Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 108

8

Miesa continued walking towards the central palace.

Eirik, observing her pale complexion, furrowed his brow. After handling such a significant event and only catching a brief nap in the carriage, it was natural for her already fragile body to be strained. Concerned, Eirik asked Tilberg, who was following behind, “Is there a room Her Majesty can use immediately?”

“The bedroom used by the first queen two generations ago is the most suitable… but it belonged to the late king’s mother.”

“Vermel’s mother?” Miesa paused and asked, causing Tilberg to look visibly uncomfortable. Even someone as loyal to the royal family as Tilberg understood why Miesa might want to burn anything related to Vermel after everything she had endured.

However, Miesa, seemingly unbothered, replied as she resumed walking, “I don’t mind. I’ve never met her, so that room will do.”

With that, Miesa entered the central palace, now entirely hers.

A few steps past the heavy doors, the grand marble walls engraved with the founding myth extended to the high ceiling. Tilberg, still looking tense, guided her towards the arched entrance below, but Miesa paused to admire the marble carvings decorating the walls and ceiling.

The carvings, depicting the goddess’s blessing and the saga of the first king of Esquillir, were unfamiliar to her. She hadn’t entered through the main gate when she was dragged from Celia Palace to the central palace, and during her post-wedding visit with Eirik, she hadn’t had the chance to appreciate the surroundings.

Miesa stared impassively at the carvings of the first king of Esquillir for a while before slowly resuming her steps. Once, she might have been moved by the sight, proud of her royal lineage, but now, the name Esquillir was merely a tool for her survival.

The guards quickly returned to their posts and saluted the new queen with their hands over their chests. Miesa, with a detached expression, acknowledged them and entered the all-white corridor.

Perhaps to instill a sense of intimidation or because it had seen too much bloodshed, the central palace’s main hallway lacked any carpets. Miesa felt the cold marble floor’s chilling sensation seeping through her soft leather shoes.

This place was filled with her pain and suffering. The violent sunlight reflecting white through the tall windows, piercing her eyes, only added to her discomfort. As always, the place made her insides twist, her skin crawl, and her body itch with unease.

Eirik, noticing her hesitant steps, whispered softly, “Shall I hold you?”

Miesa turned her head to look at him.

Standing in the bright, shattered sunlight in his ceremonial armor from the night’s enthronement, Eirik seemed even more divine than the marble statue of the first king of Esquillir depicted as a hero in mythology. His serene eyes held her image, and his poised lips curved into a gentle smile as he awaited her answer. He looked stronger and more handsome than ever, a sight that dazzled her.

Now, she could stand before him with pride, no longer a pitiful figure but one who could match him in dignity. This realization filled her with a profound sense of gratitude.

No, come to think of it, she was not just any person but the queen of this kingdom. She had momentarily forgotten this while looking at him.

“I’m fine.”

Miesa wanted to walk through this place on her own two feet. She wanted to show him her strength and not waste the courage he had given her. If she leaned on him now, it would be no different from the past.

The significance of her position as queen grew in her heart. Considering it the most precious and valuable gift he had given her, Miesa lifted her head high and walked down the bright hallway.

Passing the audience chamber where the burly Dialle had once grabbed her by the hair and the staircase where Lady-in-Waiting Namirea had kicked her, her heart raced and her breathing quickened. Yet, she walked through the central palace like a conqueror on her own land.

However, as she neared the central hall, the most harrowing place, her steps slowed. She paused and stared at the hall through the open door, memories flooding her mind.

This was where her mother had taken her last breath. Closing her eyes, she could almost see those cursed birds devouring her loved ones and hear the screams of the nameless being torn apart.

It’s alright. She had been dragged here so many times before. There was no reason to suddenly feel pain now. It was just a past that could no longer torment her, she reminded herself.

Though she overcame the red-tinted hallucinations before her eyes, she couldn’t suppress the laugh that habitually escaped her.

The laughter started as a giggle and grew louder. Tilberg and the maids following her looked bewildered, but Eirik understood. Unlike before, there was something unnatural about this laughter.

“I need to fix this.”

After laughing her fill, Miesa muttered as if making an excuse, and Eirik bent down and whispered from behind her, “What do you mean?”

“Laughing every time I see blood. People might spread strange rumors,” Miesa whispered back, turning to him. Eirik shook his head firmly.

“It’s fine. We can create a room where Your Majesty can laugh freely.”

As always, he answered as if there was nothing unusual about her. Though it wasn’t a romantic declaration, his acceptance of even her twisted side in that brief remark made her heart swell.

Before leaving the central hall, Miesa looked back one more time. The once ominous hall was now just an empty space that could no longer harm her.

Miesa and Eirik headed to the room that once belonged to the former queen from House Salachez, the mother of Vermel.

The room, divided into a bedroom, dressing room, reception room, study, and bathroom, was lavishly decorated, showcasing the grandeur of House Salachez.

Despite not being used for over 30 years, the room was well-maintained and clean. Moreover, the passageway connecting it to the king’s bedroom was sealed off, ensuring security and safety.

As Miesa sat on the reception room sofa to catch her breath, Eirik suggested, “Your Majesty, you haven’t eaten anything yet. You should have a meal first.”

“I want to bathe first. I still feel uneasy from the blood I hastily washed off last night.”

Eirik nodded but persisted, “I understand, but you must eat something first. I’m worried you might faint if you go into the bathroom without any nourishment.”

“……”

“It will take some time to prepare the bath anyway, so please have a little something to eat in the meantime.”

The palace maids were busily tidying the bedroom and bathroom, but the presence of guards inspecting each item they brought in was causing delays. Miesa, noticing this, reluctantly agreed, “Something sweet, then. Anything will do.”

“Something quick, like bread with butter and honey, should suffice,” Eirik decided.

Shortly after, a trembling page brought a tray with rare Shurei berry juice, buttered bread, and a small pot of honey.

“May the goddess’s glory and blessing be upon the highest…”

Fortunately, the tray was placed on a small cart, so even with the page’s shaking hands, there was no risk of spilling. Though the clinking of dishes and glasses as they were set on the table was quite noisy.

Eirik, as a matter of course, first tasted the juice and the bread to ensure they were safe before offering them to Miesa.

Miesa naturally accepted the food he handed her. Tilberg stood silently to the side, observing the two of them.

“Eat slowly and chew thoroughly,” Eirik whispered to Miesa, in a tone one might use with a child. Considering the queen’s dignity, Eirik realized he would often be whispering in her ear from now on, and a slight smile played on his lips.

As Miesa nibbled on the bread, Eirik turned to Captain Tilberg and relayed the necessary instructions.

“Some attendants, including Viscountess Manere, will arrive from the Cladnier estate soon. Please ensure they can attend to Her Majesty immediately upon arrival.”

“Understood.”

Having already discussed this with Miesa in the carriage, they concluded that the palace maids were not suitable. Instead, Viscountess Manere, though shrewd, was reliable for the task. Miesa agreed, so Eirik had sent word to the Cladnier estate as soon as they reached the capital.

As the clock struck ten, signaling the completion of the cleaning of the bathroom and bedroom, the visitors from the Cladnier estate also arrived.

Despite having been forewarned, Viscountess Manere couldn’t hide her astonishment at seeing Miesa in such a healthy state.

“May the goddess’s glory and blessing be upon the highest,” she stammered.

“You’re here,” Miesa said, rising from the sofa as if she had been waiting for this moment. Just then, Eirik, who had returned from inspecting the bathroom, nodded to Viscountess Manere and informed her of the situation.

“Her Majesty wishes to bathe immediately.”

“Yes, I understand. I also brought clothes for the Margrave to change into,” Viscountess Maner replied.

“Thank you. Captain of the Guard, are there rooms in the central palace for external visitors?”

Eirik’s question made Tilberg ponder for a moment before answering. “There is a suitable room nearby.”

“Then, may I borrow it for a while? I need to bathe as well.”

While Eirik conversed with Tilberg, Miesa, who had been watching them, raised an eyebrow and asked, “What’s this about?”

“Well…” Eirik hesitated, unsure how to explain.

He could wait for his turn after Miesa finished bathing, but using the former queen’s bathroom felt uncomfortable. Using the adjacent king’s bedroom was even less appealing, as it might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and, most importantly, it was Vermel’s room.

However, Miesa, even as queen, continued to defy his expectations.

“Is the bathroom too small? Can’t two people bathe together?” she asked.

“Sorry?” Viscountess Manere, shocked, questioned her own hearing, while Tilberg and the guards quickly looked down. Eirik bit his lip to suppress his laughter.