My adored queen

10

Count Arron knew about my escapades like no one else, because whenever I kissed someone (and why not, after all?), he was always there, as if on cue. Even if I didn't allow anyone to approach me at ten social events, and someone stole a kiss at the eleventh, Daniel would appear at the eleventh, at the most crucial moment. Either with some lady, or his friends, or he'd just come out for some air and find me. He appeared in the hallway, in the garden, on the terrace... Anywhere. He always coughed loudly and greeted me in front of everyone, after which we'd part ways and disappear from each other's sight. And I'd think he did it on purpose, if I didn't accidentally find him in similar situations myself. It seemed Daniel was everywhere. Though I never saw him kissing anyone, usually I was the one kissing, and he just fed the gullible marquises a ton of nonsense. That's why I called all men the same (how else to explain that they all take girls to the same places?) and why I never agreed to a second date (actually, because no one could interest me enough), and those who didn't limit themselves to innocent kisses and tried to be more persistent, I dropped without hesitation and went to the dance floor to find the next one. The head of security never tried to court me, despite being an advisor, a military man, and handsome, so he had every chance for an evening in my company. But he probably considered himself too high-flying, being the crown prince's best friend! And now he faced such a setback: the crown was almost mine. And now, Daniel, you'll have to figure out how to keep your titles. But right now, he was clearly mocking me, without a care in the world.

"You're not a gentleman," I scoffed, surprised at where the conversation had taken us.

"Why not? I've never revealed your secrets."

"What secrets? There was nothing like that," I felt a sudden need to justify myself, for which I scolded myself. Daniel smiled even brighter.

"Nothing like what? I'm suddenly curious..."

Cursed day. Cursed head of security. Cursed my foolish tongue.

"Daniel, don't play with me and know your place, you're talking to the crown princess," I smiled my signature smile, revealing a row of white teeth. "You're just trying to annoy me because you're jealous and envious," I decided to joke.

"Is that so? But, milady, soon others will be the ones jealous and envious," to my surprise, the man found an answer too quickly again. I raised an eyebrow in question, but his next remark simply stunned me. "When you become queen and the advisors marry you off to an old and ugly man, I'll be the only real man in your circle."

"How presumptuous," I scoffed, now genuinely outraged. Of all things! Even a queen or king isn't allowed to cheat, to have favorites before marriage – yes, but not after (at least that's my view of the laws). And besides, I'll choose whom to marry myself. And I haven't decided yet whether I'll become queen... I turned on my heels and hurried down the corridor.

"Princess, princess," Daniel hurried to catch up. "I beg your pardon, I was rude. Milady, let's forget this conversation..."

"Already forgotten," I smiled, showing him with my whole demeanor where I saw him and his hints."

"The rest of the way we walked in silence, and when the clear August air hit with the freshness of the flowered garden and warmth, I smiled gently, forgetting all my sorrows. 'You may go,' I tossed over my shoulder to the man who suddenly decided to escort me, and hurried along the path familiar from childhood. To where my heart led me. To a corner in the realm of unique and rare flowers and bushes, a tapestry of shades and scents, past statues and fountains, gazebos and benches, a passage into another reality. If the palace grounds were bright, my secret place was in a long, dark corridor of tall trees, shielding my paradise from prying eyes. There was always the 'thicket,' where no nobles ever strolled. It was my hideaway from the world since I was seven. Why since seven? That's when my uncle gave me a toy dollhouse. I grew up, but it (the dollhouse, not my uncle) remained so small that I had to bend down to enter. Ironically, now that I was an adult, the king had given me a palace again, a giant replica of my miniature.

Whenever I wanted to be alone, I came here. I didn't go inside. I just sat on the small porch, reached by high steps, kicked off my uncomfortable shoes, leaned my back against the 'front door,' and immersed myself in pleasant memories, as if this were the point where the past and present met. And there I always found my true self, the person I had always been, a noble and gracious lady of the dynasty with lofty dreams and a pure heart.

I ran my fingers over the case, taking out my uncle's letter. Now, it seemed, I was ready to read it. Familiar words, carefully chosen for the farewell message, echoed in my soul:

'My little Annie! I didn't dare say this to your face, so like a coward, I write this letter. I know you have many questions, and even more doubts. But I can't dispel them all, I'll only tell you what is fact. You would inevitably ask: why did I give you the kingdom and the throne? It's very simple: you have the spirit of a rebel and a victor, which no one else in our family possesses. You are quick-witted and intelligent, just and strong, brave and straightforward. And you are kind. Kindness means a lot, Annie. Preserve your true self, find someone who will cherish you like his own pearl. And accept my gift, take care of our subjects. Only you are capable of protecting what I began to implement. Trust Cardinal Mastermal, Count Arron, and your parents; test others. Don't let anyone sway you, remember: you are the queen in Lantonia, and they are your servants, your subjects. Your first task is to establish good relations with the army, increasing their salaries on the occasion of your coronation. Be attentive to their concerns; this will win their love. If you have the knights behind you, the nobles won't dare go against you. Consult with Daniel and the military commanders on these matters. To win the people's favor, listen to them and help whenever possible. And don't dare give up when you face difficulties. You must send my wife to Robert; beware of her. And don't dare go against my order and allow the crown prince to stay in the capital! The nobles must also immediately treat you with respect; don't let them take advantage. Also, don't agree to a marriage of convenience; only love gives wings. Living without wings is hard, daughter.

I'm not worried, because I'm absolutely confident in you. I raised you myself, so you are my daughter, Annie. Remember the tricks in chess I taught you? Life is the same.

I know you're upset, confused. Maybe even crying. But that's perfectly normal. When my father left me the empire, I also had no peace. I'll tell you a secret: you can't prepare for this. Just be yourself, and you'll succeed. Everything you need to know, you already know. And the rest will come with time. And remember: I'm always with you. Your uncle.'

Tears... Yes, they streamed down my cheeks, but I wasn't crying. I was gathering strength, I was deciding...

'I won't let you down, sir,' I whispered, gently stroking the stones I sat on, as if feeling the presence of a kindred spirit.

'It seems you've made a decision,' Daniel commented. The devils had brought him here after me.

'And you, as always, arrive just in time,' I sighed, wiping away tears, accidentally (I swear, accidentally) kicking my shoe down the steps. The count glanced after the shoe, but didn't rush to pick it up. And I didn't rush to get up myself.

'Allow me to help you,' like a devil from a box, Marquis Fred jumped out from behind a tree, one of those I refused to give a chance – a daddy's boy. Especially insolent, he was a real nuisance. He followed me everywhere, as if he were truly in love. He deftly picked up the shoe and ran to me, putting it on my foot as if I couldn't do it myself. And how could I? I certainly wouldn't have run my fingers over my foot like this madman did. I sat in complete bewilderment, while Arron didn't hide his amused chuckles, which made me feel uncomfortable, awkward. Fred offered me his hand, helping me up, and offered to escort me 'wherever milady wished.'

'Milady wishes nothing,' I said softly and added more firmly, 'Stop following me, I'll warn the guards not to let you through, Your Grace. You're crossing the line.'

'I'll do it myself, Your Highness, with great pleasure,' Daniel interrupted, completely serious, gesturing towards the path leading to the palace.

'And I'm witnessing such things again,' he said with a cheeky smile.

'What's so wrong with that?' I retorted.

'Wrong? Nothing wrong,' Arron smiled, clearly reminding me of our conversation in the corridor. And there's no need to follow me like a shadow! Who's to blame if I haven't fallen in love yet? Innocent flirting is forgiven for a lady who's not in love. Especially when she's the future queen! Especially since I wasn't to blame this time. And besides, I'm tired of these suitors. Another reason to accept power: I won't marry, and I don't want favorites either!

Although, of course, I understood the seriousness of this title. Despite the desire to protect my family and myself from the queen dowager's revenge, despite the temptation to prove to everyone that I'm worth something, I also realized that my uncle placed great hopes on me to preserve his kingdom, his subjects, and his order. Therefore, this is my main goal – not to disappoint the king's expectations. I must accept my fate.

'Daniel...'

'Milady?'

'Order all the dynasty members, advisors, nobles, and even the servants to gather in front of the palace. I want to make an announcement.'"