The Usurper's Queen | COMPLETED

16 | the queen

Next to the Terrawinians were the Raviers, a small island nation just a few miles off the west coast that heavily relies on Phoenicia for food and livestock. Our kingdom could have invaded and took over the kingdom of Ravier in less than a day, but they were very peaceful, so we decided not to disturb them. The Raviers were almost alien to us, as they were extremely pale, and their skin was almost white, their veins visible through their translucent skin. They had silvery white hair and violet eyes-similar to my own, but much paler. I also saw some who had pinkish eyes, which I found very peculiar. The Raviers were undoubtedly beautiful, but the sight of their purple and green veins swirling beneath their skin made me squirm.

There were also the Amarisians, the homeland of my grandmother, the Princess Anne Genevieve. The Amarisians looked vaguely similar to us Winterbournes, with dark, coarse and wavy hair and light, colourful eyes. Each of the envoys donned bright embroidered coats, all bearing motifs of fire, which was symbolic to the Amarisians.
Sitting next to the Amarisians were the envoys from Ravaeryn, historical enemies of Amaris. Indeed, it was interesting to watch the handsome Duke de Fontaine of Ravaeryn smiling and waving at the Amarisian envoys while crossing his middle and ring finger, which was an obscene gesture in their kingdoms.

Besides the four kingdoms, there was no more. Lecarre sent no envoys to Phoenicia. It was a bad sign, but I had faith in Phoenicia's military, and if there was to be war, I was certain that we would be the victors.

At the banquet, I saw that my cousin Benedict had brought over one of his mistresses, Rachel, now his lawfully wedded wife. Like Leanne, Rachel was also a sweet faced, petite girl, but Benedict showed no liking towards her. The new queen looked at my cousin with dislike, and towards his new wife, she showed even more distaste.

I knew that Queen Jane was likely displeased that Benedict had married another woman despite the fact that his betrothed, Lady Grace Ainsworth had only passed away last year, but who was Queen Jane to complain, especially after having wed her dead sister's widower?

She had smiled at me, and although I had to admit that she was beautiful, she did not have the same charms as Queen Helene did. I returned her smile, now realising that Queen Jane, in fact, didn't know that I was the one who perpetrated the deaths of her two sisters and little nephew.

Apparently, this Queen Jane liked to dance, and that night she had dragged her fat, sweaty husband to the dance floor. I myself waltzed with my brother, then my father, and then my betrothed.

"Green suits you, Annie," Edmund whispered into my ear as he clasped my hands and led me into the ballroom. His movements were smooth and calculated, and he was careful in his footing. I simply followed his footsteps, and he was sure to prevent me from making a fool out of myself.

Then, from afar, I saw my brother dancing with Princess Margaret. My brother had grown significantly and was now much taller than I was. His violet eyes were very striking and prominent against his olive skin, and he often had his chestnut hair slicked back, and he could be considered somewhat attractive.

The Princess Margaret was a perfect match for Gilbert. She was not only graceful and poised, but also fiery and eye-catching, having worn a deep burgundy gown with black lace embellishments to her father's wedding. Now fourteen, I was certain that she now knew the demands to always look beautiful, so she had covered her lips with rouge and her cheeks with blush. When my brother twirled her along with the music, she had let out a peal of laughter. It was ridiculous though, how can someone's be so beautiful that even their laugh sounds endearing?

In the dark, secluded corner however, the other princess stood in complete silence. She was small and pale, unlike her glamourous sister who had glowing skin and shiny locks of reddish blonde hair. Half of Princess Cecily's face was covered by her hair, but from her trembling lips and downcast eyes, I could tell that she was far from happy. No one had asked for her hand that night, and my heart ached for her, especially after knowing how sweet and soft spoken she was.

After the dance ended, I nudged Gilbert and urged him to dance with Princess Cecily. He looked at me as if I had spawned two heads, and quickly replied 'No.'

"No, why would I ?" he scoffed. "I am smitten with her sister, not her!"

I recalled the way Princess Cecily would look at Gilbert from afar, and her limpid eyes were filled with so much hope and affection. However, I could not tell him, or he might tell everyone and embarrass the poor princess.

"It's just a dance, Gibbs. Besides, wouldn't it be nice to be acquainted with her?" I convinced.

My brother then grudgingly ask her to dance with him, and I watched as he reluctantly led her to the dance floor, and his face looked like a sour plum as he glared daggers at me. Princess Cecily, however, was overjoyed, and was smiling from ear to ear.

"Are you trying to play matchmaker now, Annie?" Edmund asked while we stood by the refreshments table.

"I think the Princess likes my brother, Edmund. She looked so sad earlier, so I wanted to make her a bit happier," I said with a smile. Edmund gazed warmly at Gilbert and Princess Cecily, but then his smile suddenly faded.

"Annie," he said urgently. "You once told me that Gilbert fancies Princess Margaret, didn't you?"

I nodded. "Yes, Edmund. He is so smitten that he plans to propose to her once she is of age."

"Annie, while it is true that the king plans to wed one of the princesses to Gilbert, the other princess shall be send to Prince Henri of Terrawyn," he stated.

"And?" I said, confused. "The king will just send Princess Cecily, won't he?"

"In Terrawyn, the women who marry into the royal family mustn't have a single scar or mark on their body, Annie. The king cannot send over Princess Cecily. It has to be Princess Margaret."

"Oh," I murmured, recalling about what Princess Cecily had said regarding her sister. The music of the dance slowly came to a halt, and my brother and Princess Cecily had yet to part, simply standing there silently with their hands clasped together, both quiet and wordless. Perhaps, it was not such a bad thing after all.