Elara led Anya through a maze of corridors, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished stone floors. Anya's gaze swept over the castle's interior, a blend of grandeur and intimacy. Tapestries depicting scenes of Shadow Kingdom lore adorned the walls, their dark hues and intricate details hinting at a rich history. Suits of armor, their surfaces gleaming in the soft light filtering through arched windows, stood sentinel along the hallways, silent guardians of a kingdom steeped in shadows.
Finally, they arrived at Anya's chambers. Elara pushed open the heavy oak doors, revealing a room that was both opulent and welcoming. A large four-poster bed draped in luxurious velvet dominated the center of the room, promising restful nights. A fireplace crackled merrily in the hearth, casting dancing shadows that softened the edges of the dark wood furniture. A balcony overlooking the sprawling gardens offered a breathtaking view of the kingdom Anya was now bound to rule. The air was filled with the subtle scent of lavender, a comforting aroma that reminded Anya of her father's study back in Atheria.
"I hope you find everything to your liking, Your Majesty," Elara said, her voice soft. "I've drawn you a bath, and your new wardrobe has been delivered."
Anya smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Elara. You're a lifesaver."
She watched as Elara busied herself with lighting candles and arranging fresh flowers in vases. The young woman's efficiency and quiet grace impressed Anya. Despite her humble position, Elara carried herself with a dignity that transcended her role as a servant.
"Please, call me Anya," she said, impulsively. The formality of her title felt strange and stifling within the cozy intimacy of her chambers.
Elara hesitated, her eyes widening slightly. "But Your Majesty—"
"Anya," she insisted, her smile softening. "At least when we're alone."
Elara's lips curved into a shy smile. "As you wish…Anya."
Anya shed her travel-stained gown and sank gratefully into the steaming bath Elara had prepared. The water, infused with fragrant oils, soothed her aching muscles and calmed her frayed nerves. As she soaked, Anya allowed her thoughts to drift. The Shadow Kingdom wasn't at all what she'd expected. Its beauty, hidden beneath a veil of darkness and shrouded in grim rumors, had taken her by surprise. And Valerian…he was an enigma, a puzzle she couldn't seem to solve. His coldness, his aloofness, clashed with the brief glimpses of vulnerability she'd witnessed during their perilous journey.
After her bath, Anya dressed in the traditional attire of the Shadow Kingdom. Elara helped her into a flowing gown of deep midnight blue, its fabric as smooth as a raven's feather. The bodice, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that shimmered in the candlelight, hugged her curves, while the full skirt flowed around her legs like a pool of liquid darkness. Elara then styled Anya's hair, braiding it into an elaborate crown that framed her face, accentuating her delicate features.
"You look stunning, Anya," Elara said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Anya smiled, feeling a flicker of confidence. The Shadow Kingdom attire, though a stark contrast to the pastel hues and flowing silks of her Atheria wardrobe, held an unexpected allure. It was a reminder of her new role, her new identity.
A knock on the door interrupted their moment. Elara opened it to reveal a woman Anya hadn't met before. She was tall and slender, with a cascade of raven hair that rivaled Valerian's in its dark richness. Her eyes, a striking emerald green, held a hint of amusement as she swept into the room, her movements fluid and graceful. She wore a gown of deep burgundy, its low neckline revealing a hint of creamy skin and the emerald necklace that mirrored Anya's own, though hers rivaled Anya's in extravagance.
"Lady Anya," the woman said, her voice like velvet, smooth and alluring. "Forgive my intrusion. I am Cassia, daughter of Lord Marius, a member of the esteemed royal council. My father wanted me to introduce myself personally. I've known Valerian since we were children. We're... quite close."
She emphasized the last two words, her eyes lingering on Anya with a subtle challenge. It was a clear message, a veiled claim to a past intimacy with Valerian.
Anya felt a pang of jealousy, sharp and unexpected. She knew it was foolish. It was no secret that kings, often had multiple consorts. But the possessive nature of Valerian's gift, the emerald necklace he'd insisted she wear, had awakened a strange longing within her, a desire for something more than a political arrangement.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Cassia," Anya said, forcing a smile. She fought to keep her voice even, to mask the turmoil brewing within her. "Thank you for the welcome."
"Of course," Cassia replied, her smile widening. "Valerian has told me so much about you." Her tone, though seemingly sweet, held a subtle note of mockery. "It's so…refreshing to finally put a face to the legendary princess of Atheria."
Anya's fingers tightened around the emerald pendant, the cool stone offering no solace. Cassia's presence, her veiled barbs, were a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. She was an outsider in a court filled with disdain for her, a pawn in a game of power she barely understood. And now, she was facing a rival, a woman who clearly felt a sense of ownership over the man Anya was sworn to marry.
"I'm sure Valerian has been quite…busy," Anya managed, her voice laced with a touch of ice. "He seems to have many…acquaintances."
Cassia's smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of irritation. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. She laughed, a light, tinkling sound that did little to mask the venom in her eyes.
"Oh, Valerian has always been quite popular with the ladies," she said, her gaze sweeping over Anya with a hint of disdain. "But of course, none of them could ever compare to…you. You are, after all, his queen."
The word "queen" dripped with sarcasm. Cassia, with her beauty and her long-standing connection to Valerian, clearly felt she held a higher claim.
"I'm sure Valerian appreciates your concern, Cassia," Anya replied, her voice steady, though her heart pounded in her chest.
Cassia's eyes narrowed, her face turning a shade darker. "I know him better than anyone," she hissed. "I know the toll his... presence can take on a woman. Hell, sometimes I find it hard to take myself." Her voice was laced with venom, her meaning clear.
Anya's anger flared, but she forced herself to remain calm. The woman was trying to intimidate her. She met Cassia's gaze with a defiant look. "It was so nice of you to stop by," she said, her voice firm.
"You don't-" Cassia began to protest, but Anya cut her off.
"So nice," Anya repeated, turning away and walking towards her vanity.
She felt the woman staring a hole through her backside and as soon as Cassia left, Anya let out a sigh of relief. Her heart was still racing, and her hands were trembling slightly. The woman though slightly unpleasant was beautiful she couldn't deny. Was this perhaps the reason her husband was so distant from her?
She turned to Elara, who was watching the exchange with wide eyes. "How about that tea, hm?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood.