Ssssiigghhhh....
A weary sigh escaped Queen Mother's lips.
"What is she doing out there?" The words came out tiredly, as she rubbed her temples in slow circles. Years of leadership weighed heavily on her shoulders tonight. "Just because you chose the opposite way to tackle problems doesn't mean it's better."
She drew in another breath and released it slowly, feeling the exhaustion settle deeper into her bones.
"And what should I say to Zack? I don't know how he'll react." Her fingers pressed harder against her temples. "I can just hope my warnings from all these years will be effective."
The room seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment.
"You can go now."
Queen Mother lowered herself onto the chair beside Jorri's sleeping form. She waved a dismissive hand toward the guard who had just finished reporting the happenings of the 5th Rock Princess meeting. The guard bowed with respect and left through the door, closing it with a soft click that echoed in the quiet space.
"My Queen, I think Princess is doing just fine. She's thinking about the benefit of this city. Why are you so worried?" Kyra asked as she settled into the chair beside her. Her eyes drifted occasionally toward her son's peacefully sleeping form, watching his chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm that brought her comfort.
"She's thinking about the city, and that's what's wrong!" Queen Mother's voice rose sharply before she caught herself, forcing the volume back down. "She's aggressive in her rule... Different from me, yes, but she's still the same as me at the core. Thinking about the city above all else."
Her expression shifted, shadows of old regrets creeping across her face.
"My time of rule was for the city, and that meant overlooking my common citizens." The confession came from her deepest regrets she had, almost as if speaking to her past self. "Even when they cried, I had to overlook it. Push the city to become more prominent. That's what I did, and now the people have suffered tremendously because of my choices."
The vulnerability in her voice was fully exposed.
"She needs to focus on people rather than the city. The city can run fine even if we choose to take action against those filthy bastards! The city may get weaker, but it has to be done." Another exhausted sigh left her lips. "I didn't say anything to her because I want her to realize it herself, but… Ah! I don't know, Kyra. I don't really know what to do anymore."
Her hands trembled slightly against her lap.
"Personally, I think about bringing them somewhere else. We know those people will come to take over this place. We don't have the power to stop them." She turned her gaze toward Jorri, and her expression crumbled with sadness. "My Jorri alone can't shoulder this city anymore. He's tired and getting old now."
In the dim light filtering through the curtains, the lines of exhaustion on his face seemed carved deeper than ever before. Every burden he'd carried throughout the years had left its mark.
Kyra didn't offer words. She simply rose from her seat and placed her hand on Queen Mother's back, patting gently. The warmth of human touch spoke volumes in the heavy silence.
.
.
CREEAKK!
"Queen Mother, the others came back from the shop, and the mothers are asking for Big Sister Sasha!" Sio peeked her head through the doorway, her voice careful yet still carrying a hint of cheerfulness that brightened the somber atmosphere.
"Oh yes, dear, I'm coming!" Queen Mother's voice transformed instantly. Giving her the vibe that she is calm and very happy, as if the previous conversation had been nothing but a forgotten dream.
"Um, okay." Sio disappeared from the doorway, her footsteps fading down the hallway in quick succession.
Siighhhh...
"They're all doing so much for us and keep getting in danger, while we can't do anything for them." Queen Mother's shoulders slumped forward under the crushing weight of her guilt.
Kyra watched her friend spiral for exactly three seconds before….
SSLLAAPPP!!!!!!
Her palm connected hard with Queen Mother's back. The sound cracked through the room thunderously.
"OWWW! KYRA! Why are you hitting me?!" Queen Mother spun around with an indignant pout, glaring at her friend while rubbing the sore spot.
"My Queen, your mood is affecting this entire room. Mr. Jorri and my son are probably cursing you in their sleep right now." Kyra's smirk held amusement dancing in her eyes. "You're useless, I can see that clearly, but at least be a smiling useless person."
"Grr! Who are you calling useless?!" The flush of indignation colored Queen Mother's cheeks as she protested.
"Everything is going to be fine. All the people love you deeply, so in their own accord, they want to help you." Kyra's expression softened to a warmer tone, radiating genuine confidence. "Don't worry about silly things and go out there with a beautiful smile and a positive mindset."
Her bright smile seemed to light up the entire corner of the room.
"Ara, aren't you a cheeky one? Fine, fine. I won't spread my negativity here anymore, hehe." Queen Mother pushed herself up from the chair and straightened her posture, rolling her shoulders back into proper alignment. "Take care of them."
She turned her gaze toward Jorri one more time. Her expression melted completely, transforming into sweet soft smile, the love radiated from that single look before she finally turned and walked toward the door.
.
.
Sasha probably stayed with Zack. That girl is way too attached to him.
Queen Mother walked through the hallways, muttering quietly under her breath as she glanced outside through each passing window. Morning sunlight streamed through the glass, painting everything in warm golden hues that should have brought comfort but only reminded her of passing time.
Phewww.
My friend, I hope you're resting peacefully wherever you are. Sasha is a good child. Don't worry about her.
A bittersweet smile touched Queen Mother's lips as she approached the room where Zack was sleeping.
CREEAKK.
She eased the door open with careful silence.
And she was right! Sasha was sleeping right beside him.
Geez, this girl's habits are way too outrageous. Friend, I think she's become a little tilted in her head.
Queen Mother shook her head with amused exasperation and moved closer to the bed. Sasha had wrapped herself around Zack completely, her naked breasts pressing firmly against his biceps as she smiled peacefully in her sleep. The picture of absolute contentment.
"Oye, stupid girl, wake up!"
TAK!
Queen Mother's knuckles connected directly with Sasha's head.
"Ow! Ow! What?!" Sasha jolted awake in complete confusion, blinking rapidly as her eyes tried to focus. "Queen Mother, what happened? Why are you beating me?!"
"Ariana and the others are calling for you. Let's go." Queen Mother crossed her arms with finality.
"Ah! That…" Sasha rubbed her eyes lazily, her voice still heavy with sleep. "I'm not going. Zack told me not to go. I'll tell them myself!"
She sat up without any self-consciousness, causing the blanket to fall down to her hips. Her beautiful, round breasts came into full view as she stretched her arms high above her head in pure satisfaction.
"KkKKyaAA! It was a good short sleep! I feel so refreshed!" The smile that spread across Sasha's face was bright and completely unbothered by her state of undress.
"Geez, cover yourself a little! Your habits will surely bring you trouble in the future. Think about your future husbands!" Queen Mother grabbed Sasha's clothes quickly and thrust them toward her with exasperation written all over her face.
"Hmm, if they can't accept me the way I am, then they're not meant to be my husbands." Sasha lifted her chin proudly, defiance sparking in her eyes. "Humph! I don't even care about your daughter's feelings! Bleehh!"
She stuck her tongue out in playful protest, making the most childish face imaginable.
"Agh!"
Queen Mother felt a small throb begin pulsing in her head. Her gaze shifted to Zack's peaceful sleeping face, and she sighed deeply while contemplating how to inform him about everything.
Sasha pulled on her top and started to rise from the bed, but Zack moved suddenly. His hand shot out and grabbed her waist with surprising speed, pulling her back down. He placed his face on top of the upper part of her naked thighs, and his warm breath immediately hit her sensitive skin, sending tingles radiating through Sasha's entire body in waves.
"Zack, you woke up?" Sasha's voice became softer making sure she didn't annoy him. "Sorry, we were loud. Sleep more if you need to. I'll go and inform them. Don't worry. I'm sure they'll understand."
Her hand moved to pat Zack's head affectionately, fingers running through his hair in soothing strokes.
Zack's eyes opened slowly, and when he spoke, his voice was tired and groggy. "No, I don't want the mothers to go. It's not fair for them if I stop you."
He paused, gathering his scattered thoughts in sleeping daze.
"Sorry, Queen Mother, I don't think them going there is good. We don't know what Cok and that representative guy are thinking or why they want to take your place, but for sure it's nothing good for this city." His words came out measured despite his exhaustion. "Knowing it won't change anything, so I th—"
"Yes, fine, fine, I get it!" Queen Mother interrupted with a warm smile spreading across her face, waving her hand dismissively. "I also don't want them to go. You guys have already done enough. Take a breather or two. I'll go and talk to them. You guys can come slowly when you're ready."
Her smile deepened with genuine sweetness as she leaned down and pressed a kiss to Sasha's head, then gently patted Zack's head with motherly affection. With that gesture complete, she turned and walked toward the door, closing it softly behind her to preserve the quiet.
.
.
"Zack, is it okay?" Concern colored Sasha's voice as she touched Zack's hair gently, running her fingers through the strands in slow motions. Zack closed his eyes and rested his cheek against the soft skin of her thighs. His warm breath was now reaching dangerously close to her naked crotch, though her shirt provided a barrier that stopped it from going any further.
"Hmm, it's okay." Zack's voice came out muffled against her skin. "Mother Silja is way too vulnerable to that area, and Mother Ariana acts strong but is weak as hell underneath. And you're just stupid!!! Oliver people are doing enough for us already, so I say it's not worth the risk."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Who are you calling stupid?!" Sasha put a little force into her grip, pinching his ear and turning his face upward so he had no choice but to look at her directly.
"Hehe." Zack just smiled stupidly, his eyes crinkling with pure amusement.
Despite her protest, Sasha couldn't help but smile as well. Her expression softened completely as they bickered back and forth, their playful argument filling the quiet room with warmth and familiarity.
After a few moments, Sasha stood and dressed herself properly, smoothing down her clothes with unhurried movements before turning back to him. She helped Zack put on his shirt, her movements gentle and careful making sure his wounds don't get open up.
Zack grabbed a warm blanket and wrapped it around his upper body, rolling himself into it until it reached his waist, covering his wound area. The cocoon of warmth enveloped him as he let out a comfortable yawn, his jaw cracking softly in the process.
Together, they walked slowly down the hallway with Sasha supporting him. The sound of multiple voices echoed through the corridor ahead, growing progressively louder as they approached the gathering.
.
.
Outside Queen's palace…
"Um, what shall we do?"
"I don't know!"
"Sighhh, Master Zack would get angry, right?"
"Sorry, because of me, even Princess got angry."
Four of Queen's expert guards stood at the palace entrance, their usual composed demeanor completely cracked under the weight of recent events. They fidgeted nervously, shifting their weight from one foot to the other while occasionally glancing at each other for some form of reassurance that never quite came.
"Sorry, dears. Because of this old lady, you girls have to be shamed." Grandmother spoke with a gentle smile, reaching out to grab one of the girls' hands in her wrinkled fingers. "Don't worry about me. I'm already at my wit's end. I don't want to see my little girls be shamed even more in front of others."
"Grandmotherrr…"
The girls looked at her wrinkled face as tears began welling up in their eyes. They didn't know what to do or say. The emotion hung thick in the air, suffocating their breath in its intensity.
"What are you saying, Grandmother?" A voice suddenly came from behind them, filled with enough joyfulness to cut through the tension. "You have very long years to live in future!!! Don't you want to see your little girls get married and have their own little kids?"
"Young Master Oliver!"
The expert guards snapped to attention immediately, standing properly and bowing with respect ingrained through years of training.
"Sorry I couldn't help you out there." Oliver's expression held genuine apology as he approached. "Nat seems to be a little tense, that's all. I'm sorry on behalf of her."
Oliver bowed deeply toward the expert guard who had gotten slapped, showing sincere remorse through his posture.
"No, Young Master, I was the one who was at fault! Please raise your head!" All four expert guards bowed back immediately, their voices overlapping in protests.
"Aren't you a good lad and such a handsome man?" Grandmother spoke in a joyful manner, her eyes beginning to twinkle with mischief. The oppressive tension in the air started to ease with her words. "Tell me, are you interested in one of my girls?"
"GRANDMOTHER!!"
All four girls became embarrassed immediately, their faces flushing red beneath their masks as they shouted in perfect unison.
"Hahaha! Truly a senior can make these stone-faced women show such emotions." Oliver laughed warmly, his whole face lighting up with genuine amusement. "And no, Grandmother, despite them being such beautiful, successful, and strong ladies, I unfortunately don't have any romantic feelings for them."
He paused, allowing a playful smile to cross his lips.
"But I do know some strong grandpas who might interest you. What do you say, Grandmother? Care for a date with them?"
Oliver spoke sweetly as he gently took Grandmother's hand and started walking inside with her, his gesture both respectful and kind in its execution.
"Ho ho ho! You do have a sweet tongue!" Grandmother laughed heartily, clearly delighted by his charm. "Fine! Tell me if you like my girls. They're way too rigid, always worried about this old woman, but they are my sweet little girls underneath all that training."
Grandmother and Oliver talked animatedly as they walked together, their voices fading slightly as they moved further into the palace. The four girls smiled beneath their masks, feeling their hearts lighten considerably. They walked behind the pair quietly, no longer worrying about what was to come.
For the first time in hours, they felt a genuine sense that everything might actually be okay.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
I was trying Crypto payments and oh boy it was so annoying! The govt sure loves to get every info on us!
But when it comes to rich people they roll their eyes and lick their feet's!
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