Elwanda

Chapter 17 - Fish Ponds and A Fallen Statue

The week drew to a slow end.

Raegros presented luxury after luxury that stunned and fascinated Elwanda every time. In that week, she felt lucky to have visited the wealthy kingdom albeit in a guise because the privileges of a royal family were endless and unbelievable.

Her favorite thing to do during the daytime was go on long leisurely afternoon strolls around the wonderful palace with the Ladies of the Court. They all played company to the Queen, whom she met on the second day of her stay.

True to rumors and inside gossip, Queen Shailene was a wonderful sight. She stood a few inches taller than nearly every woman present at the castle, with sloping shoulders and broad hips that showed in whatever she wore. Her short hair – curls as dark as coals– was always tousled as if she'd just gotten out of bed. Unlike her husband, King Xainiss, she wore a lot of jewelry. A slender crown carved to resemble drooping icicles and dotted with rubies often graced her head. She spoke in a sing-song tone that drew attention fast, and the sound of her laughter, even heard from a long distance, was hilarious.

Because of the Steward's warning, Elwanda stayed away from the woman immediately after they were introduced, opting to hover everywhere as casually as possible.

A delightful picnic would often mark the end of every stroll. Because of it, Elwanda was introduced to exotic kinds of meat, like freshwater toad, stewed pigeon, peacock, octopus, milkwood bugs, and salty cacti.

To her utmost surprise, nothing tasted horrible.

Also, she was treated to several kinds of pastry that locals did not have easy access to, teas of different flavors, and special kinds of water.

More often than not during a picnic, the royal jeweler would send a display of new jewelry for the Queen to look through. Some of the gemstones were ancient and too precious to be seen by common eyes.

As a result of the Ladies having voted for her to get the jewelries she desired greatly, Shailene purchased and handed out five rare pieces each to every one of them.

In that instance, attention had veered to Elwanda for a moment.

"It is the Lady Dove that should have your thanks the most, your Majesty." Lady Emory retold, gripping a glass-like necklace with a large smile on her face.

Shailene showed gratitude by bestowing ten pieces of jewelry to Elwanda inside a black box.

"It's awfully kind that you would defend the needs of another woman in her absence." Shailene commented, her eyes becoming pleased slits. "Thank you, Lady Dove Dale."

"The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty." She had responded.

Other than long strolls, picnics and exotic meals, Elwanda was invited to exclusive sports and games as well. From these events, she learned the names of all the Lords in King Xainiss's council and the seventeen towns that make up Raegros.

"Baytown, Nortown, Freytown, Westtown, Moortown, Beltown, Oaktown, Hollowtown, Rosetown, Dracmont, Rosemont, Estermont, Edgemead, Faycrest, Swynice, Ashkeep, and Meadowheart."

Elwanda recited the names while Fylve took the flowery pins out of her hair to be able to brush it properly.

"Celeste was right about your brilliance, my lady." Fylve sounded genuinely impressed. "It's awesome how much you've learned in such short time."

She traced a finger across the neat table, her mood suddenly dampening. "Not everyone seems to think so."

Evenings saw a great feasting, music, entertainment, jokes, and boisterous conversation. At some point during each dining, the men would be excused to join King Xainiss in a separate room, where matters of state was discussed at length, leaving the banquet hall to be chaired by Queen Shailene.