Chapter 47: Meeting The Queen

Killian, Hyuna, and Vahili walked out of the carriage—red, messy, and steamy. They walked past the knights in front of the carriage, ignoring their attention.

One of the knights walked towards them. "Your highness, the queen wants to see the both of you. The queen is waiting in the castle's garden," the knight said.

Hyuna slowly exhaled. "It seems we need to see Mother first," she said with a little bit of frustration in her tone.

"It must be important. We should go there first," Vahili said. She looked at Killian. "Come with us, Killian. I am pretty sure you would love to meet the queen of the kingdom."

"It is an honor," Killian replied, ignoring the sharp gazes of the knights.

The three of them walked through the red carpet of the white corridor of the kingdom. After a few minutes, they reached the garden located at the back of the castle.

A massive garden filled with flowers and dwarf trees. In the middle of the garden was a grassland with a river passing through. The centerpiece of the garden was a white patio with a sky-blue roof.

Standing at the edge of the man-made river was the queen, Queen Slahty Satirica. Her timeless beauty was being lit up by the morning sun. Upon seeing the arrival of the three, her eyes immediately darted to Killian. Upon seeing his face, Slahty shaped a sly smile on her soft and red lips.

Vahili and Hyuna approached Slahty, leaving Killian standing next to the patio. The three women talked for a few seconds, then Hyuna and Vahili walked out.

"We are just going to do something quickly. Mind waiting for us here? Our mother will company you," Hyuna said.

Killian nodded. "I don't mind."

Hyuna and Vahili walked away. Slahty gracefully walked towards Killian, her gaze eying him like some kind of delightful meal.

"You must be Killian. I heard many things about you from my beloved daughters." Slahty showed a meaningful smile. "A lot."

Killian bowed his head while keeping his hand on his chest. "It is a great pleasure to meet you, my queen."

Slahty extended her hand to Killian. "It's mine too, Killian."

Killian, fully understanding what the queen wanted him to do, gently grabbed her soft hand and kissed it softly.

The sensation of Killian's lips on her hand was more than enough to make Slahty gasp softly.

For a brief moment, Slahty breathed heavily; her eyes were filled with desire, but they were immediately hidden in her graceful demeanor. She was really good at hiding her emotions.

However, Killian could see through it.

"I have prepared tea; mind joining me, Killian," Slahty said as she walked towards the patio. Her beautiful shapes were being shown through her thin white clothing, thanks to her direct exposure to sunlight.

"I would love to," Killian answered. He followed after her.

Slahty sat on one of the white metal chairs, while Killian sat on the other side of the table.

"How do you like your tea, Killian? Sweet, strong, a balance of both," she said with an alluring voice, her tantalizing eyes not leaving Killian. "Or as long as it's hot?"

"I would love a taste of how you want it to be," Killian replied politely, smiling at her.

"They say that you can tell the character of a person based on their preference of type of tea. Let me guess, you are the type who loves anything as long as it satisfies you—and is also willing to try new things." Slahty smiled, pouring the tea into Killian's white porcelain cup. "I, on the other hand, have a specific type of tea. I want my tea strong and hot. I would rather have bitter and overpowering tea than cold and spoiled."

"I see." Killian nodded and took a sip. "You have a very good taste; this one tastes great."

Slahty chuckled. "I know." She rested her head on her hand, watching Killian closely. "You know, it is great to have someone who can accompany me today. Both my daughters, most of the time, are busy with their own things. I am always left alone here, drinking tea on my own. A little bit lonely."

Slahty gently pushed the porcelain plate with cookies towards Killian.

Killian took one of the cookies and took a bite. "How about the king?"

Slahty shook her head. "He is spending his days lying on his bed—only going out to sit on his throne. He's already too old to do this kind of thing." Slahty shrugged. "I mean, back when we got married, he was already too old compared to me. I wanted to marry a strong and handsome king—but unfortunately for me. Poor thing."

Killian cleared his throat. "Um, right. Am I allowed to hear that?"

Slahty chuckled. "Hyuna was right. You are talking to the queen, but you are talking to me so casually." She nodded. "It's quite refreshing."

"Like mothers like daughters, huh?" Killian whispered to himself, biting off from his cookies.

"So, how long are you planning to stay in the capital? Is it for good?" Slahty asked.

"No, my queen, I'll be leaving soon. I'm planning to go to another country to make a name for myself—or something," Killian replied.

"You are leaving?" Hyuna asked as she just arrived. "Why?"

"Things happened," Killian replied. He took the final sip of his tea. "This tea is really good, my queen. I love it."

"I am glad that you love it," Slahty said, slowly clapping.

"Sister, should we tie him up to prevent him from escaping?" Vahili suggested.

"Oy!"

"As much as I would love to, that only means Killian would no longer be free." Hyuna smiled. "After all, that's what I love about him. He is free."

Vahili nodded at Hyuna's words. "It can't be helped then." She agreed and darted her eyes to Slahty. "Mother, the room is ready; we can go there now."

Slahty stood. "Thank you, my dear daughters. Mom will relish this gift," she said, looking at Killian with a graceful smile on her lips. "Killian, shall we go?"

Hyuna and Vahili grabbed Killian's hands and pulled him up; then, they wrapped their arms around his arms.

"What did the queen mean by that?" Killian asked, walking while following Slahty's graceful footsteps.

"She meant she would be joining us," Hyuna answered, a meaningful smile on her face. "It's good timing; we can make unforgettable memories before you leave."

"Right," Killian replied, just letting them guide him.

"Let's just say it is family bonding," Vahili said.