Chapter 17- Thorn Dorian

Elora glanced around and noticed that the others wore a similar expression only the fae was writing. Then her eyes focused on the blue-haired woman.

[If Mother hasn't forced me here, who wants to be here? Anyway, even if I don't pass, I'll get the position. Who needs this unnecessary test?] Eldora's eyes flashed with confusion. She didn't recall promising anybody to work for her without passing the text. Where did this girl get her confidence?

Elora couldn't help but ask, ''What's your name?'' The woman's chin lifted arrogantly, like a peacock.

''Bella, from the House of ROSE. The heir to the Rose family.'' She spoke with a proud tone, staring at the queen, expecting a reaction to her family name. But no single recognition on the queen's face.

'God, what happened to Just 'Bella Rose?' What's with the long introduction?' this thought flowed through Elora's mind as he stared at Bella.

''Quiet and sit down. Don't disturb his test,'' Elora's tone was cold as if speaking to an animal to behave.

Bella froze where she stood, her eyes wide with shame, feeling the pickle of everyone's gaze on her. Her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.

The others, grateful they hadn't questioned the queen, bowed their heads in their papers.

Elora's attention returned to the fae who was still writing. Striding over, she stopped beside him, her eyes glancing over his work. She nodded to herself, unaware of how Thorn's shoulders tensed.

Thorn could feel her aura more clearly now. Her wavy silver hair glimmered under the afternoon sun as she stood close. He tightened his grip on his pen, focusing on the calculations in front of him.

Elora was satisfied that someone was handling the task well, she hoped he would pass the test, already choosing him as her assistant.

She returned to her seat, more at ease.

The others glanced at Thorn, discomforted by his serious demeanor, and they turned to their work. They made an effort to complete the test, not wanting to submit blank papers.

As they wrote, the structure of the exercise became clearer, and they realized it was easier and more organized than they had first thought. Their earlier complaints were forgotten as they marveled at the queen's innovation.

Before they could go half into the invoice the hourglass turned and their papers floated from their hands much to their regret.

This time the papers were given to the queen to mark. Elora skimmed through it and stopped on a neat handwriting, she looked carefully at the work and saw it was completed, she dropped others and checked the calculations which were correct. She glanced at the name: Thorn Dorian.

Looking up at the group, she called, ''Thorn Dorian.'' She watched as the fae stepped forward, pleased with her decision.

''you'll be working with me from today.'' Elora's tone was kind, but facing the rest it became her normal indifferent one. ''You can all leave.'' She said, dismissing them. Bella's fist was clenched at her side, her nails digging into her palm.

Her gaze was darkened with hatred for the queen. She wants this position since the queen didn't choose her, she will get the work to show her decision doesn't matter. 'it's time to complain to uncle, to teach his daughter a lesson.' With that thought her anger went down a little knowing who the queen was most afraid of.

Elora studied the gentle face before her, she didn't read his thoughts, when she reads people's thoughts are when they project their thoughts loudly to her or when she wants the truth. Her brain was too delicate for her to go around reading people's thoughts.

''Do you have anything to take with you? Or do you want to leave with me now?'' she asked, as she got up from her seat, striding towards her horse.

''Your majesty, I can leave with you now.'' Thorn's mellow voice, made her pause, then mounted the horse in a swift movement. ''Come up,'' she said, with her hands stretched out.

''Your majesty, he can ride in my horse,'' Nalia suggested, not wanting any suspicious figure near the queen.

Thorn, whose feet turn in her direction, retracted. A wave of annoyance passed through his heart at the guard's interruptions, though he couldn't quite place why it bothered him.

Elora withdrew her hand. It worked either way. She tapped the horse, and it galloped forward, wings spreading as it soared toward the castle.

Elora took a deep breath, her purple eyes lit up, as the horse flew higher, rolling through the clouds.

The wind whipped through her hair, and she glanced down at her kingdom, a genuine smile spreading across her face as she enjoyed the ride.

The guards watched the queen play around with the horse and followed steadily not losing sight of her, they were glad the gloomy cloud surrounding the young queen after the late queen's death had lifted. Nalia vowed silently to protect this newfound happiness.

Thorn riding at her back, watched the carefree queen with growing curiosity. He could already sense his time here would be eventful.

Upon landing at the castle, Elora dismounted, and the stable hands led the horse away. ''Come with me,'' she ordered, her tone serious now as she gestured for Thorn to follow.

Thorn followed after her, and as they reached study, Nalia used her magic to swiftly open the door, in time for the queen to pass through. If she had been any later, the door could have met its 'tragic end.'

Thorn's eyes narrowed, feeling that something was off, but he had no time to dwell on it.

Elora sat at her desk, gesturing for Thorn to take a seat as well. The butler arrived, serving tea for both of them.

Elora opened the sugar jar, dropping three large spoonfuls into her tea.

Thorn grimaced internally, his eyelids twitching at the sight. He quickly looked away, adding only a single teaspoon to his tea.

Elora sipped her tea, enjoying the mellow sweetness, unaware that Thorn's teeth ached as he watched her drink the tea, but to her, the sugar was not enough.