Chapter 26: The Chosen One

She opened her eyes, her gaze coming to rest on the unoccupied pillow beside her. "Lleus?" she called softly, her voice hoarse from sleep. There was only silence to greet her. Frowning, Reika pushed herself up and looked around. The ornate bedroom with its heavy tapestries and gilded furniture was oppressively still. The absence of King Lleus seemed to hang palpably in the air, and an insidious thought began to insinuate itself into her mind. She swung her legs over the side, and the cold marble floor chilled her to the bone. Just as she rose to investigate, a knock came at her door to break into her reflections. "Come in," Reika called, straightening up. The double doors creaked open, and a line of maids entered, each clad in the standard uniform of the royal household, behind which was a tall, severe-looking woman with sharp eyes and an air of authority: Greta, the head maid. Good morning, Your Majesty," Greta said with a bow, in a crisp and professional voice. "His Majesty, King Lleus, ordered me to bring these candidates for your review. His Majesty wants you to pick a personal maid from these ladies." Reika raised her eyebrow, hiding her surprise in light of Lleus's absence earlier. "A personal maid? "Yes, Your Majesty," Greta said, making a gesture toward the waiting girls. "These are the best from the household servants. Skilled, loyal, and keen to serve Your Majesty." The maids all curtsied at once, some looking nervous, others hopeful. Reika's keen eyes swept over the assembly, lingering briefly on each one. They were all so well turned out-their uniforms immaculate, their postures perfect. Still, as her eyes lingered on the group, something just felt.off. She frowned. "Wait. Where is Daisy? The name hung in the air, heavy as a thunderclap. The maids looked at each other with questioning gazes, and Greta's face danced for a moment between surprise and unease. "Daisy, Your Majesty?" Greta asked cautiously. "Yes," Reika said, her voice firm. "The little girl with the red hair and freckled cheeks. I saw her yesterday helping in the kitchens. Where is she? Greta stammered, flustered. "Your Majesty, Daisy is very young. She's only just begun her duties in the lower ranks. She's not trained to serve as a personal maid. I didn't think it appropriate to bring her here." Reika's eyes narrowed. "That wasn't my question. Where is she? Greta straightened, her tone almost wary. "She's in the kitchen, Your Majesty. But I assure you, she's far too inexperienced for this role." "I disagree," Reika replied coolly. She moved a step forward, regarding the woman with an unreadable gaze. "I want Daisy. Bring her to me. The room fell silent, the weight of Reika's words pressing down on everyone present. Greta opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she bowed. 'As you wish, Your Majesty. I will summon her immediately." Greta nodded at one of the maids, who scurried from the room to fetch Daisy. The remaining maids shifted uneasily, their eyes cast down as they waited. Reika turned to Greta, her face relaxing ever so slightly. "I appreciate your concern for protocol, Greta. But I believe in choosing people based on potential, not just experience." The head maid nodded stiffly. "Of course, Your Majesty." A few minutes later, the door opened again, and a timid figure stepped inside. Daisy was smaller than the other maids, her fiery red hair tucked under a slightly askew cap. Her hands fidgeted nervously with her apron, and her wide green eyes darted around the room before settling on Reika. "Y-Your Majesty," Daisy stammered, dropping into a clumsy curtsy. Reika's lips curved into a gentle smile. "There you are, Daisy. Come closer." The girl hesitated, looking at Greta with a nervous glance; Greta nodded slightly. Slowly, Daisy stepped forward to Reika, her hands clasped together tightly in front of her. Reika reached out and laid a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "You're nervous. That's natural. But I see something in you, Daisy. Something unique. Do you want to be my personal maid?" Daisy's eyes widened, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words. Finally, she managed to nod. 'I.I'd be honored, Your Majesty." 'Good," Reika said warmly. She turned to Greta. 'Please see to it that Daisy is properly outfitted and given the necessary training." Greta hesitated, her expression betraying a hint of disapproval, but she bowed nonetheless. 'Of course, Your Majesty." As the other maids filed out, Daisy lingered, her eyes shining with a mixture of wonder and gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she whispered. Reika gave her a knowing look. "Don't thank me yet, Daisy. There's much work ahead for both of us." As the door closed behind Daisy and Greta, Reika finally allowed herself to exhale. She walked to the window, gazing out at the sprawling palace gardens below. Her thoughts drifted to Lleus. Why had he left without a word? And why had he delegated such an important task to Greta instead of handling it himself? Her musings were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. "Enter," Reika called, her tone sharp with curiosity. A guard stepped in, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the king has requested your presence in the council chamber. He apologizes for leaving abruptly this morning and asks that you join him immediately." Reika's brows furrowed. "Did he say why?" "No, Your Majesty. But he mentioned it was a matter of great importance." Reika nodded and waved her hand to dismiss him. As the door swung shut, a sense of unease settled into her chest. Something about this morning felt.off. She changed into a more formal gown. The shimmering fabric seemed to catch fire in the sunbeams. She adjusted her tiara, then gave one final glance at her reflection and squared her shoulders before heading out of the room. The air was thick with silent tension as Reika entered the council chamber. Lleus stood at the head of the table, his face grim. Advisors and generals surrounded him, their faces etched with concern. "Reika," Lleus said, his voice softening slightly as he saw her. "Thank you for coming." "What's going on?" she asked, her tone measured but firm. Before Lleus could reply, a loud noise reverberated outside the doors of the chamber. The shouting of men echoed down the hallway, followed by the heavy pound of their boots upon the floor. The doors burst open and in stumbled a bloodied scout, his breathing ragged. "Your Majesties," he gasped, falling to his knees. "The eastern border.it's under attack." The room fell silent. The weight of the news sank in. Lleus's jaw clenched, his gaze hardening as he turned to his council. "Summon the generals," he ordered. "We move out immediately."