The Tyrant's Queen

23: two scarecrows

"Your Majesty. Here is the scroll containing information on the ladies, as you've requested.

"And this is the scroll containing commonly asked questions during the interviews." Matia placed two scrolls on Thalia's tea table.

"Thank you."

"May I ask why you've requested for them?"

To completely, emotionally detach herself from the concubine selection process. And therefore, to fulfill her duty as queen.

Thalia smiled slightly.

"The selected lady will be by His Majesty's side much of the time, and she will have influence on my country. Then I must ask good questions."

At the response, Matia leveled Thalia with a steady gaze.

"Or do you think it is not my place?" Thalia grimaced, sheepishly.

Was it obvious, that she was attempting, so feebly, to be as professional and dutiful as possible?

In an attempt to conceal her discomfort interviewing her husband's second officially chosen woman?

"I merely hoped to do my part. But if you think it not proper-"

"No, Your Majesty. Apologies. I am surprised and glad you treat the process with sincerity."

A barely detectable- but certainly present- smile graced Matia's lips. "Please feel free to ask any questions."

"Thank you- in fact, I do have a question. It wouldn't be desirable to ask questions that His Majesty wouldn't. It would've been good to have a meeting with him to be on the same page, but he seems busy."

Or, uninterested. "You've seen him since he was a young boy, Matia. Based on what you know of him...can you think of questions he would- or wouldn't- want asked?"

Matia's smile faded, as she lowered her gaze to the scrolls.

"The boy I saw growing up...is too different from the man I see now, Your Majesty. I'm afraid I cannot predict the next word that he might speak."

"He was always a good boy. So kind-hearted, soft-hearted and so forgiving, the palace maids and myself were always anxious he was too good for the turbulence of the palace."

Of course. Qilla's characterization of the young Lucien had bewildered Thalia.

"Oh." Thalia wet her lips. "People say he's changed. Considerably."

"A boy who's gone through what he has... It would be odd if he didn't transform beyond recognition, Your Majesty."

There seemed to be a shine in Matia's eyes, but it was gone before Thalia could take a closer look. "And it is a miracle he is as intact as he is now."

~ * ~

Thalia couldn't help but steal glances at the clock hanging on the wall of the guest room.

Adjustments must've been made to its workings, or its tick, tock, tick, tock couldn't be this loud, the only sound filling the room where Thalia sat with the two candidates to the concubine position.

Lucien should've been here approximately twenty minutes ago.

Clearing her throat, Thalia took another sip from her tea cup. It'd already been refilled twice, and was emptied again.

The two ladies were, beyond question, beautiful. One of them had lustrous brown hair, a long, slim face and gentle demeanors. She was Lady Seisel.

Another, had exquisitely braided blond hair, and a cool, assured air about her. She was Lady Estera.