Your Majesty is truly a formidable fighter [new version]

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Liu Wei studied the gown draped over her body with careful admiration. She hadn't planned on wearing it for this trip, yet she hoped it would impress the queen.

The dress was opulent and luxurious, crafted from the finest fabric and adorned with rubies and diamonds. Its vivid red hue made it both eye-catching and alluring, a truly stunning creation. She sighed in satisfaction.

However, donning it required the help of her maid. The gown's upper portion featured an exquisite braided corset at the back. Liu Wei watched Anna's reflection in the mirror as she gently pulled the small ribbon to fasten and tighten the corset.

"Miss, how are you feeling?" Anna asked softly.

Liu Wei touched her abdomen, noting that it allowed her to breathe easily while remaining securely in place. Perfect. "The corset is fine."

"You will be the most beautiful at the entire feast," Anna said, her pride evident.

Serving her princess was both an honor and a joy; the maternal affection she lacked in her own life overflowed in her devotion to Liu Wei.

Liu Wei smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, but I have no intention of outshining the Queen."

Anna's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. After all, no commoner could ever hope to surpass the queen, although some nobles might dare to try. Liu Wei never compared herself to the queen; she preferred to admire the Queen in all her glory. Deep inside, she knew that Wang Zheng made her think endlessly, filling her days with dreams of that sweet, pineapple-like scent.

"This outfit is quite diferente, it's a remarkable design".

"Yes. What time does the banquet begin?"

"6 p.m."

"Good. We still have time. Please bring me some tea."

Liu Wei slowly walked to the small table by the bedroom window, lifting the skirt of her dress as she went. She sat and watched the time pass until it was time to go downstairs and join the party.

Lost in her thoughts, the young princess observed the bustling movements in front of the palace. Workers came and went, and her room offered a prime view of the main gate, so she could spot arrivals in advance.

As dusk fell, more elegantly dressed guests appeared and entered.

Her tea, not as sweet as the queen's signature brew, made her wonder if she would ever again taste tea prepared by the queen herself.

Despite a twinge of guilt, she couldn't help but yearn for more of the queen's presence.

A familiar figure soon appeared at the palace entrance.

Clad in sportswear, Yang Fan exuded nobility and strength, she was undeniably a formidable alpha. Liu Wei's thoughts wandered: how might the queen look in such attire?

The fleeting thought set her nerves alight with a most appealing warmth.

Inside the royal hall, the atmosphere was thick with mingled scents.

Normally, a high-ranking omega might feel overwhelmed in such a crowd, but the room was spacious and well-ventilated. Liu Wei felt surprisingly comfortable. In fact, the palace's ventilation system worked so effectively that it expelled excess pheromones, keeping the air fresh.

What Liu Wei didn't know was that the royal ventilation systems were equipped with small devices releasing pheromone inhibitors. This high-tech innovation, rare in most countries, was designed to delay and prevent omegas from entering estrus due to overexposure.

During her years in governance, the queen had ordered a complete renovation of the palace. Although the advisory councils had initially disapproved, Wang Zheng soon led the country into a period of financial prosperity, leaving no reason to deny such improvements.

Within months, the advanced ventilation system was installed.

Wang Zheng had not made this change solely for herself, but with the hope that a future monarch could live happily and peacefully, enjoying every corner of the palace without worrying about pheromone effects.

Liu Wei held a half-full glass in her hand and stared intently at the center of the hall, where swords lay in wait. It wasn't only Liu Wei who was anxious, everyone eagerly anticipated the duel between the queen and Yang Fan, excited to witness Wang Zheng's skills against an experienced alpha.

Footsteps echoed as soldiers took their positions. The queen had arrived.

"Please welcome Her Royal Majesty, Wang Zheng!"

"Long live and prosper the Queen!"

Wang Zheng smiled at the chorus of greetings. It was rare for the palace to be so full, and she relished having all eyes on her. Today, the queen was dressed in a pair of sturdy boots, form-fitting black pants, and a loose white tank top layered over a black sports bra. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, and she wore small wrist guards. Despite the simplicity of her attire, everyone marveled at how stunning she looked.

She walked slowly to the center of the hall, picked up one of the swords, and wielded it with ease and grace and reminding everyone of the techniques she had mastered years ago. Looking out at the crowd, her clear and confident voice silenced the room.

"No formalities today. Enjoy yourselves, and as you all know, today we will have a little duel between me and Miss Yang Fan."

Yang Fan stepped forward and took the other sword, smiling in satisfaction.

The alpha was excited about this friendly duel.

 While she did not intend for it to be a serious fight, she wanted to see if the omega would prove to be a worthy match as a potential wife.

The queen smiled at her opponent. "I hope we can entertain you all in the best way. Ready?"

"Of course."

The two combatants took their positions in the small arena, facing each other as the anxious gazes of the guests followed their every move.

"Would you like any specific rules, Miss Yang Fan?"

"Well, I usually fight until one of us is exhausted or surrenders, but we do have a feast waiting for us," she replied.

"I don't mind fighting until surrender. It will be fun."

Wang Zheng had no intention of losing, yet she wanted the duel to be a spectacle, a chance for the audience to experience the thrill of witnessing someone risk something dear, whether it be pride or a gamble.

Yang Fan hadn't expected the queen to agree so readily to fight to the limit, and her easy compliance caught her off guard. Smiling excitedly, she said, "I agree with whatever Your Majesty chooses."

"To make it more interesting, let's place a bet."

"A bet?"

"Of course. Whoever wins will be entitled to make a request, and the loser cannot refuse it, as long as the request doesn't interfere with the progress of Bloody Spring. Any other request is fair."

"Well, I accept."

"Great. Let's begin, then."

The guests whispered amongst themselves, falling silent as the duel commenced. Both opponents appeared strong and graceful, holding their swords in defensive stances.

Liu Wei's heart sank at the queen's bold proposal, fearful that Wang Zheng might be hurt. It felt as if a heavy weight burdened her chest, making it hard even to breathe.

Yang Fan, feeling vigorous, launched an intense attack, but Wang Zheng moved with even greater speed. Amidst dodges and parries, the queen began to strategize, seeking to put Yang Fan at a disadvantage.

With no specific rules to constrain them, both fighters employed every tactic at their disposal. Using her swift movements, the queen dashed toward her throne, climbed onto it, and then leapt out of Yang Fan's line of sight.

Panting, with trembling legs, Wang Zheng sought refuge in the narrow space between the throne and the surrounding decor. There, she gathered her thoughts until a plan formed. Meanwhile, Yang Fan searched under tables and among the gathered guests, but her opponent remained elusive.

Then, when she least expected it, a sharp kick struck behind her left knee, sending her stumbling.

In her youth, Wang Zheng had mastered kicks and punches. She aimed to disarm Yang Fan by distracting her, and then, seizing the moment, hurled Yang Fan's sword far away. The move triggered an uproar among the spectators, some of whom screamed with excitement.

Thrilled by the duel, Yang Fan evaded the queen's relentless attacks until she eventually slipped and fell. Swiftly, the queen pinned her to the ground, the tip of her sword pressed against Yang Fan's neck. With a laugh, Yang Fan surrendered, "I surrender."

Both fighters panted, their sweat mingling as their pheromones intensified, causing nearby onlookers to recoil at the overwhelming scent. Yang Fan could even taste the mix of pineapple sweetness and a bitter metallic tang, likely from a lost tooth sustained in one of Wang Zheng's punches.

Liu Wei, standing nearby, felt the clash of enticing and bitter aromas.

Unable to watch any longer, she turned away in search of a glass of wine, dreading the nature of the queen's forthcoming request.

As the crowd gradually thinned, the queen engaged in cheerful conversation with Yang Fan.

"Your Majesty is truly a formidable fighter," Yang Fan remarked.

"Thank you."

"What will your request be, Your Majesty?"

The queen's request was simple yet challenging, a drink notorious for being unpalatable, even to alphas.

"Excellent," she said with satisfaction, wiping the sweat from her face with a small handkerchief.

"Well, I'll take a shower and change. Please enjoy the feast. I'll return shortly, and when I do, we'll have our drink."

Accompanied by her secretary and several maids, the queen swiftly exited the hall.

Yang Fan watched her depart, feeling a mix of satisfaction from her own perspiration and a lingering desire to follow the queen, a longing that stirred her very core.

To Yang Fan, the queen was a clever and agile fox.

Making her way to the drinks table, Yang Fan grabbed a glass of ice water while chatting with her attendants. Liu Wei, remaining behind, overheard her comment:

"She's truly remarkable… This woman is an exceptional omega, my glands are on fire… Have a cold bath prepared and my clothes ready."

After issuing her request, Yang Fan's attendants hurried off, soon joined by the alpha herself. Liu Wei sighed inwardly; indeed, the queen was extraordinary.

Back in her room, Wang Zheng sank into a chair and exhaled deeply. "My entire body aches."

Wang Zheng, too, stretched out in an attempt to alleviate her soreness. Despite her impressive combat skills, she couldn't match the endurance of someone constantly active. Her opponent's blows had been hard and precise, and she knew she would likely feel even more sore the next day.

Slowly, she removed her boots, and the simple act of placing her feet on the cold floor brought significant relief.

The queen had been fortunate to defeat the alpha quickly, though she was already at her limit and she might not have lasted much longer at that pace.

Huan Yang observed her closely, noting that the queen was pushing her body too far. He made a mental note to arrange for medicinal foods, drinks, and salt baths during meals to aid her recovery.

As a humble servant, all he could do was provide the best conditions for her recuperation without interfering with her decisions.

"Is Your Majesty well enough to return to the feast?" he asked apprehensively.

Hearing the concern in her secretary's tone, Wang Zheng smiled reassuringly. "I need to get back. Please arrange for a masseuse to come in the morning."

"Yes, she'll be here at dawn."

"Very well. I'm going to take a shower; in the meantime, prepare my dress."

As she prepared, Wang Zheng reflected on her recklessness, fighting an alpha to the point of exhaustion was both foolish and illogical. Driven by pride, she often acted unwisely.

Her history was filled with accolades and honors, and she felt a constant need to prove herself.

Though she hadn't practiced swordsmanship in years or ridden horses much, the pressures of Bloody Spring had spurred her to train intensively, as if she had never stopped.

Yet, foolish and reckless actions had their price, and her body was paying for it.

Exhausted, she sighed as she soaked in her bath, the hot water eased her fatigue, but she still had to return and rejoin the guests.

In the royal hall, concern grew over the queen's prolonged absence, and rumors of her possible injury began to circulate. While Wang Zheng was not one to display weakness, it was well known that skilled military alpha Yang Fan could inflict serious harm with little effort, making the possibility of the queen's injury seem quite plausible.

Liu Wei, though heavy-hearted, tried to mask her anxiety with sips of wine.

A seasoned drinker, she found feasts manageable, yet the anticipation of seeing the queen, and the overwhelming mix of pheromones, left her feeling more tipsy and unstable.