"Interesting." Freya was the first to say something after a moment of stunned silence after Victoria's words. "Since you were born with such rare and destructive power, you must think of yourself as the chosen one or whatever."
Mallory from her spot with the other handmaidens tried her best to hold in a snort. Victoria, technically was the chosen one…she did have the spirit of a goddess resting in her soul. On the other hand, Victoria fought hard to keep her temper in check.
"I don't think of myself to be the chosen one."
Freya let out a laugh that made Victoria want to strangle her. "I'll be easy to, all I'm saying is is that the Elverian already had this thing we're they all feel special, being Children of the Light. They've got this idea that they are better than those of the Shadow Realm." She began. "But with the way the war ended, I'm sure they don't think that way anymore."
"Lady Freya!" Gwen scolded, "you two just met, don't start a fight."
"What gave you the right to speak to me in such a manner?" Freya snapped at Gwen, her red eyes darkening. "Watch yourself, you are not my equal."
With that Gwen faltered and let out a sigh. Victoria wondered be why that was, weren't they of the same social standing?
"The Queen will be arriving soon. It'll be bad for us…especially me, if she sees us in such a tense atmosphere." The lady with grey eyes said. She hadn't introduced herself to Victoria like Gwen had.
"You're right, Katherine." Gwen responded with a tired sigh, "The Queen will arrive at any moment."
Victoria tried her best to ignore the glare she was getting from Freya with was filled with nothing but disdain, then she scoffed and beckoned for her maid to help adjust her expensive red gown. 'Eyes on the prize…' she thought, 'I have a quest I must not lose sight of because this girl wants me to show my temper.'
Less than thirty minutes later, The Queen of Alcazar, mother of the Demon King arrived with four of her body guard soldiers.
The Queen was a woman in her mid fourties, she had such pale skin, almost as pale as a corpse, sharp cheek bones, blood red lips and eyes as dark as coal and silver hair. She wore a black dress and a black see through veil that didn't cover her face. She reminded Victoria of a bride but in mourning. In short, the Queen mother of Alcazar was beautiful, she had such an ethereal beauty and looked ten years younger than she actually was. Despite her beauty, she was thin and her eyes seemed full and tired, like she hasn't slept in days. Victoria would have felt sorry for her if her people hadn't started a war that lasted three hundred years.
But her thin physique and tired eyes didn't reduce the authority that seemed to radiate off of her, making whoever stood before her jave the urge to show respect or cower in fear. Victoria had no fear of this woman whatsoever, nor did she have any respect, she was going to kill her son after all. That was why she took her time to bow while the other girls did so in a humble yet hasty manner.
"Greetings, your majesty." They chorused, still keeping their heads down. The Queen took a moment to access the ladies and her eyes landed on Victoria and her dark coloured eyes narrowed slightly.
"Welcome, Ladies." She began, her voice having a heavy Alcazarian accent like Freya's. "As you all know, you are quite lucky to be here competing to be the next Queen of Alcazar. But here there are no losers. Only one gets to be Queen, yes. But the rest of you still have a place here in the Royal family…as you are to be concubines, whose job is to pleasure the King and bear as much children as the king wishes. Yet, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try your best, if you do win the heart of the King…you'll get to be the Queen and you're child will be the Crown Prince or Princess and you will have a greater influence in court. That is it's own reward, do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The ladies chorused once more.
The Queen let out a small smile that was somehow cold. "Now introduce yourself."
Gwen stepped forward but was immediately overshadowed by Freya who spoke first giving Gwen a pointed look that made Gwen step back to her former position.
"Your Majesty, I am Lady Freya of the Silvercrest house, first daughter of Duke Fintan Silvercrest and Duchess Margaret Silvercrest. I am Born of Water and it is an honor to meet you."
The Queen gave the girl a once over and smiled. "The Queen never told me he has such a beautiful daughter and I saw him just yesterday."
Freya blushed furiously and curtsied once again, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Katherine spoke next. "I am Lady Katherine of Wellerton House, Your Majesty. I am Born of Wind, third daughter of Count Idris and the Late Countess Diana Wellerton."
The Queen nodded, "I knew your mother when she was alive. She was such a gentle soul. I hope you're as gentle and we'll mannered as she was."
"I do try to emulate her, Your Majesty." Katherine responded.
Victoria fought the urge to roll her eyes, 'Does she plan on emulating her death as well?' She thought.
The Queen turned to Gwen who looked like she was about start sweating buckets under the Queen's observant gaze. "I… I am Lady Gwenivere of the Stohmount House, first daughter of Baron Morgan and Baroness Silena Stohmount. I am Born of Earth, Your Majesty."
"An Earth Elemental?" The Queen mused with a pondering look. "Earth Borns are usually known for being weaker than than the Element they possess. I hope that isn't the same with you."
Gwen hastily shook her head. "I train very hard, Your Majesty. I am stronger than most Earth Elementals."
The Queen said, "I look forward to you proving that to me, Gwenivere."
Victoria wondered what she meant by that exactly, were they going to have an Elemental Assessment Test or something? Would she need to showcase her abilities at some point? Her thoughts were cut short when she realized the Queen had been looking at her expectantly.
"Your Majesty," Victoria began. "I am Lady Victoria Everhart of Elveria. I am Born of Fire."
The Queen didn't look shocked when she said that she was a fire born at all, instead she asked. "No social standing? No parents?"
Victoria tried not glare at her, "none, Your Majesty."
'How would I have parents?' Victoria thought, 'Alcazar took them away from me by killing them!'
"A Fire born with no social standing and no family…practically a commoner." The Queen said, her coal like eyes twinkling with interest. "And from the Light Realm as well, how perculiar."
From the corner of her golden eyes Victoria caught sight of Freya letting out an amused smile. This mission wouldn't be easy at all.