351: Queen's Visit

Queen's Visit

Arlan descended the grand staircase to the foyer, preparing to depart for the Royal Court session. Oriana and Roman joined him, ready to see the Prince off. As Arlan reached the middle of the foyer, he came to an abrupt halt, and an icy chill settled in his eyes, causing everyone around him to pause as well.1

Oriana, positioned behind him, couldn't discern the sudden shift in his expression. She wondered, 'Did he forget something important?'

Roman, positioned just behind Arlan, immediately stepped forward and bowed, inquiring, "Your Highness, is there a matter that requires your attention?"

"Dismiss everyone," Arlan commanded.

Roman glanced at the assembled servants and spoke, "You may all return to your duties."

With those words, everyone except Roman, Arlan's two knights, and Oriana left the foyer. Arlan turned to face Oriana and issued a strict directive, "Return to your room and do not leave unless I grant you permission."

Although puzzled by his sudden change in demeanor, Oriana bowed obediently and began to ascend the stairs. She couldn't help but notice the distinct shift in Arlan's expression.

At that moment, a knight named Kerry entered the foyer and announced, "Your Highness, Her Majesty, Queen Julien, has arrived."

Oriana, who had nearly reached the first floor, overheard the announcement.

'Her Majesty is here? Her mind raced with questions. Why is he acting this way? I've met Her Majesty before, and she even spoke to me. Mother and son seemed to have a close relationship. So, what could be the matter?'

Despite her curiosity, she had no choice but to follow Arlan's instructions and hurriedly retreated to her room.

Soon, Queen Julien, accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting, made her entrance into the palace. Arlan welcomed his mother at the foyer with a facade of calmness, though those familiar with him could discern an underlying restlessness.

"Good morning, Mother," he greeted her.

Queen Julien responded with a pleasant smile as she examined her son's face, as if trying to discern what lay beneath his composed demeanor.

Returning her smile, Arlan inquired, "Mother, what brings you here so early in the morning?"

"Can't a mother come to see her son?" she countered playfully.

"Of course, you can," he replied cheerfully.

Just then, Kerry reentered the palace and announced, "Your Highness, Lady Karla has arrived to visit you."

Before Arlan could utter a word, Queen Julien, who had been smiling until that moment, suddenly furrowed her brow and questioned, "Why is she here?"

Ignoring his mother's displeasure, Arlan directed Kerry, "Allow her to enter."

Kerry left to execute the order, leaving Queen Julien to gaze disapprovingly at Arlan. She began, "Arlan, you..."

"Mother, I've brought a gift for you," Arlan interjected, his tone filled with warmth. "I hope you'll like it."

Before Queen Julien could respond, a woman entered the foyer, interrupting their conversation.

A woman, around the same age as Queen Julien, entered the foyer. She was dressed in a servant's uniform, indicative of her high status within the palace of Griven. Her features were sharp, her hair elegantly tied in a bun, and her demeanor exuded politeness. Two younger female servants accompanied her.

"Good morning, Your Majesty! Good morning, Your Highness," the woman greeted them with a respectful bow.

Before Arlan could react, Queen Julien asked, her tone tinged with surprise, "What brings you here, Lady Karla?"

Maintaining her polite demeanor, Lady Karla kept her head lowered as she replied, "I am here to meet His Highness. I was concerned about his well-being and wanted to check on him."

Julien, typically composed, was growing visibly impatient. "Lady Karla, even though you once served as the Prince's nanny, you must understand that he is now an adult, and you have long been relieved of your duties. You need not go beyond your responsibilities and come here to check on him. I, as his mother, am perfectly capable of attending to his well-being."

Lady Karla continued to bow her head respectfully. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I will remember that."

"Very well, you may leave," Julien said hastily, as if she couldn't stand Lady Karla's presence for a moment longer.

Lady Karla raised her head and looked at Prince Arlan, who stood beside Julien, but he remained unresponsive. She bowed quietly and said, "I will take my leave now, Your Highness, Your Majesty."

With that, Lady Karla turned and exited the foyer.

Julien turned to Arlan with a sense of accomplishment and sought his validation. "I did well, didn't I?"

Arlan simply nodded in agreement. "You did."

Her demeanor softened as she looked at him. "Are you going to make me stand here?"

Her words seemed to bring him back to the present, and Arlan quickly responded, "Apologies, Mother."

Julien forgave him with a warm smile. "I forgive you. Let's talk for a while."

Arlan nodded and led her to the drawing room. Before they settled in, he instructed Roman, "Bring the gift I purchased for Mother from Othinia."

Roman acknowledged the order and departed to retrieve the gift, leaving mother and son to enter the drawing room together.

As mother and son enjoyed their tea and conversation, the door to the drawing room swung open, and Oriana entered. Arlan's gaze shifted towards her as she greeted both of them.

Oriana knew Arlan had ordered her to stay inside unless her called for her, but she could not obey him and and would end up angering him. 

Before he could inquire about her presence, she swiftly explained, "Mister Roman couldn't locate the gift that Your Highness had brought for Her Majesty, so I took it upon myself to find it and bring it here."

Arlan maintained his calm expressions as if he was not bothered by anything. 

Julien, ever gracious, greeted Oriana warmly. "Orian, it's good to see you again."

Oriana returned the smile graciously. "Good to see you too, Your Majesty."

"Is that the gift in your hand that Arlan brought for me?" the Queen inquired cheerfully.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Oriana confirmed, approaching the Queen to offer the gift.

Unbeknownst to Arlan and Queen Julien, Oriana had her own reasons for showing up unexpectedly. She needed to discreetly investigate something.

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