...
Wang Zheng handed the flowers she had received to one of her attendants, who promptly whisked them away. The queen rarely walked alone, someone was always by her side.
Her staff maintained constant communication to ensure her safety, as exposing the queen to any risk was unacceptable.
It was clear that without Wang Zheng, the country would plunge into serious instability.
The royal family rested solely on Wang Zheng, a fact that posed a major problem for the royal councils. There was constant tension over the possibility of something happening to the queen, leaving the throne completely vacant.
Around a king, countless individuals were eager to betray him in pursuit of their own ambitions. It was well known that many families would fight fiercely to seize the throne from the Wang dynasty.
In Wang's country, extremist factions supported rival families for succession, while other groups advocated for a democratic system.
A few years ago, a global movement had established several countries within democratic frameworks. However, in the following years, numerous revolts erupted and monarchies reasserted their power. As continents shifted and cultures became increasingly intertwined, it had been less than half a century since Europe and Asia united to form Eurasia.
Wang's country had weathered countless uprisings from neighboring lands and endured decades of tension and the threat of war. Though Wang Zheng's government had been the most stable and peaceful in fifty years, persistent threats were never ignored.
Yen Bai represented Wang's most important military ally. A marriage between the Yen and Wang families would mark a significant boost for both armies and the arms trade between the two nations.
Although Yen Bai was not in line for the throne, he held a key political role, controlling the parliament and the royal councils of his country.
Wang Zheng watched as her attendant carried the flowers away and then turned toward Yen Bai. Side by side, they walked and exchanged polite conversation.
After a few steps, they arrived at a massive circus tent and soon entered the grand structure. The area was deliberately dimmed to heighten anticipation, with a large spotlight focusing on the expansive central space.
Around the spotlight, rows of seats lay completely empty. It was an exclusive show for just the two of them.
The scent of popcorn mixed with caramel enhanced the atmosphere.
Yen Bai smiled inwardly, noting that the queen had not yet eaten. He intended to use the opportunity to showcase the variety of food stalls available.
"Would you like some popcorn? We have everything here…" he offered warmly.
She agreed with a smile, she was hungry, and the aroma was making her stomach rumble.
Outside the circus, a small fair with several stalls had been set up.
Yet the idea of entering an entirely empty circus gave Wang Zheng a slight feeling of unease.
Although she loved horror movies, she had no desire to be part of one and went to great lengths to avoid imagining herself surrounded by killer clowns.
After collecting some popcorn, candy, and soft drinks, they returned to their seats. Moments later, the bright light that had illuminated the arena was suddenly extinguished.
Footsteps echoed.
Gradually, a play of colored lights began to animate the center of the arena. A tall, elegant man clutching a microphone stepped forward.
As he spoke, performers and animals emerged in formation, taking center stage.
"Well, well, well… Rousselle's Circus has arrived, and we are here to make your day unforgettable. We have daring women and lions as docile as house cats… Some play with fire, while others defy heights… We offer something for everyone: motorcycles, cars, and horses. Oh…"
A clown then appeared, mischievously munching on the queen's popcorn and playfully tugging at her hair. "… But be warned, some performers might bring the show right to you and truly blow your mind…"
A man, bathed in the spotlight, began juggling flaming torches as the lively music grew louder and more intense.
Trapeze artists soared gracefully through the air, and contortionists twisted their bodies with the help of flowing fabrics.
A large piece of cloth was set ablaze, but within seconds the flames died down, and doves fluttered into the air.
"Things seem to be heating up around here..." The lights then went out again, plunging the space into darkness.
Footsteps grew louder as they neared the queen's seat. A strong beam of light appeared beside Wang Zheng, and the presenter, now seated next to her, spoke: "So, let's start the show. Please don't mind me; I'm just a humble presenter who occasionally dabbles in card tricks, doves, and rabbits… Your Majesty, I shall be your humble servant." With an elegant flourish, he took Wang Zheng's hand and kissed it.
The performance lasted for several hours.
Although Yen Bai somewhat regretted his repeated attempts to touch the queen as if they were lovers, he still strove to remain courteous and entertaining.
He appeared to be a good man, yet he failed to impress Wang Zheng. Throughout the evening, her thoughts kept drifting to Liu Wei.
Unlike their first date, Wang Zheng managed to stay until the end. The day turned out surprisingly enjoyable, and when Yen Bai acted naturally, his demeanor seemed kinder and more amiable.
As the first hints of dusk appeared, the sky began to darken.
The queen's car was waiting, engines running and ready to return her to the palace.
Yen Bai accompanied Wang Zheng to the car, and they chatted enthusiastically about the attractions they had just experienced.
"I hope you enjoyed the show, Your Majesty."
She nodded, satisfied. "It was truly delightful. I hope I get to see that circus again."
A young prince laughed. "Getting that circus out of my country is quite the feat. They're renowned for performing exclusively for the royal family. In fact, the circus has been stationed in the same location for over fifteen years."
"Really? I had no idea."
In truth, one of the crown princes, and Yen Bai's own brother, had been kidnapped as a child during a circus visit, only for a clown to intervene and avert a major tragedy.
"Ever since a clown saved one of my brother's lives, the circus has become a cherished venue for performers to live and display their talents."
"That's really interesting."
As they approached the car, Yen Bai reached out and grasped the door handle.
"Your Majesty, allow me to open the door for you."
She smiled gratefully. "Thank you, and good luck with the next stage."
"I promise to surprise you."
The queen entered her car, which then sped away. The beta quickly vanished from her view.
Before long, her eyes grew heavy as she gazed absently at the passing landscape.
The queen soon fell asleep.
Meanwhile, Liu Wei anxiously watched as the sky darkened and the route became increasingly hard to follow.
Liu Wei had been following Chun Lei faithfully; they had been walking for at least thirty minutes, and it seemed they were getting nowhere.
"Leilei, are you sure this is the right way?" she asked, puzzled.
The princess found it daring to rely on a little girl she had known for barely an hour, yet desperation compelled her to seek guidance.
Chun Lei nodded confidently. "Yes, this is a shortcut. If you took the main road, you'd have to cross the city and navigate the mountains, a rather tricky path. My mom said this place was the Queen's old home; I always like coming here to play."
Liu Wei's heart raced. What sort of place was the queen's former home?
After another ten minutes of walking, they reached a small stream amid scattered rubble.
Liu Wei was perplexed. It didn't resemble a house, yet the closer she got, the more she saw that half of it had collapsed, overtaken by nature.
It was both beautiful and unique; the scenery was truly breathtaking.
Liu Wei was ecstatic. "Leilei, I think you've brought me to the best place in the world!"
The small child agreed. "Who do you want to bring here?"
"The queen, of course!"
Chun Lei, like most of the subjects, harbored immense admiration for the queen. Her eyes shone with wonder; she still had never seen Wang Zheng in person.
"Have you seen the queen? She's so beautiful."
"She is."
Liu Wei smiled proudly; indeed, the queen was gorgeous, the very one Liu Wei adored.
Chun Lei's cheeks flushed; she felt shy.
"Do you think she would let me come and play with her?"
"I can speak with her and ask."
"Okay!"
They stood amid the ruins of the old house and several trees.
Liu Wei's gaze fell on a large apple tree that looked perfect for an afternoon picnic.
Determined to have her date there, Liu Wei realized she would need to do a lot of cleaning and maintenance, and she needed to return to speak with Anna urgently.
Chun Lei followed Liu Wei, and the two chatted excitedly about what the princess should cook for the queen. They debated animatedly whether strawberry cake or blueberry pie would be better.
Distracted, Liu Wei wasn't watching her step and ended up tripping over scattered tree roots. She lost her balance completely and felt her foot twist.
The pain was excruciating, and her vision blurred.
Chun Lei grew so worried and frightened that she began to cry, while Liu Wei tried to comfort her despite her own pain. "Don't cry, it doesn't hurt anymore…"
"It doesn't hurt?"
"No. But can you help me get home?"
"I will help."
The little girl sniffled and, summoning all her strength, helped Liu Wei to her feet. Liu Wei limped and panted, the journey back would be long.
Wang Zheng awoke from her nap when she felt the car come to a stop. Opening her eyes, she recognized the familiar façade of her palace, finally home.
The car door opened, and Huan Yang was waiting faithfully.
She stretched, feeling some of the day's fatigue melt away after her brief rest.
Feeling relaxed and light, she was asked, "Your Majesty, would you like anything?"
After a moment's thought, she replied, "A shower. I'll have dinner in my room tonight…"
"Certainly, Your Majesty. I'll arrange it."
Taking two steps forward, the queen abruptly halted when she noticed someone, Liu Wei's maid was pacing anxiously in front of the palace door, visibly nervous.
She leaned toward her secretary and whispered, "Why is Liu Wei's maid out here?"
Huan Yang sighed with concern. "Miss Liu Wei went out and hasn't returned yet."
Wang Zheng's drowsiness vanished in an instant. Where could the princess be?
"Did she go out with anyone?"
"No. She left completely alone…"
The queen tugged at her hair in mild irritation; she disliked when her guests ignored her advice. Sighing deeply, she composed herself. It was no longer about whether the girl had followed her recommendations; the pressing matter was finding Liu Wei.
Glancing quickly at her wristwatch, the queen noted they had about an hour before total darkness fell.
"I see. Prepare the guards to begin a search if she doesn't return within thirty minutes."
Ensuring the safety of her visitors was one of a monarch's most fundamental duties. She would not allow anything to happen to the young princess.
"Yes, majesty."
Huan Yang hurried into the palace with Anna, while the queen decided to remain in place and wait for Liu Wei. Wang Zheng felt a strange urge to search for the young omega throughout the palace gardens.
Her heart felt heavy and her chest tight.
The queen wandered in circles, uncertain which direction to look, growing increasingly impatient and anxious. Then, suddenly, she turned and saw a very familiar face.
Liu Wei had finally arrived.
Unable to contain herself, Wang Zheng ran toward her.
Liu Wei sensed Chun Lei's trembling hands as she faced the queen for the first time, and inwardly she laughed.
The queen was startled by the princess's disheveled state; her clothes were dirty and torn.
"What happened? Are you all right?"
Liu Wei leaned on Chun Lei, almost pleading with the small child not to let her fall.
"I just tripped and fell… Your Majesty, this is my new friend, Chun Lei."
The little girl smiled sweetly, revealing one missing tooth, so endearing.
For a brief moment, the queen forgot her anger at seeing Liu Wei like this and bent down to meet the girl's eye level.
"Chun Lei? Where did you two go?"
In a hushed tone, as if trying to win the child over, the queen asked. The young omega found the scene amusing.
"I took Weiwei to the queen's old house!"
The little child blurted out, wide-eyed as she realized she'd revealed more than she should have, after all, it was meant to be a surprise.
Liu Wei wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. "That was supposed to be a secret…"
"I'm sorry…"
The queen looked puzzled; that place was completely abandoned and in ruins. What had Liu Wei been doing there?
"My old house? You went that far?"
Liu Wei met her gaze with eyes full of guilt and sighed inwardly.
Sensing Liu Wei's frustration, the queen mustered her best smile and exuded a hint of reassurance with her presence.
"Did you enjoy yourselves?"
Chun Lei, a sweet and sensitive child, softened at the queen's smile but couldn't hide her worry that Liu Wei might have been hurt. "Yes, but she got injured…"
Gently, the queen patted the top of Chun Lei's head. "I'll take care of her… You should go home now; it's getting late, Chun Lei."
Startled by how dark the sky had become, the girl realized she needed to get home quickly or risk being grounded.
"I will. Goodbye, Your Majesty. Goodbye, Weiwei."
"Goodbye, Leilei…"
Liu Wei and Wang Zheng waved as they watched the little girl run off.
The sweet scent of pineapple in the air made the young omega feel lightheaded. Afraid of upsetting the queen, she sighed deeply inwardly.
Although the queen felt relief at seeing Liu Wei safe, they now had to tend to her injuries.
"Come with me…"
Liu Wei panicked. "No… Please, don't worry about me, Your Majesty…"
Wang Zheng frowned, thinking, How can I tell this girl that it's impossible for me not to care about her?
"Of course I will care. Hold on to my neck."
Not waiting for Liu Wei's consent, the queen placed her hands under the young omega's knees and arms, gently lifting her.
"Queen??"
"Just hold on."
Liu Wei clung tightly to Wang Zheng's neck, and they felt each other's warmth. They were so close that the young princess feared her emotions might overwhelm her, her heart pounding so loudly that anyone nearby could hear.
The sweet pineapple scent enveloped Liu Wei, and she buried her face against the queen's neck.
They made their way toward the palace infirmary, where Secretary Huan Yang soon appeared on the horizon.
He was visibly startled by the scene, had the queen really taken someone in her arms?
Wang Zheng continued walking, accompanied only by the young alpha.
"Huan Yang, please inform Miss Liu's maid that she has arrived and that I'm taking her to the palace infirmary. Show her the way."
"Right…"
"Also, instruct her to prepare light clothing and a bath. Liu Wei should shower immediately after receiving initial care."
Huan Yang nodded and walked away, noting that the queen had anticipated every detail.
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
Was the queen ever so kind to an outsider? He couldn't quite recall...
But he had already noticed the unusual closeness between the queen and Liu Wei; they regarded and treated each other differently.
The queen with the young omega was patient, affectionate, kind, and inquisitive… The little princess cared for and courted Wang Zheng as if she were a true lover.
He began to wonder if the queen intended to marry another omega, it would be troublesome to explain such a thing to the elders…
He sighed inwardly.