'Hah? I'm just being shown to the room I was dying to find straight away? Does this lunatic not have any common sense... it's not a bad thing for me though' Asteria's eyes shone like the stars in the sky at this thought
The walk to the Vault was – empty. Far too empty.
Asteria was behind Halesia – that same cunning Queen, a dangerous person – no, could she even be called a person?
She wore no crown, why would she? She was powerful enough that a word could end a family and respected enough that people would die for her.
Instead, only a glow hummed over her skin, a radiance that still couldn't be hidden beneath any layers of silk nor armour.
The only thing Asteria could pay attention to was the clicks of her shoes on the tiles, the swaying of her dress around her ankles, and the cold sense of impeding danger crawling on her skin.
As she walked half a step behind Halesia, she realized that she felt like she was getting nowhere, that the corridor felt the same and didn't change, as if she were trapped in an endless maze
Halesia, turned around and faced her. Noticing these thoughts, she had she calmly mentioned that, "We're not lost, it's a protective measure, you see." Turning around, she began to walk again.
'Damnation I'm not memorizing this layout I don't even know where I'm going... That's Valerius' problem not mine! '
Although it was the same, it was no less opulent than the rest, even if it wasn't seen by most. Who was it supposed to impress? 'It's just a dumb walkway anyways...'
"I see you're being quiet, girl," Halesia said unprompted; walking through the desolate opulence of the endless walls beneath the palace, "What bothers you so? I'd hoped you'd be interested in what I'll show you."
'Yeah, I'd be a fool if I was excited about entering a locked, secure and silent room with someone like you, but what can I do? I'm here now...' She lampooned.
She considered her answers – to lie or to appease her; she chose neither. Instead, she chose the only one she knew – bluntness.
"Are you testing me? Surely this isn't the fastest way?"
A faint smile touched the Queen's lips.
"If I was testing you," she replied, "you would not know."
'Ah'
'Good? Or is this bad... I'm not sure anymore...'
They finally passed beneath something different amongst the infinite walkway. Runes carved into the walls that shimmered softly with a delicious glow; although the reacted to Halesia's presence rather than hers.
'Interesting, I heard of sorcery but is that it? It's kinda... boring? I thought it was cooler than that.'
"Does it not concern you?" Asteria asked, prying, "Walking with me to somewhere private like this – with someone you've barely known for not even a week?"
Halesia turned her head slightly. Her eyes weren't suspicious and her smile wasn't malicious; though it didn't quite meet her eyes.
"Why should I fear you?" Confidence oozed out of her voice, a rightful and earned one too.
'She's right, I guess, in a twisted way.'
In lieu of a reply, Asteria chuckled instead, she couldn't refute it.
Ahead stood a massive circular door of blackened glass and stone, engraved with concentric locking sigils.
Before it stood a man in slate-grey robes, sleeves rolled neatly to the wrist. A narrow chain of keys hung from his belt – not ornamental, but functional. His hair was pulled back severely. His face unlined, almost unimpressed.
He lowered his head rather than bowing like the rest of the fanatics above.
"Your Majesty,"
His eyes flickered to Asteria.
"And guest," He turned his head to Halesia, "I was not informed of an escort; or even that you would be here today."
"Do I need permission to walk in my own palace, Aris?" Her voice was colder than the temperature in the room, her blue eyes piercing through the Saint in front of her.
The keeper – Aris – gulped and pursed his lips, "Of course, that was my mistake."
His head turned to Asteria once more, "You understand," he started, his tone even; "That entry beyond this point is restricted to the Lords – like myself – and Her Majesty herself, yes?
Asteria smiled faintly, the corners of her mouth tugging upwards.
"And yet here we are."
The Queen stepped forward before Aris could respond.
"Open it. I'd like to show this girl the rooms within my Splendor."
Aris did not move immediately like a vassal should do in front of their sovereign.
'Ah. There it is. Damnation, stop making my life so hard, fool. '
"Is this girl the rat that Val took in?" His eyes were scanning every nook and cranny of Asteria's figure.
"I am, what of it?"
Aris didn't respond, but faced the Queen once more. "Then you realize this is just his entertainment, why are you indulging him?"
Halesia sighed, "I'm also bored, Aris. Now open that door if you wish to keep your title."
"Your Majesty, I only concern myself with keeping this place safe. I hope you'll give me that much."
"You're paranoid," Halesia mumbled, something not fitting for a Queen.
"And yet you gave him the keys, what does that say about you?" Asteria blurted out, frustrated with this back and forth quarreling.
Aris' eyes widened and Asteria swore she saw a smirk on his face, "I do hate to admit it, but this rat isn't wrong, my Queen, you're just as paranoid as I am, after all."
And so, Aris stepped back and used the keys like he was playing an instrument; the large door began to slide open, revealing a corridor of rooms, and what could almost be called a pavilion at the end.
"You will remain in my sights at all times, girl." He said to Asteria, without looking back.
"You wound me, my lord... " she murmured.
Halesia stepped forward without hesitation, striding into the myriad of doors ahead, pushing open the first door on the left.
Inside, the chamber was vast and circular, lined with alcoves containing relics sealed behind crystal. Crowns, swords, sealed scrolls, a spear that glowed with power; an orb that reflected a storm within.
Power layered upon power. This was one room of many, and not even the most special.
Asteria felt it immediately, a cold chill.
"You felt it?" Aris asked, almost surprised.
"Was I not supposed to?"
He hummed a response and then carefully considered his words, "I understand that everything within this vault or even this room has had the hand in ending more than a few lives or a kingdom."
The Queen walked towards the centre dais, where a single pedestal stood – empty. She turned to face Asteria.
"Tell me," she began, "If you wished to overthrow me, would you reach for a weapon in this room?"