Her Majesty, Queen
Oliva Salidoris, was on display in her Crystal Throne at the northern end of
the Great Hall. Today was the first day of summer and one of only four days
that she required her three daughters, the four Governors and the local
nobility to attend her. Dark and curly shoulder length hair, adorned with
golden threads containing delicate pink blossoms and tiny green leaves, framed
the face of a mature yet strikingly beautiful woman. The intricate Crown of
Dahlian, nestled atop the curls, appeared to anchor the golden threads in
place. A sleeveless, floor length gown was the color of spring wheat in
celebration of the new season. The gown was trimmed with the same profusion of
leaves and blossoms at the hem, waistline and neckline which was cut just low
enough to hint at the femininity hidden within.
Intense hazel
eyes, partially hidden behind lowered dark lashes, scanned the courtyard as she
greeted her guests with a nod and a distracted but benevolent smile. The
fingers of her right hand continued to tap out a rhythm on the arm of the
throne despite her best efforts to still them. Today’s major announcement
involved an agreement that had been reached concerning Princess Sofia. One that
she was completely unaware of and the Queen was concerned what her hot
tempered daughter’s reaction would be. At a discreet signal from the Queen, the
Seneschal lowered his head to hers.
“Any word as to
the whereabouts of Princess Sofia?” she whispered.
“No, your Majesty.
The servants are being uncommonly tight lipped. No one has seen the Princess
since late last night.”
Just then a
movement at the southern entrance to the chamber caught her eye like a breath
of air rustling the leaves of a single tree branch. A young woman dressed in a
blindingly white gown with folds of sheer lace down the sleeves and around the
neck, strode down the aisle. The lethal grace of her movements was a testament
to the years of clandestine lessons she had been receiving from the retired
arms-master. The Princess had been successful in keeping the secret from the
rest of the court but what she didn’t know was that her mother had set up the
lessons in the first place.
A wave of silence
spread out from the Princess as the sea of courtesans parted in front of her on
the way to the Throne. Even from far away the Queen could see the anger
smoldering in the eyes of her youngest daughter. Knowing her daughter wouldn’t
have created a dramatic entrance on purpose, something or someone must have
delayed her. The Queen’s suspicions were confirmed as she caught the barely
suppressed smirk and look of distain on the face of her middle daughter, Princess Dianna.
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