Chapter 127
Elena’s POV
Queen Liz and I laughed at Zara’s sudden outburst.
“Seemed like I wasn’t the only one triggered by the Duchess‘ words,” Queen Liz said, making all of us laugh.
Suddenly, despite the scorching heat outside and the torment the Duchess tried to throw at my way, being in here made things feel a bit lighter.
“This juice is a lifesaver. I thought my skin would melt on that walk back,” I exaggeratedly said as I gulped another glass in one go.
Leaning back to her seat with her head back and arms spread, Zara complained, “Oh, tell me about it, Princess. I can barely feel my legs!”
“But seriously, the same woman now dreads your next visit Elena, you’ve just made life here in this dull palace a whole level more exciting,” Queen Liz uttered before taking a sip of her drink.
She didn’t even look fazed by all that was happening to it. It seemed like drama was a normal thing in the palace, and it had now become more like an entertainment than an actual problem, from how often it happened.
Tapping my fingers on the table after putting my glass down, I looked at the bright sky outside and shrugged. Honestly… Duchess Diana isn’t as difficult as I thought. Once you get past the sharp tone, she’s… manageable.” Queen Liz almost spat out the juice from her mouth as she snorted from my choice of words. “Manageable? Child, the entire palace tiptoes around that woman. Even the guards tremble when she passes.”
I nodded my head in understanding and smiled. “I can see why. She’s strong–willed.”
“She’s like a wild dog guarding scraps, willing to bite anyone who gets too close. I avoid her out of survival, Queen Liz replied with honesty, and I didn’t argue, but I watched her calm demeanour and unfading smile.
She’s fearless.
If the Duchess were a wild dog, then Queen Liz would be the one with a whip that trained her. They just have a different way of handling things. While the Queen was all bright and kind, the Duchess was sharp and straightforward. But both shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Princess, slow down. I’ve run out of count of your glasses of juice already. It’s too cold. Your wounds aren’t fully healed yet,” Zara worriedly reminded me as I poured my glass again.
Shrugging, I still continued. “I’m thirsty.”
“Mom?” Our chit–chat was cut off when we heard a deep voice that echoed from the main room, followed by heavy and firm footsteps that slowly got louder as they got closer to us.
Peeking out to the balcony, King Desmond smirked teasingly at us.
Leaning back in her chair, the Queen crossed her arms and raised a brow, teasingly asking, “Came to disturb my peace, have you?
Zara excused herself respectfully as she gestured for the King to take her seat.
Approaching the seat, King Desmond bowed a little to his mom and gave me a small nod of greeting before sitting down majestically. “I heard there’s a little fun in here.”
Focusing his gaze on me, he smiled. “You should visit more often. Mom seems…” Narrowing his eyes, he looked
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Chapter 127
at the Queen and continue with a joking smirk, “Unusually fond of you.”
Laughing a little, I raised my hand and touched my chest, dramatically remarking, “I am honoured.”
+25 BONUS
He laughed a little before his demeanour turned a little serious. Crossing his legs, he clasped his hands and rested them on his knee. “But I didn’t come for pleasantries. I’m tired of paperwork. Thought hearing of the battlefield might wake me up.”
“And that’s my que. You guys talk. I’ll have a walk around the garden.” The Queen stood up, making me alert.
“No, you don’t need to leave. I-”
She showed her palm and gestured for me to sit back down It’s alright. I don’t want this boring stuff.”
With that; she laughed and left me alone with the king.
As soon as she vanished, I straightened up. “What would you like to know?”
“I heard that during the battle, you are the front line of one of the teams while Bryson’s troops are behind you, giving you aid. So, basically, you are a team and assist each other. Right?” he asked.
I didn’t know where he was going with this topic, but I just nodded and answered honestly, “Yes, I guess you can say that.”
Confusion and curiosity formed in his eyes. “How did it go?
I shrugged. “Well, as it’s reported, everything ran smoothly.”
I didn’t bother to add the fact that Bryson failed at some point and didn’t manage to handle Glenda properly.
They already got their punishment, and I didn’t want to further tattle meaninglessly.
Tilting my head, I studied his face and cautiously asked, “Uhmmm, if I may, why are you asking, King Desmond?”
Unclapping his hand, he rested it on his armrest, and his finger started tapping it. Raising a brow at me, he nonchalantly shrugged and shook his head. “It’s nothing. I’m just curious.”
Gestured at me, he continued, “I mean, given your history with each other, I’d say it was a risky pairing. Was Deacon trying to test you both?”
I kept my expression neutral as my heart pounded, feeling the tension in the air and reading right through the meaning behind his questions.
