"Beatrice," Lucian commanded, his grip on her right arm halting her before she could strike at Eveloria.
"Marlene, fetch the letter," she directed calmly, brushing off the hostile glare Beatrice sent her way. Marlene hurried to Eveloria's side, retrieving the letter from her pocket, and passed it to Eveloria. Eveloria then handed it to Lucian, who accepted it with a stern countenance. Carefully, he unfolded it and read its contents multiple times before passing it back to Eveloria.
"I've already sent my reply; I just need your permission," Eveloria stated composedly, her tone retaining its politeness. Lucian appeared to contemplate her words before saying, "Very well, you may proceed."
"Thank you, my Lord," Eveloria bowed and departed.
Lucian headed towards his room with Beatrice trailing behind.
Inside Lucian's room, the door closed behind them, and he turned to face Beatrice. "What is it you want?" he asked icily. Beatrice flinched, her eyes ablaze with anger and her body tense. Lucian seated himself in a chair near his desk, gesturing for Beatrice to take another. She glanced at the chair and retorted, "I'm not interested in sitting."
"What then?" Lucian inquired in a flat tone that held an undertone of command. "You know exactly," Beatrice erupted, her restraint breaking. Clenching her fist, she was ready to erupt if Lucian didn't respond soon. "We need to discuss the matter at hand—your decision to let Eveloria visit the Royal Palace."
"What's the issue?" Lucian's voice remained cold, his gaze unwavering.
"This is unacceptable! Our children, the ones I gave birth to, haven't received personal invitations, yet you're allowing Eveloria to go. What if she disgraces our family?" Beatrice protested.
"So, Eveloria can't meet the queen before Ambrose and Briana?" Lucian's voice grew louder.
Fear tightened Beatrice's heart; she was rendered speechless. Lucian's scoff followed, "I'm surprised too, but Eveloria is still my child. The queen favored her at the tournament. She can't decline the invitation; it would insult the royal family. So calm down and let it be."
"Why—" Beatrice began to ask, her voice faint.
"That's enough. I need rest," Lucian interrupted, rising and lying down on his bed, ignoring her completely. At a loss for words, Beatrice left the room, pondering, 'Lucian seems different lately,' as she leaned against the door.
***
The next day, the sun's brilliance illuminated everything. Eveloria, accompanied by Marlene, traveled in the Ravenshield family's carriage towards the royal palace. Eveloria donned a simple dress with lace trimming her waist and sleeves, adorned by embroidered vines running up the sleeves. A single flower adorned the hem, while a golden necklace with a jewel hung around her neck. A plain gold band rested on her breastbone, and a thin black cord encircled her neck.
The journey from the capital city Brambleburg, under Duke Ravenshield's charge in Amberwick state, to the royal city Majestica—where the palace resided—was a short one.
After a three-hour journey, they arrived at the palace gate. Eveloria stepped out of the carriage, Marlene following suit. Eveloria gazed up, her breath hitching as she took in the grandeur before her. The royal palace stood as a majestic testament to power and opulence. Its towering spires and grand architecture reached towards the heavens, dominating the landscape. The facade was adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes from history and mythology, each detail etched with a meticulous hand.
The palace's entrance was a grand gateway of polished marble, flanked by imposing statues that seemed to guard its secrets. As visitors approached, they were greeted by a magnificent courtyard, where fountains danced and meticulously groomed gardens sprawled in harmonious patterns.
As Eveloria and Marlene approached the grand entrance of the royal palace, the guards stationed there exchanged a brief, respectful nod. With a synchronized movement, they reached for the ornate handles of the massive gate and swung it open, revealing the breathtaking sight that lay beyond.
"Greetings Lady Eveloria, please follow us" They said in unison as they lead both Eveloria and Marlene away from the courtyard and towards the garden.
The garden stretched before them, a lush expanse of vibrant flowers, manicured hedges, and graceful pathways. The air was perfumed with the scent of blooming blossoms, carrying the promise of serenity. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestone path that led to the heart of the garden.
With graceful steps, Eveloria and Marlene entered the garden, flanked by the two guards . The guards, clad in polished armor that reflected the sunlight, maintained an air of vigilance while allowing the atmosphere to remain serene.
In the heart of the garden, a charming tableau unfolded. A delicate table was set under the shade of a blossoming cherry tree. Upon it sat two exquisite tea cups, porcelain vessels painted with intricate patterns. A collection of delectable sweets, ranging from dainty pastries to colorful macarons, adorned the table, an array of flavors and colors waiting to be savored.
Seated at the table, the queen exuded an aura of regal grace. Her attire was resplendent, a gown of rich silk that flowed elegantly around her. A small crown nestled in her golden hair, catching the sunlight and casting a subtle glow around her. She was known for her captivating beauty and regal grace. While her eyes is midnight blue eyes, they would possess a captivating deep blue color, akin to the vast depths of an ocean under a starlit sky. Her eyes would draw people in, sparkling with an enchanting allure and hinting at the secrets they hold within.
As Eveloria and Marlene approached, the queen's attentive gaze turned towards them. A warm smile graced her lips, a testament to her genuine hospitality. The two guards halted respectfully at a distance, allowing Eveloria and Marlene to approach the table.
They both executed a graceful curtsy, as Eveloria's dress swirled elegantly around her. Her eyes met the queen's gaze, conveying respect and gratitude.
"Your Majesty," Eveloria's voice carried a note of deference, her tone gentle yet composed, "it is an honor to be in your presence."
With a small, appreciative smile gracing her lips, Eveloria continued, "I am truly grateful for your kind invitation for tea. Your hospitality warms my heart, and I thank you for this gracious opportunity to meet with you."
Queen Rowena Goldcrest, Eldest daughter born from the Ashworth family . In other words she's Ivan's Aunt from his first grandmother which was the first wife of the former late Duke.
"Welcome, lady Eveloria," the queen's voice carried a blend of kindness and authority, her eyes holding a glint of curiosity. "Please, join me."
Eveloria and Marlene gracefully bowed once again, took a seat across from the queen, while Marlene positioned herself slightly behind, ever attentive to her mistress's needs. The guards remained vigilant, standing like sentinels at the periphery of the scene, their presence a reminder of the importance of the occasion.
With a graceful gesture, the queen poured tea into the cups, the fragrant steam mingling with the gentle breeze. "I hope your journey was pleasant," she inquired, her words carrying a sincerity that put Eveloria at ease.
"Yes, your majesty. " Eveloria responded smoothly.
The queen cradled her teacup between her hands, her fingers dancing along its surface as if it were fine porcelain. Her gaze bore into Eveloria's very soul, leaving her ensnared within those piercing midnight blue orbs. Breaking free from the intense eye contact proved futile, for the queen's gaze held a mesmerizing power that rendered Eveloria lost in the depths of those midnight blue eyes. Seated at opposite ends of the grand table, the situation grew increasingly uncomfortable under the weight of the queen's intense scrutiny.
Sipping her tea, the queen exhaled slowly, the breath forming a cloud of vapor in the crisp afternoon air.
Eveloria held her cup with care, allowing the tea to grace her lips in small sips. The delicate liquid flowed through the china like a gentle stream, infusing her with warmth. It wasn't merely the soothing embrace of the tea or the tranquil surroundings that evoked this sensation.
Her eyes widened as she looked at the tea and then back at the queen.
"Forgive me if I'm wrong, but is this Rose Petal tea?" Eveloria ventured hesitantly.
A faint smile played on the queen's lips. "Indeed, you're correct. You're quite knowledgeable about teas."
Eveloria nodded, her gaze dropping to her cup. "It was my mother's favorite blend."
"I see you possess a wealth of knowledge, including lavender, mint and sage, nettle, elderflower, cinnamon, ginger and honey..." Eveloria trailed off, catching the queen's bemused expression.
She glanced at her own cup, a blush tinting her cheeks. "I suppose I do tend to ramble at times. My apologies," she chuckled, attempting to conceal her embarrassment.
"No need to worry. I'm pleasantly surprised by your extensive repertoire," remarked the queen.
This time, Eveloria returned a look of incredulity. "Your Majesty, you are the queen. Your wisdom and experience far surpass mine," she said with a chuckle.
A soft laugh escaped the queen's lips. "True, in some aspects," she admitted.
After another sip, the queen cleared her throat and lifted her gaze.
"It's a bittersweet pleasure, enjoying this tea once more," Eveloria spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness, a touch of nostalgia. "It's been so long since I last indulged in such simple joys."
A curious ache stirred within her heart, the memory of sipping this very tea triggering an unexplainable yearning.
"You are much like your mother in numerous ways, and yet, I also glimpse shades of myself in you," the queen whispered softly, her eyes glowing warmly as they met Eveloria's gaze.