Entangled in the Intrigues of the Crown

Naria sat behind the door, her heart racing as she tried to process the king's words. Her nails were bitten down to the quick, a nervous habit she couldn't seem to shake. Her leg shook uncontrollably as she tried to make sense of everything that was happening.

The room was completely silent, save for the sound of her own breathing. She was lost in her own thoughts, trying to figure out what her next move would be. After escaping Ace, she had thought that she was finally free, but now it seemed like she was back in another trap.

The king's approval of her marriage to Raiver had sent a cold shiver down her spine. Was this the only reason he had agreed to it? Was she just a pawn in his game? Even though she didn't love Raiver, she thought it would be better than living in Ace's presence.

But now, as the reality of her situation set in, cold water filled her eyes and small pearls began to drop down her cheeks. She tried to hold back the tears, but they came anyway, forcing her to hold her knees together tightly in an effort to keep herself from falling apart.

She felt helpless, like she had no control over her own life. She had always dreamed of being free, of living a life of her own making, but now it seemed like that dream was slipping away from her. All she could do was sit there, behind the door, and cry.

Another knock on the door made Naria flinch, jolting her out of her thoughts. "Who's there again?" she called out, her voice shaky with emotion.

As she slowly got up, her hands trembled with a mixture of fear and anger. She wiped the sour water from her cheeks, inhaled deeply, and tried to steady herself before opening the door.

With a strength born of frustration, she pulled the door open, ready to face whoever was on the other side. But as her eyes fell upon the figure before her, her jaw dropped and she froze in shock.

Standing in front of her was a woman with pink sapphire-colored hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her eyebrows were thick and expressive, and her eyes were a bright blue that reminded Naria of the ocean. Puffy sleeves adorned her dress, making her stand tall and graceful, and on top of her head was a beautiful crown.

For a moment, Naria was speechless. She had never seen anyone as beautiful as this woman before her. The crown only added to her regal appearance, making her seem like a true queen.

As Naria stood there, stunned, the woman spoke in a smooth, melodious voice. "My dear, I am Queen Lerya. I have come to speak with you about your future."

Naria couldn't move or speak, seeing someone as extravagant as Queen Lerya standing before her. The queen stood there by herself, with no servants escorting her. She spoke in a calm and steady voice, flowing with confidence, but her face held a kind and gentle expression.

"May I come in?" the queen asked, gesturing towards the room behind Naria.

Naria stuttered for a moment, inhaling more air to steady herself before finally managing to say, "Yes." She waved down the sweaty hand that had been clutching her dress and stepped aside to let the queen enter.

The queen walked in, scanning the room with a keen eye before settling herself near a small coffee table that had been placed in the room while Naria and Raiver were gone. She sat down gracefully and motioned for Naria to take a seat as well.

Naria hesitated for a moment, still unsure of what was happening, but eventually sat down across from the queen. She studied the woman before her, taking in every detail of her regal appearance. She couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder in the presence of such a powerful figure.

The queen smiled kindly at Naria, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "I know this must all be very confusing for you," she said. "But I'm here to help you, my dear. You are not alone in this." Lowering her thick eyebrows, she gently lifted the corners of her lips.

"I know my husband, the king, was here just a minute ago, and I know he scared you," Queen Lerya spoke softly, her voice filled with sympathy for Naria. "That's the type of person he is. He's mean, cold, and evil. The crown holds that possession of power and control. He will want to control you, tell you things, and make you listen to him only. That is true."

Naria nodded, feeling a sense of relief that she wasn't alone in her thoughts about the king. She listened closely as the queen continued speaking, her voice graceful and calm.

"My son Rayden was the first ever to be born without the crimson curse of the black dragon," the queen explained. "The whole kingdom celebrated, but then we had Raiver, who was cursed. The anger of the king sent the whole nation down, making everyone remember that the curse was still present."

There was a pause, and the queen turned to look out the window at the garden before turning back to Naria.

"He hated Raiver, his own son, so bad that he even spread rumors of him being ruthless and mean," the queen continued. "He said that no one should ever love him or bear any children with him to continue the curse."

Naria listened intently, feeling a sense of understanding wash over her. She had suspected that there was more to Raiver's story than what the people of Pretto had told her.

"But why did he agree to our marriage then?" Naria asked, her voice small.

The queen let out a long sigh. "He sees it as a way to control you, my dear," she said. "But don't worry, we will find a way to protect you from him. You have my word."

The Queen placed her hand on Naria's gently as she spoke, her voice soft and reassuring. "You see, the king's main goal was to make Raiver as miserable as he could during his childhood, giving all his love to the crown prince Rayden. And while growing up, Raiver's talents started to shine, and he received more acknowledgment." The queen let a short laugh, "But the king didn't want to see him succeed, so he spread a rumor across the country to make him seem cold and ruthless." The queen tightened her hand around Naria's as she spoke, and Naria felt her shaking skin, "He wanted people to believe that Raiver was that type of person, so that no one would want to marry him and have children with him, in order to end the crimson curse of the black dragon."

The Queen sighed, her eyes showing the weight of the burden she carried. "Until a couple of months ago, when you came into the picture," she glanced at Naria, who looked surprised. "But it's only been three days," Naria interjected.

"It doesn't matter," the Queen replied. "You will have time to ask more questions in the future. I'm here for you to understand your situation and embrace it. My son could kill for you. That's how crazy he has fallen for you. And Ambiguity enhances romance, if you didn't know."

Naria's eyes widened at the Queen's words. She had never imagined that she would be in a situation like this. But she was also curious to know more about Raiver and the kingdom she had found herself in.

Naria listened carefully to the queen's words, taking in the weight of the situation she found herself in. She felt a mixture of shock and disbelief, wondering how she could have become so entangled in the politics and intrigues of the royal family.

She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself before responding to the queen's last statement. "I... I didn't know that, Your Majesty. I'm still trying to understand my feelings for Prince Raiver, and I don't want to lead him on if I'm not sure. But I appreciate your honesty and guidance in this matter."

Naria looked down at her hands, feeling a sense of unease and uncertainty. She wondered what her future held now that she has become a pawn in the royal family's schemes. But she also knew that she cannot turn back now, and must face whatever challenges lie ahead with courage and determination.