I sigh. Clearly feeling exhausted. It's giving me headaches. I should rest myself. I will think of this dream later.
After calming myself down I went inside and jump on the bed. I try to sleep but I can't. That night was felt too long.
At the next morning. I sit on my bed and silently reading a book. The book I am studying for a while. At the end, I couldn't sleep. My body is totally drained out. I sigh. I never had difficulties in sleep.
'Your Majesty, may I come in?'. Knocks came from the door. Ah, Meili is here...
'Come in'. I response. Shutting the book and put it on the table. The door open and Meili came in. She bows deeply. 'May the moon of destiny shine brighter on you, your Majesty'. Meili said with a calm tone. I smile. 'May the moon of destiny shine brighter to you too, Meili'. I respond at her wish. It is a custom of the Land of Lareloc. When meet someone, you should give each other them wishes of the moon. It is really a nice custom. I try to do the same because...soon I will be the queen of this land. 'It's seemed like your majesty didn't sleep well'. Meili said as she scanned my face. 'There are dark circles under your eyes'.
Oh, she noticed. I touch my cheek. 'Yes, I didn't sleep well last night'. I said and chuckles awkwardly. Meili stare at me with an unreadable expression. She didn't say anything for some time. I look at her. She looks at me. No words.
This silence....is killing me. 'Um...Meili?' 'Excuse me your Majesty, I will come back right away'. 'Wha-what...wait! Meili! She is gone...'.
Before I would say something, Meili walk out from the room in an unsightly speed. I don't know why she went away in a hurry, but she is super-fast. Do all the demons can walk this fast?
After fifteen minutes. Meili come in the room with a tray. 'Please forgive my ignorance manners. I had gone to kitchen for prepare this'. She put the tray beside the table. A sweet honey flowery scent came into my nose. 'This is...lavender tea?'
'Yes, it is good for tired body. I thought to make it so that her majesty might feel refresh'. Meili said as she pours the tea in a cup. She sprinkles the lavender flower's petals and serves me with honey in it. 'Please have some, your majesty'. Meili said as she back away.
I look at the tea. The color is so beautiful that it feels wrong to drink it. Meili notices my tiredness, and she went to make tea for me. She is really so thoughtful. I giggle. Meili look at me with questioning expression. 'Your Majesty...is the tea is not your liking?' She asks. 'No, it is just...you went all your way in trouble to make me this tea for erasing my tiredness. I didn't ask but you did. Thank you Meili. I am... happy'. I said with a bright smile on my face. I am happy to have her by my side.
Meili look surprise. She turns her face away. 'P-please, your majesty. I couldn't just ignore your health. It is my duty to take care of you'. She said quickly. I can see her face turning red. I chuckle. She must be not well with praise.
I drink the tea slowly. This is really so good. The sweet honey and the scent of lavender is mix well. I feel so refresh now.
A knock sound came from the door. 'Your Majesty, this is the head butler. May I come in?'. A formal man voice came from the door. The head butler? Why is he here? 'Yes, come in'. I replied. Meili stood by my side. Her prostate is formal, and her expression is stone. The door opens gently and tall, graceful man step in. He bowed. 'May the moon of destiny shine brighter on you, your Majesty'. He greeted.
'May the moon of destiny shine brighter to you too'. I replied with a smile. His hair is white and slightly red. His eyes are amber and unreadable. From his facial expression, it can seem he is aged but the young feather still is there.
'Your Majesty, I came here to convey his majesty's invitation for the breakfast meal'. He said calmy. Making no expression. Dlak invited me for the breakfast again. I feel my heart is beating hard. The memories of the bamboo house came in my mind.
'He would like to have the aliment with you in the garden'.
I close my eyes for a moment and open them. I said calmly. 'Please tell his Majesty that I am grateful for his invitation, and I will be coming shortly'.
'As her majesty's wish'. He said and bowed again before went out from the room.
Meili turn to me with a smile. 'It is really nice for his majesty to invite your majesty again'.
But I am nervous. I look at that finger he licked. Memories from it back then came to my mind. I wonder what kind of expression he was making when it happened. I press my lips together. My face is hot. There also something I want to talk about with him.
'Are you perhaps nervous, your majesty?' Meili asked. She is sharp. 'Well...yes, kind of'. I spoke. She studied my expression and smiled. 'I don't know what happened between you and his majesty but, you can to him if anything bothers you. His majesty will sure he will hear you'.
'Yes...thank you Meili. For encouraging me'. I said with genuine smile. Meili is so supportive to me. I am glad to have such a nice person like her.
'Well then, we should start to get ready you'. Meili said as she prepares herself. She seems like ready for a battle. I chuckle. Thanks to Meili, my nervousness erase a little bit. I should wait too long to Dlak.
Dlak
I wait on the chair patiently for Little Lily. Pan previewing the domestic situation of the land. He flips the paper and explains. I listen to him attentively. While Heyeri is ready herself in the room, I thought to have some preview for my next responsibilities by the time. Though, I am listening, but my heart is restless.
Making time for Heyeri in the busy schedule is my job as her fiancé. It would be unfair if I stopped seeing her. She is new here. She still need time to adjust. After all, this very kingdom will her new destination soon...
After the Attack incident the kingdom is gloomy. The commoner doesn't know about it yet, but the unusual atom phase is making the people uneasy. It is better not to tell them for now.
After finishing his words, Pan put the papers aside. 'This is for the preview. The other details of the works shall be explained after the meal, your Majesty'.
'Thank you for your time'. I spoke. The bamboo house time....
As I think about how we spent time and how licked her finger. I feel guilty. I know it was necessary to erase the poison but having a stranger man licking her finger....it must have uncomfortable.
I sigh. I can't believe I had such an impure thought when doing it. How am I going to face her?
'Seem like his Majesty is nervous to meet her majesty'. Pan spoke with a knowing smile. 'I guess'. I spoke.
'Your Majesty is really such a kind man. I have to admit you had become much passionate'. He spoke while smirking. I strait my ring finger and make a little golden flame on it. I glare at him.
'Please your majesty doesn't give me such a killing look. I don't want to die young!'. He dramatically spoke with false sobbing. Seriously, he has a lot of energy to make jokes. Nobody can't tell he is the second highest demon in this kingdom without recognizing his status.
I sigh. He then looks at me with a genuine smile. 'Your Majesty, as your humble servant, please accept it as a little advice. I think your majesty should be more open to her majesty. I know it is a fate marriage, but human don't feel comfortable around unknown'.
I have to admit Pan sometimes become very logical. But he is right. I will be her husband soon. As her mate, I should be someone she can rely on. It kind of remain me of the late king and queen....
I sense a familiar presence from the garden entry. I look at there. Little Lily has come...
she is wearing a white dress with green and pink pattern on them. It was simple yet elegant. Her brown hair dancing with wind. Even though she is not from a noble family, but her presence is undeniable.
Beautiful.... Wait, what? Did I just say Beautiful to her? I turn my face down. Why my face is hot. Thank goodness I am wearing the mask. I never thought I would think someone is beautiful.... I never took interest in woman before. Then why now....
'Thank you for your invitation, your majesty'. She spoke with a bowed. She is behaving more like a noble lady. 'Thank you too for accepting the invitation'.
Heyeri
Meili is really have such a nice sense of dresses. She shows me the whole dungeon of dresses and accessories. She said as the future queen. It is just a sample. I thought my day will be over by choosing so many dresses. But thanks to Meili, she chooses me a suitable dress. I don't have much type on dresses, but I like it a lot.
I look at Dlak who is sitting on the usual place with his aide Pan. 'Thank you for your invitation, your majesty'. I spoke with a bow.
'Thank you too for accepting the invitation'. He spoke. Why is he downing his head? I sit on the chair. Soon, the maids bring the foods on the table. We dismissed them. Now I am alone with Dlak.
Today's food is also very delicious. Dlak ate in silent. He didn't say much but it is getting awkward.
After the meal, we decided to go on a walk at the garden. We didn't talk either. I am getting nervous. 'The weather is beautiful'. I said with a smile. Trying to lighten up the situation. 'Yes it it'. He replied. Another silence.
'I wanted to ask you, do you had difficulties when you slept'. He suddenly asked. 'Y-yes'. I replied nervously. He must had guessed because of my face. This is embarrassing.
'Meili made me some tea, so I am feeling better now'. I spoke. 'I see. I am glad to know that'.
5 minutes later...
10 minutes later...
15 minutes later...
I can't...take it anymore. This is crazy. We didn't speak a single word after that. What should I do? I am not best at ideal talking.
I look at Dlak. He seems straight. He is really a confident man. Even we didn't talk much he always stands with dignity like a king. He never made an awkward pose. He always takes good care of me.
I need to tell him. I want to be a proper wife who can stand by his side.
'Your Majesty, I want to ask for a favor'. I spoke with a straight face.
He turned at me. His stone mask....
He nods. Giving me permission to ask. 'I want to return to my school days'.
Meanwhile.... (Meili pov)
After leaving her majesty at her date. I went to her to clean it up. Two maids are with me as well. As I adjust the blanket my mind went to Lord hiroshium said.
He is an unpredictable person. No one know what he might to do in his next step. He can be aide of his majesty, but no one had not how dangerous and calculative he can be.
what makes him the second strongest because of his authority. No one have the guts to question his majesty's command. But He can question and judge the king's word. Even can do any judgement so the king doesn't get any trouble.
He did that to test her majesty. Then why did he tell me about it. A mere maid like me. After he told me about that I rush to the hallway for her. Praying that she is okay. When I arrived there, I was surprised to see his Majesty with her. He commands me to bring fresh water and inform the doctor.
Before that, he ordered me to cast my heeling spell on her. I had hesitated. Because the heeling spell is not much powerful. Moreover, if it does not cast well, the victim can die.
But he said to me, 'Don't forget that who you are loyal to'. This single sentence pierces my heart. I closed my eyes and mumbled quietly but quickly. A ray of yellow light spreads from my hand and went into her majesty's chest.
Agh...this is! Her majesty's uneasy become more. Her mental health is decreasing. I expend my spell but no use. Please your majesty, please be safe!
I pray hardly. My lips are trembling. His majesty shows me kindness. She is need in this and!
I gasp. Her heart is conquered by an unknown illusion. It is spreading in her body to keep her from wake. If it continues, no one if she can survive. I can't undo it, but I can only prevent it from spreading. For some time.
I spread my hands. Producing more spell from it. I can feel my body is getting weaker.
Just a little longer.... I clenched my hands. Her majesty's breath is steading. 'You did a great job'. His majesty spoke.
He picked her in his arms and went to her room. I clenched my hands on my chest. Please, be safe.
Present
It is a fortune that she is well, but I need to be careful. Lord Hiroshium is testing her. It is no surprise because from generation, after the queen was selected the Hiroshium head test in many ways on the queens. To see if she deserves the position. Sometimes or most of the times, the test can become dangerous.
I hear some whispers. I turn around at the source. 'I am feeling nervous. Why his Majesty chose a human as his queen? '
'Me too, I am having a bad feeling. To have a human as your bride, it is unimaginable'. The two maids who were helping me in the rooms are whispering.
'I am worried. His Majesty never took concubines after he ascend the throne. It is a tradition for the king to have many mistresses to have heirs and choose a queen among them. His Majesty just broke the million years of tradition!'
'Yes, this is so surprising. But I am kind of relieve because Lord Hiroshium would take care of the new future queen. I hope she don't make any troubles for the king'
The maid whispers with surprise.
'Please refrain yourself from saying any inappropriate languages toward the royal family'. I spoke with a calm but gloomy voice. I glare at them.
They flinched. 'We are sorry!'. They said and went away hurriedly.
I sigh. I can't blame them for being anxious. I had doubt as well when I first learnt about it. But not now. I know her Majesty is new to all this, but she is trying her own way to become a nice queen. As her maid, I will stay by her side and protect her.
I walk at the hallway while carrying some boxes. After this, I will Bew some tea for her majesty. As I pass away by his majesty room. I notice lord Hiroshium is sleeping while sitting on a chair. His head is lean on the chair up stand. A book is covering his face. He is sleeping again.
Nobody would gasp that he is the second strongest without knowing him.
'It is not right to stare at a sleeping man's face. Or are you stunned by my handsome face?'
He peek at me under his book. I finch. I shouldn't have let my guard down. Especially around him.
'You don't have to be so alert. I am not going to bite'. He chuckles.
'I shall excuse myself my lord'. I said and turn to went away when-
'Congrates her majesty from me. She passed for now. But be carefull, miss maid'.
He said as he peek from the book. His eyes is gleaming mysterious as he smirk.
I stare at him for some seconds and walk away.
Heyeri
'If that what you desire than I shall not pull back of you'. He said. Wait, he agree this easily.
'But under one condition'. He add. 'Yoh shall take a knight with you'.
'A knight?' I saidwith confusion.
'You shall be queen in the future of this land. Therefore many one would target you. Like the last time. I will assign a knight from the imperial army. They shall protect you during your stay'. He explained
He is right. I should no take risk. 'Alright then, I will accept the knight'.
He nod. 'When will you go?' He asked. 'Tomorrow in the morning. I answered.
He nod. 'Thank you for allowing me going to my study'. I bow. I am grateful he didn't reject. I thought it would be hard to convince him but he agreed.
'I just did what a husband should done. You don't need to thank me'. He spoke calmly.
'If you don't mind, can I hold your hand for a second?' He asked. 'Sure'. I replied with confusion.
He gently lifts my hand up. He put his finger on my back hand. A ray of golden lights appear on it. I look at it with wide eyes. I can feel warmness from my hand.
The light disappeared. I notice a small golden pattern on my hand. It is beautiful. 'What is this?' I asked.
'It is a seal which will help you in your nightmare. I anything bad appear in your dream. It will bring light. I just make it much stronger than before'. He explained.
I am surprised. The nightmare I had last night was terrible but his figure save me from there. Even for a brief moment.
'I didn't said anything to you before. I apologize'.
'N-no! It is okay. You did it for my sake. Thank you...for being considerate. It makes me happy'. I smile happily.
He become silent for a moment. 'I will send the knight tomorrow morning. I apologize again because I will be unable to see you off. Because of som duty'. He spoke .
'Please don't worry about me. I will be alright'.
He nod and went away. I look at his back and the mark. I smile. I hope tomorrow will be good.
-TO BE CONTINUED