"I have to say, I was quite surprised by his announcement. Aren't you, Princess Athena?"
"Yes, I was," she replied with a weak smile.
The Queen walked up to Athena. The air was chilly between them. Athena knew she was behind the attempted murders. If she could have struck down the Queen where she stood, she would do so in a heartbeat.
"Perhaps you might be able to convince the King," the Queen said with a smile, "I'm sure there's another better husband candidate for you."
Athena faked a smile, "Wish me luck."
Deep down, she felt like something wasn't right. She had assumed the Queen would be against the idea of her going to her father about this matter. Yet she was encouraging her to do so?
It unsettled her but she did not know why.
"All the best, princess. Perhaps after you've successfully convinced your father, you would like to join your sister and me for some tea in the Eastern Royal Gardens?" The Queen invited her to join.
"Perhaps I would. I'll take my leave now," Athena replied before continuing on her way.
The Queen watched Athena and her entourage disappear into the distance. The smile she had on her lips did not fade but she clutched her folding fan a little harder.
She recalled how she felt when she saw Princess Athena alive and well. She thought she had finally gotten rid of her but the princess was like a lingering ghost, refusing to disappear.
Her maid, Grace, was surprised by her actions.
"My Queen, why did you encourage Princess Athena to speak to the King?" she wondered.
Queen Catalina shot her cold glare, "Are you stupid? If the marriage between her and Darrion is called off, then Casindra would be able to marry Lord Darrion."
~
Athena's mind was swirling with questions as she approached her father's quarters, Peony Mansion.
"Halt, state your business," the guard at the gates stopped Athena from getting nearer.
"I'm here to see the king. Please inform him that his eldest daughter, Princess Athena, is here to see him," Athena announced.
A messenger was immediately sent off to announce her arrival. Only after getting approval, was Athena allowed to enter. She found her father in the courtyard of his mansion, practicing his swordsmanship.
"Athena, you've come to visit me?" King Qin said with a smile as he put down his sword to receive his daughter.
"Yes, father. I have some important matters to discuss with you."
King Orion invited his daughter inside to have a seat at the table.
"What's the matter? Is everything in Hemlock Mansion to your liking?" he asked, concerned about her well-being.
"Hemlock Mansion is perfect. I wanted to speak to you about the marriage union between Lord Darrion and I."
"Oh? What about it?" he asked as he took a sip of tea.
"Father, I don't think we're a good match. Lord Darrion seems to feel the same way too. Perhaps…"
"No, we cannot call off the marriage union. It has already been decided," King Orion dismissed his daughter's argument without hesitation.
Athena was prepared for this to happen, but she had hoped her father would see reason.
"Father, please. If this is about the succession and future of the empire, I'm sure there are better candidates out there. I don't think I need a husband to rule. Well, that is assuming you want me to be your heir…" as soon as she realized she was rambling, Athena grew silent.
She saw the furrowed brows on her father's face. There seemed to be something plaguing his mind.
"Is something the matter, father?" she asked.
"Athena, you have to marry Lord Darrion. He's the best marriage candidate for you," he replied.
He was hiding something from her, she could feel it. Though she knew it was dangerous to probe any further, she had to know.
"There are much better men out there, I'm sure of it. Why must it be him? He doesn't even like me!"
"It doesn't matter if he loves you, as long as you're safe…"
"Of course it matters! This is the person I will spend the rest of my life with! And what do you mean as long as I'm safe?"
The King held his tongue. Orion realized he had almost let it slip. Catching on to it, Athena knew she had to probe further. She placed her hand on her father's and looked deep into his eyes.
"Please father, tell me what's on your mind? What's this about wanting me to be safe? Safe from what? Safe from who?"
"Safe from King Krayden," King Orion sighed as he looked to his daughter.
"King Krayden? I've heard of that name before but…" it was unfamiliar to Athena.
Digging deeper into her memories, she recalled hearing rumors about this person, but she never knew he had his own empire.
"He only just ascended the throne in his own kingdom in the last two years, so it's not surprising that you have not heard about him. Information about him is scarce too, apart from the fact that he's been expanding his empire at an alarming rate."
Athena remained silent as she continued to listen to her father speak.
Known as the Chimerian Kingdom, his rule was one of strength and power. He showed no mercy to any of his enemies and fought every battle in the vanguard.
Because of this, his army looked up to him, as if he was a god. His fighting skills were legendary too. Many feared his influence.
"How does marrying me to Lord Darrion keep me safe from this supposed madman?" Athena asked her father.
"If anything, you should be marrying me to your best general instead," she added in amusement.
Lord Darrion was well-read and intelligent. But it was also known that he possessed no skills in battle apart from archery. It was not ideal for leading any army.
This led Athena to wonder if she could lead an army of her own one day. All she needed was a bit of training and tutelage from a master strategist.
She made a mental note to herself.
"There are rumors that in order to keep peace with King Krayden, he would be asking every empire, kingdom, or nation, to offer up a princess to join his harem."
"What?" Athena's heart sank as soon as she heard it.
All the pieces were coming together. Such a tyrannical king did not sound like he would make a good husband. He wasn't looking for one consort either. It was clear he would have an inner palace full of women.
But another thought entered Athena's mind. Whoever won his heart, could become his Queen.
"Does he have a chosen Queen yet?" Athena asked out of curiosity.
"Based on our sources, No," her father replied.
She nodded as her thoughts continued to wander. Whoever became his Queen, would likely become one of the most powerful women in all of the land. The amount of negativity surrounding this young up-and-coming king was suspicious.
Surely he wasn't all that bad?