Chapter 132 - An Audience With The Queen (1/2)

Beautiful, huh? The book did describe Mariela as the jewel of Shibatsu even though Al only had eyes for Katie.

After spending time in the countryside, Abby had come to the conclusion that Shibatsu was simply a country full of gorgeous people. Perhaps it was their coloring. Even Blaise was attractive if you ignored the fact that he didn't seem to know how to smile.

The queen must be a true sight to see if she was considered the most beautiful among that nation of Adonises. No wonder Franz had fallen in love with her at first sight.

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Queen Mariela was even more stunning than Abby had expected. She surpassed the most adored actress in the country and Miss America combined. Her calm, tranquil demeanor may have contributed to her ethereal nature but her smile must be glorious as well.

”Welcome to Annalaias, dear countrymen,” she greeted. ”I hope your journey has been swift and uneventful.”

The captain bowed deeply and everyone else followed suit. ”It has, Your Majesty. Many thanks for showing such concern for my humble vessel.”

Abby wouldn't categorize someone being swept out to sea as uneventful but she supposed she was still alive. And it didn't seem likely the captain would want to contradict a single word that came out of the queen's mouth.

Mariela smiled serenely. ”The minister of trade is waiting to speak with you, Captain. The rest of your companions may take their leave.”

Their group was ushered out the door and Abby wanted to scream. Wait! She needed to talk with the queen! But it was too late unless she wanted to burst back in there uninvited and risk arrest.

Franz wasn't a dictator like Sigmund but he was notoriously overprotective of his wife. Still, Abby had to try. She slipped out from behind the group being led away and snuck back into the hall where the king and queen were sitting.

A little boy with silver hair and hazel eyes ran to the queen on his tiny legs and her face broke into an expression of delight. ”Hello, my love! How is mama's big boy doing today?”

He pouted. ”I miss Mama. Why do you always hafta meet people?”

Mariela's laugh tinkled like the sound of bells. She truly was enchanting. Her husband watched his wife and child interact with a soft expression. He had it bad.

”That is our job, I am afraid. But we have a little time to play with you now. Shall we go visit the horses?” she suggested.

The little boy's eyes lit up and he nodded eagerly. ”Yay! Horsies!”

Abby was about to make her presence known before they left but an arm clamped down on her wrist, holding her back.

”Are you out of your mind?” Blaise hissed. ”Do you want to get yourself killed? If they find out you are here spying on them they might think you are an assassin!”

An assassin, her?! She couldn't even lift weights at the gym!

She didn't want to believe her presence was at all threatening but Blaise's might be. He was the tallest man she had encountered in this world. The only person taller than him that she ever met was a basketball player on her school's team back in college.

”I only want to ask the queen about my sister! They're supposedly friends,” Abby hissed back.