"Celeste, I must not remind you again; I am still the Queen of this palace." Queen Morgana's voice is sharp, laced with years of authority. "I built this royal house alongside my husband, the King, and my authority still stands over you and the Crown Prince."
She sits in her grand chamber, her golden robe draped around her like a battle shield. Her piercing gaze drills into me as if she expects me to shrink under her words. A guard had summoned me an hour ago, but I had been deep in my studies in the library. I refused to be rushed. Now, here I am, listening to yet another lecture from a woman who refuses to accept change.
"I don't know who's putting it in your head that you can challenge me here; taking initiatives without any notice," she continues, her voice rising.
I remain silent, knowing nothing I say will satisfy her. Since the Christmas Ball, her complaints have been endless - Celeste this, Celeste that. It's exhausting.
When she finally stops ranting, I incline my head slightly, the perfect picture of royal politeness. "I've heard you, Your Majesty," I say simply before turning and walking out.
I don't hurry. I never do. Let her stew in her frustration.
I make my way toward my private garden, one of the few place I truly find peace in this suffocating palace. As I walk, the palace staff stop what they're doing to greet me.
"Your Highness!" A maid bows deeply.
"Your Highness!" Another follows, eyes downcast as they rush about their duties.
Unlike Liliana, who used to strut through the palace with an entourage like a peacock, I prefer to walk alone. I don't need to be paraded around like a fragile ornament. Esther accompanies me when I allow it, but my security is never compromised; guards are stationed discreetly around the palace, watching.
As I step into the lush greenery of my garden, the scent of fresh roses and jasmine fills the air. But even here, the queen's words linger in my mind.
She's threatened.
And she should be.
Ever since Christmas, Queen Morgana's movements in the palace have become... calculated. Subtle, but suspicious.
She's made two new hires; one a personal beautician, who now spends hours making her look younger and more glamorous. Good for her. The other? A young, pretty woman who lingers around, yet her purpose remains unclear.
I don't trust it.
I'm lounging on the swing in my garden, letting the cool breeze soothe me, when I spot Esther approaching with a determined stride. Her expression gives her away; she has something to say.
"Your Highness," she greets, bowing slightly.
I arch a brow. "What is it?"
She smirks, leans in slightly, and lowers her voice. "It seems the Queen brought Shea here for something shady."
I sit up a little. "Who's Shea?"
"The tall one. The second new staff she hired," Esther whispers.
I frown. "Something shady like what?"
"I can't say yet, but my source overheard the Queen teaching her etiquette."
I chuckle. "Etiquette? That doesn't prove anything shady, Esther," I say, giving her a look.
But she shakes her head, firm. "You don't get it, Princess. The Queen has never bothered teaching any staff etiquette. Not once. I've worked here for six years, and if someone lacks manners, she simply doesn't hire them. That's the Queen for you."
I give it a moment's thought. It's... odd.
But I push it aside. I have more important things to focus on. My final law exams are around the corner. Whatever game Queen Morgana is playing, I'll deal with it after I secure my future.
***
I rise from the swing, stretching slightly before heading back to my library. Esther follows, a step behind as always.
But just before I reach the entrance, I spot her.
Shea.
The very girl we were just discussing. She strides towards us with an air of casual arrogance, her gaze straight ahead, completely ignoring my presence.
I intend to let it slide. Really, I do. But something inside me disagrees.
I turn sharply.
Esther, already sensing my irritation, steps forward instantly.
"Hey, you! Come right back here and greet the princess!" Esther commands, her voice sharp.
Shea halts but doesn't turn immediately. Instead, she tilts her head slightly, as if bothered by the demand. Then, she turns halfway, eyes skimming over Esther like she's invisible.
And then, just like that, she moves to walk away again.
Before I can react, a guard materializes from the shadows. A strong hand grips Shea's arm, yanking her back with a force that makes her stumble slightly.
"Show some respect," the guard growls. "Greet the princess. Properly."
Shea straightens, her jaw tightening. Her eyes are dark and unreadable, finally meet mine.
"Good evening, Your Highness," she mutters.
The guard isn't satisfied. "Properly!" he barks.
A tense silence follows. Then, slowly, Shea bows. Not deep, not entirely submissive but enough.
I say nothing. I simply turn on my heel and walk away, my silence louder than any rebuke.
Behind me, I hear the guard's final warning.
"Next time you see the princess, and you don't greet properly, I will beat you up."
Shea doesn't respond. But something tells me, this isn't over.
As I step into the library, I push thoughts of Shea aside and focus on my studies. But before I can even sit, Esther rushes in behind me, her face pale.
"Your Highness…" she hesitates, glancing towards the door as if afraid someone might be listening.
I frown. "What is it?"
She leans closer. "I just heard something. About Shea."
I set my book down slowly. "Go on."
Esther swallows hard. "She's not just any maid. She's been trained, by the Queen herself. And rumor has it… she's not here to serve."
A chill creeps up my spine.
"Then what is she here for?" I ask, my voice quieter now.
Esther hesitates, then whispers, "To replace you."
I don't move. I don't speak. But deep inside me, something shifts.
I might have just met my first real enemy in this palace.