6. Chapter 6

JULIETTE

Queen Helvania.

Without even introducing herself to me, I know who she is. The horror stories that field wild rumors through the royal circle haunt me. I've never met this woman but she's as terrifying as the stories I've heard. I have no desire to meet with this woman, especially without the protection of Ophelia standing beside me.

Her gowns swish and clink as emeralds and diamonds meet with every sway of her hips. By the time she sits across from me, splaying out her gown to show off her riches, I'm both terrified and uncomfortable in her presence. The sly smile playing on her lips makes this even worse.

"Hello, Juliette."

I shudder, venom dripping from her words. As is custom, I bow my head to the queen. I didn't do it for the last two as I wasn't trembling in their presence. But her? I fear that one wrong move will earn me a slap or she'll run back to my father with tales of how uncooperative I was.

"Queen Helvania," I push out.

"Please, call me Helvania. Raise your head, princess. I'm not a witch to be feared."

Had this been another time, I would have burst out laughing but her words have me shifting in place before shoving my hands between my thighs to keep me from shaking. "Of course, Helvania. It is nice to meet you."

"I wish I could say the same." My throat constricts as I try to avoid her gaze but there's nowhere to look without being reprimanded. "You see, I've had my fair share of royals that I have courted or been introduced to but none have been a project like you, Juliette." Her eyes dip to my hands and she grimaces. "Sit like a princess should. Hands folded neatly in your lap, shoulders rolled back, a small smile on those lips."

I do as she says, trying to hold back my own emotions. This is the part of royal life that I hate, the moments where I have to pretend that I'm nothing more than a doll.

"That's better, however, we're going to have to nip these little escape attempts in the bud. You will not be running off to squander time with who knows in places you shouldn't be in the first place. Royalty's behavior reflects on their country and I will not be tied to a princess that can not fulfill her promises to her people." Queen Helvania leans back, the perfect picture of a ruler.

However, I'm more focused on the words she's thrown at me. Hateful words that tell me being with a woman like this will ruin any freedom or happiness that I have now. Her disrespect by saying she would be tied to a princess when at that time I would be a queen hurts a little. The fact that she speaks as if my choice will ultimately be her hurts even more.

"Que-Helvania, excuse my ignorance but I have been given three choices for suitors. You are but one of them and I have not yet told my father which one I prefer."

She chuckles, shaking her head. "Because there is no choice to be had. Those royals will step back after the conversation I have had with them. I am your only choice, the only person willing to put up with your rule-breaking and a country that barely has anything to offer."

I can't help myself as I shoot off the lounge, pointing in Queen Helvania's face. "Take that back!" Smunia may not have much but priceless gems are one of the few things that come from the mines. Not to mention that some of the best fabrics are made by our seamstresses and craftsmen. Our humble offerings shouldn't be dismissed.

Again, the queen laughs but this time it's dark and unforgiving. "You would do well to choose me, Juliette. Not only am I the only hope for a pitiful royal like you but my power far outweighs yours. Your father said to report if you did anything… untoward and as I see it, this nasty behavior and disrespect qualifies." Queen Helvania stands gracefully and then grabs my outstretched finger, and brings it to her chest so that I stumble against the table between us. "You will be mine or you will be no ones. Don't make a fool out of me tomorrow, Juliette. Make the right choice."

She releases me and I tumble back onto the lounge, swallowing a whimper so that she doesn't catch onto my fear. I don't want to marry Queen Helvania but the consequences of choosing someone else or worse, choosing no one isn't truly an option.