It takes a few minutes for Gene's breathing to go back to normal. Or at least normal enough, since she finds herself in the middle of nowhere with the all powerful king who hates her.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I was lost and when I heard some sounds, I panicked. I thought it was a wild animal." She bows, still on the ground.
"How could there be animals in the palace gardens?" He stares at her for a moment. "How did you get here anyway? I have been coming here for ten years, and you are the first one to reach it."
"Maybe it was destiny." She tries to be clever.
"Destiny?" he scoffs, "What a naïve thing to say."
Gene wonders what he would say if he knew that his wife is from a different world and she is only here because it was her destiny to become queen.
"And how long are you planning on staying on the ground like that?" he asks with his arms folded in front of his chest.
"Sorry." She pushes to her feet and tries to brush the dirt off her dress.
When she looks up, she finally sees 'the place' the king mentioned. It is a big grassy circle with scattered wild flowers, trees surround the clearing and form a sort of fence. It is brighter since the shade from the trees doesn't reach the middle of the circle, it almost looks similar to a spot light, like the one used by singers on stage.
"It's beautiful."
'Oops, did I say that out loud?'
Her eyes meet the king's and she expects another scolding, but he just looks back at the flowers and nods slowly a few times.
"I apologize for disturbing you, Your Majesty, I will be on my way."
"And which way is that exactly?" he asks.
Gene feels a violent blush spread across her face.
'Damn.'
She is sure that even if she had the slightest chances of impressing the king tomorrow, this meeting has just ruined every last one of them. She is too embarrassed.
"Let's go back," he orders and strides through the trees. Gene has to jog a few times to keep up with him.
They walk in silence for a few minutes. Then, a thought crosses Gene's mind. This probably happened for a reason, not that she believes in destiny either, but she should take this chance.
"Your Majesty, may I ask you a question?" she requests cautiously.
"Ask," he answers after he takes a few more steps. He doesn't stop or even look back at her.
"Have I done anything to offend you?" She tests the waters.
"No, you haven't."
"Do you dislike me?"
The king ponders for a few seconds. "Not necessarily."
'Is that a yes or a no?'
"Then, why don't you want me to marry Prince Brandt?"
The king finally halts.
'Crap. Was that question too forward?'
He turns to face her and takes a few steps toward her. She is tempted to retreat but she holds her ground.
"Lady Holmen, do you think of yourself fit to be queen of Pyama?" He looks straight at her with his piercing hazel eyes. They are the same color as his son's but way colder.
"No I don't, Your Majesty." Gene's answer takes him by surprise. "But I know I will work hard and do whatever it takes to be the person that the prince and this country needs."
"You are quite confident, child," he remarks with an amused grin. "Very different from what I have heard about you before."
'Naturally, since I am not the Siv you have heard about.'
"But I am afraid hard work is not enough," he adds as he resumes walking.
"Let me prove it to you," she yells, all rationale gone. "I will do anything."
'What am I saying?'
"Why?" He spins around and throws her a cold glare. Even the reflection of the setting sun doesn't make his eyes look any warmer.
"Because…"
'Why?
Because I am from a different world and for some reason I found myself here. Because I was told that it was my destiny. Because…'
"...I love the prince."
'Wait what? What did I just say?'
"I see," the king utters after what seems like an eternity. "I will think of a way for you to prove your worth to me, then."
'Why do I feel like my actions just now are going to open the gates of hell on me?'
The rest of the walk to the palace is silent and when they reach the gate, the sun is already long gone.
"Have a nice evening, Lady Siv," the king says as they enter. "I would also appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about that place."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Gene curtsies and heads to her room.
'Wait, did he just call me by Siv's first name?'
"Oh, my lady. You're alright."
Veda rushes to Gene as soon as she enters her room, making her forget about that last thought. The maid is as pale as a sheet.
"What happened?"
"The queen called for you hours ago, and I looked for you everywhere but I could not find you. I thought something happened to you, my lady." Her eyes tear up.
"I am sorry to have worried you. I was lost in the garden, it is quite huge." Gene smiles sheepishly.
"Well, you should hurry and see the queen, my lady."
"Would you help me change first?" she asks. "My dress got dirty."
After Veda helps her, Gene hastens to the queen's chambers. However, as soon as it comes into view, the door opens and she finds herself hiding for some odd reason.
The person who comes out is wearing a long black cloak and covering their head with the hood. She thought they looked like the grim reaper or the emperor from Star Wars. The person bows toward the room then turns away, walking down the hall. But after a few steps, they stop and turn around looking in Gene's direction.
A chill runs down her back and her heart suddenly starts beating in her throat. She is hiding behind the huge red curtains, there is no way they can see her. She did not even move or make a sound for them to notice her. But even if the hood covers their entire face, she can tell.
'How is this person looking straight at me?'
*********
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