Royal Mystery

Chapter 12: Nonchalant

Adrian returned from the queen's room, his expression grim despite hearing what the queen said. He has never seen her like this, even though he can't tell what's reallying going on in her head. It is clear she is disheartened, if it was another person..., but it was Sera — Sera!.

"How is she holding up?" Thomas asked.

"All she said was, 'wait, just wait,'" Adrian sighed.

"Have you considered her? Do you think she can keep it together?"

"The queen?" Adrian tilted his head a bit. "Yes, but there's little to ponder. Whoever's behind this won't escape unscathed."

"Do you think she can confront them all with her demonic nature?"

"She could set the world ablaze if she wished. She's utterly relentless," Adrian replied.

Elder Thomas shook his head. "She always does this when she's angry. If she can't control something, she destroys it. It's both her strength and her weakness."

"Is the queen okay?" Alex asked, his worry evident. He approached the two discussing.

Adrian's expression changed, but he ignored the question.

Alex had been feeling increasing tension between him and Adrian. It wasn't like this before. He couldn't understand why Adrian was angry with him. He hadn't chosen to be involved in this conflict.

Feeling overwhelmed, Alex decided to leave the crowded courtroom and get some fresh air in the garden. As he walked, his mind raced with thoughts of finding a way to go back home, he had work diligently at the Clan and everyone praised him, their economic and their trades are now doing far better but still she refuse to at least acknowledge that she would let him return, what exactly does she want.

Unexpectedly, Alex came across Ivana as she was returning from the garden. Her expression was the same as any other day, as if nothing had happened—like she hadn't killed hundreds of men or lost Sera to kidnapping.

"Your Majesty!" Alex called out, hesitating slightly.

"Oh, Alex," she replied, her voice flat as she stopped and stared into his eyes. Her gaze was so intense it made his nerves stand on end.

"Are you alright?" he asked, trying to read her expression.

"Why wouldn't I be?" she replied nonchalantly.

"I mean, with Sera gone, it must be hard," Alex said, his voice tinged with concern.

"Hard? For me?" she scoffed. "There will always be a replacement for Sera."

Alex couldn't believe his ears, how could she just say that, only a few weeks in the Clan everyone told him that she really adored Sera but yet, she is really heartless. But what unsettled him more was the way she was staring at him—intently, as if probing his very soul.

"Is there something wrong?" Alex asked, his voice faltering.

"Alex, who are you?" she asked suddenly, her tone cold and calculating.

"What do you mean?" he stammered.

"I find it strange how we met at the marketplace, and coincidentally, you turned out to be an economic expert. Strangely enough, the king was able to locate us back when they tried to arrest us. There's no way they could have known where this place is unless someone told them."

"What are you saying?" Alex stammered, his fear rising. "Why would I do that? Aren't you the one who brought me here?"

"I can go from nice to evil in the next few seconds, so answer me sincerely," she replied, her expression still nonchalant. It was impossible to tell if she was joking.