The queen said I came here unprepared... [new version]

...

Liu Wei had woken up relatively early, old habits were hard to change. It was the first day of Bloody Spring, and she couldn't help but wonder: Was the Queen already on her first date? She sighed inwardly.

Even though she had drunk heavily the night before, all she felt now was an unquenchable thirst; her enviable tolerance to alcohol remained intact.

For several moments, she stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. Still drowsy, it took her a few seconds to recognize her surroundings. With a soft sigh, she realized she was in Wang Zheng's palace.

She reached for the glass of honey water the Queen had left behind the previous night, only to find it gone. A pang of disappointment hit her; perhaps Anna had already passed through and taken it back.

Liu Wei wondered if she might be lucky enough to go out for breakfast and, by chance, run into the Queen in the palace halls. Could such a vast place really offer a serendipitous encounter?

Her own house in Martana was large, but the palace was on an entirely grander scale. Everything around the Queen was magnified, a sprawling mansion, countless employees… yet, it seemed, Wang Zheng was the only one who truly called it home. Did she ever feel lonely?

The rooms were pristine and the floors gleamed. But did Wang Zheng ever quarrel with her parents over washing the dinner dishes?

With each passing day, Liu Wei grew more curious about the Queen's world while yearning for a day when she, too, could find some certainty. She wondered if Wang Zheng would ever see her as someone trustworthy.

Stretching her arms and legs while rubbing her eyes, Liu Wei noticed that Anna had left a thermos of warm water to help ease any lingering hangover. She poured some into the glass beside her before taking out her cell phone and scrolling through contacts until she found the one she needed.

Desperation tinged her thoughts, she needed to come up with something for her meeting with the Queen. It was embarrassing to admit she felt so unprepared. Placing the phone on the table, she sat up and tried to smooth down the tousled strands of her hair. The phone rang twice; on the third ring, a familiar face appeared on the screen.

"Mom."

Her mother's disapproving frown made it clear that Liu Wei's disheveled state spoke volumes of just having woken up.

"Hi, sweetie. I can see you didn't even wash your face before calling me…"

Liu Wei's mother, Liu Hui, was in her early forties, with strong, lively features and an ever-present glass of good wine.

Liu Wei was the product of an arranged marriage, a union that had brought two countries together and given birth to a prosperous, happy family. Yet, despite its advantages, Liu Hui worried about her daughter competing for Wang Zheng's affection. Her greatest fear was that Liu Wei might end up unhappy.

After a worried sigh, Liu Wei continued,"I have more important things to discuss."

"What, for example?"

"The Queen said I came here unprepared..."Liu Hui blinked in surprise before bursting into loud laughter, her phone shaking with the force of her mirth. Liu Wei felt a twinge of regret ,now she was being laughed at, and soon the rest of the family would hear what the Queen thought of her.

"Well, she's probably right."

Liu Wei knew her mother had a good relationship with Wang Zheng; they attended charity events together and were in constant phone contact.

"What do you think she likes to do?"

Liu Hui paused, carefully considering what the young Queen might enjoy. "Hmmm, Wang Zheng has simple tastes… the more luxurious something is, the less she likes it."

Mama Liu recalled when she had gifted Wang Zheng a beautiful gemstone necklace on her second birthday as Queen. The young girl had accepted it with humble reserve, yet showed no real joy.

It took Liu Hui a few years to understand why Wang Zheng seemed so dissatisfied with even the finest gifts, when asked, the Queen simply said she wouldn't want something that just gathered dust in a safe.

Silence followed between mother and daughter for a few seconds before Liu Hui added,

"I see... but i only have money to offer."

With a dismissive huff, Liu Hui chided, "What a silly little daughter of mine… You have arms and legs; find something useful to do with them."

Liu Wei nodded, determined to impress the Queen with her hard work."I see. I'm going to work hard."

Liu Hui smiled with satisfaction; her daughter's stubborn, strong-willed nature shone through."How's it going over there?"

"Can't say it's not lively."

"As expected from Wang Zheng."

A gentle knock on her door interrupted their conversation. Anna emerged carrying a large breakfast tray, the aroma intensifying Liu Wei's hunger.

"Mom, I need to hang up. I'm going to have breakfast and then explore the city."

Liu Hui, intrigued, since Weiwei had never shown much interest in sightseeing, replied,

"Alright, but be careful with your pheromone."

"All right…"

Anna then positioned herself by Liu Wei's bed, arranging dishes so the princess could eat comfortably.

"Good morning, miss. I brought your breakfast."

"Thank you. Also, please inform the head of the guard that I'm going to take a walk around town."

Liu Wei got up, grabbed a piece of toast with jam, she was starving.

"Yes, miss."

"Also, bring some barrier protectors; I plan to use one today."

"Right. I'll arrange everything."

Anna left to carry out the instructions, and once alone, Liu Wei turned her attention to the hearty breakfast spread in front of her. She was ready to eat well.

After finishing breakfast, Liu Wei walked to the bathroom mirror and began unpacking her barrier protector. It felt sticky and cold on her skin, a comfortable sensation to apply, though she knew removal would be a hassle.

Some protectors came with their own remover, but the process was still challenging.

The gland protector, with its viscous, sticky substance, was designed to release an unpleasant taste when bitten, preventing teeth from entering and exiting the alpha's mouth without causing a burn.

While Wang Zheng's country had been selling such products for years, they still paled in comparison to the innovations of Wang Zheng's own companies.

The barrier protector was transparent, convenient, and practical.

After dressing, Liu Wei left her room accompanied by Anna. Today, Liu Wei chose a light outfit, black boots, denim shorts, a white linen shirt, and a red jacket. Her light brown hair was tied loosely in a ponytail, and she sported dark glasses, ready to explore this unfamiliar country.

In a matter of seconds, they reached the palace entrance, where two guards awaited them. They wore plain clothes to avoid drawing attention, after all, in a festive atmosphere, it made no sense for royal soldiers to parade in full uniform.

Anna, too, was dressed casually and looked quite stunning without her usual black uniform.

Liu Wei's maid, a gentle beta originally from Eastern Europe with honey-colored eyes and blonde hair, added to the familiar calm of the entourage.

Inside the car, conversation was sparse. The guards took the front seats while Liu Wei and Anna settled in the back, gazing out at a vibrant mix of European and Asian architectural styles that decorated the streets of Wang's country.

"Anna, do you see anything interesting?" Liu Wei asked.

Anna smiled and replied, "Yes, people seem really happy."

"Indeed. I overheard that there's a festival today."

"Great. Do you have any ideas for where to take the Queen?"

Liu Wei sighed in mild frustration. "No… I'm feeling quite lost…"

It was getting late and hunger soon overtook them. They decided to pause and reevaluate their plans after lunch, a decision that sparked an idea in Anna.

"Miss, why don't you cook for Her Majesty?"

Liu Wei was taken aback, but Anna noticed excitement light up in her eyes.

"Do you really think I should?"

"Absolutely. It's one of your strengths, besides dancing. If I were you, I'd prepare dishes the Queen enjoys."

"I see. I've read that most dating ideas revolve around parks and restaurants, but I want to do something different…"

Anna observed Liu Wei's sudden focus, a determination to do something unique to please the Queen. Anna, ever the supportive shadow, sighed thoughtfully as she pondered their uncertain future.

Smiling warmly, Anna said, "Princess, if I had unlimited money, I'd hire a private chef or even rent an amusement park for just the two of you. But isn't the true surprise found in an unexpected gesture? While a chocolate cake isn't novel, the meaning behind it gives it value. I think you're overthinking the money aspect, focus on your intent."

Liu Wei's face turned contemplative and slightly embarrassed; she realized she had been overly materialistic."This is more complex than I anticipated," she murmured.

"Sorry, princess," Anna apologized softly.

Liu Wei offered a small smile. "No, you're right, Anna. Even though I can cook well, I still need to figure out what to do and where to take her."

Anna smiled sympathetically. "Well, let's have something to eat and take a short break."

"Right."

Throughout the car ride, the guards remained silent, a quiet that felt awkward yet unavoidable.

Finally, Liu Wei stepped out of the car, followed by the others. Anna spoke with the female guard, and they discovered that Chinese food from a nearby restaurant was one of the Queen's favorites. Hungry, they set off.

It took no more than five minutes to reach a bustling spot where the enticing aroma of meat and spices filled the air. They chose a round table for four, and despite the guards' initial reluctance to eat, they soon joined Liu Wei for the meal.

After placing her chopsticks on her bowl, Anna looked at Liu Wei's concerned expression. "Miss, do you have any idea where you'll take her on your date?"

"No, I feel defeated…" Liu Wei admitted, having never been romantically involved, and the internet hadn't offered any satisfying ideas.

Breaking the silence, she asked, "Are you guys dating? Tell me, what would you do for someone you like?"

The guards exchanged surprised, slightly hesitant glances. They were betas with distinct features, a shy young man who looked barely 20, and a strong, attractive woman in her 30s.

The young man, blushing deeply as he avoided eye contact, finally mumbled, "W-well… I've never dated, so I don't know how to help."

The woman spoke first: "I have a fiancée, she's an alpha. I proposed shortly after she was appointed as a royal guard."

"How did she react?"

"She cried for a long time and then scolded me for spending too much on the ring," she said, a trace of annoyance in her tone as she ate.

Anna laughed at the candid confession, while Liu Wei smiled sympathetically, understanding their inexperience.

Setting her rice bowl and chopsticks down, Liu Wei asked, "So, where would you like to take someone you love? Is there any memorable spot around here?"

After a moment's thought, the young man, eager to share, said, "I'd take my future girlfriend to watch the sunset on the beach."

The soldier chuckled lightly, "We don't have a beach in Wang's country."

Embarrassed, the young man looked down at his bowl.

Liu Wei laughed softly at the endearing scene, akin to a sibling squabble. "I need more ideas."

Anna, usually quiet and unobtrusive, finally spoke: "My omega's family has a rose garden. Sometimes we'd have picnics, spending the whole day talking under a tree while drinking wine."

"Wine… Anna, you've given me great ideas. You too, little boy," teased Liu Wei.

The young man looked both surprised and confused. "But we don't have a beach."

"Well, we do have a heaven… I'm going to call Mom." Liu Wei retrieved her cell phone and dialed.

"Hi, honey, do you need anything?"

"Yes. I need a shipment of the best wines from our cellar."

"What type?"

"You know wine better than I do; could you choose some for me?"

"Sure. It should arrive tomorrow."

"Great. Thank you."

Liu Hui held two significant titles: Queen Mother and Queen of Wine.

Being the Queen Mother meant being a major symbol after the king, admired and envied by many, and regarded as the mother of the people.

Martana was renowned for its exceptional wines, a reputation largely built on Liu Hui's expertise. One day, when she wasn't busy, she studied an old book about grapes and quickly became a wine connoisseur. Over two decades, she turned Martana into the continent's largest wine exporter. Liu Hui was a formidable businesswoman, if anyone needed fine wine, she was the person to call.

The female soldier at the table smiled. "Wine is always a good choice."

Lunch went well, and everyone was satisfied.

Though Liu Wei had a rough idea of what she wanted, a picnic under a starry sky with good food and wine, she still needed the perfect location. Yet, given Wang Zheng's celebrity status, she couldn't simply roam freely.

She sighed inwardly.

Later, while waiting in the car as Anna returned, the previously uncomfortable silence was replaced by the guards discussing ways to help the young beta meet someone special.

Anna soon appeared with several bags, lightly tapping on the car window to signal Liu Wei to let her in.

Anna distributed drinks and sweets for everyone, and handed Liu Wei a large glass of iced coffee along with a slice of chocolate cake.

"This cake is really good… Did you get an extra slice as I asked?"

"Yes," Anna replied, showing a small travel package. Liu Wei smiled with satisfaction.

"Let's head back to the palace."