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CHAPTER 22 - Where is Scarlet?
As much as she got what she wanted, spending time with Pearl and Zale, the day soon bade the realm goodbye and it was time for Zale to leave.
All through staying with them, he had a fun time, especially since he got to spend it with Pearl.
With each passing minute, his mind's eye was filled with her smiles and laughter.
Had he not had a mission to fulfill in retrieving the pearl he would have stayed much longer with her.
He got more time to converse and it was sad for Scarlet who got little of his attention.
With every passing minute, she was filled with jealousy and anger at the sight.
She was the one in love with him but he paid her no heed.
Still, she refused to give up and tried.
'Pearl just you wait. Soon he would have eyes only for me and no one else. Then we can elope together and leave everyone behind.'
Having her plans in motion, she knew there would be no man who would deny her beauty and not fall in love with her.
As far as she was concerned, Zale just needed to see her true self and be helped to fall in love with her.
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Meanwhile, the first day flowed by in the palace and her maid found a way to deviate the King and Queen's attention from finding out the truth about Scarlet's disappearance.
The young princess had instructed her on what to do till she came. However, she never counted on the princess to disappear for the whole day.
And knowing Queen Diamonique, there was no telling the horrors she would make her face should her lie be found out.
Letting out a deep breath, she prayed and hoped no one would visit the princess' chambers that night.
Thankfully, the message she asked the second maid to deliver was received by the King and Queen.
The princess was sick and wished to be left alone. Also, she stated she did not want to see anyone as she was still mad at their decision.
As much as her mother wished to scold some sense into her brain, her father refused and declared she be allowed her space and time.
Having the king ordered it, Queen Diamonique was left with no choice but to obey.
The first thing the next morning, she itched to check up on her daughter but waited still.
It wasn't until breakfast that she saw Scarlet not that she took matters into her own hands.
At this point, she knew her husband would be wise enough not to dare and stop her.
The earlier the better. There was no telling what that child could do. After all, she was a chip off the old block.
If she could be daring, her daughter had been trained to do the very same.
Moving with hurried footsteps towards the princess' room, Queen Diamonique held her chin up with her beautiful blue gown flowing behind her as her maids tried to match her pace.
Everyone knew if the princess still chose to be disobedient, she would have it hard with her mother.
As soon as she arrived in front of the door, she waited for one of her maids to do the honour. Knowing what the Queen wanted, the first young lady stepped out and knocked on the door.
As soon as Azadel heard the knock on the door, her heart jumped into her mouth.
Poking her head from underneath the blanket, her eyes went wide in shock as her breathing ragged.
Terrified, she gripped the duvet she had used in covering herself tighter till her knuckles turned white while biting hard on her lips with each knock that followed.
Looking at the Queen, the first maid shook her head at her. A simple gesture that spoke many words.
Rather than getting mad, a knowing smile formed on Diamonique's lips as she lifted her head a bit high.
"Ohh… Someone is being naughty, isn't she?"
Straightening her back, Queen Diamonique inhaled and placed a gentle knock on the door.
At the same time, Azadel was at a loss for words on what to do and how to react. Should she speak up and state that the princess wished not to see anyone or should she ignore it?
Better still, should she fake Scarlet's voice and chase her disturber from the door?
While her mind wondered about the best possible decision, she heard the audible majestic voice of the second queen.
"Scarlet?"
Her eyes shut close instantly and she tightened her teeth and jaw. She was doomed.
There was no escape at this point. Fooling the queen indirectly meant signing a death sentence.
Getting no reply, Diamonique clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and called out once more.
"Azadel, I know you are in there. Get this door opened at once or else I will have your hands for it."
Having that threat ring loud and clear, she wasted no time and flew up from the bed in a hurry.
Within seconds, she arranged the bed she had laid on and scattered her hair, in hopes of lying that she was busy in the bath chamber as before.
"Azadel?"
"Coming, Your Majesty," she enunciated while her fingers fumbled with the door lock.
Immediately the door was opened, Queen Diamonique strolled in majestically with her maids in tow.
Quickly, the young maid lowered her head and pressed both hands in front of her gown, and greeted.
"Your Majesty, greeting."
"Ah."
Her lips parted slightly and she held her palm in front of her. "No need for that. If you had any respect for me, you will have done the needful since. But since you didn't…"
She took a pause, half turned with her gown moving with her as she stood under the brightly lit room like a damsel from a painting with both hands raised in front of her chest.
"It shows the level of respect you have for your queen."
She dared herself to look up and plead her case. "Your Majesty, forgive me. I was cleaning the bath..."
"Excuses. Save it. My main concern is," her brows raised as she uttered the words Azadel hoped not for.
"Where is Scarlet?"