At her approval, Olivia and Claire immediately set to work in dressing her up. They picked out a light cream dress, adorned with golden frills and a beautiful lace. Maya was stunned when she saw it. It was so simple yet so incredibly gorgeous. They helped her wear it, fastening the buttons and tying the ropes that were loose. Claire focused on her hair, braiding it before placing gold accessories on it. Since it was just a tour, there was no need for a crown. Nevertheless, Maya looked just as beautiful and regal as she would have, with or without.

Adorning her with a cape that fluttered at the ends, they led the Queen out of the King's chambers. Guards on duty bowed as they saw her and Maya regarded them with a nod, looking around. Madonia's Royal palace was a lot bigger than her home, more beautiful too. Each section of the hallway had their own chandeliers and every part was intricately designed. Maya imagined how much craftsmanship and money that would have gone into it. It definitely was a lot.

Her handmaids took her everywhere. From the ballroom, to the kitchen, the guest quarters and even the tower, all the while explaining little of Madonia's history to her. Maya listened with rapt attention, intrigued. They also introduced the workers of the palace to her who bow when they meet her, saying their greetings. It was a lot of work and people but Maya got through all of it gracefully.

Next, they showed her the training grounds. A bit farther from the main palace with a fortress of it's own, Maya watched it, enthralled. It reminded Maya of how powerful Madonia is. Her Kingdom would have never stood a chance if a war broke out, with or without her interference.

" This is where the king trains!" Olivia announced excitedly as they inched closer. " On days where he isn't so busy and has time to spare, he comes here to train with the knights and soldiers. Sometimes, tournaments are done here too!" She added, squealing at the last part.

Maya glanced at the ground from the tower where she stood. Dexter trains here? Isn't it too far off? She wondered. She pictured Dexter training with swords, sweat pouring from his body, his light grey eyes narrowed in concentration, his hair slick with water, muscles bulging and moving. A smile worked it's way to her face and she blushed, her body tingling. She wanted to see him train.

" What about his family?" Maya asked the question that had been bugging her for a while now. " Is there a place where you can show me portraits of them?"

The two exchanged glances but nodded. " Yes, your majesty. But it is back at the main palace." Olivia replied.

" I would like to see it." She told them.

" Of course, your majesty." Claire replied, her head bowed. They started back to the palace. Casting a backward glance at the training ground, Maya took in a deep breath and focused on the road ahead. The main palace soon came into view and they lead her in, taking her on another flight of stairs. This time they were headed to west wing of the palace where the former royal family resided.

As they walked down the huge hallway, Olivia and Claire walked ahead to open the curtains, letting light flow into the room. Maya watched as the hallway brightened, and the portraits on the side came into view. It was portraits of the Royal family in their splendor. Maya slowed down in her steps, watching it. There was portraits of the Queen, the King, and the Crown prince that Dexter killed. Maya paused, staring at the portrait of Dexter. Although he still looked the same, he was definitely younger when this picture was drawn, his eyes vibrant.

After standing for so long, she realised she didn't see any pictures of Dexter's mother. She turned to the maids, confused.

" What about his mother, do you not have any pictures of her?" Maya asked.

" Since she wasn't royalty, her portraits wasn't hanged here." Claire explained. " But the King dedicated and entire wall to her at the very end of the hall." Claire said.

" I would like to see it." Maya said and they immediately obliged. They lead her down to the end of the hallway were a section of the wall was closed off with a curtain.

" The current King has kept it hidden after her death, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind us showing you." Claire said. With that, they pushed open the the curtains, revealing the portrait of Dexter's mother.

Maya gasped, taken aback. She was the spitting image of Dexter, except darker skinned and with feminine features. Even though it was just a painting, it felt like she was staring directly at her.

" She didn't hold a lot of power in the court due to her status but it was obvious that the former king loved her, even more than the queen." Claire supplied. She watched the portrait reverently. " She had the most alluring gray eyes you would ever see." She whispered.

Maya glanced at her. " Did you meet her?" She asked.

Claire nodded, a faraway look in her eyes. " Once, while I was still a young girl working in the palace. I was awestruck by her beauty."

Maya glanced back at the portrait. " How did she die?"

Claire hesitated a bit, her eyes loosing it's shine. " According to what we heard, the crown prince killed her. Accused her of posioning the former king. " Very quietly, she added. " He killed her in front of the king " Maya blanched at the words, horror filling her system.

Her lips trembled, but she continued, her voice firm. " Back then when he was still a prince, he was beyond devastated. He changed afterwards, Became the cold, cruel and heartless King we know now." She said, her voice sad.

Cold? Cruel? He's never like that to me, Maya thought to herself. But then, she hasn't seen all of him yet. She turned her gaze back to the portriat instinctively her hands reached out to touch it. A wave of sadness washed over her and tears sprung to her eyes. She quickly blinked them back.

Her death must've broken him, she thought to herself. She couldn't even imagine it, loosing a loved one like that. Her mother died a long time ago but she still feels sad when she thinks about it. From the time they spent together in the past, she knew how much he loved his mother. It definitely would be devastating for him. She sighed, taking a step back. It's not surprising if he changed afterwards. She just hoped he was alright now.

.

.

.

The maids watched the reaction on the queen's face and stiffened. They must've spoken too much. They immediately begun apologising, feeling guilty. Maya immediately dismissed it, saying she wasn't angry. It took a while for her to ease them as they looked visibly worried.

Realizing they've been on the tour for way too long and it was nearing afternoon, they asked if she would like to stop at the garden on the way back to her chambers, in hopes of lightening her mood.

Maya nodded, a gentle smile on her face.

" The garden is His Majesty favorite place!" Olivia revealed excitedly as they walked." That's because the mistress, his mother designed it and also spent a lot of time there."

" Really?" Maya asked, her interest piqued. Olivia nodded vigorously, a grin splitting her lips. " Especially in the evenings. You could see her on walks the King. She also spent a lot of time with her son there."

That got Maya thinking. If time allowed, would Dexter take her on walks in the garden? Already she couldn't wait to see it, her heart racing. They reached the outskirts of the palace on the way,

She spotted someone appearing from the corner, walking towards them. Maya slowed down when she realised the person was familiar. As she got nearer, Maya was able to place who the person was. It was the beautiful stranger that had barged into Dexter's chambers the day before. Maya paused when she saw the lady was coming in her direction, her steps hurried.

Like her, she also had handmaidens following her around but she dressed more extravagantly. She had expensive jewels adorning her and she oozed of regality and sophistication. Not like Maya was intimidated by it.

"Hey you! What are you doing here?" Fleurie asked once she was close enough, a mean look on her face.

" I'm going on a walk." Maya replied, rather crisply. Her handmaids immediately bowed in greeting, taking a step back. Maya just stared at her, rolling her eyes.

Fleurie scoffed, blowing off the tendrils that had fallen over her face. " Already thinking you own this place?" She asked haughtily, glaring down at Maya. " I hope you know you're walking on eggshells, your position as queen isn't certified yet." She spat out, her eyes blazing.

Maya just shrugged, giving her unbothered look.

Fleurie flushed in frustration when she saw Maya wasn't giving her the reaction she wanted. She fisted her hands at her side, enraged.

" Hey!" She snapped at her. " I'm talking to you!"

" And I'm not listening, excuse me." Maya replied coldy, walking past her. Claire and Olivia immediately followed after her, a surprised look on their faces.

Fleurie whipped her head angrily to glare at her, stunned. Did she just walk past her?!

How. Dare. Her!?

What do you think about the characters?

Who's your favorite and why?

Who's your least favorite and why?

Your feedback would go a long way!!