Echoes of Her Past

Chapter 6: A Queen's Command

The opulence of the Elyndor palace seemed almost suffocating in its grandeur, a constant reminder of the role Lara had been thrust into. As she walked through the echoing corridors, her thoughts were preoccupied with the challenges ahead, the weight of her new responsibilities pressing heavily on her shoulders.
Her steps faltered as she passed a room, the sound of moans and the unmistakable noises of passionate activity reached her ears. A jolt of shock ran through her, but she forced herself to remain composed. With a deep breath, she pushed open the door, only to find her husband, Kal, entwined with her lady-in-waiting, Ali. The sight was jarring, but Lara's reaction was calm and collected.She closed the door gently, the sounds abruptly cutting off as if her presence had sucked the life out of them. Her face was a mask of controlled composure, but inside, she felt a cold resolve settling over her. There was no surprise, no anger—just a sharp focus on the tasks that lay ahead.Later, Lara found herself in a meeting with Lady Ali, another of her new lady-in-waiting. Ali, a meek and timid woman, seemed nervous yet bold, as if trying to assert herself in a situation that clearly intimidated her.The conversation started awkwardly, but soon Ali's boldness became evident. "Your Majesty," she began hesitantly, "I must ask—how do you plan to balance your duties as queen with your responsibilities as a wife? Surely, you must understand the expectations placed upon you."Lara's eyes narrowed slightly, her regal demeanor never wavering. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze icy and commanding. "And whom, may I ask, do you serve, Lady Ali?"The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Ali's eyes widened, and she hesitated before stammering, "I—I serve you, Your Majesty."Lara nodded, her expression cold and unwavering. "Indeed. And I expect you to understand your place."Without another word, Lara signaled for her attendant to fetch Kal. The palace guards were soon dispatched to find the king, and within moments, Kal arrived, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern.Before Kal could fully enter the room, Lara stepped forward, her movements precise and deliberate. With a sudden, sharp motion, she struck Kal's face with the back of her hand. The slap echoed through the room, a stark reminder of her authority. Kal's face turned, a mixture of shock and pain etched on his features.Turning back to Ali, Lara's eyes were cold and unwavering. "I am the queen," she said, her voice steady and commanding. "I am who you serve."Her gaze turned back to Kal, her expression now a mask of controlled satisfaction. "Guards," she called out, her voice carrying the weight of finality. "Seize Lady Ali. Execute her in front of the king."The command was met with immediate action. The guards, trained and loyal, moved swiftly, restraining Ali as she cried out in terror. Kal watched, stunned, as Lara maintained her composure, a wry smile curling on her lips.As the guards prepared to carry out her order, Lara's gaze met Kal's, her smile widening slightly. There was no trace of hesitation in her eyes, only a steely determination that spoke of her resolve to assert her authority and enforce her rule.The chamber fell into a tense silence, the air thick with the gravity of the moment. Lara's smile remained, a chilling reminder of the power she now wielded and the lengths she would go to maintain control.