Queen Of Thorns

The Crown's Pollen (3)

The grand table was overflowing with mountains of food and cutlery with large champagne glasses and beautifully folded napkins, flowers blooming in shades of purple and red in between each chair which was hand-carved and engraved with swirls.

Every citizen was attending the hall, colouring the stone floors in ballgowns along with a few suits alongside.

Thorn curled her lips at the potential fire that could be waged as soon as the fake kings walked in to see, golden lights shining above set a sparkling tone upon her exposed skin.

Standing before those eyes and gentle respectful smiles allowed her a moment of softness, the voice of content calling out but the nagging that this was not the case for all those outside the kingdom rest within her mind. So she raised her glass and spoke for all to remember,

"Any minute now those foolish imitation kings will enter our empire and be among us, we must uphold that which we hold dear."

She paused before finishing,

"Let us not be sent to quiver in boots within their presence when it is our home! Please enjoy this night like any other."

Traditional Waltz music from their culture began with gentle strings as the rainbow gowns swirled met with the stride of a gentleman, the Queen almost showing a smile. Swelling music filled the hall as the air eased with positivity, a few men even taking on the bravery to ask the Queen herself to dance.

As Thorn had spoken of the grand doors opened wide to nine men, five of which wore crowns.

The music slowed and grew quieter as the eldest king scoffed while looking around at the joys of The Queen's empire, her game of chess starting now. All nine of the men walked towards the throne when a roar echoed by The Queen's feet, Kittyosis narrowing her eyes at the bags of flesh.

"Hush my pet, the Kings and their sons are our guests. After all, they've come all this way, perhaps you are thirsty?"

Glasses of water and wine presented to the men without even being commanded by two young waiters, a Prince looking surprised and asking.

"You have men too? I thought-"

A King with blue jewels encased in his crown slapped his son around the head, gazes growing pitiful except the Queen's.

"Shut up."

A smile grew on Thorn's face as she glanced at the prince who spoke out of turn, her voice softening.

"My boy, whatever has the rumours been spreading to you? Of course, my empire has men, those that are honourable and pure of heart."

Laughter filled with disgust bounced around the hall as eyes flickered onto the old king, his protruding belly ready to burst through his royal attire.

"Men who serve you! Men you've corrupted! Probably mind-controlled or forced who knows with your freakiness!"

All around gasps and cries of outrage filled the hall, a bellowing growl from Kittyosis which only silenced when The Queen stood and raised a hand.

"You're right, I could've taken over the minds of these men or forced them. But why would I go through all that trouble? I could make servants if I want. I have treated not only every person in this room fairly but I welcomed you. Kings who have waged a war against my empire since we began to rise with nothing but courtesy, you are defenceless within my walls and yet have I even attempted to lay a finger on your souls?"

The fifth king with two sons questioned, his youthful appearance showing he was not wise enough to make his own decisions but had plenty of role models.

"What do you mean we are defenceless?"

Thorn grinned and raised her arms,

"Go ahead and attempt to kill me. Finish the war if you truly desire it."

"No your highness!"

"Your majesty!?"

"No!"

"You can't...!"

"Your highness...!?"

"Don't touch her..."

Cries slowly blurred with each other as a sudden movement from each king worked in a sequence, each weapon in diversity.

Daggers,

Poison darts,

Arrows,

Gun,

A fire bottle,

And someone with enough courage, or a lot of fear, to throw a grenade.

For a split second The Queen did nothing, seemingly accepting defeat.

Her eyes bolted open and the weapons faded to dust, not even a flicker of movement upon her face as a small fire burst from the grenade mid-air.

A whirl of power swirled from her feet as she raised her hand, speaking softly but echoing powerfully.

"You are incredibly courageous or undoubtedly simple-minded to think I would be touched by such mundane weapons, do you understand now?"

The Queen wickedly grinned,

"I am the viper, and you are in my nest now."