by Dr. D
Tatiana’s smile was unaffected; she knew Acheron was looking for someone in the front of the audience. It took a bit, but when Acheron found him, his features visibly softened and he raised his bone craft scepter.
On the top of the scepter, there was a black stone with a white ball of electricity in the center, which was the elemental stone from the Noxis dragon.
The lightning struck the wooden dragon, and it shattered it to flaming pieces in one hit.
The crowd cheered again until Acheron stepped forward and started to recite the script that Dezi had him memorize.
“On this special day of the dragon festival--” Acheron’s voice ran deep and cold once he moved his eyes away from Dezi. “I wanted to thank you, my lords and royal subjects. With all your support, the kingdom will have many more prosperous years to come.”
Tatiana’s smile deepened as Acheron performed all his parts. She delivered another short speech and announced that dragon celebration was officially started.
With the last word, the king turned back and left the stage with the crowd’s applause. Tatiana waved to her subjects and took her leave, as well.
The door to the back of the stage was opened, and Tatiana could see Acheron stride to the far corner of the hallway, come to a sharp halt, and wait like a trained dog.
Dezi showed up from the other side shortly. He noticed Tatiana, smiled, and did a quick bow to the queen.
Tatiana smiled back and didn’t approach.
When Tatiana had handed Dezi that piece of paper, it wasn’t an offer of money, but the rare chance at nobility. She pushed through all the objections and appointed Dezi as Lord-in-waiting to the crowned prince, replacing the position Ronan had in court. When Acheron ascended to the throne, he also became the king’s only personal assistant.
Until this day, Dezi was a topic of controversy among the nobles. Little did they know just how much help he had given Tatiana.
“His majesty has come a long way.”
“Yes.” Tatiana turned and saw Mathew beside her. “He has.”
“I have decided to leave the palace,” Mathew bowed deeply to her. “I have been thinking about it ever since Queen Evdokia passed away.”
Queen Evdokia had passed away not long after they arrived back at the capital. She decided against a big funeral and was buried in the simplest manners for a queen. Now in the secret garden, there were two stone graves lying side by side. She had seen Mathew taking care of the roses there on multiple occasions.
“The kingdom has never been better,” Mathew continued. “I see no use for me in the palace, and now is a good time for me to leave.”
Tatiana looked at Mathew and didn’t say anything for a long time. Mathew was the one who had come to her with the truth that was buried deep by her mother. It was clear that the knowledge haunted him, and he had to do something to salvage his conscience. He came to Tatiana seeking change, and she didn’t disappoint him.
Now very few people knew that Tatiana was the king behind the crown and the marriage between her and Acheron was only for show. Mathew was again in a position of rare knowledge and he knew it was not a good thing. This time, he was asking her to spare his life.
“You are a wise man. I wish you all the best.” Tatiana smiled.
“I am forever your humble servant, my queen.” Mathew bowed again and exited.
Tatiana turned to look at Acheron, but found prince Andrew with them as well.
“For people who sell their asses, you really did unprecedently well.”
Dezi drew in a breath and bowed like he had heard nothing. “Prince Andrew.”
“Andrew.” Tatiana walked toward them.
Andrew ignored her, turned to Acheron, and spoke in a childish anger. “Couldn’t you at least find a woman? Such a disgrace.”
“Andrew.” Tatiana came up to him. “You are talking to the king.”
“Sister.” Andrew looked back at her and bit his lips. “How could you allow this? Is it true that you couldn’t bear children, or is it because--”
“Andrew!”
“I am sorry.” Andrew dropped his head.
Tatiana let out a sign and softened her tone. “Lord Marcel’s daughter came to visit. Didn’t you say that you like her?”
“Yes …” Andrew gave in and walked toward his beloved sister.
“Come with me, then.” Tatiana smiled and held onto Andrew’s arm. “I will introduce you two.”
She glanced back and saw Dezi shake his head lightly at Acheron’s attempt to kiss him, but he took his hand as they headed in the other direction.
Tatiana turned her head back and smiled. She always figured that next time, Acheron would realize that all he needed to say was, “I am the king,” and he would get anything he wanted, but that still wasn’t happening.
No matter how unhappy about the arrangement, Acheron would still melt under Dezi’s coax and did whatever Dezi wished as if Dezi was the one that held all the cards.
The princess shook her head.
She still didn’t understand love.
But she had learned to trust it on this pair.
The End.
