Freya lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
A plaything. A passing distraction.
The queen's words kept repeating in her head.
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold back the tears. She had never wanted the king's attention.
So why did it hurt her feelings hearing those words?
She remembered how Thornak looked at her during lunch. He had been so gentle. He had smiled and asked her to call him by his name.
For a little while, he had made her feel special, not like a poor village girl who had nothing to offer.
Now she felt foolish for believing any of it. The queen was right. Maybe he had only been kind because he pitied her. She really was nothing more than a passing distraction.
Lara wiped her tears away and sat up.
She could not stay in this castle anymore. She could go to her parents who were now living in the capital and find work there.
Yes that's what she will do. She will thank the king and leave.
Whatever stupid feelings she was having for the king, was simply that. Stupid feelings.
Elsewhere in the palace...
The chamberlain, Ysara, entered the Queen's chambers. Her white hair was neatly pinned back. She had come as soon as the Queen's servant summoned her.
"I received your message, Your Highness," Ysara said, bowing respectfully.
Maravelle gave a slow nod.
"You have served this palace faithfully for many years, Ysara. I know I can trust you with... delicate matters."
Ysara straightened.
"Of course, my loyalty belongs to you, Your Highness. Whatever you require, you only need to ask."
"This is about the girl, Lara," Maravelle said coldly. "I do not believe she has good intentions. I want you to keep a close watch on her. Watch what she does, listen to her conversations, and report everything to me."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Maravelle opened a drawer and pulled out a small, heavy velvet pouch. She held it out to Ysara.
The chamberlain took the pouch without hesitating and slid it quickly into her sleeve.
"Thank you for your loyalty," Maravelle said quietly. She walked to the window and looked out over the palace grounds. "You may leave."
Ysara bowed.
"Have a good evening, Your Highness," she said softly.
She turned and quietly left the room, closing the heavy door behind her without making a sound.
Once she was out in the hallway, she felt the heavy velvet pouch hidden inside her sleeve. She looked around to make sure the corridor was empty, then walked quickly towards the kitchen.
Maravelle stood at the window for a while, staring out at the dark palace grounds.
"Let the games begin," she whispered to herself.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and a man entered the room.
Maravelle smiled as she saw him.
The man walked quickly towards her, and she reached out and kissed him.
...
The next morning, the royal family had already gathered for breakfast.
The long dining table was filled with fine dishes, but the conversation around it was quiet.
Then the doors opened, and Thornak walked in. Without a word, he made his way to the head of the table and sat down.
Kael, sat to his right whispering something to a guard.
Across from him sat Queen Maravelle, elegant as always.
Lady Selene sat beside the queen, her eyes lingering on Thornak as he reached for his cup.
The servants moved quietly around the table, refilling cups and placing fresh dishes before the royal family.
The silence lasted only a moment before Maravelle spoke.
"I trust you slept well, Thornak?"
He gave a slight nod.
"Considering, fairly well."
Maravelle lifted her teacup gracefully.
"I'm glad to hear it."
She took a small sip before setting the cup down.
"Iris and Jasmine will be arriving soon from the boarding school."
Thornak nodded. Indeed, he had missed his sisters. The twins always made the castle feel lively.
"And how is our... guest this morning?" She asked.
Thornak looked up. "I heard from the healer, that Lara is recovering well."
"I'm pleased to hear that," Maravelle replied smoothly. "I spoke with her yesterday."
Thornak paused, his hand tightening slightly around his cup.
"You did?"
"Of course. As Queen, it seemed only proper that I welcome all guests into my castle."
Something in her tone made Thornak suspicious, but he said nothing.
"Thornak," Selene said with a gentle smile. "I was hoping we could train after breakfast."
Thornak looked at her. "Not today."
The smile on Selene's face faltered for just a moment.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"I have matters that require my attention. Perhaps another day."
His answer was polite, but final.
Selene forced another smile. "Of course. The kingdom comes first." She paused before continuing. "My parents send their regards. They were hoping you might visit before the end of summer. They would be honored to host you."
"I trust they are well."
"They are."
Thornak gave a slight nod and looked away, his gaze drifting around the hall.
Selene hesitated, clearly frustrated by his indifference. She lowered her voice with a light laugh.
"You've grown so quiet lately… I suppose ruling a kingdom leaves little time for us to hang out."
"Well, you haven't changed," he said flatly. "You still talk enough for both of us."
Kael nearly spat out his drink. He coughed into his fist, trying, and failing, to hide his laughter.
Maravelle glared at Kael, her eyes sharp enough to cut. Kael quickly cleared his throat, sat up straight, and took a sudden interest in his plate of food.
Selene's face however flushed red. She opened her mouth to speak, but she forced herself to take a deep breath instead.
"I only mean that we miss your company, Thornak," she said. "But I understand. You have many responsibilities now."
Thornak did not answer. He took a sip from his cup, his expression completely blank.
Maravelle watched her son closely. She set her teacup down with a soft click.
"Speaking of responsibilities, Thornak. The kingdom needs a queen. We need to present one at the next festivities."
Thornak paused, his cup halfway to his mouth. He turned and looked directly at his mother, his eyes darkening.