The Royal Family III

A woman not too young nor very old approached them. Behind her, another lady of almost the same age as her entered and they both sat down.

"Why are you being rude to your brothers, Maverick?" Queen Cora, who was also the twins mother, questioned but her eyes was glued on another person, Astra.

"They were being unreasonable and as their elder brother, it's also my duty to teach my siblings. Forgive me if I did anything wrong Second mother," Maverick explained but his voice was void of remorse nor emotions.

"You heard him, Queen Cora. Maybe the twins were being naughty again," Queen Nova, who was Maverick and Elena's mother said carrying almost the same demeanor as her son, except that she had an insincere smile directed towards Queen Cora.

Queen Cora was not in the mood to argue with her long time enemy but rather concentrated on the stranger person whom she already guessed was Theron's wife. She had heard some rumours about her. From the information, she was a spoilt princess from birth and had been confined in the palace all her life. But one thing was for sure, she was beautiful as said. Queen Cora smiled inwardly while already plotting her next mission. She cleared her throat intending to strike a conversation with Astra.

"Won't you introduce yourself to us, Princess..." She trailed waiting for Astra to reply but Ariadne answered.

"Astra, it's Princess Astra." Though Ariadne was naive and playful, she was intelligent enough to see through Queen Cora's intentions.

"Doesn't she have a mouth to speak for herself? Be quiet Ariadne. Am not in the mood to entertain your childishness."

Ariadne did not say more with the fear of inviting trouble for herself. She knew Queen Cora was not one to be messed with. She was ruthless and even the if she punished her, there was nothing she could do.

"So, Princess Astra, how are you coping?" 

Astra who had been silent listening to their conversation, raised her head and gazed back at Queen Cora. Her eyes were calm and no one could read what was in her mind.

"Am doing well, Your Majesty," she replied trying to keep the answer as brief as possible.

"Are you sure about that? It's not easy to be locked in a prison with a... mad person." 

Astra did not miss the disgust in her words. She was about to reply but Theron held her hand under the table. She turned her gaze at him and gave him a reassuring smile when she saw his worried look. Theron nodded at her but continued holding her hand.

"Forgive me your majesty but I disagree with you. Crown Prince Theron is not mad rather his mind is just functioning as that of a five-year old."

Everyone on the table was shocked except Maverick who showed no emotion but his hawk like eyes narrowed before giving Astra an unfathomable gaze. No one was bold enough to answer back Queen Cora let alone disagree with what she said. Nevertheless, Queen Nova, Ariadne and Elena were satisfied inwardly with Astra's reply. Finally there would be someone to rival Queen Cora's barbaric rule, that is if Astra was able to evade Queen Cora's schemes and sharp tongue.

"I don't see any difference. In simple terms he's mad. Who knows, maybe you were affected by him overnight which explains your rebellious attitude." Queen Cora said bitterness overflowing inside her. She could never let a little princess belittle her let alone go against her. Her plan was to make Astra her little puppet. She would do the work she had been unable to accomplish in years.

"Then that means the king deceived. I should probably ask him why he married me to his 'mad' son without my knowledge."

Ariadne was clapping inwardly hearing Astra's reply but also worried for her. She could see Queen Cora was about to burst in anger. Queen Nova and Elena had the same expression of surprise but also a satisfied invisible smile. The twins were also shocked. They did not think the girl who looked innocent and simple would bare such claws. They looked at each other with a knowing smile but did not say anything.

"How insolent! Are you threatening me?" Queen Cora almost shouted gritting her teeth in anger.

"I dare not, your majesty. Am just stating a fact," Astra was not sure if her plan would work but it seemed it did. As she had guessed, Queen Cora was afraid of the king and like any other parent, the king would not tolerate a word against his son whom he himself made the Crown Prince out of all his sons. Even if there were differences between them now, from Queen Cora's behaviour, Astra understood that the king would not take it lightly if he came to know that Queen Cora was referring his son as mad.

"If your parents have not taught you how to behave like a princess then I won't mind educating you. How dare you talk back to a queen. You seem more like a peasant collected from the market."

Astra felt her blood at the mention of her parents. Though when she left her home they were not in good terms, they were still her parents. She clenched her fist and controlled herself from saying something she should not. But she would not keep quiet and let anyone insult her. She would give her a befitting reply and at the same time, behave nonchalant and innocent as ever.

"My parents have taught me well. They taught me to respect those who respect others and if this is called being a peasant then I don't mind. Forgive me if I have offended you unknowingly, your majesty. Am just but a new person who doesn't know the rules of this kingdom. It would be an honour to be taught by you, your majesty," She said in one go and lowered her head feigning guilt.

There was silence as Queen Cora was rendered speechless by Astra's words. She was using her statement against her as well as playing smart. She smiled wickedly and as an evil idea came in her mind. 

"You are right. I will educate you well..."

"Who's educating who?" Everyone's attention turned towards the person who interrupted Queen Cora.

It was King Griffin of Ardenia, along side his first wife who was also the Royal Queen, Queen Sienna.