Page 18 of Destiny Redeemed
“Indeed. Much like certain other hidden talents that have recently come to light.” Her gaze sparked with meaning. “It’s remarkable how a simple sweet shop can transform an entire street’s fortunes.”
I nearly choked on my tea. So she knew about that too.
“Your Majesty is too kind to notice such humble ventures.”
“Humble?” She laughed, the sound like silver bells. “Okay, if that’s what you would like to call it. Though I must say your methods were… creative.”
As I said, mother, son, and friend. The holy trinity.
Heat crept up my neck. “The ghost stories may have been a touch dramatic.”
“But effective.” She set down her cup with a decisive clink. “You know, when I first met you, I thought you were just another scheming noble’s daughter.”
I was. “Wasn’t I?”
“Perhaps. But you’ve become something far more interesting - a woman who builds rather than destroys.” Her eyes softened. “That’s a rare quality in our world.”
The words hit me like a physical force. Coming from her, they meant more than any noble’s praise. Damn it, I wanted her to like me, but it seemed I had started to like her too, way more than I would have liked. Having attachments to the Queen wasn’t part of my plan.
“I had an excellent teacher in survival,” I said quietly, without thinking. “Loss has a way of shifting one’s priorities.”
“Loss?”
“Loss of my childish fantasies,” I tried to laugh it off. She didn’t look convinced but thankfully didn’t question further.
“So it does.” She reached across and squeezed my hand. “Though I suspect you always had this strength in you. It simply needed… proper motivation.”
A knock at the door interrupted us. Lady Amelia entered, holding a letter.
“Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption, but Lady Minerva sent you a letter. Should I put it on your desk?”
I froze, my teacup halfway to my lips. The Queen’s eyes met mine, twinkling with mischief.Ah, she knows about that too. Why do I keep underestimating this woman?
For a moment, I thought of begging Her Majesty for help with the permit but stopped myself. It wouldn’t work with these two.
“I must thank you, Your Majesty,” I said instead, “for all your encouragement and support. It means more than I can express. In fact, I’ve brought a small token of my gratitude.”
Felicia’s eyes twinkled. “You’ve shown remarkable resilience, my dear. Now, what is this token of gratitude I hear?”
I called to the Magnolia employee, who presented the dress with a flourish. The baby blue silk shimmered in the sunlight.
“Your Majesty, I chose this dress with you in mind,” I explained. “Simple, yet elegant – much like yourself. I hope it meets your approval.”
Queen Felicia examined the gown, her expression unreadable. Finally, she looked up, a smile playing on her lips.
“I must admit, I never thought I’d be drawn to something so… understated,” she mused. “And yet, it’s gorgeous. You have excellent taste, Lady Ilyana.”
I beamed, relief flooding through me even though I knew she would like it. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m thrilled you like it.”
“In fact,” the Queen continued, “I insist you stay for dinner tonight. We have so much to discuss. Also, I’ve missed your intellect terribly, my dear. You should definitely stay tonight.”
Part of me wanted to decline, to retreat to the safety of my new life. But the wheels in my mind were already turning. I needed more time to figure out how to get her to wear the dresspublicly. This stay could be the perfect opportunity to plant the seed.
“I would be honored, Your Majesty,” I replied, hoping my eagerness wasn’t too obvious.
As Lady Amelia led me to a guest chamber, my thoughts whirled. The room was luxurious, of course – all heavy brocade and polished wood. But my focus was elsewhere. How could I ensure the Queen wore this dress where it would be noticed?
A garden party? No, too casual. A formal ball? Too predictable. What event would make the biggest splash, cement her as a trendsetter, and, by extension, elevate Magnolia’s status?
