose from her throne. "Rise, sister. I am honored you were able to make it on such short notice."
Lara nodded and quickly rose to her feet, followed by the delegation and scarlet. "It is my honor to see my dear sister doing well for herself. I have traveled to discuss our future, and if Lady Scarlet is to be trusted, it is bright indeed."
Aurelia glanced toward proudly grinning Scarlet and then back at Lara. "You and your delegation will be provided accommodations before the meeting begins. Until then, please enjoy everything Valar has to offer."
The Queen of Valar quickly gestured for her advisors to lead the delegates to their assigned chambers.
Scarlet looked over the duo and smirked. She quickly bowed and excused herself, leaving Lara and Aurelia alone in the throne room.
The two women stared at each other for a solid minute. Aurelia felt as if she were about to burst into happy tears; she quickly suppressed the urge and rushed from her throne and wrapped her arms around Lara.
"Lara!"
"Aurelia!" Lara shouted and hugged her sister as hard as she could. "I missed you so much, you wouldn't believe how much I worried about you!"
After a moment of affection, Lara pulled herself away and grabbed Aurelia by the shoulders. "I heard you got yourself an amazing husband, too, and you look so healthy!"
Aurelia giggled, "Future husband, he is the only reason I am alive right now. Actually, scratch that, he is the only reason Valar still stands."
Lara enjoyed listening to Aurelia fawn over such an amazing man; she wanted to meet him. "So when can I meet him?"
Aurelia chuckled. "Once he returns to Valar, he is currently on a quest to destroy Chrunus himself! Also, before he returns, I want to introduce you to the new church. I am sure you will enjoy learning about God just as much as I did."
'Destroy Chrunus himself?' Lara wanted to be supportive, but killing a god was a little much to swallow. However, she did not care, as long as Aurelia was happy, and not to mention learning about the new church that took over Valar.
"I would be glad to, but I am exhausted from the travel. I would like to rest for the rest of the day."
Aurelia grabbed Lara under her arm. "That is completely okay. Let me personally lead you to your chambers, but first, we can enjoy some wine and catch up. A lot of things have happened since you were married off."
Lara smiled warmly. 'She didn't change that much.'
"Sure, Aurelia."
The duo headed to the garden and took their seats. The young maid approached and bowed deeply. "What may I bring for you, your majesty?"
"Just some wine like usual, also meet my sister, Lara," Aurelia said proudly.
The maid's eyes widened. "I am honored to meet you, your highness."
Lara chuckled. "No need to be so nervous, I am just a guest."
Aurelia then waved the maid off, leaving the duo alone.
"You replaced the staff, too?"
Aurelia nodded. "Yeah, the old maids were not loyal; some even tried to poison me. These new girls are all amazing," she said. "They are also members of the Christian church."
Lara leaned back in her seat and crossed her legs. "More great news, I am glad. Do tell me, how is Granny Anna doing? I know she was one of the very few allies you had."
"She is also doing very well, actually, she is an extremely important part of this church!" Aurelia exclaimed proudly.
Lara tilted her head and tapped the table. "You got me really curious, I am very interested in this new church you keep talking about, perhaps it would be a better option for Salac than the tyrants of Chrunus."
"That is also one of the points we will discuss when the meeting starts." Before she could finish her thought, the maid returned with the wine, she quickly poured it and stood next to the table, waiting for further instructions.
"Would you be a dear, and give us some privacy?" She asked the maid.
The maid bowed. "Of course, your majesty."
After a moment, Aurelia leaned closer to Lara. "Now, where do I start?" Aurelia hummed.
"Just grace me with your past after my marriage, but please give me the recent events in excruciating detail!" Lara demanded.
Aurelia chuckled. "Of course, sister."