I stood before them, four queens on their thrones, a dozen noble ladies watching from the sides.
Queen Mireya gestured lazily at the empty space before her. "Come closer, dear. We want to see you properly."
I took three measured steps forward. Stopped. Kept my hands folded calmly.
"My, my." The second queen spoke. Beautiful, with golden hair and sharp green eyes. Queen Saphine. "White hair. How very... unusual."
"It is certainly uncommon, Your Grace," I said quietly. "I've been told it runs in my mother's bloodline."
"Ah yes. Your mother." The third queen leaned forward. Tall, intelligent-looking. Queen Talienne. "The one who died bringing you into the world. How tragic."
"It was, Your Grace. I wish I could have known her."
"In Nok, didn't they say your hair was cursed?" Queen Mireya's voice was sweet as poison. "That it brought death?"
The room went quiet. Waiting for my reaction.
I kept my voice gentle. "People often look for reasons to explain tragedy, Your Grace. My mother's death was a terrible loss. But it was childbirth complications, not magic."
"How logical of you." Mireya smiled. "Though I'm sure you understand our concern. For the king's sake, of course."
"Of course, Your Grace. Your concern for His Majesty is admirable."
The fourth queen shifted. Pale, with dark hair and cold eyes. Queen Isolde. "Concern for the entire kingdom. Strange omens have consequences."
"I understand, Your Grace. I hope my actions will prove that I'm here to serve Anex, not harm it."
Queen Saphine studied me carefully. "Tell me, how does one end up married to the king without him seeing your face first? That must have been quite... unusual."
I chose my words carefully. "My father made arrangements during a difficult time. His Majesty was gracious enough to accept them."
"Gracious." Queen Talienne's eyes narrowed. "Is that what we're calling it?"
"I'm grateful for His Majesty's kindness, Your Grace. I know I have much to learn about being a proper queen of Anex."
That seemed to mollify them slightly.
Mireya stood, circling me slowly. "That dress. Emerald green. Quite bold for a first appearance."
"I hoped to show respect for the court, Your Grace. I was told green is favored in Anex."
"It is." She paused behind me. I felt her fingers touch my hair. "And this. So white. Like snow."
I kept my voice soft. "It's been this way since birth, Your Grace. I know it's different, but I hope in time it won't seem so strange."
Her fingers tightened briefly, then released. "Different is certainly one word for it."
She returned to her seat. "You're very polite, aren't you?"
"I try to be, Your Grace. I'm the newcomer here. It would be foolish to be otherwise."
Queen Saphine laughed, but there was no warmth in it. "At least she's self-aware."
Lady Seraphina Valcor, one of the noble ladies, stepped forward. Beautiful, with golden curls and a deceptively sweet smile.
"Your Grace, forgive me, but I must ask. Is it true you dined with His Majesty last night?"
The room went completely silent.
I felt every eye on me.
"Yes, Lady Seraphina. His Majesty invited me to dinner."
"In the formal dining hall?" Queen Isolde's voice was sharp.
"In his private chambers, Your Grace."
The words landed like stones in still water.
I watched the shock ripple through the queens. Through the noble ladies.
Queen Mireya's face remained carefully blank, but her knuckles went white on the armrest.
"How... lovely for you," she said softly.
"His Majesty was very kind, Your Grace."
"I'm sure he was." Queen Talienne's voice was cold. "We're only concerned for your wellbeing, dear. The king can be... unpredictable. We've all experienced his moods."
"I appreciate your concern, Your Grace. Truly."
"Do you?" Queen Saphine leaned forward. "Because we've all sat where you're standing. New. Hopeful. Thinking we understood him."
"I would never presume to understand His Majesty, Your Grace. I've only known him three days."
"Good," Queen Isolde said flatly. "Because he's not a man to be understood. He's a conqueror. He takes what he wants and discards the rest."
"I'll keep that in mind, Your Grace. Thank you for the guidance."
Mireya studied me carefully. "You're very calm. Aren't you afraid?"
"Should I be, Your Grace?"
"Most new queens are terrified their first week. You seem almost... comfortable."
I chose honesty. "I'm nervous, Your Grace. But I've learned that showing fear only makes things worse."
Something flickered in Mireya's eyes. Almost like respect. Almost.
"Smart girl." She gestured to Lady Elowen Thriceborne, another noble lady with dark hair. "Lady Elowen, you're close to the king's council. What have they said about our new arrival?"
Lady Elowen curtsied gracefully. "Only that His Majesty seemed... intrigued, Your Grace."
"Intrigued." Mireya's smile was thin. "How wonderful."
She turned back to me. "Let me give you some advice, dear. As the eldest queen here. The king's interest is fleeting. Today he's intrigued. Tomorrow he's bored. Next week he won't remember your name."
"I understand, Your Grace."
"I don't think you do." Her voice dropped. "When he loses interest, you'll be exactly where we are. Forgotten. Ignored. One of many."
"Then I'll endeavor to be useful in other ways, Your Grace. I'm told the library is extensive. Perhaps I can help with administrative matters."
Queen Talienne's eyebrow rose. "You read?"
"Yes, Your Grace. I spent many years studying in Nok."
"Interesting." She exchanged a glance with Mireya. "Intelligence is valuable here. If you're truly intelligent."
"I hope to prove myself worthy of this position, Your Grace."
Lady Maelis Thornwick, a plain but sharp-eyed noble lady, spoke up. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but there's a rumor circulating. That you asked the king for a divorce. Your very first day."
The room went deathly quiet.
Every eye turned to me.
I kept my face serene. "Conversations between husband and wife are private, Lady Maelis. I'm sure you understand."
"Of course," Mireya said softly. "Though I must warn you, dear. Wives who displease the king have a tendency to... disappear."
The threat hung in the air like smoke.
I met her eyes calmly. "Then I'll do my best not to displease him, Your Grace. Thank you for the warning."
"We're not trying to frighten you," Queen Saphine said, though her smile suggested otherwise. "We're trying to help you survive."
"And I'm grateful for it, Your Grace. Truly. I know you have far more experience here than I do."
"Finally, something sensible," Queen Isolde muttered.
Mireya stood again. "You're more diplomatic than I expected. That's good. You'll need it."
"I hope to learn from all of you, Your Grace. If you'll permit it."
"We'll see." She gestured to the other queens. "If there's nothing else—"
The door opened.
A servant stepped inside, bowing low.
"Forgive the interruption, Your Graces. But there is an arrival."
Mireya frowned. "We're not expecting anyone."
"It is the Lady Lyriana Halvek, Your Grace. Daughter of the Prime Minister. She requests permission to pay her respects to the new queen."
The room shifted.
I watched Mireya's expression change. Become almost... pleased.
The other queens exchanged knowing glances.
Something cold settled in my stomach.
"Lady Lyriana," Mireya said slowly, a smile spreading across her face. "How perfect."
She gestured to the servant. "Send her in."
The servant bowed and left.
Queen Talienne leaned back in her seat, her eyes on me. "This should be interesting."
"Very," Queen Saphine agreed, her smile sharp.
I stood perfectly still, my hands folded, my face calm.
But inside, every instinct screamed danger.
The door opened again.
And the servant's voice rang out clearly.
"Presenting the Lady Lyriana Halvek, daughter of Prime Minister Halvek, First Advisor to His Majesty the King."