The grand ballroom of Kandell Castle was a symphony of music and laughter, but none of it reached Queen Lirien's ears. Dressed in a gown of deep crimson, adorned with gold embroidery and jewels that caught the light with every movement, she radiated regality. Yet her beauty was overshadowed by the storm brewing in her eyes.
She was deep in conversation with a group of noblewomen, their laughter ringing melodiously, when her personal bodyguard, Alan, approached. He leaned in and whispered, his voice laced with urgency, "My Queen, Princess Arial was spotted dancing with the Kandells' youngest son, Prince Elrine, just minutes ago."
Queen Lirien froze mid-laugh, her face darkening like an oncoming thunderstorm. Her hand clenched around her bejeweled goblet, and the liquid inside rippled ominously. "What did you say?" she hissed, her voice low and dangerous.
Alan straightened, suppressing the tremor in his voice. "She was seen dancing with Prince Elrine, my Queen."
The Queen's lips curled into a snarl, her tone dripping with venom. "What the hell is that wench doing with Prince Elrine?" Without waiting for an answer, she added coldly, "Bring her to me. Immediately."
Alan bowed hastily and left, his hurried footsteps barely audible over the music. Queen Lirien excused herself from the noblewomen, her voice honeyed and polite, though her eyes betrayed her fury. As soon as she turned away, her composure cracked. She strode down the marble hallways of the Kandell mansion, her heels clicking sharply, her anger echoing with every step.
The hallway was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting distorted shadows on the walls. The ambiance only heightened her mood, the oppressive quiet a stark contrast to the ballroom's gaiety.
---
Meanwhile, Arial sat in a quiet corner of the ballroom, exhaustion settling over her. Her dance with Prince Elrine had been exhilarating, but she wasn't used to this level of attention or activity. Taking a deep breath, she sipped from a glass of wine, allowing herself a moment of peace.
Her tranquility was short-lived. Alan appeared, his expression taut. He cleared his throat. "My Princess, the Queen summons you to the hallway immediately."
Arial stiffened, her fingers tightening around the glass. The words struck her like a blow, and her mind raced with thoughts of what could have angered her stepmother this time. But instead of letting fear show, she schooled her expression into one of calm indifference.
"Very well," she said with practiced sweetness. "Tell her I'll be there shortly."
Alan hesitated, surprised by her measured response, but he nodded and left. Arial took another sip of her wine, her mind steeling itself for the inevitable confrontation.
---
Queen Lirien paced the hallway, her fury mounting with each passing second. She snapped her fingers, her sharp nails tapping against the marble column. "Alan! Where is she?" she barked, her voice echoing through the cavernous space.
Alan flinched as he returned. "My Queen, she said she'd be here shortly."
The Queen's face twisted into a mask of rage. Her hand flew before Alan could react, striking him across the face. The force sent him stumbling, his cheek burning.
"Shut your worthless mouth!" she screeched. "If that wench isn't here in the next two minutes, I'll make you regret ever stepping into my service!"
Alan trembled, his knees weak as he stammered, "Y-Yes, my Queen. I'll—"
"Silence!" she interrupted, her tone icy.
Alan stood rooted to the spot, fear paralyzing him. His thoughts spiraled. Why did I ever take this job? My brother warned me how unhinged she was. What was I thinking?
As if sensing his thoughts, the Queen turned to him, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "Alan," she said in a deceptively soft voice, "did you just call me crazy?"
Alan's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing. "N-No, my Queen! I would never—"
But her laughter cut him off. Cold and devoid of joy, it sent chills down his spine. "Hahaha! So you do think I'm crazy. How amusing."
Alan fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Please, Your Majesty, I didn't mean it! I beg you! I have a son—"
"Enough," she said, her voice suddenly devoid of emotion. With a flick of her fingers, a blade materialized in her hand. Before Alan could react, it slashed across his throat, silencing his pleas.
Alan's body crumpled to the floor, the sound of his fall swallowed by the oppressive silence of the hallway. Blood pooled beneath him, staining the pristine marble.
The Queen stepped back, her expression calm, as if she had merely brushed away an inconvenience. With a wave of her hand, Alan's body vanished, leaving no trace of the gruesome act.
She sighed, brushing nonexistent dust from her gown. "Now I'll need a new bodyguard," she muttered to herself. "No matter. Arial will face me soon enough. I'll deal with her when we're home."
---
Back in the ballroom, Arial felt a chill creep up her spine, though she didn't know why. She rose from her seat, knowing she couldn't delay any longer. Her steps were slow as she made her way toward the hallway, her mind bracing for the encounter.
When she arrived, the sight of the empty hallway sent a wave of unease through her. The Queen stood at the far end, her back turned. The air around her seemed heavy, oppressive.
"Mother," Arial said softly, her voice steady despite the tension.
The Queen turned, her expression a mask of cold fury. "So you finally decided to grace me with your presence," she said, her tone laced with venom.
Arial met her gaze, refusing to cower. "I didn't realize I was being summoned like a servant," she said, her voice deceptively calm.
The Queen's eyes narrowed. "You dare speak to me like that after the humiliation you've caused?"
Arial's brow furrowed. "Humiliation? I danced, Mother. That's all."
"With Prince Elrine!" the Queen snapped, her voice rising. "You think I don't know what you're trying to do? Trying to make yourself seem more important than you are. You're a burden, Arial, nothing more."
Arial flinched at the words, but she held her ground. "I didn't ask to dance with him. He asked me," she said firmly.
The Queen's laughter was cold and biting. "And you think that makes you special? You're nothing, Arial. A shadow. A disgrace to this family."
For a moment, Arial's composure cracked. Her voice wavered as she said, "I didn't choose this life, Mother. But I won't apologize for being here."
The Queen's hand shot out, grabbing Arial's chin and forcing her to meet her gaze. "Watch your tongue, girl. Or you'll find yourself cast out like the unwanted pest you are."
Arial's heart pounded, but she refused to look away. "Maybe that's what you want," she said quietly, "but I won't let you break me."
The Queen's grip tightened, her nails digging into Arial's skin. But before she could speak, a voice interrupted them.
"Your Majesty," a steward said, bowing deeply. "The Kandell family requests your presence for the announcement."
The Queen released Arial with a shove, her expression snapping back into one of regal composure. "We'll finish this later," she hissed before sweeping away, leaving Arial alone in the dim hallway.
---
As Arial stood there, rubbing her aching jaw, she felt a surge of defiance. She wouldn't let her stepmother's words destroy her. If there was one thing she had learned, it was that strength came from enduring.
With her head held high, she turned and walked back toward the ballroom.