Royal Mystery

Chapter 3: Sleep

It was yet another day, shrouded in the cloak of uncertainty. Outside, the sky stretched wide and clear, the sun casting its golden rays through the billowing curtains of her chamber. Yet within, the queen lay ensconced in the embrace of sleep, her slumber uninterrupted by the cares of the world, the most peaceful time of the day for her.

For Queen Ivana, sleep was a sanctuary, a refuge from the demands of ruling her kingdom. Some might question how she could rule effectively when she cherished her rest above all else. But to Ivana, she can't explain why once she touches her bed it's just irresistible to leave it, unless some annoying someone, comes along.

As the sunlight danced upon her peaceful form, one could almost envy the peace that enveloped her. How could one so deeply immersed in the world of dreams wield the scepter of power? Yet those who knew her understood that behind closed eyes lay a mind sharp and astute, capable of navigating the most treacherous of political waters.

In the quiet tranquility of her chamber, Queen Ivana still reigned supreme, her kingdom bending to her will even in the depths of her slumber. She doesn't even flick a finger for everything to run smoothly in her clan.

"Your Majesty! Wake up!" A voice called out, but there was no response. "For God's sake, why do you always make me do this, every morning?" Sera added with a hint of frustration. A low groan escaped the queen as she shifted away from Sera's voice. "Please, come back in the next hour."

"Your Majesty, you have to visit the King of the East today—remember!" Sera urged, emphasizing the importance of the queen's impending task.

"I've changed my mind; we'll go next week," the queen replied, her voice muffled by the plushness of her bedding. She seemed to sink even deeper into the comfort of her bed, showing no sign of urgency.

"Look, you're the queen—many look up to you. Isn't it a pity that you can't even try to be punctual?" Sera declared, her frustration evident in her tone. But the queen only groaned in response, determined to continue her slumber as she clutched her pillow the more, hoping that she would just go away.

Sera glanced at her mistress, pondering once again the strange characters of the queen. Beyond her formidable abilities, this penchant for rest seemed almost like a sickness—an anomaly in the common royal duties. She is full of contradictions and yet, she hates it when anyone does it to her, the irony is quite frustrating. It's quite difficult to unravel the mysteries of the queen, nobody can, she won't allow it.

"I will get the water again," Sera threatened, her tone firm.

"Sera, we may be friends, but if you dare sprinkle water on me, I will burn your intestines and blood will flow through your eyes—literally," the queen replied, her threat delivered with a casual nonchalance. Yet, to Sera, it held a little weight of danger, even though she is the closest to her. Although the queen could be a little amiable to all, crossing her could unleash a wrath as fierce as the fires of hell. Her threats, even the casual ones, were not to be taken lightly.

Sera stood still, watching her beloved queen choose sleep over her duties once again, knowing that to challenge her further would be to invite consequences she dared not face. Not now at least, she has her ways to keep the queen in check.

Sera continued to contemplate, her mind racing with ideas on how to rouse the queen from her slumber. "Hmm," she murmured to herself, lost in thought.

"What?" The queen's curiosity was piqued by Sera's contemplative tone.

"Ah, nothing," Sera replied hastily, realizing she had been caught in her reverie.

The queen turned and opened one eye, fixing Sera with a curious gaze. "Seriously, if you don't have anything important, please go," she urged, her patience wearing thin.