Chapter 136: Similar Tragic Fate
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{Music recommendation; Ocean eyes by Unsecret string Quartet & Unsecret}
When the sun rose on a misty morning, Samantha stepped into the cobblestoned courtyard that had been fenced with imposing stone walls. Stealing infrequent glances at the maid who had brought her here, Samantha quietly followed behind her since she had been summoned by the Queen of Aragon herself, and she dared not arrive late. Every exhale of her breath was visible in the crisp air, and she had been grateful to herself for picking up the cozy sweater she had worn over her dress.
Venturing further in silence, Samantha’s eyes fell upon Queen Lucinda who was seated at a finely-crafted table, her expression poised and gutsy as she straightened herself against her seat. Despite the chill that emanated from the woman, her regal presence was seemingly unaffected by it. In her gloved hands was a small delicate porcelain teacup she had cradled, about two female servants stood behind her, and it was only then Samantha took note of the violinist who was in the middle of playing a sentimental tune for the Queen.
Heaving softly, Samantha moved closer to the Queen Lucinda who was yet to acknowledge her presence. Rather, she was gazing at the distance with an air of pensiveness.
"Your Majesty," Samantha dipped her head in a very low polite bow, and she would have gone lower if her back hadn’t reminded her of the lashes that were still yet to heal. "I was told you requested my presence, it is an honor to be before your line of sight." She praised in her own way, still keeping herself in that bowing posture til the Queen responds to her greeting.
Finally turning her head and letting her blue eyes settle on Samantha’s lithe figure, Lucinda acknowledged her presence with a subtle nod before gesturing for the young woman to take the empty seat. "Have a seat."
"I am fine standing, your Majesty."
"I insist that you must sit, or do you prefer I strain my eyes by having to look up all the time?" After Queen Lucinda’s firm persistence, Samantha, who felt slightly nervous to be in her presence, walked to the opposite side of where the vacant chair was placed, whilst she took her seat, but not after bowing her head in appreciation. Due to Lucinda’s request, Samantha reached for the teapot on the tray and carefully poured herself a cup of tea, the delicate aroma of peppermint and frost wafting around the quaint courtyard.