Chereads / Hail The Last Empress / Chapter 45 - Collaboration

Chapter 45 - Collaboration

*Queen Belinda*

Queen Belinda stared into the pair of red eyes. Even though Mykhol was exceptionally handsome, the hue of red warned Belinda to be wary. Even Lucifer was said to be beautiful. Thus, Queen Belinda was simultaneously intrigued and sickened by him.

It could be worse. Queen Belinda relented with a sip of tea. She could withstand a thousand of these blood-red eyes if it meant a minute less of staring into her eyes.

Half-blooded bastard of a child. Queen Belinda hid a sneer as she drank. 

Why must I endure this all over again? It was a shame and a waste in her eyes. Belinda had thought she had gotten the point across last time. But apparently, she didn't account for Anastasia's optimism. Again, Belinda made a face as she drank.

It would have been God's mercy if she'd just died alongside her mother. How sweet would life be? Belinda mused.

But alas, he must not have been listening that day. What a pity.

Speaking of pity, Queen Belinda finally acknowledged the teen with a smile that Mykhol quickly met. He was seemingly unphased by her silence with just the two of them, save for Julia, who waited on hand. 

He's rather good at holding his composure. Belinda took note of his capability to stay calm. It impressed her. The vampire, at least, was promising.

"Forgive our King's absence, Lord Mykhol. He becomes quite distracted when around children." Queen Belinda began.

"He puts importance on-" Queen Belinda paused. 

"Family?" Mykhol prompted. Queen Belinda tightened her smile and took another sip from her cup. 

"So forgive his lack of...etiquette." Queen Belinda finished. Though she spoke pleasantly, Mykhol could hear her voice strain. Without even asking, he could guess what the queen was thinking.

Though my husband has sidelined his duties, I won't. But mark this. You are not an honored but tolerated guest to me. You should feel privileged that I even spoke to you.

I do not recognize you or that brat as family. And I do not like to waste my time. So make this good.

Belinda's reaction only made Mykhol smile.

"What a gracious hostess you are, my queen. Truly, the king has nothing to worry about with you around." Mykhol was sincere.

Queen Belinda twitched at the smile. She wasn't here to play the game of pleasantries. Her patience was thinning. 

"Lord Mykhol," Queen Belinda started, but Mykhol continued.

"I know you are a busy woman, and I won't waste any more of your time with me." Mykhol flashed a charming smile with his fangs. Queen Belinda felt herself blush at the sight. Though she would vehemently deny it ever happened. 

"I'm aware of where I'm wanted and where I am not." Mykhol lowered his voice. Hearing it deepen to a low rumble made Queen Belinda flush over again. 

My oh my. Queen Belinda raised a brow. Surprisingly, the teen already knew how to use his voice to entice. Queen Belinda couldn't help but be more intrigued. 

But I've spent enough time here. I need to find where my son has gone.  Queen Belinda thought with apprehension. She didn't like the idea of her somewhere with Nicoli she didn't know. 

Who knows where that child has taken him now? So Queen Belinda thought with a turn of her stomach. She was not happy about any of this. It was like a nightmare come true. And she was watching it unfold helplessly.

Damn Parsul- even in death, you manage to plague me. When will I be done with you?

Mykhol, meanwhile, sipped his tea before grimacing. He was no fan of tea. The taste was nothing compared to the coffee from the colonies. 

"I'm glad we can agree, Lord Mykhol if you excuse me. I need to dress for supper." Queen Belinda stood with a rustle of her dress. 

"But," Mykhol's voice made the queen pause. 

"I'm sure better than anyone you know where and where not you would like us to be." Mykhol lowered his cup.

"How so?" Queen Belinda raised her brow. Curiosity peaked. What was this boy saying? As she stared at Mykhol, Belinda toyed with his words. Finally, she decided to indulge it.

"You make it sound as if you are uncomfortable here. Is it something I've done? Or something we lack?"  Queen Belinda sat back down. Thanks to years of practice, her hoop skirt tilted to one side effortlessly.

"Something you lack? Hmm?"Mykhol dragged his tongue over his fangs before smiling again, causing Queen Belinda to blush. But she forced herself to calm down. She was not about to be bested by a teen.

But Mykhol noticed her cheeks were pink. Though she tried to hide it, Mykhol knew the tell-tale signs of his charms working. It made his ego swell at the prize of winning over even a queen.

It would be nice if Anastasia would get with the program and do the same.  Mykhol thought. 

"You may be on to something, your majesty. But I fear it is a delicate matter I could never boldly ask for. Certainly not to either of your majesties." Mykhol replied with another flick of his tongue.

"Oh?" Queen Belinda began. She reached again for her tea. Growing more interested now, she barely noticed her cup empty.

"Your Majesty," Julia stepped from the wall, ready to serve. But Mykhol already noticed.

"Let me, Your Majesty." Mykhol went for the teapot. He poured the tea before adding cream and sugar. It was precisely the correct amount she liked.

"Thank you." Queen Belinda couldn't help but be impressed. The teen had an eye for detail. 

"Then, if what you say is true, Lord Mykhol, how can I care for your needs? I shouldn't make you uncomfortable as our 'guests.'" Queen Belinda sipped her tea. The tea tasted somehow more delicious. 

"There is nothing, but for me to return, I suppose." Mykhol then shot her a knowing smile.

"Only back in Nochten will I find myself more adequate."

"Well, I hope your stay will not drag out too long." Queen Belinda lowered her cup.

"Nay, I think it better to return as soon as possible. So we may ALL be comfortable." 

"All?" Queen Belinda pushed her lips. Then she smirked. His meaning was now becoming clear to her.

"So soon?" Queen Belinda acted disappointed and reached for her cup again. Taking another sip, she giggled. The taste was orgasmic.

"Yes," Mykol nodded with an exaggerated frown. 

"And it may be long before we ever feel comfortable here again."

"If ever." Mykhol's frown pulled up to smirk.

What a delightful boy. Queen Belinda silently chuckled into her cup. She had to congratulate herself. It was a good idea to have sat down with him after all.

It's turning into quite the payoff. Queen Belinda looked at the teen anew. She was growing inspired, and a plan was forming in her head:  a project involving herself and a newly formed accomplice. And what luck! She had one now.

My luck must finally be changing, indeed. 

"Tell me, Lord Mykhol. Have you ever heard the phrase 'curiosity killed the cat?'" Queen Belinda asked with a cruel smile. 

" But of course." Mykhol returned with a smile of his own. His fangs sharpened.

  "It's my favorite."