CHAPTER 167: TEA PARTY [PART 1]

"She gave you only a month to deal with them; that short timing, you’re at a big disadvantage here."

"They are all entitled ladies who think so highly of themselves. None I can relate to. This is bad."

Ravyn sat across from me with her legs up on the table. "As you know already, lycans value strength."

"I know."

"So?"

I tipped my head. "Show them strength?"

She nodded. "But that’s the thing, Your Majesty, you already showed strength, you’re goddess chosen, a half snowblood. They see and know you for what you are."

"That’s true, then why is the Dowager so convinced I won’t win if I already somehow have their favor?"

"I don’t know much about politics, never liked it, and never will. But I can tell there’s something shady here."

I thought so too. I got the feeling Dowager had the bet in mind before she proposed it. She knew me already and knew that I wouldn’t easily agree to her, like Diana said, I fell into her trap.

I was on the web already, but my ability to turn the web to my advantage will ensure my victory. But what can I do?

I looked to the skies; it was first light already.

I heard a yawn as Talia stretched. "Oh, it’s morning already."

Talia.

"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" she asked, noticing I had been staring at her for a long time.

An idea flavored my mind.

"My dearest Talia, how would you like to finally get your long-awaited revenge?"

Her eyes slowly went wide, but then she mirrored my dark smirk.

"I say it’s long overdue, Your Majesty."

The first stage have been set, time for the second.

~•~

I was dressed in my royal attire, in my seat, waiting.

Ravyn, Osha, and Talia were behind me, while Diana sat next to me, her hand fan covering her face.

"It begins," She said when she heard the door. "I hope you’re ready."

I didn’t reply, keeping my stern gaze at the door as it opened and the company entered my study.

Sloane was first, like the leader of the crusade.

After several thoughts, I finally realized why the Dowager was confident that I would lose, but I still needed to be sure. Today will solidify my assumptions. I love my evidence, and I’ll get one today.

"Welcome, ladies. I trust the journey here didn’t take too long," I said sweetly.

They were distracted as their awed gaze veered around my study.

"So beautiful!"

"I have never seen such designs."

"This has more books than my library."

"Amazing."

"Ladies!" Sloane reprimanded. "Please behave yourselves, we’re in the presence of the queen."

The ladies collected themselves.

"Your Majesty," Sloane curtsied, and the others followed.

Oh, look at that. There was no need to collect evidence when it was right in front of me.

The Dowager was very certain I wouldn’t win because the inner court was already wrapped around Sloane’s fingers.

"Please, there’s no need to be so tense. You can look as much as you want. It brings warmth to my heart knowing you appreciate the gift my husband gave to me."

Murmurs filled the hall.

Sloane gulped before fixing her smile back on. "Your Highness," she greeted Diana as if to change the flow of attention. "I didn’t think I’d see you here."

Diana flapped her hand fan shut. "It’s nice to see you too, Lady Sloane, but I anticipated your absence, given you didn’t attend the coronation. Why? Too filled with shame that you couldn’t bear to see your future taken away, you?"

"Diana..." I scolded. "We’re not here today to create conflict."

"Tch!" She looked away.

"My house already made an attendance at the coronation, simply demanding my presence is it a bit too much, isn’t it?"

"Of course," I replied.

"Ladies, please have a seat."

Oh, this bitch! Ordering the ladies in my presence? Is she trying to show the power she has?

The ladies obeyed, on their way to have their seats, but I sat up as well as Diana, our actions making them halt theirs.

"This is my first meeting with the inner court as queen, you didn’t think I would have a long, boring day in my study, did you?"

They looked at each other, confused and murmuring amongst themselves.

Sloane eyed me suspiciously.

"Please let us go to my gardens, where I have prepared a tea party."

"Tea party?"

"Oh my!"

"It’s been so long since we have had one."

"That’s very generous."

"I thought I’d spent a whole day here."

"Did she say her gardens, too?"

"I want to see it!"

Sloane had a frown on her face, and I had an amused expression. The disadvantage that Sloane had here was that she had no idea I had read through the profiles of every lady in this room.

They were born with golden spoons, and how do you treat such entitled brats? By becoming one yourself.

"Shall we? I can’t wait to show you the scenery. And also the chef was instructed to cater to each of your needs."

They gasped, excited to see what I had planned for them.

"Settle down, ladies, we have the entire day after all."

~•~

So far, so good. The tea party went well. The setting was marvelous, and they kept complimenting me for it, having such a wonderful time under the big gazebo with their favorite snacks and expensive teas. I met the chef personally for this, ensuring every favorite of the ladies was made, most of the ones they had on special occasions.

Diana was able to get her hands on such a rare gem because during her time in confinement, she had taken her time to read about every event and ball. Her hobbies became the gem I needed to ensure my victory.

But this is just the first step.

"Sloane is not pleased," Diana whispered to me.

"She’s not the center of attention anymore."

No doubt she wanted to show who’s boss during this meeting, but I had turned the tables.