"But Selena... You were the one who requested this engagement." The Queen broke the news.
Selena did not know what to say. She did not know this! The story did not mention this as far as she could remember... Did she force this engagement on Nicholas? She knew that she refused to let him call it off, but she did not know that she was the reason behind the engagement.
"Do not feel too guilty, my child. The Duke agreed to the engagement, you did not force it on him. You requested it." The Queen answered as if she knew everything.
Selena was still drowned in confusion though. Just where was this conversation going?
The Queen's gaze flicked briefly to Alex, who stood silently behind Selena. "Is this him then?"
"Yes," Selena said firmly, a touch of vulnerability slipping into her voice. "I've found someone who values me, respects me, and makes me feel alive. I refuse to spend the rest of my life bound to a man who sees me as nothing more than a political convenience."
The Queen's expression shifted slightly, and for a moment, Selena thought she caught a glimpse of approval. "That is... Quite the declaration," the Queen said. "And this man of yours?"
Selena turned slightly, gesturing to Alex. "This is Alex. He is the man I've chosen, and the one I wish to be with."
Alex nodded politely, his face unreadable. He looked every bit the dutiful partner, though Selena knew he was probably laughing internally at the absurdity of the situation.
The Queen studied Alex for a long moment before returning her attention to Selena. "You've made a compelling case," she said finally. "Very well. I'll arrange for the annulment. But first—Selena, I would like a word with Alex. Alone."
Selena blinked, startled. "Alone?"
"Yes," the Queen said firmly. "You may wait outside."
Selena hesitated, glancing back at Alex, who gave her a slight nod of reassurance. Reluctantly, she stood and curtsied. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
With one last wary look at Alex, she exited the room, her mind racing. What could the Queen possibly want to discuss with him?
The moment the doors closed behind Selena, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The Queen's previously warm expression became unreadable, her sharp eyes fixed on Alex like a hawk studying its prey. Alex straightened slightly, maintaining his composure, though inwardly he cursed his luck.
"You do not look like someone from our kingdom," the Queen began, her voice even but tinged with curiosity.
Alex raised his eyebrows in mock surprise, feigning nonchalance. "Is it that obvious?" he asked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Yes," the Queen replied bluntly, stepping closer.
Alex inwardly sighed but maintained his calm exterior. "I've been here and there," he said, keeping his voice casual. "I'm not native to Neora, but it's what I've been calling home for years now."
It was a carefully crafted lie, but Alex could see in the Queen's sharp gaze that she wasn't buying it. Still, he was not about to give up his cover without a fight.
The Queen didn't respond immediately. Instead, she slowly circled him, her steps deliberate and her eyes scrutinising every inch of his demeanour.
Alex stood motionless, his posture relaxed, but his mind worked overtime. He was experienced in deceit and disguises but this woman... She saw through his disguise so quickly, how was that possible?
He tried his best to look like a man putting extra effort to look good in front of royalty.
"You are remarkably calm for someone who's being interrogated," the Queen noted, her tone neither accusing nor impressed.
Alex shrugged lightly. "I've learned that staying calm tends to work in one's favour. Especially when dealing with... Powerful figures."
The Queen tilted her head, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Powerful figures indeed."
Then, without warning, she stepped back and performed an action that Alex had not anticipated in the slightest. She bowed.
"Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady and filled with reverence.
Alex blinked, his mind momentarily blank. His cover was blown, and far faster than he'd expected. It was rare for anyone to see through his disguises, but the Queen had done so effortlessly. He sighed, the weight of her words settling over him like a headache in the making.
Straightening her posture, the Queen's eyes locked with his. "You're good," she continued, her voice quieter now, almost a murmur. "But you can't fool someone who's spent their entire life navigating court politics. Your bearing, your manner of speech, the way you observe everything in a room while pretending not to care—it all screams royalty. And not of this kingdom."
Alex remained silent for a moment, considering his options. He could deny it, but what was the point? She'd clearly already made up her mind, and it wasn't as though she was wrong.
"Clever," he said finally, his lips curling into a wry smile. "I should have known I wouldn't escape your notice."
The Queen crossed her arms, her expression softening slightly. "Your presence here raises a great many questions, Your Majesty. Why would the future Emperor, one who is clearly travelling in secret—associate himself with my niece of all people? Selena has no shortage of rumours surrounding her name. Surely you could have chosen a more... Advantageous connection."
She was a clever Queen. He was undercover for various reasons, reasons which were not her place to ask. They were neighbouring countries... But they could not compare to the Empire. If he did not seek the help of the royal family, then it was something even they should not know about.
Alex chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Your niece is far more interesting than people give her credit for. Let's just say I have my reasons."
The Queen's brow furrowed, though her expression remained calm. "Does Selena know?"
"Of course not," Alex replied smoothly. "And I'd prefer to keep it that way, if you don't mind. She's... A useful cover."
The Queen regarded him in silence, weighing his words.