Celestial Discord

Chapter 23- Queen Tali

Looking at her, Tali definitely fit the position of queen. She had wild green eyes and sleek black hair similar to Ainia, but hers was cut shorter, reaching to around her neck. She wore the same woodland clothing most of the Amazons did, but what separated her was the jewelry. She had on a diamond necklace and pristine diamond earrings.

I was going to explain our situation when Mr. Reginald stepped forward. I guess he felt as the most mature of the group it's his job to do the introductions. Or maybe he just didn't want us to say something to offend her.

Mr. Reginald kneeled on one leg, put a fist over his heart and looked up at her in a respectful manner. "Thank you for having us, Queen Tali of Proeliumeis. We come from the Price mansion at the far end of the forest, nearing the city."

She cocked her head but her hardened expression didn't change. "Oh? You're giving me even less reason to spare your lives. We Amazons and you pampered weaklings don't exactly have good history if I recall correctly. Did something occur to make you seek refuge here? If so, leave immediately."

But Mr. Reginald didn't flinch. "Yes ma'am, it is true we didn't start on the best of terms, but we're looking to change that."

"We're? Clearly you're not acting on your own then. So you must be little more than a puppet."

I could feel the venom in her tone. She didn't hide the fact that she wasn't enjoying our company. I'm sure if she had her way, we'd all be dead right now. Although it seems like something is stopping her from outright slaughtering us. Maybe a custom within Amazon tradition?

"We are simply messengers here to relay a message from our lord." I could see sweat rolling down Mr. Reginald's forehead.

"I see. Well if I were to take you seriously, you would already be dead."

Silence filled the room. I looked at Mr. Reginald, who was holding his breath, waiting for the queen's next action.

Her eyes grew colder. "I believe a custom in your society as far as introductions are concerned is to reveal one's identity. I have discarded my own cultural beliefs to accommodate you trespassers who wandered into my house unannounced and introduced myself, but it seems you aren't willing to do the same. Why should I listen to any of the filth that comes out of your mouth?"

Mr. Reginald looked down at the ground and took a deep breath. Then he re-established eye contact with the woman gazing down on us from atop her throne.

"You are right. Even though it was not my intention, I have been rude to your highness." Mr. Reginald stops straight up and placed his hand over his heart once again. "I am Reginald Alexander of the Price mansion and I serve a man called Gideon Price. Mr. Price wishes to establish trade with you and your kingdom."

"Much better. However the words of an outsider are meaningless. Do you have any material proof?"

Mr. Reginald raises his hand out towards me and Tucker. "To show his seriousness, Mr. Price has tasked his two sons to venture to your kingdom."

I bowed and Tucker followed.

"I am Arthur Price, first son of Gideon Price and the heir to the house." It's been so long since I had to introduce myself like this. I hated how it felt, flaunting my superiority over others. It felt gross. But at this moment it was necessary to keep us alive.

"I am Tucker Price, second son of Gideon Price." Tucker said.

"Your names hold no weight here. Unless you hold an object to prove your words, everything you say is invalid."

I stood up and started walking to the queen, which was probably reckless on my part. In the corner of my eyes I saw two Amazon women who I didn't know were there before draw their bows, targeting me. I kept walking at the same pace, hoping they wouldn't shoot. Fortunately, the queen raised a hand, as if to say 'let him be'.