Athena blushed beet red, vehemently shaking her head. She didn't even think of that until her father mentioned it! Her earnest expression earned a laugh from the King. She knew she had to quickly change the subject.
So she moved from one man to another!
"Would foreign delegates be allowed to attend and participate?" She asked.
"Oh?"
"I think it would be a great opportunity to strengthen ties with other kingdoms and empires. It could help foster new trade routes too, which would help our kingdom prosper." Athena beamed.
"That's a great idea, daughter. I will keep that in mind," her father acknowledged her words.
After breakfast, Athena took her leave. As they were walking out of the Peony Mansion, the King's quarters, Athen informed Sir Darion that she wanted to learn how to wield a sword.
The seasoned warrior was surprised by the princess' request.
"Are you sure, your Highness?" he asked skeptically.
He had never heard of a female member of the royal family who wanted to learn how to fight. While some of them wished to learn defensive moves to protect themselves, that was about it.
"I mean what I said, and I want you and Nikolai to train me like you would with any other guard or soldier. I have a goal in mind," she said confidently as they continued their walk back to Hemlock Mansion.
But before she came upon her own quarters, Athena heard a familiar voice coming from the nearby gardens. When she turned, she noticed Lord Darrion. As she walked closer, hoping to greet him, she stopped in her tracks when she saw who was with him.
It was her half-sister, Princess Casindra.
Athena watched silently. They looked to be conversing about a book they were reading. All smiles. Neither of them seemed to have noticed her looking at them from a distance.
"Your Highness, would you like to…"
"No. I'm not that kind of princess, Sir Daric. If that's what he prefers, then so be it."
Athena continued on her way with her small entourage and did not look back. She wanted to begin her training as soon as possible. But before she could do so, a messenger came running up to her.
"Your Highness, the Queen wishes to see you."
Athena narrowed her eyes. She knew something was up but wasn't sure what it might be.
"I've only just returned from breakfast with the King. I will see her later," she responded, before continuing on her way to return to her room.
But the messenger did not back down. He continued to follow the princess.
"But princess, this is the Queen's orders…"
Athena stopped in her tracks and glared back at the messenger. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he looked down and took a few steps back in fear. She knew exactly what he meant.
This would be considered disobeying the Queen's orders. It might just bring her more trouble later on.
"Alright, alright, lead the way," she replied in annoyance before turning to follow the messenger.
When she reached the Queen's quarters, Rose Mansion, Athena was stopped at the gates.
"I'm afraid the Queen is currently engaged with an appointment. You're more than welcome to wait here, your Highness," the guards at the gate said.
Athena's eyebrow twitched. It was clear that Queen Catalina was messing with her. She had asked to see Athena on such short notice and yet now she was asked to wait, outside the gates no less.
Though Athena was a little annoyed, she complied and waited.
A few minutes turned into nearly half an hour, Athena was getting annoyed. Sir Daric was by her side and he could feel her agitation on the situation.
"How much longer do I have to wait?" Athena asked the guard sternly, she was no longer as courteous as she was before.
The guards did not reply to her. Just as she was about to ask another question, Athena noticed another entourage coming by from the corner of her eye.
She looked over to see that it was the Second Princess Casindra. She was coming up to Rose Mansion.
"Sister Athena, what a coincidence to meet you here. I was just with Lord Darrion," Casindra came up and curtsied politely.
"Are you here to see mother?" she added innocently.
"Yes, I was summoned…" Athena replied as she watched Casindra enter the mansion without obstruction.
When she tried to follow, Athena was refused entry once more.
"Oh, I'll let mother know you're here," Casindra said as she continued on her way in, keeping a smile on her face the entire time.
Athena's expression darkened. This was clearly a setup. Both of her hands curled into fists. She was not about to take this lying down.
"Princess, perhaps we should go," Sir Daric suggested with a slight bow.
She thought about doing so, but that would just be additional ammunition for the Queen. She could go on to tell King Orion that though she summoned Athena, she never showed up.
Athena knew she had to play the Queen's game. She was going to play and win.
"No, it's alright, I'll wait," Athena replied as she folded her arms.
True to her gut feeling, Casindra likely never said anything to her mother, the Queen. Athena continued to wait at the gates. Others walked on by, glancing at her before scurrying off on their way.
She knew the rumors that would begin to spread about her.
The princess was disrespected by the queen. What would she do?
Athena used the time to concoct her own plan. If she was going to be forced to wait, it shall be done on her own terms! After an hour had past, Athena had just about enough.
She also had the perfect plan. It was likely going to be a long wait, so Athena decided to make herself comfortable.
"Wendy, I need you to do something for me," she said before leaning closer to whisper in her maid's ear.
After a short while, Wendy took a step back.
"As you wish, my Princess. I will go at once," she replied before picking a few servants and maids to follow her. Then, they scurried off into the distance.
Athena tapped her feet as she continued to wait at the gates. Eventually, she took out a folding fan of her own to fan herself and keep cool.
"Sir Daric, remind me to get a pocket watch soon, to tell the time," she said as she continued to fan herself.
"Will do, princess," her personal guard replied.
Another hour passed.
Wendy, the maids and servants she left with, soon returned. They were carrying all the goods Athena had requested. Some of them wore a confused expression, unsure of what the princess intended to do.
"Princess, we've brought the goods you've requested," Wendy informed Princess Athena.