7-18: Back In The Capital

After a few short days of travel, the girls were finally back in the capital, of course, with their Elven compatriot in tow.

"Human cities haven't changed... What a waste of nature." Shaerrill scanned the capital, disappointed in the differences between Elven and human culture.

"It's not too bad. We have plenty of beautiful scenery about." Arachne said, trying to ease Shaerrill into learning human customs.

"Let me reword it. It's not ugly. I just believe that a lot of nature has been wasted for this kind of development."

For a while, everyone has been trying to teach Shaerrill how one should behave in human populations, including manners and wording. After all, their next stop was the castle, to reconvene with the Queen and tell her the good news.

When the carriage finally stopped, Veronica started to become nervous. She remembered what was going to come next. And, what she needed to do. She wondered if she should do it quickly, or let it continue naturally. Both had their pros and cons.

And she had no time to really think about it as she was already at the Queen's office.

"Your Majesty, they've arrived." A servant said, awaiting for the Queen's answer.

"Excellent, let them in." She responded, letting the servant open the door. The whole group filed into the room, the Elf catching her attention. "You're finally back. And what news do you bring me?"

"The rogue force has been eliminated, Your Majesty. This elf has brought extra information that could prove useful." Marriott stated calmly, gesturing towards Shaerrill.

"My name is Shaerrill Miri. I was their escort in the Forest of Vauxterel. While in their main encampment we've found some information. I believe you should take a look at this." She said, placing a small stack of paper on her desk.

Priscilla looked through the stack, her face slowly twisted more and more into anger and disgust the more she read.

"Of course it was the Laymonts... Thank you for giving me this information. And thank all of you for taking care of this issue that plagued both of our nations." Priscilla quickly calmed down and flashed and pretty, gentle smile to the girls, making Veronica's heart flutter ever so slightly. "I'll schedule a banquet to take place in a few days for this joyous occasion. You may leave, Sébastien will take you to your rooms. Oh, Veronica, I need to speak to you in private for a minute." She stated. Everyone left, except for Veronica.

"Your Majesty?" Veronica didn't dare to show any form of disrespect.

Without speaking a word, Priscilla stood up and walked over to Veronica. She felt nervous, trying to figure out what the Queen was going to do. Only to be warmly embraced.

"Thank you, really. I'm indebted to you. This whole kingdom may very well be. I'll officially give you your noble title on the day if the banquet." She said, looking into Veronica's eyes.

Veronica could have sworn she felt more from Priscilla. More than just a deep gratitude. Something different. But it couldn't possibly be...

"And do please try and woo my eldest. I fear the more we lag, the sooner I'll have to have her married off to some man who's more than twice her age."

"I uh... I'll certainly try. Um, if I may, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course."

"I've been curious but... how old are you? I noticed you're relatively young, considering your position and family." Veronica asked, hoping not to regret it.

Priscilla responded with a sullen chuckle.

"I'm thirty three. I had Celia right after I was married to that man. That was the first thing we had to do when we got married. He was in his thirties at the time. It wasn't until Eleanora was born that I held a disgust for that. I changed those laws when I could. It wasn't easy, but I managed to convince them." Priscilla explained, taking a seat.

"I was barely considered an adult at the time. Young and stupid too. I couldn't make my own decisions until I was eighteen either anyways. The moment I did, I tore down our laws and remade them. Of course, there were many who opposed them, and many laws were never made or repealed."

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know it was..."

"It's fine, my dear."

"She'd be a great person to add~ Think of all you could gain~ Think of how little amount of people could go against you~" A voice in Veronica's head, a new one, a stronger one. Her head became empty then filled with mud, all sorts of dirty intention.

By the time Lilith caught on and attempted to prevent anything from happening, she was a tad too late.

Though, Veronica knew nothing. She just awoke, and now the Queen was looking at her a bit.... differently.

"I-I should leave now." Veronica excused herself, leaving as quick as possible.

Priscilla nodded, letting her leave. And when Veronica left, the Queen wondered why her heart throbbed so. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to share with her daughters.