Inside Balmount Castle, chaos erupted over the missing princess.
In the Queen's chamber, she sat near the window, resting her chin on her hand. Her thoughts were clouded with frustration. What is that girl thinking, leaving without my permission? Searching for her would be difficult, and to make matters worse, my dear husband isn't even concerned about her whereabouts. She let out a weary sigh. How long has it been?
The door creaked open. Rosette entered, bowing.
"Have the princess's whereabouts been discovered?" the Queen asked sharply.
"No, my Queen. We have no news of her yet."
The Queen rubbed her forehead. "Did the King instruct you not to inform me?"
Rosette stiffened, sweat forming on her brow. "No, my Queen. The King gave no such orders."
The Queen narrowed her eyes. Lies. You can't hide anything from me. But she turned her frustration elsewhere. My dear husband… does he not realize those old men would gladly plot her death? A sly smile crept onto her lips. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage.
She softened her expression. "If any news surfaces, I trust you'll inform me immediately."
Rosette bowed. "Of course, my Queen. I will keep you updated."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
Rosette hesitated before adding, "My Queen, the Countess has also requested an audience with you."
The Queen raised an eyebrow. Seraphina? What does she want now? She could have sent a letter as usual. "Very well. Show her in."
Rosette nodded and left swiftly. The Queen leaned back, fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. What could Seraphina want this time?
A soft knock at the chamber door interrupted the Queen's thoughts. She straightened her posture as the door creaked open, revealing the Countess.
Seraphina entered with the effortless grace befitting her status, her vibrant cherry-pink hair framing her striking amber-gold eyes. Her attire was as refined as ever—tailored yet practical, a statement of both elegance and readiness.
She bowed deeply, her voice warm yet tinged with her signature charm. "It's a pleasure to see you, my lovely Queen. You look radiant as always."
The Queen rose, embracing her with familiarity. "It's good to see you too, Seraphina. How have you been managing matters in your domain?"
As they parted, Seraphina let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, you know how it is—those old geezers are constantly scheming. It's exhausting keeping up with their nonsense."
The Queen chuckled lightly, gesturing for her to sit. "Please, take a seat. Tea? Wine?"
Seraphina waved a hand. "No need, my Queen. I won't be staying long."
The Queen frowned slightly but masked her disappointment with a soft smile. "If that's what you prefer. So, tell me, why the sudden visit? This could've been conveyed through a letter."
A knowing glint flashed in Seraphina's eyes. "Too impersonal. I wanted to see you in person—especially with the princess missing. I thought it only right to check on you."
The Queen's smile faltered for a brief moment. "That's kind of you, Seraphina. I appreciate it. Though, knowing you, I assume you've already taken action?"
Seraphina leaned back, smirking. "Sharp as ever, my Queen. Yes, I've sent someone loyal to track her down. If all goes well, he should be close to finding her."
The Queen's expression hardened. "I trust he's discreet?"
"Of course," Seraphina reassured her. "He understands the consequences of failure."
The Queen nodded, exhaling slowly. "Good." Her voice dropped slightly, as if weighing her next words. "The King won't act on this, will he?"
Seraphina's smirk faded. "No. He's turning a blind eye, as usual."
The Queen's grip on her armrest tightened. "He's being reckless."
"He believes she'll be fine. That she needs this experience," Seraphina said, watching the Queen closely.
The Queen scoffed. "Experience? Does he think the world will wait for her to be ready? There are forces in play that won't hesitate to strike if given the chance."
Seraphina nodded, her gaze sharpening. "I had the same thought. Which is why I took action."
The Queen studied her friend before leaning back in her chair. "You always do."
Seraphina reached into her satchel and handed her a letter. "That's not the only reason I came. Read this."
The Queen's eyes scanned the parchment, her brow furrowing. "The Eastern Province…"
Seraphina folded her arms. "They're stirring up trouble again. Unfinished business. The Saintess likely means well, but the priest—he's a different story."
The Queen's lips pressed into a thin line. "Has he been dealt with?"
Seraphina smirked. "Nothing has been done about them."
The Queen's gaze snapped up. "What do you mean by 'nothing'?"
"As you heard, my Queen." Seraphina's smirk deepened. "The old men have ensured nothing can be done."
A tense silence settled between them. The Queen exhaled slowly, eyes dark with irritation. "The King is ignoring this, isn't he?"
Seraphina's tone turned sharp. "He finds their antics amusing. To him, they're just old men clinging to power."
The Queen scoffed. "And yet, their influence is undeniable. They've obstructed every attempt to bring order to the Eastern Province. Now they're involving the Bloodbound Covenant?"
Seraphina's expression darkened. "They're not just associating with them. They're funding them."
The Queen's fingers curled into a fist. "That can't be. The King would have noticed… unless—" She paused, realization dawning. He had dismissed the old men's interference countless times, laughing it off. Let those old bastards do as they please. That was always his response.
Anger flickered in her gaze. "It seems the King won't be bothered about this."
Seraphina's gaze lingered on her. For someone who was once a Paladin Knight, she hides her emotions well. But I know that look. She's already made up her mind.
"What will you do?" she asked, curiosity laced with admiration.
The Queen's presence seemed to shift—unyielding, decisive. "The Eastern Province has been ignored for too long. That ends now. Cooperate with them if necessary, but do not share sensitive information. They need to clean up their own mess. They've had enough leniency."
Seraphina absorbed her words, respect flashing in her amber eyes. She doesn't waver. No hesitation, no room for weakness. That's why she is Queen.
She bowed slightly. "As you wish, my Queen. It will be done."
The Queen's expression softened for the first time. "And as for my daughter—once she is found, she is to be brought back to me immediately. No distractions, no excuses. She belongs here."
Seraphina smiled faintly, voice unwavering. "That, my Queen, I can personally guarantee."