Chapter 29

Kingdom of Alba…

Avery's pov;

I open my eyes to see a weird bald headed man standing over my head , looking at me like I have gone crazy, since he startled me I scream "Ahhhhhhhhhh" and I get up and the guy screams too "Ahhhhh . What has gotten into you my lady?" He asks as he looks to my right to maybe get an answer and that's when I see Heizel.

I try to give her signs that it is me and not Ethera by pointing at the amulet on Ethera's neck and she immediately nods and faces the weird man I still haven't known the name of.

"Relax Hygai , Ethera had just fainted and is a bit shaken . She just needs some rest , you may go now , I will take care of her from here" the guy looks at me again and bows them leaves the room.

Heizel then comes up to me and hugs me warmly "Welcome back Avery , it's nice to see you again. It has been a very long time since you came to Alba, Ethera couldn't even get in touch with you recently, did something happen?" She asks , I sigh and sit back on the bed.

"Oh Heizel a lot has really happened , as I told Ethera before , I had school work to catch up on and related stuff to do but also she might kill me because someone stole my amulet a few days ago and I have no idea where the person is and what they want to do with it . I have been trying to locate it but in vain , I am just hoping it doesn't fall in the wrong hands even though I doubt the person knows what they are holding is not an ordinary jewelry"

"How could this happen Avery? This amulet is very important, it's your way in and out of Alba and your only mode of communication with Ethera" Heizel says

"I know that , I was careless and I shouldn't have , I came back to see if you could contact Ethera's grandma so that she can make me another one as soon as possible " I tell her still feeling bad for misplacing it.

"I will . How did you come here without the amulet though?" Heizel asks.

"I used my uncle's portal from New York, just like when I came here for the first time, remember?" I explain and she nods saying she remembers.

I then look around a bit and see a very princess like room with windows on each side of the room letting light and fresh air in , the place is spacious and looking out of one of the windows I see many people outside moving with trays of fruits, some have laundry baskets and so on plus what I assume are guards at the entrance.

Heizel comes up to me from behind and sees me asking myself a lot of questions, she then explains "Those are the servants working at Ethera's service and of course there are guards for her protection as she is the concubine of the King , she was given this house as her living space , same for the other concubines"

"Oh okay that's nice , at least she is living comfortably" Heizel agrees.

"But what about the strange man that was here moments ago? The bald one? Who was he?" I ask.

"His name is Hygai , he is Ethera's eunuch and he is in charge of the servants and of handling who comes visit this place" oh so basically her butler or assistant, chic.

"You know a lot has happened in your absence , the Queen organised a banquet a few days ago , I think Ethera already " I nod , she did but not in detail,

"I think she didn't mention the accident that happened there" she begins ,

"What accident? what happened? Did she get bullied?" I ask hurriedly and Heizel looks at me with a sort of sadness in her eyes,

"Well Ethera attended the banquet along with the other concubines of the king and everyhing was supposed to be okay but unexpectedly she was wearing the same color dress as the Queen and the Queen didn't look too happy with it but nonetheless ignored it and the banquet continued, that was the first strike"

I interupt her , "But what is the big deal with that? Its just a color , its not like its the same design and plus it was a coincidence , right?"

"Yes , it was a complete coincidence but it is not that simple , such a thing is considered and seen as provocation . Since Ethera is new in the harem , her wearing the same color as the Queen is translated as her saying she is eying the Queen's position" damn , that is tough.

Heizel continues "That is not even the worst part , at some point , they asked her to serve the Queen some wine and at the moment someone's foot made trip and the wine spilled on the Queen's dress. It became a whole mess , the Queen started spitting accusing words at Ethera saying that she did it on purpose and the rest were whispering that she was just jealous of the Queen and that is why she did it . Even King Tobias heard of it and came to ask about it and after Ethera explained her side of the story , it seemed the king believed her and the issue was closed , unfortunately as you know Ethera is an overthinker and she blames herself for creating a scene and possibly having created a feud with the Queen" she shakes her head as she finishes explaining everything to me.

"Huh , these beliefs don't make any sense , for real . You know what , let's try redeeming her image . Um maybe organize small banquet to apologize for the inconvenience of last time , we invite all the concubines , the Queen and also the King to show our sincerity. What do you think?" I ask Heizel,

"That is an excellent idea Avery , but I won't be able to help much since I got to go visit Ethera's grandma for your amulet , you can ask Hygai to help , it will be a good way to also get to know him since we are here to stay and he will be a part of our daily life here." I nod and she tells me good luck before going out to visit Ethera's home. Let's get to organizing , this small party will be so lit , the Queen will have to forgive Ethera .

I have to do this quick though because I can only stay for about 3 days before it turns daytime back home in New York and I get myself caught.

Hygai , the Eunuch is helping me give directions to the servants on arrangements of the tables and overall decor , they were all quite shocked at my way of hosting a party because obviously I am doing it New York way , go big or go home plus there will be music too , traditional of course , to blend in the mix. Invitations have been sent but there are two invites I want to hand in person , that is the King and Queen's invitation letters . Right now I am heading towards the Queen's quarters after she gave me permission to come of course , wouldn't want to piss her off even more.

Before entering , the guy at the entrance announces me ;

"Lady Ethera has arrived my Queen !" He exclaims and the Queen gestures for me to get in. The Queen Thelma known in history for being a ferocious and cunning Queen was here before my eyes sitting on a golden throne with the image of a tiger on the top, fierce woman indeed , she gives me the chills.

"Your grace" I bow

"To what do I owe a visit from you lady Ethera?" she asks

"I would like to personally invite you to a party I organized in your honor . I know I offended you during the last one and I once again apologize , I hope this can make up for it , I would be honor to have you and the King there" after my overly high praise there is no way she can refuse.

"I am glad you are taking responsibility for your actions . I will surely be there" I bow to her once more and victoriously exit the royal quarters.

Now I have to go find the King as well , Ethera took a liking to him so she surely wants him to see her in a better light. Don't worry Ethera , I will play cupid for you. My adventures are becoming more and more entertaining *smile.