The Kings Mistress Chapter 44

[ … words ]

Back at Celestial Lodge, all the princesses were winding down for the night. It had been an eventful day for all of them and spirits were high. To keep things discreet, the Queen’s order was sent through a message passed from maid to maid.

As soon as Ida got the news, she hurried up to Sierra’s room, where she was having a conversation with Myra. The King and Queen did not specify that Sierra had to keep her abilities a secret, so she had shared the news with Myra and the others.

“Favored by Dravin the dragon? You truly are remarkable, Sierra!” Myra exclaimed in amazement.

“Now now, we don’t even know if this is a blessing or a curse. It could very well be the latter,” Sierra had heard many tales of the destructive forces of dragons.

She most certainly hoped she did not have such powers of destruction. Not only would she be a danger to herself, but she would also be a danger to those around her.

“Your Highness! The Queen has requested for your presence in her quarters!” Ida passed the message as she entered the room.

Myra and Sierra looked at one another, then back at the maid.

“Right now?” Sierra asked as she furrowed her eyebrows.

What would the Queen want with her at this hour? That was the question she pondered over as she made her way over at once. When she arrived, the Queen was waiting for her in the Drawing room.

As soon as Sierra and Ida entered, the doors were closed firmly behind them. Including the Queen and her maid, Marionne, there were a total of ten people in the room. Six of whom were part of the Queen’s personal guard.

Female knights were a rare sight, yet the queen’s personal guard was solely comprised of women. It was an interesting sight. If Sierra had the time, she would have loved to find out more about this arrangement. But from the look on the Queen’s face, this might not be the best time to do so.

Sierra sensed something was wrong the moment she stepped in. Although she was not quite certain of what it might be, she could not help but feel a little nervous.

“Your Highness, you wished to speak with me?” Sierra asked as she took a seat opposite Roxine.

Marionne poured her a cup of tea and placed it before her. The silence in the room was accompanied by the soft crackle of the fireplace.

“Yes, there’s something I wish to discuss with you. It’s regarding something quite personal, something private.”

“If that is the case, why are there so many guards in here? Is there something we should be afraid of, Your Highness? Something I should be afraid of?” Sierra asked calmly.

Ida looked around the room frantically. She had not noticed it when they first arrived. But now that Sierra had mentioned it, she was beginning to feel a little uneasy. It was as if the Queen had them cornered in the room.

Marionne looked as if she was about to express her views, however, Queen Roxine lifted her hand to stop her. The Queen’s gaze was fixated on Sierra as if she was looking right through her. It made her shiver a little.

“They are here for my protection, I hope you do not mind.”

“Not at all. Is there something I can help you with, Queen Roxine? Let’s not beat around the bush any longer.”

The Queen smiled, “Very well, let’s cut to the chase. You are quite the interesting character, Sierra. You’ve successfully caught my attention and his Majesty’s attention too. I have to commend you for that.

But your… peculiarity has also worried me. As such, I sent an informant to Cair to gather information about you.”

Sierra’s eyes widened a little. She gulped as her heart began to race. Her palms began to sweat as she tried to remain as calm as she could. She had half expected this situation to arise sooner or later. But she never quite figured out what her next course of action should be.

“What did you find?” Sierra asked calmly, careful not to give anything away from the intonation of her voice.

Roxine clicked her fingers. Marionne came forward and placed a series of information on the coffee table between them. It did not take Sierra long to realize what they all were. Ida could not help her curiosity and took a peak. She gasped in shock and took a few steps back.

“These… it cannot…”

Documents regarding Sierra’s true identity were all revealed on the table before them. Sierra closed her eyes as she let out a sigh. She had often laid awake wondering what would happen if all lies unraveled.

What she did not expect was the wave of calm that would wash over her when someone found out the truth. At the very least, it was not Princess Cassandra or Agnes who found out about it.

“Would you care to explain and tell us who you truly are?” Queen Roxine asked as she folded her arms and leaned back in her seat.

Ida was still focused on the evidence on the table. She turned to Sierra hoping for an answer. But perhaps deep down, she had already seen all the signs. After all, Sierra was unlike the others.

Sierra got up to her feet. Everyone tensed up immediately. All of the knights in the room were ready to make a move. But she held up both of her hands, making sure they knew she meant no harm.

Sierra got down on one knee before the Queen and placed her hand over her heart as she bowed her head low.

“My sincerest apologies for lying to all of you. I… I was forced into this by King Frederickson,” she confessed, “I did not have any other choice.”

Memories of the past flooded her mind. Her blood boiled with anger and rage as she recalled how things transpired. If only she had been strong enough then, she would not need to go through this now. But if she had, she would likely never had met Alistair.

“Forced? Are you an assassin?”

Sierra looked up immediately, vehemently shaking her head, “No. I am no assassin. I…”

She was hesitant to reveal what she truly was. But now, there was no point in lying to the queen. It would do her no good.