The Naive Queen

Episode 5

“What do you mean that the treaty of peace was made long time ago?”

Servilla’s face paled as she looked into the young lady’s eyes. He is worried, how will this soft, innocent, and naïve lady will accept this truth?

He watched Astra grow, even though he’s just a knight who serves her family, Astra always smiles at him whenever she sees him. She is like a daughter he wished he had.

His eyes reddened, he took deep breath and started to speak.

“Milady, the treaty of peace has been signed before you and Beatrice were born. The King and Queen had a problem with their production of food before and the King of Capras offered help… The King Erebus was hesitant but seeing all his citizen starved he had no choice. The King of Capras then laid his offering but in return one daughter from our King will marry his son, Thaddeus. Your Father wasn’t able to decline the offer, they didn’t have any daughter that time, and he was hoping to have a son, then the treaty will be forfeited…”

Astra didn’t notice she wasn’t breathing anymore. Due to shock, she fell on her knees. She can feel them shaking... Does that mean they took Beatrice for Thaddeus to marry? How about my parents? Are they alive?

Servilla noticed Astra’s confusion and went on with the story.

“You might think they took Beatrice for Thaddeus but they didn’t” Everyone in the room gasp.

“We were ambushed when we are halfway on the castle of Capras. The castle was at the end of the city before we reached the castle someone strike at us. The Night Eaters… They tore every one of the knights. And the King and Queen was stab in their heart and ripped off from their head. When I was about to run for them the King looked at me and told me to run… and I did…There is a lot of human being used as slaved in that city and with my brooch as a knight I ask them to help me escape… Unfortunately, during the time of ambushed Beatrice were gone…I can only assume and pray that she escaped as well…”

Astra sobbed… the flame of hope she had when Servilla arrived was slowly fading.

“Milady, should I continue?”

Astra can only nod in response.

“I rest in the forest near Altinova, I thought I am safe because I am within our border. I slept for a while but when I woke up there is a man in front of me. I was shocked seeing a man that I have never seen in Altinova. From that moment… I-I knew he was not from one of us… H-h-he is a Night Eater. He said he is Thaddeus, and the future Queen of Altinova must prepare for the coronation and tying of knot. He will claim the trade for treaty that the previous King and Queen promised them…”

“B-but Beatrice is gone how can he claim the daughter that was promised to marry him?!!!! How will that work?”

“Milady… Beatrice is not the only daughter of the King and Queen of Altinova… He also said…uh…

Hera s-should wait for him tomorrow on the rooftop of the castle…at bewitching hour...”