95: Wary footsteps

Wary footsteps

Anastasia's mind had been so preoccupied with the recent deaths that had taken place that she overlooked the fact that a courtesan was not supposed to leave the palace without Madame Minerva's permission. 

When she shifted her gaze towards Madame Minerva, she found the woman's narrowed eyes fixed upon her, as if poised to punish her for her failure to obey a simple order, which even the guards had enforced. This was because when Madame Minerva returned to the Paradise Tower, she discovered that the newly added courtesan was nowhere to be seen. 

"It was I who ordered the courtesan to accompany Emily, as she didn't have a maid to assist her in the old palace," the Mother Queen explained.

Maxwell raised his eyebrows and questioned, "So you decided to choose her, a courtesan, when you could have selected any other available maid here?" 

"Yes," the Mother Queen replied with a serious expression, while absolving her granddaughter and the courtesan of any blame. "I happened to come across her on my way and dragged her along to send her to accompany Emily. I thought, as she's already familiar with the work, she would be of good use, and the presence of a courtesan could prove useful if the need arose." 

"Use the courtesan? In what manner would they have needed to employ her?" Queen Maya questioned with a look of suspicion, sensing that something was amiss. 

"Well… just how courtesans have always been used. You should know that," the Mother Queen replied. 

"She's a new courtesan, so what purpose could she serve?" King Maxwell questioned, and the Mother Queen nodded before saying, 

"She is indeed new, but Minerva sent her to pleasure a man the very day she joined the other courtesans. However, I wasn't going to use her for pleasure but for her other talents, such as singing. I thought it might help lift people's spirits. Nothing more than that, King Maxwell." The old woman didn't want Dante to interject, knowing it wouldn't go well. She believed it was best for her to take the fall right now. 

Anastasia, on the other hand, wanted to hide. She had been repeatedly thrust into the spotlight, ensuring her presence remained etched into everyone's memory, including the king's. She anxiously wondered if King Maxwell was going to punish them, but then he called out, 

"Minerva." 

Madame Minerva came to stand before the king with her head bowed and obediently uttered, "Yes, My King?" 

"Raise your head," commanded King Maxwell, and he questioned her, "Did you send the woman to the minister on her first day?" 

The woman raised her head and replied, "Your Highness, Queen Maya said I can an—"

SLAP! Madame Minerva felt her cheek go numb, and she experienced a sharp ache which spread across her face as she stared at the ground, her vision turning white for a few seconds. 

"Ma—King Maxwell—" Queen Maya attempted to intervene, only to be shut down by her son the very next second. 

"The courtesans aren't allowed to engage in any intimate relationships with anyone for the first month. It seems you are unaware of it, as you have only dealt with concubines until recently, but Minerva has been well aware of this rule for a long time. And this particular courtesan is not to be touched. I hope you understand that, Mother," saying those words, he turned around and strode back into the palace.

Anastasia felt someone clasping her hand, and she turned to discover it was the Mother Queen. The older woman said, 

"Come, I would like to listen to you sing for me." Stealing her away from the scene, they departed quickly while the others slowly entered the palace. Dante watched his grandmother directing Anastasia to follow her, with the apparent intention of keeping her from spending time in the Paradise Tower.

Anastasia trailed behind the Mother Queen as they made their way towards the old woman's chamber. As they walked, she asked, 

"Mother Queen, may I visit my room for a moment?" Truthfully, she wanted to visit Theresa to let her know that she was alive, as she hadn't gotten the chance to relay the message to the woman before departing for the old palace. 

"No," the Mother Queen firmly replied, striding ahead with her head held high, as if burdened by an invisible crown heavier than the one she was currently wearing. 

Upon approaching her room, the Mother Queen turned to look at Anastasia, and it took a brief moment for the younger woman to comprehend that she was expected to open the door. She quickly moved closer to the door and opened it for the older woman to step inside. 

"You are slow, I must admit," the Mother Queen commented as they entered the room and then bent with the help of her staff to take a look under the bed and ordered, "Close the door. I don't need anyone eavesdropping." 

Anastasia's eyes quickly looked around to see if there was any flower that she had to be wary about. She didn't want to sing and reveal her secret, and she contemplated whether she should deliberately sing badly so that the Mother Queen would not ask her to sing again. 

The Mother Queen observed the young courtesan's eyes scanning the room, and her eyes subtly narrowed. She said, "There's no need for you to look around. I have already inspected my room, and there's no one here. Ah, my back aches. If only I were young and could ride a horse without worrying about my bones slipping out of my body." 

Anastasia watched the older woman walk around her room before settling onto the couch. Then, she gazed at her and questioned, "What are you doing standing there? Come here, child."

Offering a quick bow, Anastasia walked to where the Mother Queen was seated, meeting the older woman's gaze. The Mother Queen ordered her, 

"Sit down," and Anastasia obediently did as she was told. 

But the Mother Queen could tell that the young woman was being cautious, given how she sat at the edge of the couch instead of leaning back in a relaxed manner. The parchment she had sent to the Elder ministers would take time to reach them, and she couldn't breathe a word about it, explicitly forbidding Emily from speaking about the matter to anyone either. 

"Mother Queen, about my singing—"

"Quiet now. I did not bring you here to sing," the Mother Queen hushed Anastasia, who felt a sense of internal relief. "I brought you here so you can answer some of my questions, and I need you to be truthful with me. Because I can either be a great ally or your worst enemy, and I do not take kindly to being deceived." 

Anastasia nodded in silence. 

"So Tasiaaa," the Mother Queen began with a shrewd glimmer in her eyes, elongating the name from 'ah' to 'ahhh'. She inquired, "I noticed that you did not go to help Dante during your stay in the old palace. Not a word was spoken between the two of you after the funeral, am I correct?" 

Anastasia was taken aback by the Mother Queen's inquiry about Dante, noticing how the older woman leaned closer towards her. She replied, "Yes, Mother Queen." 

A deep frown appeared on the Mother Queen's face, and she said, "I need full sentences rather than a simple yes or no. Why did you choose not to talk to him?" 

"Why?" Anastasia asked, unsure if the older woman was aware of something she wasn't supposed to know. Noticing the Mother Queen's narrowed eyes, she proceeded to explain, "That… I wasn't sure if I should, as you declared it was best to leave him be and that everyone needed time to process their grief."

"So it was because of me," the Mother Queen mumbled to herself, looking to the side with her lips setting into a thin line. She then returned her gaze to look at Anastasia and asked, "Are you aware that not everyone is fortunate enough to ascend from a lower class to a higher social status?" 

"I don't consider myself fortunate, Mother Queen," Anastasia responded, as the Mother Queen wanted full sentences.

The old woman waved her hand dismissively and chuckled, "There's no need to be humble about it. What?" she asked, noticing the young woman pressing her lips together. 

"Please understand, I do not mean any disrespect, but I have never felt gratitude for my situation. I would rather be a maid, cleaning the floor and bathing the women of high status, than be adorned with lavish garments and jewels for spreading my legs to men," Anastasia's voice trailed off as she saw the Mother Queen staring at her. 

"So you prefer to remain a maid? Serving other women, when you have the opportunity to elevate yourself to their very status?" 

Anastasia hoped that the Mother Queen did not have ulterior motives, intending to trap her through her answers, resulting in her being punished. She squeezed her hands, which rested in her lap, and she cautiously spoke up, saying, 

"I don't want to rise to their status. I don't want any part in it," Anastasia's words were soft. She courageously met the older woman's eyes and expressed her wish, "I want to be… free." 

The Mother Queen's eyes subtly widened as she stared at the young woman in silence. She hummed, "There is something I need you to do. Prick yourself with the Blackthorn rose. The one that grows in seclusion within this palace, feared by many."

"The Blackthorn rose?" Anastasia echoed, observing as the woman gave her a nod of confirmation. "Why?" she asked, wariness creeping into her voice, aware that King Maxwell had already prohibited anyone from approaching it. This old woman was planning to get her into trouble, wasn't she? she asked herself. 

"Consider it to be a little test," the Mother Queen said nonchalantly, as if she was casually ordering her to fetch a glass of water. 

But Anastasia vividly recalled the incident when the Blackthorn rose pricked Lady Evin, causing her to slip into a deep state of unconsciousness. And the woman hadn't woken up since. With that memory fresh in her mind, she heard the old woman continue, "All you need to do is to endure a single prick from the rose, and that would be enough." 

"Will it suffice if I said that I have already been pricked by it once?" Anastasia inquired. The Mother Queen was about to continue when she abruptly halted. 

Narrowing her eyes, the Mother Queen responded, "You better not be lying to me to avoid being pricked. When did this happen? Did you bleed?" 

Anastasia nodded and explained, "Many weeks ago. Before Lady Sophia's birthday celebration." She watched the Mother Queen stare at her with an expression of disbelief, soon replaced by a beaming smile. 

"Anastasia," the Mother Queen addressed by her full name, causing Anastasia to straighten her back attentively. "Perhaps you are correct. There is no need for you to rise to the status of those women when you have the potential to rise above them by becoming a queen. Have you ever considered such a possibility?" 

Ginger was extremely pleased to hear that Anastasia was indeed the one meant for Dante, and that they had found each other before the golden moon. If it weren't for the unfortunate passing of Lucretia, she would have single-handedly thrown a joyous celebration in their honour. Now, all that remained was for them to wed and bless her with grandchildren! 

"No," came Anastasia's blunt answer, and the Mother Queen's smile faltered. 

"No?" the Mother Queen blinked at her future granddaughter-in-law. She frowned and asked, "Why not?" 

Anastasia didn't know whether the Mother Queen was humouring her or if King Maxwell had influenced her to say such things. Her hands clenched tighter before she mustered up her reply, 

"I have no desire to marry into the palace life, where people are constantly at each other's throats, and where innocent lives are stolen on a whim." Anastasia recalled the haunting image of blood dripping from the servant's neck, reaffirming her decision to avoid such a fate.

Of course, the Mother Queen thought to herself. It wouldn't be easy, but it would eventually happen, and with that thought, she nodded inwardly and declared, "Let us not close our minds and hearts to something that might bring one immense happiness."

Anastasia managed a bitter smile in response, but refrained from commenting on the older woman's words. She then heard the woman say, "Anastasia, if you experience any trouble in the future, do not hesitate to come to me. I will gladly help you with anything."

"Thank you, Mother Queen," Anastasia expressed with a respectful bow. The Mother Queen was about to ask her not to address her in that manner anymore, but it was still too soon to reveal the truth to others.

The Mother Queen was glad she had sent out her request on the parchment bearing her seal to secure Anastasia for Dante, and now it was only a matter of time. However, she pondered whether it might be best not to let anyone know what she had done, as the young woman seemed opposed to the idea of life in the palace. Perhaps she could sway her mind by showing her the appealing aspects of palace life and making it easier for her grandson, who had killed a man in cold blood before her eyes.  2

When the Mother Queen finally dismissed her two hours later, as Aziel had arrived to talk to her, Anastasia used this opportunity to slip away to see Theresa. Upon arriving at the kitchen, she asked one of the maids, 

"Have you seen Theresa?" 

But the maid didn't respond to Anastasia, blatantly ignoring her, and neither did a few others, who continued talking to each other, refusing to acknowledge her presence. She didn't know if it was because they were angry at discovering she could speak or because they were jealous of the status she had attained. 

An older maid responded to her as she was walking by, "I saw Theresa outside earlier."

Anastasia offered her a grateful smile and replied, "Thank you," before she stepped out from the kitchen's back door. After looking in the shed, she walked to the stable. But instead of finding Theresa, she found Gabriel carrying a bale of hay over his shoulder. 

"Anna!" Upon seeing her, Gabriel dropped the hay on the ground, and he quickly walked over to where she was and hugged her. He exhaled, "Theresa and I have been so worried if you have been well, fearing that something might have happened to you!" 

Anastasia was taken aback by the embrace, and for a moment, she stood frozen like a statue. It was a friendly embrace, but she couldn't help but step away, feeling a sense of awkwardness in the air. She composed herself and said, "I didn't have the time to inform you, as I was unexpectedly taken to the old palace. Where is Theresa?" 

"She must have gone back inside the palace. She mentioned having to clean the windows on the second floor," Gabriel responded, looking genuinely happy to see her, adding, "I heard something about a servant being killed, and we were worried that it was you. Especially after Madame Minerva complained about you not being in the tower. I didn't even know where to begin looking for you if something had happened. Are you alright?" 

Anastasia nodded with a small smile gracing her lips, "I am fine and unharmed. I am sorry for worrying you and Theresa… and thank you for still being here, alive and well too." 

Gabriel returned her smile and reassured her, "I promised to take you to your parents. Not to mention, the palace gates are under tight security since the other two tried to escape, so we will wait a few more days before seeing what we can do. How is your back?" He asked, displaying genuine concern. 

"The wounds have healed; thank you for asking, Gabriel," Anastasia was glad to speak to him, a person without status who understood her thoughts. Someone with a like mind. She said, "I will go find Theresa now. Take care." 

"You too, Anna," Gabriel said, picking up the hay bale and walking away. Anastasia turned around, and as she stepped out of the stable, she caught sight of Dante not too far from where she was. He was talking with three ministers outside the palace. 

It appeared he had returned to his duties, immersing himself in work in the wake of his mother's death. Anastasia lost track of time while standing there, only realising it when the ministers left. As Dante turned to make his way inside the palace, he noticed her presence. 

Time stood still around them for the briefest moment as they stared at each other from a distance. His eyes had returned to their usual midnight hue, and there were no fumes around him, and although she wanted to take a step forward, she found herself rooted in place, just as he remained unmoving. 

As Anastasia offered him a bow, Dante continued to stare at her. However, his attention was abruptly diverted by the Vizier, who said, 

"Prince Dante, I have brought the report you wanted to take a look at." 

In the moment Dante shifted his gaze away from Anastasia and then back again, Anastasia had disappeared from sight. "Prince Dante?" the Vizier inquired, turning in the direction the prince was looking in, but there was nothing there.

Dante took hold of the parchment from the Vizier and questioned, "Are these the only names?" 

"Yes, these are all the guards that were stationed at the front of the palace gates that evening and night," the Vizier informed. He asked, "Would you like me to accompany you during the questioning?" 

"That won't be necessary," Dante responded, before looking at the names of the guards from whom he was going to weed out the truth.

Everyone retired to their chambers as night descended upon the kingdom and the surrounding lands. Some slept in peace, while others restlessly paced in their rooms, consumed by worries, before finally retiring to bed. 

Anastasia lay in her bed, restlessly tossing and turning while pulling on her blanket, her eyes opening and closing every now and then. After a couple of minutes, she sat upright and swung her legs over the edge of her bed. Her bare feet padded across the cold floor as she tiptoed out of the tower and down the stairs, holding the front of her dress such that her anklets were revealed. 

But when Anastasia had crossed four corridors with her feet seemingly having a mind of their own, she suddenly halted. She bit her bottom lip, wondering if what she was doing was a good idea. As if changing her mind, she turned around, only to gasp in surprise at the sight of Dante standing there. 

Startled, Anastasia instinctively placed her hand on her chest, attempting to calm her racing heart. She hadn't noticed him or heard his footsteps. She said, "I was walking…"

"I can see that. Returning to the tower?" Dante asked her, walking towards her and closing the distance between them. 

Anastasia didn't know if she should say yes or no. Was it that obvious that she had intended to seek him out but had changed her mind midway? 

When she parted her lips to reply, Dante said, "Would you like to join me in gazing at the sea?" Anastasia blinked in surprise before nodding in agreement. 

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