ׂ╰┈➤ 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 : ❝𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐈'𝐋𝐋 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐔𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔.❞
The beautiful Queen of Thorns. A descendant of a ruler of Celestia, yet never fought for it's divine seats laid for the false gods in the mortal...
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chapter three: “the beautiful, tall woman.”
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“MOMMY?”
LUMINE BLURTED out, earning a raised eyebrow from the woman holding her shoulders. There standing before her was a tall woman, wearing a long yet simple black gown. Her slitted eyes were staring back at her bewildered ones as her pale skin glowed under the moonlight's gaze above them. Her face rested an intimidating and stern look whilst her black lips and lime eyeshadow shimmered within it...
"Welcome to the land of Thorns, Travelers. The pleasure is mine," the woman uttered. Lumine's companion was shivering behind her, "Did I startle you, little one? Forgive me for doing so."
"You're so pretty, Ma'am!" The blonde-haired complimented, holding the woman's gloved hands. Then she coughed, realizing her actions, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I was carried away by my bold actions."
"I do not mind, so no need to falter." Her voice was as intimidating as her looks, but there was a gentleness in her tone. "If I may ask, what name do you two go by?"
"I go by the alias Traveler and she's Paimon," the blonde-haired woman introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you, Your Majesty."
"Wonderful names," she chuckled. Then she looked at the children, "Silver dear, why did you bring them into the kingdom?"
"Father sent a commission," the little one replied while handing his guardian the letter. "Pardon me for letting them enter without your knowledge, but they assured me they don't mean any harm towards us. They seem trustworthy."
"HE'S BEING RECKLESS, WAKAI-SAMA! WE SHOULD KICK THESE OUTSIDERS OUT OF THE KINGDOM BEFORE OUR SECRECY WILL BE REVEALED TO THE WHOLE TEVYAT!" Sebek yelled, annoyed by the uninvited visitor's presence. "HUMANS AREN'T ALLOWED IN THIS KINGDOM AFTER ALL!"
"Sebek dear, did you forget Silver is a human, too?" The Queen asked, looking at the other child. The said kid blushed in embarrassment, making her caress her head, "Now, now. Be respectful towards anyone or they won't respect you," she warned.
"Are you the Archon they're talking about?" Paimon finally managed to talk, asking the tall woman specifically. The tall woman glanced at the companion, "I'M SORRY FOR BEING RUDE, MA'AM!" She flinched, returning to hide behind the Traveler.
"I'm the Thorn Archon and Queen of Thorns. I don't like telling my name to strangers, due to our secrecy. Feel free to call me anything you desire. I'm glad to be your acquaintance, my ladies," she curtsied. "If you're trying to find the Flame Archon, I, unfortunately, bear that she already passed away. Either way, you two are here to fulfill Lilia's commission, but I'm afraid he's not here at the moment."
Lumine and Paimon's faces dropped at the news, feeling hopeless that their commissioner is gone. (Name) chuckled at their reactions, seemingly finding their expressions adorable in her eyes. The books weren't lying about the Thorn Archon being nice to someone who doesn't pose a threat to her...
"Don't fret. I'll pay for what my caretaker has bought," she assured. "Please follow me. You're officially the guest of Her Majesty."
"YOU'RE TOO MODEST, WAKAI-SAMA! THESE FILTHY HUMANS DON'T DESERVE TO ENTER YOUR SACRED PALACE!" Sebek interfered.
The Queen knelt in front of the salty child, "Sebek, what did I say about being respectful to guests? I invited them, so it's alright because I trust them. They said it themselves," she explained before passing them. "Guards, please look at Silver and Sebek for now. I'll just tend our guests."
The blonde and white-haired female followed the black-haired Archon. They owlishly looked at her long legs, that's seeming makes her tall enough without those six-inch black heels. The guards opened the palace doors to reveal the eerie, yet luxurious hallway. Relics are either made of jade and gold, or a black carpet, and it seems this castle was always polished...
"Uh, My Queen, can I ask something?" Lumine called for (Name)'s attention. The black-haired woman nodded, "Well... You see, I'm a Traveler seeking my brother and I was wondering if you have some knowledge about him. If you don't answer."
"Aether, is it?"
"So, you do know him?!"
Before (Name) ran away from Khaenri'ah, she met this Traveler who goes by the name "Aether". They have conversed once or twice, but sooner stopped since of her former husband's betrayal. The Queen took a look at Lumine, examining her features...
"Your brother and I have conversed about little things, yet it may not be something helpful for you. All I can say is that he's trying to search for someone, but I don't know who it was," she replied. "My power during my younger days isn't as great as the present me. That's all I know," she continued.
"Finding someone?" The blonde repeated, brainstorming on who her brother was searching for. "That's kinda helpful, Ma'am! Thank you for telling me this."
"Pardon my uselessness, dear."
"IT'S ALRIGHT, YOUR MAJESTY! NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE!" Lumine assured, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden tension between them. She can feel the glares from the passing servants, "This kingdom's scary..."
The black-haired woman tilted her head, "Is it, Traveler?" She asked, her ears fluttering from what she heard. "I do find my land terrifying. What do you think is the reason, hm? You too, dear Paimon. What's your answer?"
"Uh... TRAVELER, SHE'S SO SCARY!" Paimon hissed, almost on the verge of crying.
"She's not..." Lumine whispered, pinching her companion's cheek.
(Name) is used for people being afraid of her Archon form, mischaracterizing her personality using her looks. She wasn't surprised when Paimon was scared of her but was taken aback that Lumine wasn't even afraid of her. The blonde woman was even amazed by her beauty despite the aura she was emitting...
"Your Majesty, this is the amount of mora you wished." One of the servants appeared as they offered a silver plate filled with fifty mora bags. "Each bag contains one thousand mora."
"Thank you. You may leave," (Name) told the servant and took the silver plate. She returned her attention to the conversing travelers, "Paimon and Traveler. As promised, here are your rewards for sending my humble servant's commission."
"NOW WE'RE TALKING!" Paimon cheered, taking the plate from (Name)'s hands. "Can we have this plate as well? Pretty please?"
