Gates of hell

The big day has come.

Ariana said goodbye to her parents with teary eyes, and they promised to visit her after the hunter ceremony. She got into the carriage sent by the king, and it set off with her to her new home.

The bottom of the sun was already covered with trees by the time they arrived at the palace designated for the queen.

"This… is in the middle of nowhere."

She looked out the carriage window.

The main feature of the Predin kingdom was the abundance of forests, the rows of mountains. That is why it was such a difficult country to take in, without accurate local knowledge, people could easily get lost, the steep gorges and mountainsides that suddenly emerged from nowhere, had already caused a lot of forgeniers deaths.

The central palace also consisted of 3 parts, encircling the capital, which was located in a higher flat area of ​​a huge mountain range.

The Queen's Palace was on an artificial plain below this mountain. The palace itself, which was more of a villa, was carved out of the mountain itself. The forest and lake in front of it were planted 100 years ago by a former ruler who kept his lovers here.

From the foot of the mountain, the palace could only be approached on horseback, which was covered by smaller members of the mountain from outside observers. Only the king and some of the staff knew about the existence of this place.

"It's really a prison."

She sighed as the entrance to the palace appeared between the rocks.

Surrounded by a 4 meter high stone wall, the estate had only one entrance, guarded by two guards, but Ariana saw 4 more knights constantly cruising along the walls.

"As if it's possible to get out of here… do you really think I'm stupid enough to try to escape?"

She was upset.

As she entered the gate, the sight took her breath away. Like a little paradise. A tiny lake, trees, flowers… a small green house full of exotic plants… A fairytale garden surrounded the palace.

"Oh…"

Involuntarily, with a wide smile, she walked the path lined with sparkling minerals.

Of course, the palace carved out of the hill was not exactly a luxury hotel category, but it was tidy, with a restrained decoration giving a whole homely impression.

The staff consisted of a total of 4 maids, a chief maid, and a shef. Every member of the crew was female, and the knights guarding the palace were women one by one — even the coach and the knights who brought her here.

'It wasn't a joke when he said I can't meet men…'

She acknowledged the situation with a half-smile on her face, and then greeted the staff.

"God bless the Queen!"

The answer sounded.

"Surely you are tired of your long journey, Your Majesty, would you rather rest after a hot bath, or should we serve dinner first?"

"I want to have dinner first, thank you. The king…?"

'What do I imagine? Like he would recpect me with a meal together on the day of our wedding ?! '

"The king will visit you after the coronation ceremony."

"Ah, I see."

'He imprisoned me, so he can now calmly play romantic at the coronation ceremony with Jürgen… wonderful.'

While the staff spread out, Ariana quickly walked around the tiny palace. There were only 3 levels.

On the ground floor there was a lounge, a dining room, and a kitchen with a laundry room.

Upstairs was a huge library, a music room, and 3 additional rooms, each with its own bathroom. Including the Queen's Suite.

The staff and knights, living in 15 smaller rooms on the basement level, had a dining room and bathroom for them as well.

"A whole habitable little place… It won't be hard to endure this 1 or two years here."

She nodded appreciatively.

Dinner was majestic. Ariana tried to restrain herself… but the roast meat was so delicious, the chocolate souffle… she had to ask for a second turn. The staff watched happily, as the young queen teat with good appetite.

"The chef deserves an award!"

She finally remarked, the gray-haired chef in her 60's blushingly thanked her for the compliment.

The staff also knew that the beautiful and young queen… who had just became a grown up today, was alluding to a miserable fate, so they tried to please her as best they could. They felt sorry and admired her.

Ariana tried to show a positive image of herself in front of the maids, constantly smiling, thus disguising her constant fear.

Before bathing, an old woman in a long white cloak was waiting in the doorway of her room.

"Your Majesty."

She bowed.

"Good evening."

'Don't tell me…'

"The Reverend Doctor came to examine Her Majesty."

Added the chief maid.

"Eh…"

Ariana tried to swallow all her anger, so her smile became a little cynical thanks to the frown.

'It's a joke now isn't it… Are they really examining that whether I'm a virgin? There is no rule that divorced women can not be queen… then why? Can't that dickhead give me that much trust? '

After a quick examination, the doctor left contentedly, and Ariana couldn't wait to relieve her anger by a pleasant bath.