CHAPTER 17
Learning the Palace Again
Morning at the Palace of Valtherion arrived in a very different way from her world.There was no music, no shouting from stage crews, and no rehearsal schedules.In a way, it felt almost the same as the mornings in Evermont.
There was only a soft knock on the bedroom door.
"Your Majesty."
Keira opened her eyes, for a few seconds, she simply stared at the high ceiling of the room.
It still felt strange, She had slept in the most expensive hotel suites in the world, yet this place still felt different.
Quieter.
The knock came again.
"Come in." The door slowly opened, two maids stepped inside and bowed.
"Your Majesty, it is time to prepare."
Keira sat on the edge of the bed. "For what?"
One of the maids looked slightly nervous.
"The Queen's morning routine."
Keira let out a small sigh. "Alright."
A short while later, Keira stood in front of a large mirror.
The maids helped arrange her hair and dress her in an elaborate palace gown.
Layers of fabric, ribbons, and a corset.
Keira looked at herself in the mirror.
Strange.
That face was Aelirra's.
But the gaze in those eyes….. no longer belonged to the gentle queen.
"Is it too tight?" one of the maids asked carefully.
Keira rolled her shoulders slightly.
"I've worn stage costumes heavier than this."
The maid looked confused.
Daniel, who was standing near the door, chuckled softly.
"Trust me, she's not lying."
Not long after, they walked through the palace corridor.
Sir Kael was a few steps ahead of them as usual. The servants they passed immediately bowed their heads.
"Your Majesty the Queen."
Keira still wasn't used to that. But she continued walking calmly.
Daniel looked around with curiosity. "This place is like a labyrinth."
Keira glanced at him. "Are you lost?"
"Not yet." Daniel pointed at a large painting on the wall.
"Who's that?"
"The first King of Valtherion." Kael answered without turning around.
Daniel let out a soft whistle. "He doesn't look like someone who would enjoy pop music."
Keira almost smiled.
They arrived at the palace garden.
It was vast and filled with carefully arranged flowers.
The morning breeze blew gently.
Keira stopped walking. She stared at the garden for quite a while.
Something felt strange. Familiar...… yet distant.
Daniel noticed. "You okay?"
Keira nodded slowly. "Just trying to remember this place."
Kael finally spoke. "Your Majesty used to come to this garden often."
Keira turned to him. "Aelirra?"
Kael nodded. "Yes."
A brief silence fell.
Keira looked at the garden again. "Seems like she had good taste."
Daniel chuckled softly.
Several servants walked through the garden.
Guards stood along the paths.
So many people, so many faces.
And suddenly Keira remembered something Nevil had said.
If Keenan's soul was in Valtherion…. then he might be among these people.
Maybe a guard.
Maybe a noble.
Or maybe someone she hadn't even noticed.
Keira took a slow breath. She didn't know how long this search would take.