The next day
"Rosie, please, is there still the hickey on my neck?" I asked, revealing my neck.
She glanced at the spot and looked away. "Of course, the hickey is gone… but it left a weird mark. It reminds me of the Queen's mark."
My body trembled. "Okay, thanks," I said and quickly covered my neck.
I couldn't take it anymore, I'm missing him so much, it must be the ritual. I've never missed him this much before. I almost followed him when he was leaving yesterday. They said he'll be gone for a few days… how am I supposed to cope with this sudden urge?
I left the balcony and headed to the kitchen, but then I heard a strange laughter from the throne hall. I stopped to take a look. That kind of laugh was weird and new, definitely not Queen Susan's style.
Then I saw Elena and two other ladies. I wasn't sure if they were princesses, but judging from their clothes, they were not simple.
"Well, it may sound funny, but I mean it. Once I become queen, I'll destroy her shop and her family too!" Elena said.
"She thinks being a Duke's daughter is something special. I already told her she'll bow down to you soon," one of her friends said.
"Don't worry, Wanda. I'll make her pay for disrespecting me!" Elena hissed.
"What's your plan before the wedding? Shouldn't you be with your husband, why did you let him go to the Jonas kingdom alone?" the other girl asked.
Elena blushed. "Don't worry, Katherine. He's very busy with your soon-to-be husband on Duncan's matter," she grinned.
I frowned, glancing at the girl named Katherine. She's the lady they chose for Elijah?
Katherine shrugged. "Prince Elijah already made it clear he won't marry me."
Good! I said that in my mind. Katherine is Elena's friend, she can't be good either.
"That's not your business," Elena said. "You'll marry him and become his queen."
Whatever they were about to say next wasn't my business, so I was about to leave when I heard
"Your Majesty, Lady Norah is here!"
I frowned and turned back, that was the guard's voice!
Who's Norah? I took another peek.
Two guards dragged a lady in and forced her to kneel before Elena. The three ladies were smiling.
"I didn't know you ordered your men to bring her here," Wanda said.
"What do you want?" Norah hissed.
Elena chuckled. "I just want to remind you that being a Duke's daughter can never compare to being the daughter of a king."
Ohhh, so this beautiful, innocent lady is the one they're ganging up against!
Norah raised a brow and looked at Katherine. "I don't know what I did to you people, but you'll pay for this."
Katherine rolled her eyes dramatically. "You disrespected her, what did you expect?"
"What will you do?" Norah shot back.
I sighed and moved away. Now I understand why some priests forbid certain crown princes from being crowned. Sometimes the problem comes from their wives.
If anyone ever says Ethan shouldn't be king, or that his reign will be troubled, they're probably right because Elena isn't ready to be a good queen or a role model.
"Err… Lady Allison?" I heard a voice behind me.
I frowned and turned— it was Ethan's most trusted guard.
"Ahhh, hello," I quickly bowed, but he looked shocked and slapped his own face, startling me.
Then he bowed five times in a row. "A queen shouldn't bow for a guard."
"Ahhh… ohhh…" I was totally speechless.
"His Highness demands your presence," he said.
My face suddenly lit up. "Is he back?"
He shook his head " No, your majesty". I blinked in confusion. "Then where is he?"
"At the Jonas Kingdom."
I stared in disbelief. Why would I go to Jonas Kingdom to meet him?
He lowered his gaze. "I'm in no position to tell you this, Your Majesty."
Oh please, don't call me that… me? Majesty?
That's weird.
"Oh… I'll be right back," I murmured.
"But wait!" I sighed when he turned to look at me. "What should I tell the Queen?"
"His Highness said you should trust him." He bowed and left. I watched his back in awe. Was all that respect really necessary?
I dressed up and packed a few of my clothes, then went to the Queen's chamber to inform her.
She was sitting in front of her dressing mirror.
"Your Majesty," I bowed.
"Uhm… I thought you wouldn't even say hello to me before leaving," she said.
"I dare not," I whispered. I didn't even know she was aware of it. I just came to inform her, but it turned out she already knew.
"You can go, but " she glanced at me, "Elena said he has a secret girlfriend…"
My heart skipped. Elena? How did she even know?
"I want you to keep an eye on him. Watch his every move until you find this girl," she added.
"Yes… Yes, Your Majesty." My body trembled as I bowed. She chuckled softly.
"You don't have to be afraid of him. Don't let him find out, but even if he does, I'll speak for you," she said.
"You can go," she added. I quickly turned and reached for the door. I could feel her eyes following me.
I was nervous when I saw the expensive car waiting for me. The guard from earlier was gesturing for me to enter. Just as I was about to, a hand suddenly grabbed my neck and yanked me back.
"Who are you to enter this car?" Elena spat, then climbed in. My eyes widened. Elena too is going?
Where was I supposed to sit? There were only two cars, this one and the smaller one for the guards.
Just as I was wondering whether to squeeze in with the guards, Thomas suddenly brushed past me and opened the back door.
"Hey, get down," he said.
Elena looked shocked. "I want to see Ethan!"
"Not my business. Get down."
Elena hissed but stepped out reluctantly. Thomas looked at me and nodded. "Get in."
I blinked in disbelief.
"Really, Prince Thomas? You chased me out for her? Are you serious?" Elena snapped.
Thomas glared at her. "Why wouldn't I? You think you two are on the same level?"
"Get in," he repeated to me. I had no choice but to obey. I quickly shifted to the other side in case Elena tried to enter again, but to my surprise, the driver started the engine as soon as Prince Thomas locked the door.
I looked out the window at Elena's angry face as the car drove away.
Then, another smaller car stopped in front of her, and she entered.
Seeing that made me uneasy. She's so determined to see Ethan… She's coming too.