Chapter 48: The Queen's Celebration
The sun stood overhead, its golden rays through the palace as voices of laughter and music filled its halls. Rieka looked out on the big balcony and scanned down. There were many running servants setting up tables filled with the highest delicacies and a small band that played joyful music. For once, there was life in this palace, but it was not the usual tension, it was joy.
Rieka adjusted her flowing crimson gown, the fabric catching the sun. She was radiant, high on spirits as she watched the celebration roll. This was her moment-a victory worth marking. She had endured much, but now her enemies were beginning to fall, and her influence was growing stronger.
She came down the stairs with her grace, greeting servants with a smile. The kitchen staff was in awe of Rieka's instructions to the footmen serving more wine and sending sweets into every nook and cranny of the mansion.
"Your Grace," one of the head chefs ventured to say, "are you sure we should break into the king's reserves? The king—
"The king will understand," Rieka said, interrupting and smiling warmly but commandingly. "Today is all about appreciation-for all of you serving the palace and keeping it functioning. Eat, drink, and make merry."
The grand hall became a boisterous gathering. Servants, guards, and attendants who normally kept to their duties were now laughing and chatting freely. Plates of roasted meat, exotic fruits, and delicately spiced desserts were passed around. Rieka herself walked among them, encouraging them to enjoy the rare freedom.
From across the room, Kael, head of security for the palace, surveyed the merriment with furrowed brow. He worked his way through the crowd to Rieka, who was pouring herself a goblet of wine at the head table.
"Your Grace," he began, his tone cautious, "might I have a word?"
Rieka turned to him, her eyes alight with humor. "Kael! Have you come to join the celebration?
Kael ignored the playful tone. "No offense, Your Grace, but I find it puzzling. The king just pronounced judgment on two servants accused of theft, and here you are, throwing a celebration."
Rieka tilted her head, studying him. "Does it seem strange to you?"
"It does," he admitted. "The timing, the extravagance-it's as though you're celebrating their downfall."
Rieka smiled mysteriously. "And what if I am?
Kael frowned. "Why would you take pleasure in such a thing? Forgive me, Your Grace, but it seems… uncharacteristic."
Rieka stepped closer, her voice dropping to a low, knowing tone. "Kael, let me ask you something. Do you think loyalty and betrayal should go unpunished?"
"Of course not," Kael said firmly.
"Then you have your answer," Rieka said smoothly. She took a sip of her wine and added, "Time will reveal everything, Kael. For now, enjoy the festivities. Who knows? Your luck might change soon, and you may find yourself rewarded beyond your imagination."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly. "Rewarded for what, exactly?"
"For being in my good book," Rieka said, her tone light but laced with meaning. "I reward loyalty, Kael, and I never forget those who stand by me. Let that be enough for now."
Kael bowed, though his confusion lingered. "As you wish, Your Grace."
The rejoicing spilled into the streets of the capital, where Rieka had ordered the palace gates flung open and food and drink to be distributed among the city's citizens. Children laughed and chased each other through the cobblestone streets while adults marveled at the unexpected generosity of their new queen.
"Long live Queen Rieka!" someone shouted, and the crowd erupted into cheers.
Rieka walked among them, her presence magnetic. She listened to their stories, accepted their thanks with grace, and even danced briefly with a little girl who tugged at her gown. The people adored her, though they couldn't quite understand the reason for her sudden benevolence.
'Your Grace," Daisy whispered as she walked beside her, 'the people are talking. They're saying you've brought light to the palace and hope to the city."
'Good," Rieka said simply. 'Let them talk. It's about time they saw me as more than just the king's wife."
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But the sun below the horizon, there was no sense in which this celebration was to slacken in its pace. Rieka, too, made her way back to the palace. Still excited, she leaned once again over the railing, where flickering lanterns filled the night landscape, like fallen stars.
Daisy came to her side again, her voice low with reserve. "Your Grace, Kael has been asking questions.
Rieka sighed but didn't turn. "Let him ask. He's loyal enough to be useful but curious enough to test his limits. He'll figure out his place soon enough."
"And if he doesn't?" Daisy asked.
Rieka's gaze hardened. "Then he'll join the others who thought they could cross me.
While the celebratory laughter still echoed from above, in the lower chambers of the palace, Alpha Lleus sat in his private study poring over maps and documents. The noise from above cut through his nerves.
A knock at the door broke into his thoughts. "Enter," he barked.
Kael stepped inside; his face was unreadable. "Your Majesty, may I have a moment?"
"What is it now?" Lleus asked, his patience thin.
"It's about the queen," Kael said carefully. "Her celebration—there's something beneath it. She hinted that it's about rewarding loyalty and punishing betrayal, but I don't believe that's the full story."
Lleus leaned back in his chair, studying Kael. "What are you suggesting?"
"I don't know yet," Kael admitted, "but I think she's playing a long game. One that may benefit you—or destroy you."
Lleus smirked. "Do you fear her, Kael?"
"No," Kael said, though his tone betrayed a sliver of doubt. "I respect her. But I think you should keep a closer eye on her, Your Majesty. She's smarter than we give her credit for."
Lleus chuckled, though there was no humor in it. 'Oh, I'm well aware of my wife's intellect. Let her have her fun for now. When the time comes, we'll see who truly holds the power in this palace."