Chapter 368 - The First Goddess (1/2)

”You are late,” Rosaline said standing in front of the hallway leading to Queen Vasilisa's chamber.

”Sorry about that,” Chris quickly apologized.

”No need, Lady Christina,” Rosaline looked at Oziyat with an odd expression. ”I was talking to Oziyat.”

”I was busy, Sister,” Oziyat replied looking intensely at Rosaline.

Before Chris could ask what this was about, Oziyat ushered them towards his mother's chambers. However, before they could walk straight to the Queen's bedroom the guards stopped them.

”Her Majesty is waiting for you in the sitting room, Your Highnesses, Lady Christina,” a guard bowed to Rosaline, Oziyat, and Chris, one by one.

”Of course,” Oziyat said without much of a reaction but Chris thought there was an inpatient and frustrated edge to it.

The guard took them to a side door and opened it for them. As soon they entered the room Chris felt the atmosphere change. Oziyat changed his posture and straighten up looking commanding as he waved the servants out. Chris had never seen him like this before.

”Rosaline . . . Oziyat . . . and Lady Christina . . .” the Queen's voice caught Chris's attention and it took an effort for her to hold in a gasp. Queen Vasilisa was sitting on a plush throne-like armchair gesturing them to sit, and even with her perfect extravagant dress and makeup, she looked ill. Her body looked like a skeleton and her red eyes dark and gashed with tiredness. There was no denying that she was having the same illness as Wilma. But what made Vasilisa look harsher than Wilma was the fact that there was no smile on the current Queen's face. She looked dead serious.

Chris followed Oziyat and Rosaline and sat down on the armchair opposite the Queen. An uncomfortable silence settled in and everyone looked tense.

”I heard . . . you, Lady Christina wanted to meet me,” Queen Vasilisa said at last.

”Yeah, I know you had your reasons not to meet me,” Chris cleared her throat and confidently spoke. ”But, maybe you already know. . . that I tried to go to the Southeast.”

”Yes, I heard you were injured?” Vasilisa tried to sound concerned but it was clear that she was bothered by something else.

”Yes, and that's why I wanted to learn more about that ruined fort before heading there again,” Chris said.

”I see. So what happened there?” the Queen asked curiously.

Chris was about to answer when Oziyat interrupted.

”We are here to listen to you, mother.”

Vasilisa's eyes snapped towards Oziyat, who looked calm. After glaring at her son for a moment, she gave a thin smile.

”I just wanted to hear Lady Christina's tale, Oziyat. I think I have the right to know how capable our Saviour is, no?”

Chris opened her mouth and closed it, and looked back and forth between Oziyat and Vasilisa. She could tell something was off.

”We could discuss that some other day, mother. However, you can not stay here all day. You need to rest. So I think we should start asking questions,” Rosaline spoke seriously but without showing much concern.

”Thank you for your concerns, Darling,” Vasilisa didn't look too happy while responding.

”May I, mother?”