Chapter 42: The Queen Mother II

The siblings, along with the princess turned instantly to the source of the voice.

The Queen mother stood at the end of the hall, Sebastian beside her. The attention now on them, they began walking towards them.

Celestiel stiffened nervously, her eyes on the older woman beside the king. She had dark, long hair, identical to the king's, styled in an elegant up-do very similar to what Celestiel wore.

Her steps were graceful and intended, her head held high as she closed the distance between them. Her face was blank, her dark eyes staring at Celestiel emotionlessly as she walked closer.

The woman was beautiful. Celestiel could most definitely not deny that. Even with her age, the Queen mother was stunning. As the old Icarthan adage went, the Queen mother aged like fine wine; better with age.

Celestiel's eyes moved to glance at Sebastian, seeking silent encouragement from him. But upon meeting his eyes, a shiver ran down her spine.