Queen of lords, p.1
Queen of Lords, page 1
Copyright © 2024 Feara
All rights reserved.
Your mistakes don't define you.
Every book for this series is a road. Revenge, Betrayal, Love, and War. The pattern becomes apparent as each book in the series delves into a unique journey or sentiment: Rage, Betrayal, Dedication, and Rebellion.
Fight for the justice you rightfully deserve, but be aware of the challenges you'll face along the way. Be aware of the potential pain and wounds that may arise during this journey. Even so, make a stand and fight for it.
Disclaimer
It should be noted that any similarities in names, situations, or facts are entirely coincidental and not derived from real-world places, themes, or situations.
Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 1
I haven’t seen him in a month.
The day after the king proclaimed the new wives for his sons, the atmosphere in the palace became tense, and the girls and I were kept separate from the princes. Before I knew it, a month had passed without so much as a glimpse of Ray, and the longing to see him grew stronger with each day. It felt like my sanity was slowly slipping away, driving me to the edge. How were our plans to prevail? How would I get my revenge against Claud and Nial? Restlessness consumed me as I desperately tried to devise a plan to take them both down, but I didn’t even know where to begin.
I was pissed.
During the day, my time was dedicated to training with the girls, absorbing any information I could find, and forming a bond with Lixir, the colossal black dragon. The only moments my mind felt at ease were like now, when I would join the dragon and bask in the peaceful stillness, our mutual presence saying more than words ever could. It was therapy for me.
“Sentia…”
I raised my gaze to Tenia, who stood staring at me in the propped-open doorway. Taking a few steps further into the room, she gracefully lowered herself to the ground and positioned herself in front of me. “You think we should bring it up to Headmaster?” I shook my head and stared at the black mist that surrounded the dragon. Tenia sighed, looking around us. “It’s almost like our lives turned still.”
“It feels like purgatory,” I replied. “I don’t know what to do.”
Tenia ran a hand through her hair. “Lucky for you… I have good news.”
My head popped up, wondering what she had to say. Despite her initial lack of a smile, as she gazed upon my anxious expression, her face suddenly lit up with a wide grin.
“What? What is it?” I leaned forward. “Why are you smiling?”
“Headmaster told me to grab you; we’re going on a mission. You, me, our princes…”
I stood up, my smile widening. “Really!? I get to see Ray again?”
“And I Kale… but… their betrothed are also coming.”
I let out a squeal of excitement, completely disregarding any other information than that I would soon see Ray again. “Finally! I have so much to catch up with him and plan…” I immediately stopped talking, realizing that Tenia was clueless as to Ray and I’s situation, but she just smirked and stood beside me.
“I get it. It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it ha—”
“Sex,” Tenia groaned, “It’s been a while without SEX!”
“Tenia!” I complained, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me as I looked at her.
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you miss it?” Sneaking up behind me, she whispered, “When he touches you...” Her finger trailed down my back, sending a shiver down my spine. “When he kisses you…”
“Tenia, stop!” I walked out of the stable.
She followed me and teased, “Oh sorry, I forgot you aren’t here for love or royalty. But it seems you were really down about not seeing Prince Ray. That much is true.”
“What mission are we going on?” I tried to change the subject. She shrugged and walked forward, leaving me to follow along in irritation.
Walking with Tenia down the hall, we soon heard distant voices, causing her to urgently grab my hand and guide me into a spacious nearby room. The chamber was adorned with a long table, giving it the appearance of a space meant for intense political debates. I didn’t have much time to take in the details, however, as she abruptly pulled me towards a lone dresser, shutting us behind the wooden doors.
“Tenia! What are we doing h—?”
The room soon became flooded with the princes, Headmaster, and the king, who sat at the forefront of the table, and she urgently placed a hand over my mouth as we spied through the crack.
“I just want to hear a little bit…” she whispered before removing her hand from my mouth.
The king cleared his throat before saying, “This is a late meeting, so I apologize to you, my sons. I called you here to discuss the situation of the Kingdom’s Hall.”
“Finally, Father, we have been waiting all month to hear what the trade was between our betrothed and their kingdoms,” Claud sighed.
“The status of Luark is stable for now. We have a lot of villages asking for help, but I do think its beneficial for the kingdoms to become allies,” Ray sighed.
“And yet, my son, you sound rather upset. In fact, you have been avoidant of me, and when you do look me in the eyes, I see your disdain… what is it?” the king ushered.
Kale soon jumped in, breaking the silent tension, “I think Ray is just upset that–”
“Kale, your brother can speak for himself. Unless, you, too, have an issue.”
After a few beats of silence, Kale nodded, boldening himself. “Actually, I do,” he paused, “Father, I don’t understand… and I think Ray also may feel this way... You brought these new women here and neglect the poor girls who competed in your own violent games.”
“Do you not understand politics, my good son?” the king snapped.
The headmaster placed her hand up unexpectedly. “My king, please. Let your sons be honest.”
“And pray tell how do you feel about this Headmaster Anwella? You have been quiet on all my decisions, but it seems when it comes to my sons, you always defend their behavior.”
Headmaster lowered her head. “I am only a trainer for our soldiers and in charge of the harem. I have no say in politics. I will say, of course, that I do not question your intentions, but simply am curious as your motives.”
The king sat back and sighed, ushering for Kale to continue.
“As she says, we cannot go against your rule, and that is not our intention. We just need to understand, as your young sons, why. Perhaps we are simply uneducated when it comes to decisions like this.”
“Since everyone is so curious as to why I’ve chosen to wed you to political figures, allowing me to make myself very clear… Luark is drowning.” There was silence in the room, paired with a sea of shocked faces as the king continued, “Just like you say Ray, the villages aren’t enough, we need actual allies from larger and richer kingdoms. I’d hope that my sons would support my decision as King. Your mother was the one who was closer to the outer kingdoms, but I am someone they aren’t yet sure about. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to prove to them that I am capable. By joining hands, we will strengthen the sanctity of our reputation.”
“Yes…” Headmaster Anwella chimed in, “I believe your boys understand the political side of things, I just think perhaps they still would have liked to choose who they marry.”
“Always defending my sons like a mother, Headmaster Anwella,” the king said with a chuckle, eyeing his sons skeptically. “You’ve all refused to see suitors for the longest of times, and now you are excited? I have tried for years to court you all and now you are ready?” No one spoke up. “That is all I will discuss about this subject. Fix your attitudes and let us talk politics.”
The defeat on Anwella’s face was plain to see.
The king resumed, “Ruella’s father, king of Rhine has actually come back and offered me another 100,000 gold coins for Ruella to be married to the crown prince within a month.” I saw Ray grimace, trying and only partially succeeding to control his expression. The king continued, noticing his behavioral change, “I did not take the coins. A month is too short. The only reason Ruella is betrothed to you, Ray, is because you are the crown prince. Otherwise, if your statuses change, then she would simply belong to the next crown prince.”
Claud leaned over to his brother and whispered, “Want to switch?”
“Enough, my son,” the king interjected, noticing the anger on Ray’s face.
“May I ask why they want to pay us so badly to have Ruella as crown princess? I understand if she becomes queen or even has children with Ray that their alliance would be stronger, but she is the last daughter of the kingdom of Rhine… how exactly is this beneficial to us?”
“Rhine has offered us gold, enough to take care of the kingdom and aid the people with less taxation. Lienel and Kain, Rhona and Triaya’s
“Exports of armory could be useful…” Kale hummed noncommittally.
“Sion and Kiilu might soon have need of it, as their villages engage in skirmishes with the kingdoms in their vicinity.” Ray leaned back and closed his eyes, at least as far as I could tell from my thin view. “So overall, it’s not a bad deal, especially if we promised those two villages protection.”
“My thoughts exactly,” the king affirmed with a smile. “As expected from the crown prince. Now let’s discuss what we should do with the gold inventory given to us by Rhine…”
Ray cleared his throat. “Speaking of which, Father, I think we need to talk about the other girls who engaged in your competition.”
“Your new concubines? What about them?” Tenia and I leaned closer to the peephole, and the king began to take off his overcoat, which the headmaster took.
Ray continued, “I think you need to re-evaluate your decision. What is happening here is that—”
As Headmaster neared the doors of the closet in curiosity, Tenia and I began to shift in panic. Suddenly, our movement led us to lose balance, and we dropped out of the closet, causing the princes and king to stand up. The both of us looked up nervously, holding our heads low.
“Get up,” Headmaster barked with a frown.
We hastily stood, eyes still cast down at our feet.
The king’s growl echoed through the room as he exclaimed, “What is this insolence?!”
Headmaster bowed deeply, her voice filled with remorse. “I am deeply sorry, your Majesty.”
He narrowed his eyes and tipped his head, pointing a stern finger at us. “You may have gotten ideas in these past weeks but mind that you are commoners at this moment. You two need to understand your positions here. Whatever interest you may have in politics, you need not worry about that anymore. Do not do this again, do you hear me?”
We both nodded quickly, earning a weary sigh from him. As we exchanged glances, our wide eyes and raised eyebrows revealed our mutual surprise at escaping any more severe punishment.
Headmaster appeared equally relieved, ushering us toward the door. “We will retreat for now.”
The king gestured with a flick of his hand. “Out.”
I eventually raised my gaze and encountered Ray’s soft expression fixed upon me.
Headmaster ushered us inside the lessons room. As we entered, we noticed Mia’s arms folded in the same defensive stance as always. Throughout the month, her attitude had been filled with a mixture of frustration and yearning for the sight of the prince. She was quiet with her attitude too, which was unusual for her. Yaui, on the other hand, appeared unchanged. While the rest of us were distraught, she seemed more relaxed and adaptable.
Placing her hands on the desk, headmaster smiled at us. “I know you are eager to meet with your princes again, and I fortunately have some news for you on that front. You will see them soon… Not as soon as Tenia and Sentia have… but nevertheless.”
Mia let out a loud gasp, her excitement evident as she squealed and clapped her hands. Observing her cluelessness made me suspicious of Tenia and curious about how she’d known before Mia. Tenia simply smirked under my suspicious look.
“The princes have been away for the past month attempting to conduct damage control with villages that need our help. This is the reason they have not married their betrotheds just yet. Consider yourselves lucky. On behalf of all of you, I have pleaded to the king to continue your training in a somewhat different way so that you can remain closer with your princes and continue your competition. Consider it… shadowing. He has approved my request, so listen closely. There are two villages outside of Luark who do not have their own kingdoms. These villages have their own issues, but I will let the princes explain all that to you. Kale and Ray will be teaming up, as will Claud and Nial.” I cursed in my head, seeing another lost opportunity to fuck with them.
With a wink, Tenia whispered and cheered under her breath, “Sex, sex, sex, sex...” and I jokingly gave her a light hit. It was strange, but Tenia and I were growing remarkably close to each other. The level of vulnerability she displayed while opening up to me was beyond anything I could have imagined. With her composed emotions and playful demeanor, she exuded the qualities of an older sibling. It was refreshing.
“Tenia and Sentia, you will report to your princes immediately. You will be going to the river village, Diaul. I don’t know the nature of your mission, but I can tell you this: Diaul is a port near the ocean. Its population has a density of 200 people and it heavily relies on fishing. However, there seems to be some trouble going on there.” She paused and turned to Yaui and Mia. “Your princes will be sent to the village of Kienel, which primarily relies on hunting in the Gapi forest. As you know, the Nefari originates from there, so they may be having issues with that.”
Mia whined, “Ugh, I was hoping to never even have to see the Nefari!”
Headmaster sighed. “You will have to strengthen your courage. There are monsters in the world worse than that one. Do not fret, though, as you are on this mission, you will learn from your princes. Mia, Yaui, Prince Nial is a master of offensive magic, and Prince Claud is equally a master of defensive magic. Tenia, Sentia. Prince Kale possesses great skill in medicinal magic, while Prince Ray is a master of dark magic. You all are to learn something with each mission you take. And your princes have been chosen for these assignments based on the needs of the mission.” She smiled, a rare occurrence for her. “I know you all will do well. This is a time where you can show your skills to your princes and your king. Do not disappoint them.” With a nod, she concluded, “Alright. Report to your princes.”
As I made my way to Ray’s room, my nerves got the best of me, and I found myself trembling with anxiety. The pounding in my chest was so intense that I had to take deep breaths just to calm myself down. Just as I was about to knock on the door, I heard a faint creaking sound, and realized that the door was already slightly ajar. My curiosity getting the best of me, I couldn’t help but take a quick peek inside. Ray stood still, engrossed in reading a file, his eyes scanning the pages intently. Assuming he was alone, I pushed the door slightly open, only to be startled by the sight of Ruella approaching him, causing him to set aside his file. She leaned in to kiss him, but he dodged it, causing them both to halt. Seeing that, my heart sank, and a heavy feeling settled deep in my stomach.
Closing in on Ray, Ruella’s smile turned sinister, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. She folded her arms in amusement, a smirk playing on her lips. Taking a deep breath, Ray turned towards the witch, their eyes locking in a moment of silent confrontation. She shrugged. “You know the best thing about this entire situation?”
“How the fuck did you convince your father of this travesty? There’s no way you want to marry me. No way…” He gave her a suspicious look, noticing the sly smile that crept across her face in response.
“Surprised? Despite being the last girl in the family, I was able to beg him to marry me to the crown prince. The moment I saw your father at Kingdoms Hall, I immediately wanted to reunite with you.”
“What is your goal here? You know exactly how I feel about you.”
“Yes. What could my goal possibly be? Hmm… maybe to become queen?” she paused. “You should be less worried about my goals and more worried about your father’s rash decisions. Sucks for the girls… I feel so bad for them.”
Rolling his eyes at her hearty laugh, Ray growled, “spoiled ass brat.”
“Exactly. I am spoiled. Rhine is a rich, abundant kingdom, on par with Lunaisia. Your father wants to join hands because it’ll be easy for him politically. Rich allies are great allies. Which is why I can behave however I want. I have nothing to hide, all my cards are on the table.”
