The Heiress

Chapter 5 - Tea Time

Ashen spun around almost in a jump, just as dazzled as the Viscount.

– How is it even possible? Exclaimed that latter one.

– What do I know! He is not there anymore!

– Calm down, please. Launch a wanted poster on this individual. He is no longer welcome throughout the Kingdom of Bôrn. However, be careful not to include all Jarkhan in this, only this warrior should be barred from our lands.

Hanz nodded and left the corridor at a run. The other Elf turned to her, a worried look on his face.

– You shouldn't be left alone, my Queen, he told her. Who knows if this man does not plan to take revenge for your refusal?

– Do not worry about me that much, Viscount Wilyo. I am more than able to defend myself on my own.

– Sure, but that is not safe. Where do you need to go? Please allow me to at least accompany you there again.

– So do, if you insist. I am going to the west wing.

They resumed their journey, all in silence. The young woman was no longer in the mood for the conversation, far too upset by this tense interview, and even more so by this abrupt disappearance. Still, she could not leave her two new friends like that, and hoped their company would calm her thought, even a little.

When they got to the West Wing, Hannah trotted along there, holding her yellow dress in one hand, a worried look on her face.

– Your Highness!

The redhead stopped in front of her, while the Viscount, after a bow, left. The two women began to walk side by side along the hallway.

– What is going on, Hannah? The sovereign asked, looking at her from time to time.

– Hanz-... Sorry, Captain Herzeben told us what happened. Is everything all right, Your Highness?

Her maid's anxious tone made Ashen smile slightly. They had known each other for years now, and Hannah had become like a little sister to her, despite worrying about her all the time.

– I'm fine, Hannah, so do not worry so much about me. Are the ladies properly seated?

– Yes, my Queen! Our newest tea seems to be a real success, by the way.

– I am delighted to hear it.

They reached the door of the apartments where the two women had been installed, and it was Hannah who knocked there. When a voice gave them permission to enter, she opened it and let the Sovereign pass, whom thanked her with a nod.

– If you need me, Your Majesty, I will be in the hallway, she whispered to her, before leaving.

The decoration of the room was in every way similar to the previous living room, except for the cream and bluish hues which replaced the reddish ones of the other. The two nobles were sitting on one of the sofas, chatting happily, occasionally picking up a cookie from the silver tray in front of them. As soon as they saw Ashen, they got to their feet, almost in a leap, and bowed to her, holding their skirts. The young woman returned the politeness to them, approaching.

– You are back, my Queen! The younger one exclaimed, cheerfully.

– We thank you very much for the hospitality, Your Majesty, these quarters are more than comfortable, said the second.

– You are welcome, dear ones, it is only natural.

As they sat down, she came to take a seat by their side, crossing her legs and looking at them, giving them a smile.

– So everything is to your liking? She asked them.

– Oh yes, the decor is majestic, the blonde nodded. And it's an honor to be able to spend time with Your Majesty!

As Ashen leaned over to grab a biscuit, the elder abruptly changed the subject.

– We have heard what happened, Your Highness, she began. How could this have happened?

Ashen straightened up, leaning her back against the sofa. She sighed lightly, peering out the window for a moment, before her gaze rested on them.

– I haven't the faintest idea, ladies, she told them. But I have confidence in my guards, whether they be those in the castle or those in other towns in our territory, this individual will not get far. So let's change the subject, what do you say?

They nodded, both noticing the anguish it was causing on the sovereign. She brought the cookie to her lips, biting a bite, while the Countess resumed.

– Oh, by the way, we haven't even had time to explain Duchess Inaya's party in more detail!

She finished her bite, and nodded.

– Indeed. I am afraid I haven't understood when it would take place either.

– In four days, my Queen, replied the Duchess. Rest assured, this is a classic evening. But there is a question I need to ask you, to perfect my preparations.

– I am listening, Duchess Inaya.

– Will you come accompanied?

This question did not surprise her more than that, however, it made her hesitate for a moment.

– What kind of accompaniment are you talking about, dear?

– Of a young man, of course. Even though all the men of the Kingdom will want to escort you and dance with you during the ball, it goes without saying.

They smiled, but this bothered her: who was she going to go with? She shook her head negatively, suddenly stressed by the idea.

– Unfortunately, I am afraid I do not have anyone in mind to fill this role.

– Come on, do not worry about that, the younger one reassured her.

– Countess Zeyen is right. Let's talk of something else.

A few minutes passed, before it became an hour, then two, during which they discussed various topics, including what was going on in Bôrn at the moment, the Treaty that Zilt Qashov had put in place with Wran, as well as news from other Kingdoms. Ashen was more relaxed now, although still a little shaken by the anguish she had had earlier in her interview with the messenger.

Their conversation ended when there was a knock on the door, and when the Queen saw it was Hanz, out of breath from a previous race, her heart leaped in her chest.

– My Queen, you must come as soon as possible!