A few meters behind the royal carriage, the second carriage was moving at a brisk pace, carrying Rachel, Mariella, and a trusted court advisor. The two maids, unaware of the kingdom's troubles, were thrilled at the prospect of reaching the province and witnessing the preparations for the most important event of the winter. To celebrate another year of prosperity, in the harshest and coldest times, a symbolic hunt was held, attended by many of the kingdom's nobles. In past years, prominent figures from foreign kingdoms had also attended. The timing that year seemed slightly earlier, but the two maids hadn't had a chance to consider why everything had been rushed.
After all, they had other things to worry about...
The evening Rachel had left the princess's room, in the presence of the queen, she had rushed to Mariella, ready to recount every detail of Snow White and Grimilde's interaction. The two had initially argued about the importance of privacy, but then Mariella had become enthralled by the story.
During the carriage ride, unfortunately, they couldn't talk about it openly, but they continued to exchange knowing glances. The rest of the journey went smoothly, and within a quarter of an hour they found themselves at the gates of the Marquis of Terran's grand house. It was located not far from the city, but clearly separated from it. In Snow White's eyes, this was natural: after all, Quentin Sorton was haughty, proud, and arrogant; hewouldn't mix with the commoners.
The princess couldn't stand people like him.
At the entrance, they were greeted by numerous guards and the Marquis himself, with the house and the staff looming behind him. The butler and housekeeper stood directly behind the Sorton family, their expressions impassive and cold. Inside, they were surprised by the queen's sudden arrival. They wouldn't have said anything, not even to each other, but they were frightened for some reason.
"I see they're happy to receive us." Astrael chuckled, preparing to open the door and let the queen out. Grimilde glanced around, immediately noticing Sorton's tense smile and stiff posture. A grin spread across her face.
"They'll be truly delighted when we banish the Marquis from these lands." Astral whispered, smiling to the queen.
"Your Majesty."
The Marquis's chief guard approached the carriage and bowed slightly. He was a trustworthy young man, with sharp but sincere eyes and the powerful posture of a knight. "We will take care of the carriage and horses. We are honored to be able to protect and assist you in person."
He straightened and met the queen's pleased smile. "I imagine you know I practice swordsmanship in my spare time. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to compete with you."
The knight's lips parted in surprise, but said nothing, remaining fixedly staring at the queen for a moment. When Snow White approached the regent, the young soldier stiffened and bowed again: "Your Royal Highness..."
"May I also be able to watch the training, Your Majesty?" The sweet girl dazzled everyone present as soon as she stepped out of the carriage: her beauty was truly extraordinary, as the rumors had said. Her doe-like eyes would enchant anyone, and the queen knew this well. "Certainly, Princess." Grimilde smiled at her and then turned to the Marquis, who had set off to join the royal family.
"Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, it is a great honor for us to host you in our humble abode." Sorton bowed and smiled graciously, perfectly concealing his true nature beneath his noblemanly appearance.
The Marquis's wife appeared more stern than him, but the pleasantries flowed smoothly. Hosting the regent on such short notice had been a significant challenge for the Sortons, but nothing irremediable. The hours passed, and the convivial gathering quieted in the evening, after dinner in the most beautiful room in the house, with the queen at the head of the table and the princess to her right. The rooms where the princess and queen would reside were separated by only a few meters, which was ideal for the two women. Grimilde would always be ready to act in case of danger, reuniting with the princess to ensure they were not separated.
Considering the long journey, the Sortons invited the royal family to rest in the rooms prepared for them. With this excuse, they could check the area, making sure there was no dangers. Astrael would obviously take care of this task, since he could disappear whenever he wanted with his powers. The queen wouldn't admit it out loud, but he was useful.
The princess walked behind the queen, followed by her maids and a royal palace guard.
"Rachel, Mariella?"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"You are free to return to your rooms. After all, you must be tired from the journey we've made." The princess's smile at her friends was more rigid than usual, perhaps because she was aware of the numerous ears that would be listening to her conversations from now on. Finding herself in the wolf's den meant being cautious and ready for anything at any time of the day. Snow White and Grimilde didn't know who they could trust, so they assumed they were alone in enemy territory.
Rachel and Mariella looked at each other quietly: they would have liked to take the opportunity to speak with the princess, but it wasn't the right time. Everyone locked themselves in their rooms, and silence fell over the Marquis's residence, though the tranquility was soon shattered the next morning...
~•~•~•~•~
What will happen?