She opens up the doors and gasps at what lies beyond it. It is another huge room, but this one is long, very long. On both sides, there are pillars made of marble, which are engraved with precious stones, most of which she doesn’t recognize. They lead the way down a deep crimson carpet that leads to what looks like a throne.
Between each pillar, on the walls, are more paintings. The paintings are scenes that Jennifer guesses is the history of the kingdom. Some are gentle pictures of the city she is in and of neighboring towns in the kingdom, and others picture are of bloody battles. There are coronations and births, as well as family portraits. There are so many pictures, and Jennifer wants to look at them all, but she knows there is no time for that. Truth is, she would give almost anything to have a few extra hours to explore the magnificent castle, but that cannot happen.
She rushes down the long room, passing portrait after portrait. The closer she gets to the throne, the more nervous she becomes. She tries to stop her hands from trembling, but fails. She can’t show that she is afraid or Arlette might not believe her. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. When she opens them, there is someone by the throne. She is wearing an extravagant golden floor length dress. She sits down and beckons for Jennifer to come to her.
Jennifer walks fast down the red carpet and stops a few paces in front of the throne where queen Arlette sits. She has a thin, angular face with high cheekbones. She has piercing blue eyes and white-blonde hair that is pinned up into a fancy bun. Her lips are thin and a dull pink and she has little color in her cheeks.
“Sevia Thorne, you are welcome here.” Arlette says, her voice shrill.
“Th-thank you, your highness.” Jennifer replies and bows slightly, not knowing if that is what she is supposed to do.
“Please, call me Arlette. What brings you here? I hope all is well.”
“Yes, quite. Father wished me to bring you a message. He would have brought it himself, but he is far too busy at this present time.” Jennifer tries to speak in the way the people here seem to speak. It was more difficult than she thought it would be.
“What is the message, Sevia?” Arlette asks kindly.
“He wishes t-to,” she stutters.
“There is no need to be nervous.” She prompts.
“He wishes to congratulate you on your victory over Ashaedorel.” Jennifer finishes.
“Is that all? Armandus sent you all this way to congratulate me on my victory?”
“I wanted to finally meet you ‘cause I have heard so much about you. I offered to come.” Slacking off, shouldn’t have said it that way. She thinks.
“Well, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Would you care for some refreshments? You must be famished.” She smiles nicely.
“That would be-lovely.” She says, choosing her words carefully.
“Wonderful, won’t you follow me to the courtyard?”
With that, Jennifer follows Arlette through stunning rooms and corridors until they reach two glass doors. Jennifer walks through the glass doors, following Arlette, who hasn’t said a word for the whole walk to the courtyard.
They walk to the middle of the immense courtyard, following the colorful stone path. They sit down on a white stone bench that is surrounded by spindly bushes with tiny, coral-color flowers and soft green leaves that look like velvet.
Arlette speaks in her sharp voice. “I trust your journey was pleasant?”
“Yes, quite.” Jennifer replies, carefully.
