Lancelot kept his gaze forward as he escorted the new Queen to the Royal Wing of the castle. He felt her hand squeezing his forearm, slightly. He understood what it meant. She was feeling his arm for his strength. He resisted the urge to sigh as they entered the halls nearest to the Royal Wing.
“My lady,” he addressed Queen Valentina in a formal tone he reversed for court members he didn’t like or trusted, “I will be assigning guards to portal the Royal Wing before I retire for the night and will be talking with the Head of Butlers and Maids, soon. I was wondering how many maids would you like to have assigned to you?”
Queen Valentina’s eyes with joy as she heard that and a bright grin across her painted red lips. Lancelot wondered the reason behind it. Didn’t she have maids while she was growing up, in the Yuki Kingdom’s care?
“Oh, I get maids!” She started, but she quickly changed her tone and cleared her throat, “I think one maid for each day of the week will be enough.”
“I will see if Master Sebastian will assign that many to you,” Lancelot replied, “But please don’t be mad if he isn’t able to. We have been running short handed in the Castle Staff for a few weeks now. I am sure they are hiring, but it will be a while before we are back to the numbers we once had.”
Queen Valentina frowned at that but nodded as Lancelot led her to the left and stepped into a richly decorated wing of the Castle. House of Drake Banners were still up. The Queen stopped and glared at the banners.
“Your majesty,” he noticed where her gaze landed, “The hall will be decorated in the White Hall Banners by tomorrow night. The Servants have to dig them out of storage, wash, and dry them before they are hung.”
“The banners better be up by tomorrow afternoon, or else,” Queen Valentina muttered, darkly. “They have had time to find them and wash them.”
“Unfortunately, it has been a number of years since we have a White Hall Ruler,” Lancelot reasoned, “That means the dust build up on the banners is massive. Not to mention, there could be some repair work done from mice chewing on threads or the fabric.” He paused, looking at the Queen. “Please understand that.”
“I’m sure you’ll manage, Sir Lancelot. After all, isn’t it your duty to make sure the Queen is properly served?” She looked up at him and batted her eyelashes.
Lancelot’s jaw tightened, but he dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment, "As you command, Your Majesty. I will see it done." He didn’t say another word until they reached the Royal Quarters. He allowed her arm to drop her side and stepped forward, pushing the double doors open, revealing the Common Room. “This is your common room.” He noticed it was still decorated in the Drake House colors and a servant must have been by to light the candles and the fireplace, and opened the curtains to the balcony, allowing the setting sun to shine its dimming light into the room. “It would appear the decorating staff has not been here yet.” He turned to the Queen. “I’m sure they will be here sometime tomorrow to exchange the decorates for the White Hall colors.”
Queen Valentina crossed her arms over her chest and sneered at the decorations, “These colors are dreadfully outdated.”
Lancelot fought the urge to sigh. This woman wasn’t listening to a word he was saying. He spoke with a slight edge, “They served the last few Kings with dignity for many years, your majesty. As stated, the banners and decorations will be replaced by tomorrow evening with the White Hall colors.”
She walked into the room, gazing around it. The snowflake headband ninja spread out through the room, peeking behind the banners, portraits, curtains, and even opening up the cabinets to reveal extra blankets and pillows. The loyal Knight frowned. It was obviously they were looking for any possible hiding place and checking to see if there was someone there or not.
“This furniture looks worn,” Queen Valentina spoke, drawing Lancelot’s attention back to her as she inspected the common room like a critic at the marketplace. A hand brushed over the back of the couch and she looked at her hand. “I trust I won’t be forced to entertain foreign dignitaries in this…” she paused, frowning as she spun in a circle with her arms fanning out, “Peasant’s parlor? The Snow Castle had much better living arrangements for their royalty.”
The Snow Castle? Lancelot mentally filed that away for later thought as he schooled his expression in a neutral expression and explained, “The Royal Quarters are cleaned daily. However, if you desire, new furnishings can be arranged. Though, custom works may take weeks.”
She pouted, giving him a pair of puppy eyes, “Weeks? Surely, there are artisan here capable of faster week.” She paused long enough to show a wicked smile, “Or perhaps this castle is more backward then I imagined.” She sat down in a plush armchair. A nail traced unknown pattern. “You should make sure my standards are met, Sir Lancelot. After all, it is your duty to ensure I’m properly served.”
“Of course, your highness.” His eye twitched in annoyance, but he went on, “Perhaps you would like to see the King’s bedchamber?”
“Oh yes, please,” Her face lit up with excitement as she jumped from her seat and bounced in a circle, clapping her hands with glee, “I can’t wait to see it.”
Lancelot nodded his head and walked toward one of the doors on the far side of the room. He grabbed the handle and glanced over his shoulder to see the newest ruler following him. He turned the handle and stepped into the room.
The King’s bedchamber was a large room. It had been scrubbed clean shortly after King Uther died. It still smelt of fresh lemons and oranges, despite it was a week since it was last cleaned. A roaring fire was lit in the ornate stone hearth, candles stood in their gilded fixtures with a flickering light and the windows facing the ocean had their curtain drawn back. The knight stepped aside and bowed, “The King’s bedchamber, your majesty. This is where you will be sleeping during your reign.”
She sauntered into the room and frowned as she saw the Drake House colors, the Drake Kings’ portraits on the walls, and the sigils of the previous Kings on the back wall. In one corner of the room, a stand with the previous King’s armor stood, reflecting the candle light. She walked to the canopy bed and sat on it. She frowned as she tried to bounced it. She crossed her arms over her chest as she realized she couldn’t bounced on it. “This is depressing. I thought it would be more impressive then this. It feels like a warrior’s quarters then a Queen’s sanctuary.”
“It was designed with tradition in mind, my queen,” Lancelot said, “Camelot’s rulers have historically led from both the Throne and Battlefield.”
She waved her hand at that, “I will have champion to fight my physical battles. I am a woman after all. I can’t be expected to do that, now can I?”
“Of course not, my lady,” he admitted. He didn’t think she would even try to hold a sword beside the Holy Sword, let alone fight. She didn’t seemed to be the type do something like that. “I am skilled with a blade, if you wish to name me your champion.”
“Hmm,” she eyed him, “I will think about it. However, for now, I think one of my personal guards will handle the position. Silas, darling,” she turned to one of the ninja who followed them into the bedchamber and repeated their process of searching for any hiding spots. The one named Silas stopped and gave the woman his full attention. “Would you please be my champion and handle any duels from any challengers?”
Silas’ pale blue eyes darted over to Lancelot before he placed a hand over his chest and bowed his head, replying, “As you wish, my lady.” He straightened and went back to searching the room.
“I’ll have these removed,” Queen Valentina gestured to the portraits, “I have no desire to sleep beneath the eyes of dead men. Just put them in storage or something. I really don’t care.”
Lancelot glanced at the portraits, noticing most of them were the recent Kings. He knew Belladonna wouldn’t take likely to this insult to the Drake House. He doubted any of the Drake House would.
“Would you like to keep the Portraits of the previous White Hall Kings,” he asked.
“Nope.” She replied as one of the ninja opened a door at the back of the room and disappeared into it.
“Your majesty, these are the previous Kings. They are here to remind the Chosen King of their duty and legacy.” Lancelot pushed.
“I do believe I said I want them removed, Sir Lancelot,” her voice grew cold. Her eyes seemed to glow with power. The air cooled, causing goosebumps to raise on Lancelot’s exposed skin. “I will create my own legacy. It will be what I choose to make it and not what the past will force upon me.”
She stood up and turned to face the room. Lancelot felt the room become warmer again. She went on, “This all will need to be replaced. Sheets, canopy, curtains - everything! I want it done by tomorrow night. I will not spend a single evening surrounded by another family’s legacy.”
“As you wish, my lady,” he started, “Though I must advice, ordering the royal tailors on such short notice will displace their preexisting obligations. That would include making repairs and creating new uniforms for your personal guard.”
“So?” her voice was sharp, “They will have to understand my comfort comes first since I am Queen.” She turned back to him, “I trust, Sir Lancelot, you will make sure my orders are followed without any delay. I rather not have to repeat myself.”
“Your Will will be done, your majesty,” He bowed, stiffly. He couldn’t believe how this White Hall was turning out. She reminded him a spoil brat who didn’t ‘no’ for an answer. He hoped she would marry and the King would keep her in check. If not, he feared Camelot would suffer for it. “Would you like to see the Royal Bath Chambers?”
She brightened and said, “Yes!”
Lancelot strolled across the room to the open door the Ninja had walked through and saw the candles weren’t lit. He reached up to a gilded fixture and grabbed a candle before he walked into the bathing chamber. He walked around to the various candles, lighting them, revealing a large marble bath sunken into the floor.
On the walls, ancient myths were tiled. He made a mental note to inform the servants to exchange the towels and robes. They were in the Drake House colors. He walked by scented oils and bath salts on the shelves. Many of them were used or covered with dust and sealed.
“Oh my,” Valentina said as she watched Lancelot moved from candle to candle. “This is outdated. I was expecting something far grander than this. Did this used to belong another family wing before it was started to be used by the Chosen Family?”
“Not to my knowledge,” Lancelot admitted, “It has served many rulers. The pipes under the tile are Dwarven made and has lasted for nearly 300 years. They pump up water from an underground spring for cold water and pump close to the Castle’s forges for hot water.”
“Cold AND Hot water?” She looked impressed. “Well, I didn’t think Camelot would be that advance enough to have cold and hot water. At least, I don’t have to wait for hot water, anymore.” She gave another look at the bathing chamber, “I thought with how dull this chamber is, it might have been used a duchess of the Court before this wing became known as the Royal Wing.” She hummed, strolling to a shelf holding the oils and bath salts.
She ran a hand over a shelf and sneered, “Dust? How disgraceful. I expect this chamber to be cleaned immediately.” She turned to Lancelot, waving her hand at the shelf, “And this all needs to be updated. New Oils, imported from the Yuki Kingdom or wherever is fashionable.” She paused, her eyes landing on the nearby towels. She went to them and rubbed them between her fingers before she announced, “These won’t do. I want silken towels - nothing coarse or common.”
Lancelot gritted his teeth and said calmly as he could, “The Castle Staff will be informed, though imports may take time.”
The Queen shrugged, “Then have them find alternatives. I am not interested in excuses, Sir Lancelot.”
“Would you like to see the dressing room, my queen,” he asked, trying to remain professional. This woman was testing it with her disregard for Camelot’s history. He wondered if the previous King’s Guard leaders felt this way when they welcomed the new foreign rulers to the Castle. He might have to read the journals of the previous leaders to know how they felt during these kind of transitions. It may help him remain professional.
“Sure,” she didn’t sound too thrill as she spoke. Lancelot went to one of the two closed doors. He opened it and stepped inside before he waved the Queen into the room.
The Dressing room was located between the King’s and the Queen’s Chambers and housed their clothes. Queen Kalliope already moved her numerous dresses to her new suit in the Queen’s Tower a couple day ago when it was clear the Holy Sword was going to take its time in choosing a new ruler. However, she left behind her coronation dress and other ceremonial dresses that were passed down from High Queen to High Queen.
When Valentina saw them, she pulled a face and commented, “These are ugly. Whoever wore them had questionable tastes.” She walked deeper into the room as Silas walked around, lighting the candles. The other ninja followed them into the room, eyeing the shelves and statues with dresses. “I dare say these belong in a House of History, not my closet! I would like to have these clothes -“ She waved at the ceremonial dresses for the Queen and the large number of outfits left behind by House of Drake for the King, “removed. Burn them or donate them. I really don’t care.” She frowned as she took another look around the room. “I will have my own dresses made.”
“As you wish, my lady,” Lancelot replied. There was no need for more words then that. He could tell if he tried to argue her suggestions, she wouldn’t listen. “Would you like to see the Queen’s Chambers?”
“Why didn’t you say something about that earlier, Sir Lancelot? Trying to save the best for last?” Valentina’s eyes glinted with excitement and wonder. “Where is the Queen’s Chambers?”
Lancelot went to the door located between the shelves for the Queen’s clothes and opened it. The curtain over the window was open, allowing the last part of the evening sun’s light to shine into the room. He stepped aside and allowed the Queen to enter the room.
At first, she seemed to approve of it. She walked further deeper into the room, slowly taking in the lack of house colors. Her eyes ran over the bed, the books in the shelves, the curtains as she slowly spun.
“Queen Kalliope took everything she could of her former house and House Drake when she moved out, my lady,” Lancelot started, “She wanted to make the new Queen would be able to have a clean slate when she moved into this room.”
“Smart woman,” Valentina said, “Where is Queen Kalliope, now?”
“She’s living in the Queen’s Tower,” he explained, “The previous Queens live there as well. They are ready to give their advice if you should seek it.”
“The other Queens are still living in Camelot,” Valentina looked angry by the knowledge, “No, I don’t think so.” She mused. “I will visit them tomorrow and order them to move to a different part of the Kingdom or face the consequence.” She gave him a wicked grin. “I rather not have any lingering members of the previous Ruling Family remain in Camelot while I rule. I prefer them not to be in the Kingdom at all or breathing, but I can’t kill them off without a good reason.” She giggled. “I hope they don’t give me a reason to kill them off. It would be such fun if they did.”
Lancelot froze at what she was suggesting. He spoke up, “I feel I must point out that Queen Kalliope is expecting a child. The Father is currently unknown at the moment.”
Valentina paused, looking at him with a thoughtful expression, “Well, I might keep her alive long enough for her to give birth then adopt the babe as my own before I kill her or demote her to a servant’s position until she steps out of line.”
It was a struggle for Lancelot to cover his expression at that. He couldn’t believe what the Queen was saying. Taking a newborn babe from its mother and essentially holding the babe as a hostage to make sure the mother didn’t step out of line. The thought caused his stomach turn.
Smirking, the new Queen ordered, “I want new furnishings, bedding, and a large bed. Maybe a new coat of paint for the walls. I don’t like that baby blue. I would prefer the Icy shade of blue.” She paused. Lancelot turned his focus on what she was saying, “However, this will do for now, but I expecting everything redone in my color by the week’s end. A Queen should be sleeping in splendor.”
“The Servants will began arrangements in the morning, Your Majesty,” Lancelot decided to end the tour right there. There were other rooms in the Royal Suite, but they could wait until morning when he had the time to process what she had said. “I’m sure Sebastian is ready to assign you the maids you desire. I will speak with him now, if you are no longer need of me.”
“You are dismissed, Sir Lancelot,” Valentina Lynn waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Just make the Housing Staff are aware of my demands.”
“As you wish, My Queen,” Lancelot replied.
Outside of the Royal Wing, Lancelot shut the door and walked a few feet toward the entry wall before he stopped. He glanced up and down the hallway before he lend against the wall. He stared at the empty wall on the other side of the hall. He couldn’t believe it. The Holy Sword had chosen the vilest woman to be Camelot’s ruler. He could tell already this time with her on the Throne will test the entire Kingdom. He would have to inform Arthur of Queen Valentina’s desires when it came to the women in his family. That was a conversation he was not looking forward to. It would confirmed one of Arthur’s fears. He didn’t know if a marriage between Queen Valentina and the former prince would even work at this point.
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He heard footsteps approaching. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He straightened up. He pulled down his shirt, making sure he was presentable. He ran a hand through his hair. He hoped he looked like he wasn’t on the verge of having a breakdown. He walked forward.
Sebastian turned into the Royal Hallway and stopped, looking at Lancelot with an expected gaze, before he spoke, “Evening, Sir Lancelot.”
“Evening, Sebastian,” Lancelot replied, “I need you to assign 6 maids to the new Queen.” He looked around before he went on, “Including one or two with certain skills we only apply to the foreign diplomats we don’t trust.”
Sebastian’s eyes widened. The Head of Butlers and Maid knew what Lancelot meant. He kept a handful of maids and butlers with espionage skills in employment. There were a few others with more questionable skills, but for a Knight to suggest using them against their new ruler, it was nearly unheard of. “Are you suggesting that our new ruler may other interests?”
“That’s what I am saying,” Lancelot replied, “Her attitude from a simple tour of the Royal Suite tells me she isn’t what Camelot needs as a ruler. You may want to assign some of your team to help out the Decorating Staff in the morning. Hell, if I was you, I would be assigning all available to help out the decorating staff. She wants the entire Suite decorate in the White Hall colors by the end of the week. Also, she wants new furniture for the common room, a new bed for the Queen’s Chambers with a new coat of paint, and imports of new oils and bath salts from the Yuki Kingdom, and silken towels.”
Sebastian’s jaw dropped this time before he composed himself, “She won’t have these items by the end of the week. We would be lucky to have them by the end of the month, especially if we did order them from the Yuki Kingdom. I don’t think we have a trade agreement with them yet. She would have to create one.” He paused and glanced around. A thoughtful expression on his face. He opened his mouth to speak again when Lancelot held up a hand as footsteps approached. They waited.
Lady Rosemary Clover rounded the corner and entered the Hallway. She blinked in surprise at them and approached. She gave them a smile, “I thought you would be giving a tour of the Royal Suite, Sir Lancelot.”
“Unfortunately, I had to cut it short for tonight,” Lancelot returned the smile as another pair of footsteps reached his ears and it wasn’t long before Lady Margiette Black walked into the hallway. Lady Black’s eyebrows rose as her eyes darted between Lady Rosemary, Lancelot, and Sebastian. “Ah, Lady Margiette, I’m glad you are able to join us for a moment. I feel I have to warn you for what you and Lady Rosemary are about to walk in.”
“Oh, what’s that, Sir Lancelot,” Lady Margiette almost purred at him.
“Queen Valentina has already ordered the King’s Chamber to be stripped of the previous Kings’ portraits,” Lancelot said, “There are a bunch of other orders she wishes to have fulfilled. I do worry you may find them to be an insult to the Houses of Drake, Black, and several other houses you are allied with.”
“What she is planning to do with the portraits?” Lady Margiette asked, “What other orders did she order you to do?”
“As for the portraits, she wants them in storage,” Lancelot explained, “You may wish to Queen Belladonna and the other Queens either after you finished helping Queen Valentina or in the morning they may want to create plans to leave Camelot as soon as they can.” Lady Margiette’s eyes narrowed. “She has already suggested removing the previous Queens as a way gain and keep the Court’s loyalty to her only.” Both ladies gasped as their eyes widened. “If you choose not to believe me, you will find out for yourselves when you help the Queen tonight.”
The doors opened to the Royal Suite. One of the ninja and Queen Valentina stepped out. She looked furious as she glared at them. “What is taking so long? I thought you, Ladies, were taught better then to be late to attend a Queen.” She put her hands on her hips. “Apparently, this Kingdom doesn’t teach the Ladies of the Court how to properly attend a Queen. I guess I will be so kind to show you how.”
Rosemary and Margiette glanced at each other. There seemed to be a mutual understanding between them. They moved toward the Queen without saying another word. Sebastian muttered, “I will have the maids arrive here within the next hour. I have to see which ones are skilled enough to handle her, any demands she makes, and be able to do the tasks we required them to do.”
“Where are my maids?” Queen Valentina demanded, “They should have been here by now!”
“I was just discussing them with Master Sebastian, here, my queen,” Lancelot turned to face Queen Valentina.
Sebastian reacted, quickly, performing a low bow to the Queen and muttered “my lady.” She glanced at him for a moment then dismissed him. He went on, “I will have your maids here with in the hour.”
“You had all afternoon to assign them to me,” Queen Valentina argued, “I want to know why I still have to do things myself around.” She glared. “I don’t believe in second chances, Master Sebastian,” she said his name in a mocking tone. Lancelot’s eye twitched. “You have an hour to assign me the maids I need or you will be finding yourself in the dungeons for the foreseeable future.” She turned to the Ladies. “I guess you will have to do the maids’ work until they arrive. Come!” she barked and turned around, disappearing into the royal suite.
Lady Margiette’s face turned red with anger. Lady Rosemary’s shoulders tensed, and she placed a hand on Margiette’s shoulder. Rosemary muttered something to Margiette. At first, Margiette didn’t look too pleased, but she shook Rosemary’s offered hand. They marched into the Royal Suite, together.
Lancelot watched them go. It was strange to see how a Lady of House Black and a Lady of House Clover would be willingly to work together. The two houses were fighting like cats and dogs. He wondered what would happen since they were appearing to work together.
He turned on his heel and walked away from the Royal Wing. He didn’t know where he was heading, but he wanted to put some distance between himself and the Queen. He knew in the coming days that would be a challenge, but one he would have to face. He couldn’t allow Camelot fall under her rule.
Tina couldn’t get the words of her mind. They bounced around like a poorly constructed musical. Adopted. Adopted. Adopted. She watched the fire flicker back and forth as if someone poke it and it was angry. Heat washed over her despite the fact she was sitting several feet away from it. A tear slipped down her cheek.
This whole mess was started by the Bark Ninja and that letter about her father’s family. If she didn’t received that letter, she wouldn’t have been in this mess. She bit her lower lip, trying to hold back tears, welling up in her eyes.
Adopted. Adopted. Adopted.
Could she really been adopted by the White Halls? Was she the body replaced to protect the Queen? Why? Who was she really? Did she even have a family?
She signed and wiped her cheeks. The door behind her slam shut. She jumped and turned in her seat to see Genesis strolling into the White Hall Common room from his private room. She took a glance at his face then turned away. He was angry about something. She didn’t dare ask what sparked his anger. He settled on the opposite end of the couch, glaring at the roaring fire.
There was a knock at the door before it opened, and servants walked in with a cart behind them. They headed to the long table on the far side of the room. Tina heard the clicks of silverware being set out, the soft pings of the glasses, and plates placed on the table. One of the servants stopped by Tina and asked, “How many are planning to eat with you, Lord Genesis?”
“Set the table for,” He paused, “6, please.”
“As you wish,” the servant replied. Neither Tina or Genesis spoke until the servants left the room. They heard the soft click of the door.
“I don’t know if Valentina Lynn’s claim is true,” Genesis spoke, “The White Hall Family Tree is expensive. We have been blessed with multiple children in each generation. I think there was one time a White Hall Lord had 6 children, but no less than that. I am expecting when I settle down to marry and create a family, I will have at least 8 children throughout my marriage. It could be more than that, depending how attractive to my wife I will be.” Tina watched him out of the corner of her eye as he rubbed his face. “Dad was a set of triplets and had 8 younger siblings. His father - our grandfather - had 12 siblings and his father before him - our great grandfather - had 13 siblings. It is possible the Queen is a distant cousin, result from a marriage out of the Direct Bloodline.”
“What do you mean by the Direct Bloodline?” Tina asked. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Dad wasn’t supposed to be Lord White Hall,” he explained, “That title was supposed to go to the First Born, Uncle Aelric, but something happened where he chose not to take the title and passed it on to Dad. Uncle Aelric disappeared shortly after that at sea. We think he is dead.” Genesis paused, thinking about his uncle. “Dad was the second born of a set of triplets. He would have been content being a Knight of the Round Table, but he decided to step up to take on the mental of Lord White Hall.” He sighed. “The Direct Bloodline simple means we can trace our bloodline back to Lord Samuel White Hall, the founder of the House during King Arthur of House Pendragon. It has always been one of Samuel’s blood who took on the Mental of Lord.”
“What happens to the rest of the children?” Tina asked. She turned to gaze at Genesis.
“They found their own paths,” Genesis stated, “It could have been at sea, as a Knight, or move entirely to a different Kingdom to start a branch there or the lands across the sea.” He lend forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “We had several daughters marry to form alliances with several groups of non-humans and the Bark Village.” He stood up and started to pace in front of the fireplace, “We got several treaties coming up that need to be renewed.”
“The Hidden Bark Village?” Tina asked.
“Yes,” Genesis paused and turned to her, “How did you know?”
“It was one of things Ralph and his team did talk about in front of me,” Tina commented, “After they kidnapped me.” Her head started to ache as a result from the stress. She reached up and rubbed at her temples.
“Right now, there is no talks about the treaty renewal,” Genesis said, “I would know since I am supposed to take over the Title of Lord White Hall when Dad decides to pass on the Title. He does include me in the various talks when he can. However, I know there will be talks soon.” He resumed his pacing. “I don’t know if I will be able to suggest anyone yet to marry off or who I even could. This generation of White Halls doesn’t have enough people. I might have to request to hold off the renewal of a couple treaties until a new generation has started to be born. I don’t know how that will go over well with several of the groups.”
“Well, Queen Valentina should be getting married soon,” Tina suggested, “I mean she is a Queen and single.”
“I won’t count her in until I figured out how she is related to me,” Genesis commented, “I just know she is a cousin from her looks.”
“She did come out and confessed she is your sister,” Tina pointed out. A rush of emotion swept over her and she grabbed a nearby pillow before she hugged it to her chest as tightly as she could. “I am just an adopted nobody.” She brought up her knees and placed her heels on the edge of the couch and curled up.
“Usually, if a Noble House adopts, it is public knowledge,” Genesis counted, “There were a few times where we have adopted children from a vessel house or from the streets, but we never kept it a secret like this. It is abnormal.” Tina felt the seat beside her shifted and an arm landed on her shoulders. “I’m calling bullshit on her claim.” She raised her head as Genesis pulled her close, giving her a side hug. “So, until Dad and Mom says otherwise, I’m considering you my sister, Tina.”
“What if there is a gain of truth to it?” Tina whispered.
“My gut instinct says otherwise, little sister,” he shrugged, “Usually, my gut instinct is right.” He glanced over the couch. “And I think I hear the food calling for us, sis.”
“Are you sure you don’t get check out, Gen-Gen? I mean hearing voices is a dangerous thing.” She tried to joke and forced a smile on to her lips, “Answering them is even them.”
“I think I will live,” Genesis replied, “Come on. Let’s eat. Rosemary should be back soon. Hopefully, she will have some information for us.” He climbed to his feet and pulled Tina to hers before he dragged her over to the table and forced her to seat down. She didn’t struggled against him. She looked at the table.
There was a loaf of meatloaf with a large bowl of mashed potatoes and peas. She reached out and dished herself up. She noticed there was a bottle of red wine. She debated briefly she should have a glass, but thought better of it. She was already an emotional mess. Alcohol wouldn’t help her out. In fact, it would probably make it worst.
Genesis grabbed the bottle and poured himself a glass. He gestured to her glass. She shook her head before she commented, “I think it would be best if I had tea or something like that.”
He nodded and moved with quiet care, filling a delicate teacup from the waiting pot. The soft sound of liquid pouring echoed in the stillness between them. He set the cup gently on a saucer and placed it before her. Tina reached out, her fingers brushing against the gentle warmth radiating from the porcelain — a welcome relief against the lingering chill of the spring evening.
She dropped two sugar cubes into the tea and watched silently as they dissolved, swirling into soft ribbons that melted into the amber liquid. The faint, familiar scent rose with the steam — sweet, buttery notes of Caramella Tea, comforting and tender. She inhaled deeply, letting the warmth of the aroma fill her senses and dull the sharp edges of her racing thoughts.
Lifting the cup to her lips, she sipped slowly. The taste unfurled gently across her tongue — smooth, mellow, with the faintest trace of wild honey and soft caramel. It wrapped around her like a fragile shield, offering a fleeting moment of peace against the unease curling in her stomach.
Queen Valentina’s words echoed bitterly, refusing to fully fade. Adopted? Cast out from her own blood? Tina tightened her grip on the warm cup, pushing the thought aside. Genesis believes I am his sister. He’s certain of it... and deep down, I want to believe him too.
Still, the chill of doubt clung to her like the spring air outside — sharp and unwanted. Caramella Tea was supposed to calm the spirit... if only it could quiet cruel voices that clung to the heart. It wasn’t easy, not when she was still nursing the ache of a broken heart. Perhaps if she weren’t already emotionally injured, she could brush off such talk. But tonight, every word seemed to cut a little deeper.
There was a knock, but it didn’t open. Tina frowned, looking up at Genesis. He set the teapot down and walked over to the door. She heard the door open. She looked down at her food, setting down her teacup. She knew she should push out the negative thoughts of Queen Valentina possible being right. It was proving to be harder then she thought it would be.
“So, how is Queen Valentina?” Genesis asked. From it sounded like he was walking back toward the table.
"Permission to speak freely," Lancelot said, his voice tight as he gripped the back of a chair at Tina’s side. His usual stoicism was fraying, just enough for them to notice. "There’s a reason I’m asking. Like it or not, she’s still a member of your House — and for now, you’re her acting Lord."
"That doesn’t sound promising," Genesis muttered, leaning forward slightly. "You have my permission, Sir Lancelot. Speak freely."
Lancelot hesitated — which said more than words — before he began.
"I took her through the Royal Wing. At first, it seemed routine enough. New ruler, new banners - that’s tradition. But Queen Valentina?" He scoffed quietly. "She isn’t interested in tradition."
Genesis raised a brow. "Most Kings have done that before. Changing banners, colors - it’s expected."
"Yes, but they did so with respect." Lancelot’s hand tightened on the chair, his knuckles paling. "Valentina ordered every trace of House Drake’s legacy stripped away. Portraits of Kings removed, heirloom furniture discarded, even ceremonial robes burned or donated without care."
He straightened, voice grew sharper. "She sneered at the decor, mocked the past, and spoke openly of replacing it all — not out of duty, but because she couldn’t bear to sleep beneath the eyes of 'dead men.' This isn’t about banners, Genesis."
He looked between them, grave. "It’s about erasing what came before. And she’s not subtle about it." He reached for the wine and poured himself a drink, his movements sharp with tension. "Queen Valentina isn’t like them. She wants everything done by the end of the week - or else." He set the bottle down with a dull thud, the sound harsh in the quiet room.
"She’s already threatened the former High Queens' lives. Views them as a threat to her power." His jaw tightened as he took a sip of wine. "When I mentioned Kalliope’s condition, she didn’t even hesitate — said she'd take the baby as a hostage and reduce Kalliope to a servant."
Lancelot shook his head, his disgust plain now. "She even threatened Sebastian with the dungeon if he failed to deliver the maids she demanded. That woman doesn’t ask - she orders, and damn anyone who can’t keep up."
Tina lifted her head and stared at Lancelot, her stomach knotting as she tried to make sense of what he was saying.
Acting out of line? She thought this sort of behavior was normal for monarchs. Back home, kings and queens were just distant figures splashed across gossip headlines — like England’s King Henry and Queen Megan, always tangled up in family drama. She never quite followed how they even got there, especially since King William had heirs. Something must have happened... but honestly, she hadn’t cared enough to pay attention in history class.
Monarchs ruled. Monarchs demanded. Monarchs got what they wanted. Granted some Monarchs were limited by Constitutional powers, but that was the general sense.
But the more Lancelot spoke, the more that idea started to feel naive. This wasn’t about fancy titles or royal snobbery. Valentina Lynn wasn’t just being difficult — she was cruel. Cold. Dangerous. Tina swallowed hard, a chill creeping up her spine despite the warmth of the room. Maybe this wasn’t normal after all.
"I stayed long enough to see the rest, though I regret it." He shook his head, his jaw tightening at the memory. "Valentina stepped out herself and tore into Lady Margiette and Lady Rosemary the moment they arrived. Accused them of being late, insulted their upbringing, and ordered them to act as maids until proper staff could be found. She made a spectacle of it — loud, cruel, and completely unnecessary."
He paused; his expression grim. "Both of them held their tongues, but you could see the humiliation plain on their faces. Rivals or not, they stood together and followed her in without protest. That alone speaks volumes. Valentina doesn’t just expect obedience — she enjoys breaking people down."
“Wait,” Genesis cut in, “Margiette and Rosemary worked out a deal between them and faced her together?”
“Yes,” Lancelot answered before he took a long drink from his mug.
“Well, shit,” Genesis groaned. Tina glanced at him. “I’m sorry for the language, sister.”
Lancelot blinked and turned his head back and forth. Tina gave Genesis a bemused look before she replied, “Don’t fucking apologize. Shit, I do have a mouth of sailor, as well. I mean, this whole situation is damn annoying, brother.”
Genesis blinked and laughed, “Don’t let Grandma Freya hear you speak like that. She would try to clean out your mouth with soap. A lady should never use such language.”
Tina smirked, “She could try.”
Lancelot’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Forgive me, but wasn’t the Queen’s claim that you were merely a body double? Adopted, used for convenience — and now discarded, now that she wears the crown?"
Tina winced at that statement. She drew her attention back to her food. Genesis sighed before he commented, “That’s her story, not ours.” Tina heard the wine bottle being picked up and poured into a cup. “You know how many kids each White Hall Generation has.”
“Yeah,” Lancelot said, “I’m sure half of the Kingdom is related to you, Genesis. As well as the island in general.”
"Well, a couple generations back, during my great-grandfather’s time, one of his brothers left for the Yuki Kingdom for some reason or another. I don’t remember why, and honestly, I don’t care." Genesis gave a slight shrug. "That’s probably where Queen Valentina’s line comes from. Not through my parents."
“So… you two are actually related?” Lancelot asked slowly, waving a finger between them as if still trying to process the idea.
“At this point, yeah,” Genesis replied, his tone quieter. "I know I have - had - a missing sister who would be about 24 now."
Tina shifted slightly, clearing her throat. "I don’t remember anything from before I turned 5," she admitted. "I was raised by my mother and grandmother, and I never knew my father was alive... or that I had brothers."
Genesis nodded grimly. "Our mom left when I was ten. Before that, she stayed with us for 2 years and gave birth to twins — Natasha and Natalie." He hesitated before adding, "Then she left again... and took Natasha with her. We never saw them after that."
Tina’s brow furrowed. "Natasha? That’s my little sister’s name too."
"Makes sense," Genesis said, a little more softly now. "Our mom’s name was Annja Armstrong. She was from House Armstrong."
"My mom’s name is Annja Armstrong too." Tina’s voice grew quiet.
Lancelot looked between them; astonishment clear in his expression. "You two have been... talking about all of this already."
“We have been comparing details of what we know of our mother,” Genesis said, looking at Lancelot, “So far, yes, we are related.”
“Well, that is excellent news,” the Knight admitted, blinked, and groaned, “I’m sorry. This is a lot to take in after the day we have had.”
“Yeah,” Tina agreed before the door burst opened. Tina turned in her seat to see Rosemary slamming the door shut with enough force that a nearby portrait fell. Rose winced and walked over to pick it up and set on a table. She turned to face Genesis, Tina, and Lancelot. She walked over to the table and grabbed the opened wine bottle. She brought it up her lips and took a long drink from it.
Tina raised her eyebrows and glanced at Genesis. The General gapped at their cousin. Tina’s gaze flickered over to Lancelot. He looked just as shocked as Genesis was. Rosemary let out a sigh as she finished drinking a good portion of the wine. She set it back on the table.
Rosemary paced back and forth beside the table; her hands clenched tightly at her sides.
"She humiliated us. Publicly." Her voice trembled with restrained fury. "Margiette and I — who haven't agreed on anything in years — were forced to stand there like servants while that... that wretched woman sneered and barked orders like we were beneath her."
She stopped abruptly, turning on Tina and Genesis. Her eyes blazed with tears and fury.
"And do you know what Margiette did?" Rosemary's lips thinned. "She swallowed her pride and marched straight for the Queen's Tower the moment we were dismissed. She’s warning Belladonna and the other Queens right now. That’s how serious this is."
Lancelot shifted uneasily, but Rosemary pressed on, her anger now mingled with worry.
"Valentina Lynn is dangerous. Not reckless — dangerous. She insulted the memory of the former Kings, threatened Kalliope, and humiliated noble daughters. That’s not a bad ruler. That’s a tyrant waiting for the right moment to sink her claws deeper into Camelot."
She finally sank into a chair, still seething, but her voice lowered, "And if she already views the old Queens as threats, Tina..." Rosemary met her cousin's eyes, steady and grim. "Then you, with your White Hall blood and popularity, may as well wear a target on your back."
