In court, all the ministers were seated in their various chairs on both sides of the massive court room, but they stood at the opening of the royal court door made out of layers of oak planks.
The queen entered with her head held high, her shoulders higher, and her steps regal as she marched towards her throne, which was a bit smaller than a king's throne but just as magnificent-looking.
They all bowed their heads as they greeted her. At her response, they bowed again before they lowered themselves to their seats.
At first, they started with matters of the court, bringing reports from various parts of their works. For a moment, the main topics became the royal farmlands and the water construction they were working on.
They all discussed and deliberated on it for so long, Danika's back began aching her for sitting so long again. But she didn't say a word or move a muscle. Instead, she waited for the discussion and the final question she knew would be directed towards her.
“So how do we make these water pipes to ensure a lot of farmlands will be able to make use of it, Your Highness?” The minister of personnel finally directed towards her. The others were looking hopefully at her.
“We will not have to make more water pipes. Instead, we will gather more resources to construct more water boreholes or passages so that it can reach more lands,” she stated authoritatively, beginning to feel relaxed.
Maybe—just maybe—today’s court will not be about her getting a king.
They all nodded their heads at the sense of her words. “This is a very good idea, Your Majesty. But wouldn’t it be more expensive?” the minister of military affairs asked thoughtfully from the left side of the court.
She turned to him. “It will be. But when it’s a matter of great course and importance, we have to forget about the cost and focus on producing the best results. Don’t you agree, Minister Regah?”
“Mm...” The minister was nodding his head in approval alongside other ministers. “I absolutely agree, Your Highness.”
“You’re indeed a wise woman, Your Majesty,” the minister of taxation complimented with a smile.
Queen Danika allowed her own lips to stretch into a smile too. “You flatter me, Minister Dento.”
“He only speaks the truth, Your Gracious,” the minister of public works seconded. The other nodded too.
Queen Danika was happy. In the world of royalties and ruling, compliments came at a high price. At least now they wouldn’t be discussing her marr—
“Which reminds me, Your Highness, that I have compiled the list of all the eligible noblemen in our kingdom,” the minister of taxation began. “And with your blessings and approval, we will send out the information across the kingdom for eligible princes that will be interested in asking for your hand in marriage and attending the royal ball.”
The queen breathed deeply in defeat. Heavens.
“Exactly the way the minister of taxation has said it, Your Majesty,” the minister of defense continued. “We have compiled a list of great men from the most privileged families in the kingdom. With your order and acceptance, we will throw a royal ball and banquet where you can select the best eligible man that will be the king of this great kingdom and rule alongside you.”
“Please give the order for this, Your Majesty. It is long overdue. The people need a king.” The minister of public works bowed his head in request.
The rest bowed their heads and shouted, “Please give the order, Your Majesty! Please give the order, Your Majesty! Please give the order, Your Majesty!”
As they shouted over and over again, Queen Danika closed her eyes in defeat with a heavy heart. “Alright. I...” She swallowed tightly, her heart aching badly. “I give the order,” she let out in a hoarse voice, sealing her fate.
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wo months had not changed the fact that Vetta knew nothing to do with her life. These past two months had not been easy, as she always found herself resisting the constant urge to return to the palace. But she’d promised King Lucien that she would ‘heal’; she was determined not to let him down—whatever ‘healing’ meant. The wounds she had cannot heal.
But since Vetta already made a promise like that, she was determined to try and live as a free woman, and she set her mind to keep that promise.
In the past two months, Vetta had tried to do everything normal women of the kingdom of Salem would do. She went to the market to get groceries for food. She went to the fair whenever she heard there would be carnival entertainment. She keeps her big house and even goes out back to pick fruits that fall in the garden.
It had been good, Vetta admitted within her as she set her table for early dinner in the silence of her big house. It hadn’t been easy, but it had been good. The life of a free woman was boring but fascinating.
More of the things that kept her going was her former maid, Kaya, that always came from the palace bearing fruits and foods.
“From the king!” she would announce at her door. Vetta saw herself abandoning whatever she was doing to rush headfirst for the door to open it. Those times were always the best times.
The king sent her a lot through Kaya, and it made Vetta happy. Those moments keep her going the most, along with the memories of her last day in the palace before her department. Her heart was...lighter.
Vetta finished setting her table and lowered herself down on the chair. As she reached for her food, she heard a knock on the door.
“From the king!” came the familiar announcement.
Excitement filled Vetta, and she was already out of her chair in a flash, and at the next moment, she was unbolting the locks and throwing the door open.
Kaya entered as usual with a huge smile on her face. The two trays on each of her hands contained covered food and fruits. “The best evenings, Mistress.”
“How is the king?” she asked as Kaya walked to the dining hall and placed the trays on the table.
“The king is fine but very busy,” she beamed.
“He is always busy. What’s in the second tray?”
“Oh, it’s a new dish tried out in the palace by Noma, the palace cook.” Kaya grinned at her. “You will love it, Mistress!”
Vetta cocked her head to the side as she glanced at the strange food that was unlike other foods she’s seen in the palace. “Okay. I hope it tastes great.”
Kaya nodded emphatically.
Vetta picked up her spoon and took a bite. It was indeed a delicious meal. She focused on it and devoured the meal ravenously. As she reached for other meals, something happened. She began feeling dizzy. Her eyes blurred.
“Kaya?”
The last thing she saw before she lost conscience was the smile on Kaya’s face.