Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Anastasia woke up the next morning to the sound of the door opening. The maids dressed her in beautiful blue gown and they wore the crown around her head.
"Where is Cassius?" she asked Hannah as she ate her food.
"He left for the court house this morning," the maid replied.
Anastasia nodded her head before returning to eat her food. After finishing her food, Anastasia went to the living room to wait for the ladies of the court.
"Queen Anastasia," the women greeted her, bowing their heads.
"King Cassius had instructed us to come here," one of the ladies said.
"Yes," Anastasia stood up. "Let's take a walk."
As they continued to walk, Anastasia learned of their names. The talkative one was Angelica. They tried to make friends with her, telling her how much they had been supporting her. Anastasia knew they were lying. They were only sweet-talking her because of the crown on her head. If Cassius decided to take the crown from her, they will all leave her.
"We heard about the infection that is spreading among the vampires like wide fire," one of the women said.
"About ten women from Raven village in this Kingdom were reported to have been infected," Angelica said.
After all the sweet talking and praises, Anastasia halted in her footsteps, turning to Angelica. "So, what is it that you want from me?" Anastasia asked.
Angelica smiled, her cheek warming up at the fact that she was caught. "If you could promote me as your lady-in-waiting… it would mean so much," Angelica smiled.
"Hmm," Anastasia forgot that she hadn't appointed anyone as her lady-in-waiting. None of these women deserved it. She would find someone else. "Is that a yes?" Angelica asked.
"That's a no," Anastasia answered, and the smile on Angelica's face fell. She frowned deeply.
"Don't think that because you are the Queen, you are above everyone," Angelica said. "If it weren't for Cassius, who had taken you as his wife, you are just a poor little girl."
"Be careful of your words, Lady Angelica," Anastasia warned. "I could demote you from being a court lady with just a blink of an eye."
Angelica wanted to speak more but she managed to control herself. She knew Anastasia was not joking. She had seen what happened to Emily and the maid. She still valued her status as a court lady. All she could do was frown and glare at Anastasia.
After the five-minute stroll, Angelica and the other ladies bowed their heads. "My Queen, we will be taking our leave now. We expect to see you in court by tomorrow," she said before they left.
Anastasia sighed, walking towards the garden when she caught sight of Cassius stepping out of the carriage. His hair was neatly brushed, and she had the urge to mess it with her fingers. A smile appeared on her face as she approached him.
"Ana," he called out.
"I'm here."
"The ladies of the court were here a while ago," Anastasia said.
"How was it?" he asked.
"They're expecting me to choose my lady-in-waiting," she replied.
"And who did you choose?" he asked.
"None. They look fake. I will select someone from the court house tomorrow."
"You look mesmerizing," he said with a smile. He pressed a kiss on her forehead before pulling back.
"When will you ever stop complimenting me?" she asked.
"Not until I meet my demise," he replied. "Every time I set my eyes on you, there is this fire that ignites within me."
"I love you, Ana," he kissed her again and again until she could feel her legs giving way, but he caught her just in time.
….
The next morning, both of them rode to the court house. Upon reaching there, Cassius led her to the women's hall where all the ladies were gathered. Then he left her. She was trying to fit in as Queen. One of the women approached her. She had a small nose and lips and was dressed in a long blue gown.
"Milady, there have been several reports from the villagers," the woman said.
"Spill it out," Anastasia replied.
"The infection is spreading fast amongst vampires. We are yet to know who tampered with the magic," the lady said. "The people are asking that you do something about this."
Anastasia nodded. "Send guards to the village. Give them food as well, and announce that no one should leave their house until everything is settled."
The lady moved to the next page, explaining everything to Anastasia. "What is your name?" Anastasia asked after she was done speaking.
"Ruby," she replied.
"From today henceforth, I give you the status of becoming my lady-in-waiting," Anastasia announced.
"Milady, I appreciate, but—" Ruby started to say.
"Are you rejecting the Queen's order?" Anastasia tilted her head.
"Not at all," Ruby smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, milady."
After finishing in court, Anastasia left the room to find Cassius when she was blocked by a vampire.
"The traitor is here," one of the vampires spoke. She frowned.
"How dare you not address me by my title?" she asked.
"What?" the vampire replied.
"I am your Queen. Put some respect in my name," Anastasia said. "If you dare to call me address me as traitor again, I will make sure you don't get to see another day."
"So you think just because you are the Queen of Blackwood, we have forgotten what you did?" the vampire sneered.
"You are still a traitor. The woman who killed the King," he spat.
Anastasia frowned, blocking the distance between them, and she grabbed his neck. The metal weapon appeared in her hand again, and she stabbed the man with it. She took a step backward, watching as the man fell to the ground dead.