Celestial Discord

Chapter 46- Ambitious Ruler

   I waved. "Uh hi, Queen Tali."

Above me, Queen Tali sat on her throne, her head resting on her fist, looking at me with an admittedly intimidating demeanor. It made me question just how much Ainia's earlier words could be trusted. Her face oozed disapproval of my sudden appearance.

"I'll admit it," she started in more of a casual tone, "I didn't expect you to be back here so soon." Unlike before, her voice was one of curiosity and wonder.

I laughed nervously.

"So," she said sitting up in her seat, "as I asked before, what are you doing here? Or rather, what do you want?"

"I'm surprised you knew I was going to ask for something."

"One doesn't simply come to the Proeliumeis and meet the queen to 'chat'. Especially when said queen has forced you to fight to the death for entertainment."

At least she's aware what she does is wrong. She just doesn't care.

"I don't particularly hold that against you though." I said.

She looked at me keenly for a moment and then sighed. "It only makes it sadder knowing that you aren't lying."

"Ahah, I just don't really hold grudges like that."

"Well, spit it out." She switched to her earlier, more serious demeanor. "What is it you want?"

"I want you to tell me about the war between the Amazons and nobles. More specifically what started it."

She stared at me inquisitively, like I was a puzzle piece she couldn't find where to fit. "Why do you want to know?"

"I learned a little about it asking an, um, peer of mine so to speak, but I want to hear the other side of the story. I don't believe the people of Proeliumeis are just brainless barbarians that just want to destroy everything. Not to mention I feel I'll get a less biased opinion from you."

"I suppose I should thank you for not seeing us as mindless savages, though I can't promise such a compliment will have an impact on how I treat you in the future." She smiled. "Entertainment is entertainment after all."

Good to know she's scary as usual.

"Your talk of bias however, is hopeful at best and childish at worst. There exist no person capable of giving objective opinions. Even facts given are usually sprinkled with bias to reflect their own perspective."

Err, bad choice of words maybe?

"Regardless, as it would have it, I am not busy today, so I'll indulge in you trying to uncover this 'mystery'. Not that I particularly care about what you discover."

I gleamed. "Thank you!"

Queen Tali raised from her throne and began walking down the stairs. "Come, we'll discuss this in another room. This'll give us much needed privacy and will give my unpredictable little sister time to remember that you exist and and need to be brought home."

Wait, where is Ainia? I haven't heard her or Baihu since I walked in. I turned around and was only met with blank stares from Min and Rin.

She just vanished?

"Didn't hear her leave, did you? You'll get accustomed to it soon."

Having not been here in a few weeks, I'd forgotten how tall Queen Tali was. She was about as tall as Roxanne's brother but more ferocious and her wild emerald eyes gave her an unpredictable feel.

"Come." She started walking to the hall on the right without looking back.

My brain lagged before realizing she was leaving me behind and I sprinted over to her.