Chapter 9

The Weight of Appearances

The Queen's chambers were a world of their own, a space of splendor and silence that exuded authority. The walls were adorned with rich crimson draperies embroidered with gold, each design telling the history of the Golden Kingdom in intricate detail. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight that reflected off polished marble floors.

At the center of the room, Queen Dowgar sat like a monarch carved from stone. Her presence was formidable. Her figure, slightly chubby but regal, was draped in layers of silk and gold. Necklaces of precious gems cascaded down her chest, and bracelets jingled faintly with each subtle movement of her hands. Her hair, streaked with silver, was swept into a high bun that framed her sharp, glaring eyes—the kind that seemed to pierce straight into one's soul.

Selene entered the chamber, her heart pounding as she approached the queen. The princess had spent hours perfecting her appearance—her blue gown shimmered with threads of silver, and her raven curls were pinned back with jewels that sparkled like stars. Yet, under the queen's unyielding gaze, Selene felt her poise falter.

Bowing deeply, she steadied her voice. "Your Majesty, I humbly greet you."

Queen Dowgar's gaze lingered on Selene for a moment before she gestured wordlessly for her to sit. The gesture was simple, but it carried the weight of command.

Selene obeyed, her movements slow and graceful, though her fingers tightened briefly around the folds of her gown as she took her seat.

The queen's voice broke the silence, low and deliberate. "You have requested an audience with me, Princess Selene. Speak."

Selene straightened her shoulders, masking the unease that threatened to creep into her polished exterior. Her voice, when it came, was calm and melodic, carrying the confidence of someone used to commanding attention.

"Your Majesty," Selene began, her tone deferential yet assertive, "I came to present these humble gifts as a token of my respect and admiration for the Golden Kingdom."

She gestured toward Jeria, who stepped forward with a slight bow, carrying a small chest. She set it on the table before the queen and opened it to reveal rows of neatly stacked gold bars, each one shining brilliantly in the soft light of the chamber.

The queen's expression didn't change. Her eyes flicked briefly to the chest before returning to Selene, her face unreadable. "Gold is a common gift among royalty," she said, her tone sharp and detached. "What makes your offering any different from the others?"

Selene swallowed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Your Majesty," she said carefully, "it is not the gold itself, but the intention behind it. I do not seek to buy your favor—I seek only to honor you and the legacy of this kingdom. It is my greatest wish to serve the Golden Kingdom, should I be chosen to stand by the crown prince's side."

The queen leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. "And how do you intend to serve this kingdom, Princess Selene?"

Selene smiled faintly, her confidence returning as she leaned slightly forward. "I have spent my life preparing for such a role, Your Majesty. I have remained a virgin, untainted by frivolity, and I have dedicated myself to learning the skills required of a queen—diplomacy, governance, and the management of a royal household. My father, King Zash, has instilled in me the values of loyalty and strength. I have also studied the art of negotiation and trade, skills I intend to use to strengthen the Golden Kingdom's prosperity."

The queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp as she studied Selene. "And where do you come from, Princess?"

"I am Selene of the Kingdom of Joro," she replied smoothly. "We are the people of the East, known for our mastery of diamonds and gold. My father, King Zash, has established our name across the Eastern kingdoms, ensuring our place among the most respected and prosperous nations."

Queen Dowgar's lips curled slightly, not quite a smile but something that hinted at amusement. She gestured toward her head maid, who stood silently at her side. "Head Maid," the queen said, her voice quiet but commanding.

The head maid stepped forward, bowing her head. The queen leaned closer, whispering something into her ear. The head maid nodded quickly before stepping back.

When the queen turned her attention back to Selene, her expression was unreadable once more. "Princess Selene," she said, her tone cold, "do you believe that a few crates of gold are enough to sway my favor?"

Selene's breath caught, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. Her mind raced as she searched for the right response. Slowly, she rose from her chair and sank to her knees, her head bowed low.

"I dare not, Your Majesty," she said quickly, her voice trembling with both fear and sincerity. "It was never my intention to insult you or your wisdom. These gifts are only a gesture of my respect, nothing more."

The queen's sharp gaze lingered on her for what felt like an eternity. Then, slowly, her lips curved into a faint smirk. "Very well," she said. "Your gift has been received."

Selene bowed her head lower, relief washing over her like a wave. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The tension in Selene's shoulders didn't ease until she was far from the queen's chambers, her steps echoing softly against the marble floors of the hallway. Jeria followed closely behind her, her expression guarded but curious.

As soon as they turned a corner and were out of earshot, Selene let out a shaky sigh, her hand brushing against her chest.

"She's sharp," Jeria said quietly. "Do you think she'll cancel us out of the second competition?"

Selene glanced at her maid, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the question. For a moment, she said nothing, her expression pensive. Then, slowly, she smiled, though it lacked its usual confidence.

"If she doubts us," Selene said softly, "then we'll simply prove ourselves in the first competition. We'll leave no room for doubt."

Jeria nodded, her steps falling in line behind Selene's.

As they passed a group of princesses heading toward the queen's chambers, Selene's expression shifted. Her smile became warmer, more practiced, as she inclined her head in greeting.

"Ladies," she said smoothly, her tone polite but distant.

The princesses returned the greeting, their smiles just as practiced as they curtsied slightly before continuing on their way.

Jeria glanced at Selene out of the corner of her eye. "We're not the only ones trying to catch the queen's attention," she murmured.

Selene's smile faltered briefly, but she quickly recovered, her voice calm and confident. "Then we'll simply have to work harder," she said. "Watch them, Jeria. See who goes in and out of her chambers. Report back to me."

Jeria nodded silently, her steps quickening to match Selene's as they disappeared down the hallway, the faint sound of their footsteps swallowed by the vastness of the palace.

As they turned another corner, Selene stopped abruptly, her expression darkening as she caught sight of Prince Derek standing at the end of the hall. He was speaking to a court scholar, a scroll in his hand, his blue eyes sharp and focused.

Selene's heart skipped a beat, but her gaze remained steady as she watched him. What was he doing, speaking to the scholars? And what could he possibly be researching so intently?

"Jeria," Selene said quietly, her voice low. "Find out what the prince is studying. I want to know everything."

Jeria hesitated but nodded quickly, disappearing into the shadows as Selene's gaze lingered on Derek, her mind already spinning with questions.

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