The concubines had gotten the order from the top executive to join the King and Queen in the main hall. Hearing this, the eldest of the concubines was surprised but kept her neutral expression. Earlier when the King had arrived with his two concubines, they departed very quickly since it was unnatural for women to be greeted on the same wavelength as men, especially in the main hall, where they were organizing a meal for the King and Queen's arrival. Naturally, no one would bother inviting the other two concubines since they were just women.
'Isn't it strange their letting us go to the main hall??' Kira kept bombarding the other concubines while they changed into more appropriate clothes. Haeran had ignored her and continued to change.
'I thought women weren't allowed to-'
'Just shut up and get change!' Haeran yelled. Ave and Haeran were almost finished changing and realized the latter was falling behind. Kira sulked but didn't dare speak any further. Haeran sat down and sighed. For a woman to be invited to the main hall of a Kingdom... it wasn't heard of. The Queen was excused of this naturally. Haeran didn't further delve into this topic and followed instructions. Ave had been sitting quietly but she had been pondering about this too. Seeing how Kira got told off by Haeran, she shook her head and immediately stopped thinking about it.
Once Kira was changed, the concubines made their way to the main hall. Kira had already forgotten about her mission of avoiding the Queen and was excited as it was her first time in a main hall. Certainly, she would sneak a few looks here and there.
They walked towards the door which was accompanied by two male servants. Upon hearing this strange request from the executive, they opened the door and let the concubines in.
Kira let out a gasp. The other two concubines remained calm but their hearts were pounding. The main hall was massive, with tapestries that outlined the kingdom's rich history and legacy. A table before them, with red velvet chairs tucked in on each space that each filled a member of the government. At the front were two thrones and there sat the King and Queen.
Kira looked around, envying the beauty before her. The stained-glass windows cast patterns on the white marble floor due to the sunlight that was peeking in. Servants were spread around, each attending to their masters and serving pleasant feasts that suited their tastes. Just from taking two steps inside this hall, she could tell this was a place where decisions and alliances were made. This main hall of the Moral Empire was indeed legendary as people say! Kira thought to herself.
The concubine didn't realize that the entirety of the time she observed the main hall, someone had their eyes on her.
...
The Queen smiled as she saw the concubine's curious eyes wander. Her eyes followed the concubines as they walked forward to the top executive.
'Seat yourself near the King and Queen since they requested your arrival.' The executive ordered.
The concubines nodded their heads and made their way towards them. The eldest pulled a chair near the King and seated herself comfortably. The chairs around Haeran were occupied so the other two concubines had no other option but to move to the Queen's side. Kira's eyes were glued to the floor, she tugged onto Ave from the back, silently hoping Ave would be the one to sit closer to the Queen. She slowly looked up and saw the Queen's eyes were focused on her and hurriedly looked back down. Ave stopped when they reached the Queen's side and whispered to Kira.
'Let's swap seats,'
'Huh.. No, no-
Ave looked at the concubine confusedly, 'Aren't you closer to the Queen? Did something happen between the two of you?'
These questions made the latter feel awkward but she wasn't budging. She sat one seat further from the Queen and so Ave ended up sitting closely to the Queen.
Seeing this, the Queen furrowed her brows. She hadn't expected the concubine, with her meddling personality, to sit further from her. Even if it was only one seat away, the Queen felt the distance between them far too deeply. Arisa kept her eyes on the concubine and Kira looked up. The concubine looked towards the King and Queen but her eyes were set on the King, completely ignoring the Queen.
The King noticed Kira and smiled. 'Was it enjoyable for you here? The other two concubines missed you greatly.' Hearing this, everyone knew he used the concubines as a cover but they continued with their conversations.
Kira smiled back. She wanted to avoid talking to the Queen at all cost and thankfully the King spoke to her first. 'Your majesty, this one also missed them.'
Before the King could respond, the Queen quickly interrupted.
'Did you miss this Queen also?'