Commander Aethera then shifted her gaze to Kae, her expression softening as she winked at him seductively.
The royal consorts were soon led under a canopy, where they all took their seats. Commander Aethera and Vynessa stood before them, while Eirakon remained on alert at one side of the training ground alongside other female Elyria guards.
"I congratulate all consorts on reaching this stage. Now, the real challenge begins. You will all be taught the basic skills necessary to serve Her Royal Highness, the Queen, as well as the citizens. This training will determine if you are worthy of being the Queen's consort or if your title will be revoked," Commander Aethera stated, her voice and expression etched with seriousness.
"Your fate lies in the hands of Her Highness, the Queen... whether you will still be alive after serving her for the first time or have your life force drained as punishment for provoking her," Teacher Vynessa chimed in. "That's why we train every consort—to guide you in your roles to the Queen."
"Mind you, this training isn't just about getting intimate with Her Royal Highness. You also have responsibilities to the country at large. Apart from being taught how to be classy and elegant, you will also be trained in martial arts and more," Aethera added.
Tharros whispered to Kae, his expression dejected as he sipped the tea before him, "Now that I think about it... If I had lost a limb, I would've been out of this palace, out of this mess. The worst that could happen is being sold off to some rich Elyria or human family and treated as a slave. At least I wouldn't have to worry about being killed in war or by the Queen."
Kae could only let out a heavy sigh and continued to listen to Commander Aethera and Teacher Vynessa words.
"There are five stages of training you must go through before being fully accepted as the Queen's consort," Commander Aethera continued, pacing back and forth. "The first stage is the Foundation, which is divided into three phases:
1. Physical Conditioning: Training in martial arts, acrobatics, and physical fitnes
2. Etiquette and Protocol: Instructions in royal etiquette, diplomacy, and court politics.
3. Mental Discipline:Training in meditation, focus, and mental clarity."
"The second stage is Specialization, also divided into three phases," Teacher Vynessa added.
1. Combat Training: Advanced martial arts, sword fighting, and hand-to-hand combat.
2. Strategic Thinking: The study of strategy, tactics, and problem-solving.
3. Leadership and Diplomacy: Training in leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution."
"The third stage is Advanced Training," Commander Aethera interjected, "which includes:
1. Advanced Physical Training: Including specialized martial arts and acrobatics.
2. Royal Services: Training in serving the Queen, including attending to her needs, managing her schedule, and representing her interests."
"And the last stage is the Practical Application, also divided into three phases," Teacher Vynessa chimed in. "These are:
1. Participation in Missions: Testing consorts' skills in real-world scenarios.
2. Court Politics: Navigating court politics, including alliances, rivalries, and intrigue.
3. Leadership Challenge: Commanding teams and making strategic decisions."
"Do you all understand?" Commander Aethera inquired, her gaze fixed on the consorts, who appeared mostly disinterested. "Remember, being the Queen's consort is a privilege. Going to the frontlines, defeating enemies for the Queen, is a privilege."
"Privilege, my foot," Tharros murmured under his breath. "Being the Queen's consort is like choosing thousands of ways to die. It's either you die by having your life force drained, die in war, get killed while negotiating in another country, and so much more."
"I'm the Commander, so I'll be teaching you everything about martial arts, court politics, and more. Teacher Vynessa will instruct you on how to be a royal consort and your duties to the Queen in the inner chambers. Do you all understand?" Aethera asked, her gaze sharp.
"Yes!" the consorts chorused in unison.
"Now, the Foundation stage is divided into three phases, and the first is physical conditioning: training in martial arts, acrobatics, and physical fitness. We begin now," Commander Aethera commanded sternly.
Human maids dressed in flowing gowns soon entered the training ground, carrying trays with silver armor. Elyria soldiers followed, carrying large boxes and placing them before the Queen's consorts.
"Alright! You all are to pick a silver armor. The boxes before you contain various dangerous weapons. Choose one of your liking. The training starts now, so stand up and start getting dressed," Commander Aethera instructed.
A human maid with red hair and green almond shaped eyes stood before Kae, her expression downcast as her eyes began scanning through the entire training ground until it landed on Tharros promting a wide smile to appear on her face.
"Anna?!" Tharros yelled, his gaze also falling on the maid before Kae. His shout startled everyone present as they all turned to look at the maid called Anna, puzzled expressions on their faces.
"Tharros!" Anna cried, rushing towards him, but was quickly stopped by Teacher Vynessa.
"What are you trying to do? Hug the Queen's consort with your filthy body? How dare a lowly maid think of throwing herself at the Queen's consort? Do you have a death wish?" Teacher Vynessa yelled, pulling out her bow and arrow, which glowed with bright red lightning, ready to shoot if Anna took another step.
"Stop! That's my sister. My blood sister!" Tharros declared, his eyes wide with horror.
"Sister?" Kae thought to himself, swallowing hard. "Interesting!"
"This maid is the Queen's consort's sister?" Vynessa let out a smirk, withdrawing her bow and arrow. "What a pity."
Tharros quickly embraced Anna as she wept bitterly on his shoulder. "How did you end up as a maid, Anna? What happened?"
"I came to look for you. I couldn't just sit back after you were taken to the palace. You're my only family. We both know about the past competitors who died in the illusion test or those who survived but lost limbs and were sold to rich families or had their life force drained," Anna explained through her tears. "I was ready to kill myself after you were taken to the Imperial Palace, but when I heard that this time the competitors survived the illusion test, I applied to be a maid here to see if you were alive. I've missed you so much, and I can't live without you."
"I'm sorry, Anna," Tharros apologized, holding her tightly. "I should have sent you a letter that I survived. I'm sorry for making you worry."
"It's okay, Tharros. I'm just glad you're alive and well. I'm so happy I can still throw myself into your arms and feel your warmth. I'm just so happy to see your face again," Anna cried bitterly.
"Alright, enough of the lovey-dovey!" Teacher Vynessa interrupted, her expression irritated. "This is part of what you'll learn during your training. The Queen's consort should never be seen hugging a common maid or seen crying."
"Maid?!" Tharros yelled, his expression turning angry. "Were you deaf when I said this is my sister? My blood sister!"
"People shouldn't hear you say that outside these walls. The moment this woman you called your sister joined the Imperial Maids, she ceased being related to you. A maid can never be a relative to the Queen's consort. You should forget about her being your sister and focus on your palace duties," Teacher Vynessa barked back. "Maids, leave now so the training can begin!"
"No! Anna isn't going anywhere, and mind you, she's not a maid, she's my sister!" Tharros yelled, pulling Anna to his side. "She's going to stop working in the palace."
"Oh really?" Teacher Vynessa sneered. "Those who become maids in the Imperial Palace can never leave. They can only wait for the day they die while serving their masters," she added with a burst of evil laughter.
"I won't accept that. I'll see the Queen, and I'm sure she'll listen to me," Tharros replied, his voice and expression firm.
"You think Her Royal Highness has time for that? This is the palace, and the palace has rules that must be followed," Teacher Vynessa retorted, drawing her bow and arrow, the red lightning crackling. She aimed it at Anna. "Step away from that maid, or watch as I shoot her down!" she shouted, her voice cold and serious.