CHAPTER 81: THE GARDEN

The morning light fell softly through the tall windows of the Queen’s chamber, but the atmosphere inside was far from warm.

All the maids around could tell the Queen wasn’t in a good mood, not like she had been ever since the nuptial ceremony.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Rhynera greeted, lowering herself to her knees.

Her voice was low, though her fingers trembled slightly as she held the tray having the Queen’s morning tea.

It’s a custom for the crown princes to do this every morning after the nuptial ceremony.

She stretched out her arms, offering the cup of tea toward Queen Sephora.

The Queen’s eyes swept over her with a scornful expression. Without a word, she leaned forward to take the cup.

But just as Rhynera’s hands left the cup, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting suddenly pulled her hands back, as if she had changed her mind.

The cup slipped and hit the ground with a sharp clink, hot tea splattered in all directions.

Rhynera gasped and instantly dropped down, her knees hitting the floor. "I... I am sorry!" she stuttered, quickly reaching toward the broken pieces.

"You!" Queen Sephora’s voice thundered through the hall as she rose from her throne-like seat. The force of her tone made Rhynera’s heart pound.

"It’s just your first day without Lady Freya’s guidance," She spat, "and you are already making a fool of yourself! Is this how a Crown Princess behaves?"

"I... I am so sorry..." Rhynera bowed low, pressing her forehead to the cold floor in desperation. She hoped, just hoped, that this display would soften the Queen’s anger.

She had practiced everything and was good with it but this morning’s saga had made her almost lose her sanity. If she were in her realm she bet she would leave her chambers for that day.

But Queen Sephora’s voice only grew harsher, "Sorry? Do you think ’sorry’ will make you worthy of the throne? You don’t even have the grace to serve tea properly. How will you serve this realm?"

The words hit harder than any slap could. Rhynera’s hands tightened into fists against the floor, her chest burning with shame.

"I don’t think you are fit to be the Crown Princess," Sephora continued, her voice like a blade. "Perhaps I should speak to my son about finding someone more... capable."

Rhynera’s lips parted, the urge to defend herself burning in her throat but before she could speak, Queen Sephora waved her hand. "Leave. Now."

Her pride was in tatters, but she forced herself to rise, bowing deeply before retreating from the chamber.

****

She finally got outside and the cold corridor greeted her, and so did Mia.

"My lady..." Mia began, stepping forward to steady her. But before her hand could touch Rhynera, a sharp crack echoed. Rhynera had slapped her.

Mia stumbled back, eyes wide.

"You ruined me!" Rhynera’s voice shook with fury. "Don’t you dare try to apologize after what you have done!"

Mia lowered her head, her cheeks burning from both the slap and the humiliation.

"I will destroy all of you," Rhynera hissed through clenched teeth, her voice low but filled with hate.

"That includes Lumina... and that throne you all think makes you untouchable. I will make sure none of you stand above me."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and marched toward the guest wing leaving Mia confused as to what had transpired.

Halfway down the hall, she saw Adam approaching. Her chest tightened when she noticed Serena walking just behind him, her smile bright. The kind of smile that always seemed to win hearts without trying.

"My lord..." Rhynera began, but her words were left hanging when Adam’s eyes didn’t soften. He looked at her as if she were just another maid, and not his wife.

"Have you greeted Mother yet?" Adam asked instead.

"Yes," Rhynera replied quickly, bowing her head. She wanted to leave before Serena’s presence could twist the knife in her chest any further. But before she could step away, Adam caught her wrist.

"Let’s go back," he said. "Serena wants to greet her too."

Rhynera’s stomach turned. She knew if they went now, the Queen would take the chance to humiliate her again and Serena would stand there, watching.

"I need to see my parents," she tried to excuse herself.

Adam’s grip tightened, making her wince. "Come with me, or I will drag you there."

Just then Serena butted in gently.

"You don’t have to force her, Adam. She has already greeted Her Highness."

Mia and the other maids stiffened. The way Serena addressed Adam without a title. But Serena only smiled sweetly, turning to Adam not minding the gazes burning into her.

"Well, we grew up together. I am not used to titles," she said lightly glancing at Rhynera.

Adam’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Of course, I have no problem with that ."

Rhynera’s nails dug into her palm but she managed to control herself. "You can both leave... I will visit my parents," she stated about to leave but Adam pulled her back roughly not minding the eyes on them, then he leaned closer to her whispering in her ears.

"If I were, I wouldn’t embarrass myself in front of my parents... So get matured and don’t say a word to them." Rhynera snatched her hands from his as she glanced over to Serena.

"My lord... You should be the one not to embarrass our relationship in front of people." Adam hissed but she just scoffed and walked off.

On her way to her parents, something caught her attention. A small gate she had never noticed before, partly hidden behind a stone arch.

"What is that place?" she asked one of the maids.

The maid hesitated. "Oh... that’s the old garden, my lady. It hasn’t been open for years. I wonder who went in there..." Before she could finish, the gate creaked open.

Ashen stepped out, Lumina clinging to his arm, her hands loosely looped around his neck. Lumina’s face was bright with a smile.

Rhynera’s blood boiled at the sight.

She didn’t care that the maids called after her, she strode forward, her steps so quick.

But before she could speak, something strange happened. Ashen glanced her way, then with a flick of his hand, the garden’s iron gate swung shut on its own, sealing with a loud clang.