CHAPTER 119: BECOME QUEEN CONSORT

Queen consort? I took some time to ask Ravyn to explain that position to me, what it really meant here in Valkanor. She told me it was the highest of positions, even than the Dowagers, second only to the monarch.

She also mentioned that if I were able to obtain that status, it wouldn’t matter if I were human, as I already know that Lycans value strength first.

To become Queen Consort as a mere human would be the greatest of achievements, and I’d no longer be looked down on. But there was one problem.

"That would be impossible for me," I uttered.

As easy as it sounds to get there, there would be roars and blood.

"Are you sure? Have I not mentioned the whispers about the tales of Eloise Balthar?"

I fixed her with a pointed stare. "No, you haven’t."

"Well then, let me tell you all about it. They speak of how you rose to the position of princess and brought the confined royal princess to your side."

"Oh..."

She nodded. "At this point, becoming Queen Consort would be possible if the princess merged her court with the monarch, giving you enough power to climb to the top. You’d have a good portion of armies at your disposal, as well as the noble house and more after."

I placed a hand beneath my chin. It was exactly what Drevon said that day when he went to see Ravyn.

I don’t want to be Queen Consort. That position seemed fitting for someone deserving and capable. This was a nation ruled by Lycans. How can a human rule them or even become the mother of the empire? I’m not sure I was capable of doing that or ruling by Drevon’s side.

Dia’s words gave me a hopeful thought, but it was fleeting. But then a thought crossed my mind, pushing all the doubts away.

"If I by chance become Queen Consort, will that put Prince Damon’s position as a crown prince at risk?"

"Hmm..." Dia tilted her head in thought. "I think it could, because when you have secured that position and have Drevon’s children, it will naturally make them crown heirs. Drevon has the power then to crown them without the choosing ceremony because he’d stay true to the previous monarch’s wish of creating a balance."

I blushed at her words; the thought of having children with Drevon got me uneasy. Certainly, those things were expected, given how many activities we have been doing.

"But it’s a gamble."

"What do you mean?" I managed to ask.

"Your child with the monarch might come out human or Lycan, so in other words, we can never know if it’ll be Alpha worthy of the position... but it will cause troubles for Prince Damon."

I smirked devilishly, and Dia shivered. "What now? What are you thinking in that dark mind of yours?"

"Child or not, when I become Queen Consort, I won’t only be able to get my revenge on Sloane but on the crown prince too. When the noble house hears about my attempts to become Queen, surely they will talk, but they’ll acknowledge my strength and see the prince as a bad investment."

"Sounds like you have something against Prince Damon."

"Yes," I replied unshamed. "I’ll not rest until that piece of trash gets what he deserves."

Dia chuckled. "The princess supports this motion."

"Really? Isn’t he her brother?"

Suddenly, a dark look morphed on her face. "A brother who doesn’t care if he has a sister or not. The first thing he did upon his return to society was challenge my brother’s authority. Count me in your revenge."

My brother?

As if realizing the blunder she had made, she quickly cleared her throat and composed herself. "I spent the entire week with the princess rambling the same thing over and over again, and I had grown accustomed to it. Now I speak as if I’m the princess." She sneered nervously. "A mere servant like me, a princess? Oh goddess!"

I sneered too, and we both did awkwardly before a strong, loud silence fell between us.

"I should go..." she said after a few minutes of muted intensity. "I have some chores to do. I wish I could have been present when you put Sloane in her place. I’ll come to see you later."

Dia didn’t wait for me to reply as she hurried away like a beast was on her tail.

~•~

I came to a halt, a soft smile curling on my lips. I can’t believe it took me this long to figure it out. It showed she was really good, or maybe I’d known the entire time, but I was too engrossed by the little brat Dia.

I loved our exchange without any formalities; it was the most natural.

"Princess, is something wrong?"

"No," I replied, amused.

Ravyn exhaled. "That handmaid looked really familiar, though."

"You think so?"

"Yes... I thought the princess only had one handmaid."

"Maybe she got more after her official outing to society."

"Maybe."

"Your Grace, Lady Sloane still awaits," Osha reminded.

"How long has it been?"

"A few hours, Your Grace."

"Good. Summon her, let her meet me in my garden."

~•~

At the sound of approaching footsteps, I lift my gaze to see Sloane walking down the aisle of tulips. I must admit she was really good with her poker face. I have kept her waiting for hours, and yet she was still able to conjure a smile and not show any anger or distress.

As usual, she was dressed to the nines, her perfect gown with her perfect hair. Dare I say she looked more stunning?

Sloane might be a bitch, but she was a beautiful bitch, which only made her more of a bitch than any bitch.

Sloane walked up the stairs delicately, her eyes moving behind where Ravyn and Osha stood.

Hmm...Judging by how she wasn’t shocked that Ravyn was with me, I figured she would have gotten information about the Stormrend House coming to my side, probably from the Dowager.

"Your Highness." She gave a stiff bow. "Upon the special request of the monarch, I have come to give you my deepest apologies."