Astra Being Astra

King Griffin walked majestically to his seat in front of everyone, followed by Queen Sienna who was just beside him. He had a striking resemblance to Theron and Maverick but was just a bit aged.

"Hope all is well," King Griffin enquired and they all bowed in respect and a pin drop silence enveloped the hall once again.

"What were you discussing so intensely? It seemed like something important," King Griffin could sense the tense atmosphere among them.

Astra tensed a little in response to king's question. She was in no position to speak at the moment. This was not her home where should blubber all she wanted. This was a disadvantage and she could see a triumphant smile form on Queen Cora's face with the intention to get Astra defamed in front of the king. 

"It wasn't nothing much, father. Second mother was suggesting to teach sister-in-law about the norms and cultures of our kingdom," Ariadne replied instantly before Queen Cora could turn the situation against Astra. And from the look on Queen Cora's face, Ariadne guess was right. She was staring daggers at her as if she wanted to devour her alive for ruining her plans.

Queen Sienna who was interested in their talks narrowed her eyes hearing Ariadne's reply. A smile not so sincere formed on her lips realising Queen Cora was already scheming again. But no matter what, Queen Sienna would never let her be. Even if they succeeded getting Astra to be on their side, she would never allow anyone to harm not take her son's position.

"That was so kind of you, Queen Cora but Astra being my son's wife, I think am more entitled to teach her etiquettes," Queen Sienna said with a half smile.

The King did not say more. He understood the rivalry between the but he had always opted to never get involved in their little scandals. That is if it never escalated to the point of needing his attention and till date, it never had.

Lunch was served and they dived in immediately. Astra felt a notch in her stomach due to tension in this new place, knowing she was surrounded by people who could end her in a single minute or maybe even her brother's murderer was there. A lot of possibilities and imaginations clouded her mind and she forgot to eat.

Theron who had been in a foul mood since earlier noticed this. He had been quiet till because he did not want to break his beautiful wife's promise. Only he knew how much he wanted to tell his second mother not to bully his wife but to his surprise, his beautiful wife was very intelligent. She even defended him earlier when Queen Cora was calling him mad. Theron felt excited and was very proud of his wife. He wished to hug her then and there but he controlled himself.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you eating?" Theron whispered to Astra's ear.

Astra snapped back and looked at Theron. confused but then understood she had been so lost in her thoughts and forgot to eat.

"Am not that hung..." before she could complete her statement, her stomach growled but only the two of them heard. Astra's face turned scarlet with embarrassment as she watching Theron hold in his laughter.

"I know you don't like it here too," Theron said straightforwardly still in a low tone before taking bite on his food.

Astra pursed her lips and could not help but agree with Theron. It was never her will to come to Ardenia Kingdom. That is until she met Theron and thought the place could be a bit bearable with him.

"Should I tell mother we want to leave?"

Astra turned to Theron and shook her head instantly. That would worsen the situation and even intensify Queen Sienna's dislike towards her. More than dealing with the fights and grudges of the ladies in the palace, Astra had an important mission ahead of her. To find her brother's killers. That was the main reason she came to Ardenia. Vengeance.

"Beautiful wife, I..." Theron paused midway when he heard his father clear his throat and was staring at him warningly.

"Princess Astra, hope you don't hold any resentment towards our kingdom anymore? I know whatever happened to your kingdom was unfair but that's what happens when it comes to the strive for power," King Griffin's words felt like an arrow that hit Astra's heart.

The pain was not because of what happened to their kingdom. What irked her the most was that even after her brothers decided to surrender, they were still killed mercilessly and their corpses were never found. They did that to eliminate any future threat. That was what Astra was told. The pain in her heart was still new like everything took place yesterday and she knew until she found her brothers' killer, the pain would never go away.

"It was indeed unfortunate whatever happened to my kingdom. But now am Crown Prince Theron's wife which means I belong to Ardenia Kingdom. It would be unwise of me to hold any resentment."

Astra bit her tongue and apologized internally, to no one specifically, for lying which she had never done before. Before everything, her life was simple though deprived of freedom, she never had to face difficulties. But now her life had come to thas. Hatred, lies, vengeance and maybe she would even have to result to...murder? She felt her insides shiver with the thought of blood.

"You are absolutely right." King Griffin had ruled and lived long enough to depict and read people's emotions. He knew she still held a deep grudge and it was better for him to be wary. Her innocent look were hiding danger that he had to protect his kingdom from.

"I hope you didn't have any trouble because of... Theron," the King added his eyes flashing to Theron then back to Astra.

Before Astra could reply, someone else beat her to it. "Forgive me for my interruption, Your Majesty but as we all know Theron has been unwell and gets irritated easily. It is impossible for... Princess Astra not to be troubled. She even referred to Theron as mad earlier due to lack of understanding of his situation. I wonder what will happen to the poor girl later."

Astra felt like vomiting blood listening to Queen Cora's lies. One thing Astra realized about Queen Cora was she was not to be underestimated. Astra had prepared herself mentally for this since she was betrothed. Even though she was not physically strong, her mouth would do all the magic for her. It was time to be Astra. The old sharp tongued Astra.

"Your Majesty, Prince Theron has been quite obedient. And him being mad?... That can't be true. If he really did trouble me I would be lying on a bed right now but here I am. The Queen might have had some misconceptions and also spouting words she herself uttered. It is not good to lie, my Queen. It is too much of an insult to my lovely husband. Isn't it, Theron?"

While Theron was nodding with a bright smile on his face, everyone else went silent with bewilderment and shock, before Ariadne's hysterical laughter echoed across the hall.