Chapter 8: Queen Doris

In the big dark room, a man was sitting on a high throne. His face was hidden in the shadows. His head was resting on his palm and his eyes closed.

In the big room, only his soft breathing can be heard.

The throne was placed on the highest platform. It looked grand and majestic with a bulky man sitting on it.

But the calmness of the room was distributed by the sudden and speedy footsteps.

The big double door located in front of the throne opened and a man entered the room.

"Hail to my lord." The man walked further inside and stood five steps away from the step of the throne.

He bent one of his knees and Greeted the man on the throne

His words disturbed the sleep of his lord. The man slowly opened his amber eyes which were shining in the darkness.

"Rise. What is it?" His mellow voice rang in the room. It was quite unexpected for a man like him to have that type of gentle voice.

"Dinnar is dead." The person stood up on his feet and side in a grave voice.

"What about crests?" The man on the throne asked again in the same gentle voice.

"It's gone, too." The man who gave the message can be seen a little trembling, maybe out of fear because of the chilly air that suddenly filled the room.

"Quite fast. As expected from the Eldest Prince of the North." The man chuckled slowly and said. His laughter was husky and pleasing to the ears, which anyone would like to hear again and again.

"You can go now." The man gave the order. And the person standing below took his leave as quickly as possible. He left the room at the speed of a bullet. Afraid of standing one more minute there.

The man on the throne sighed softly and again closed his eyes, regaining his old poster.

###

Silja was sitting in her reading the book. Even though her eyes were glued to the book in her hand, her mind was wandering somewhere else.

She was wearing a loose dress, and her red hair was open.

"Good evening, princess." Her chain of thought was interrupted by the sudden voice of the maid.

"What is it?" Silja asked, looking at the way of the maid.

"My lady, sorry to disturb you. The Queen has sent me to summon you in her presence." The maid bowed and gave the message.

Silja stared at the maid for quite some time before replying.

"You go and inform the Queen. I'll be there soon."

Silja was a little shocked because it was rare for her mother to invite her. She has some idea why she was summoned.

The maid bowed and left. Silja stood up and went inside to change into more appropriate clothes.

Silja changed her clothes and wore a proper dress that suited the status of a princess. She also put on some makeup and wore some ornaments.

It didn't take her long to get ready. Then, she left her yard and walked towards the king's courtyard.

In the big, lavish room, a middle-aged woman was sitting on the round table enjoying her afternoon tea.

She was clad in a finely designed dress that matched her little dark skin. Some of her hair was braided from the front and the rest of her blond hair was descending like water flow. Even though she was not in her prime of youth anymore her skin was still flawless and glowing like Ocean pearls.

As Silja entered the room with slow footsteps, the woman lifted her head towards her.

"Welcome, princess." Queen Doris welcomed her daughter in.

"Good evening, mother." Silja greeted back with a little bow.

"Sit." Queen Doris pointed at the empty seat in front of her.

Silja took a seat, and Doris poured tea into a cup and handed her cup.

"Thank you, Mother," Silja said while accepting the cup.

"So, how're your studies going on?" Doris started a conversation.

"It's going fine, Mother; the master said that if everything goes smoothly, I will be able to finish my course soon after my eighteenth birthday," Silja replied.

As a princess of Atlanea, Silja has received all kinds of education since birth.

"Hmm, I almost forgot your birthday is around the corner." Queen Doris said.

Silja just smiled.

For quite some time, the awkward silence fell in the room.

"What do you think about the "bride choosing ceremony" invitation from the North?" Queen Doris asked.

Silja looked up, and she already knew what this meeting was about. She was waiting for her mother to come on the topic

"What Should I say, Mother? As a princess, it's not appropriate for me to decide anything about my marriage. I will follow whatever you and Father decide for me." Silja replied.

"Hmm…." Queen Doris hummed in satisfaction.

"I and your father have been discussing this matter for two days. As you know, your father loves you very much and is totally against sending you to the North."

"You are a smart princess. You know what the consequences of offending the North will be, don't you?" Doris stood up and stood near the big deal window of the room, gazing outside.

"War," She uttered the word softly.

"We haven't seen war in centuries. Small kingdoms like Atlanea won't be able to face the consequences. Do you think it's worth it?" Doris asked, turning towards Silja.

Silja was at a loss for words. She understood everything very well.

"Benji and your father will never agree to send you, but if you volunteer, and try to convince them….." Doris put her point.