The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Elowen led Mikhailis away from the bustling banquet hall, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they walked through the dimly lit corridor. She glanced back at the door they had just left behind, her expression softening from the regal mask she wore in public. Her steps were a little slower, as if she was gathering her thoughts before she spoke. Mikhailis watched her in silence, letting her guide them through the castle until they reached a small, secluded sitting room. She let out a sigh as the door clicked shut, her shoulders slumping slightly, the tension finally beginning to show.

"Mikhailis," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm sorry for what happened tonight." She moved to one of the chairs, her golden eyes meeting his. There was a vulnerability there, one she rarely showed in public.

"I had hoped this banquet would be a chance for us to relax, even if only for a while. But now..." Her voice trailed off as she shook her head.

"Now it's even more complicated."

Mikhailis gave her a small smile, his tone gentle.

"Hey, you don't need to apologize. I kind of expected something like this might happen." He stepped closer, taking the seat across from her.

"Prince Laethor clearly didn't come here just for the fine dining, right?"

Elowen looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together.

"I know. And I can't just reject his proposal outright, not without risking something far worse. If Serewyn feels slighted... if they think we're refusing their goodwill... it could lead to hostilities." She paused, her gaze shifting back to Mikhailis, her eyes searching his.

"I don't want to put you in this position, Mikhailis. You've already done so much, and now you're caught up in this mess because of me."

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

"Don't worry about me, Elowen. This isn't just your burden. I'm here because I want to be." He paused, a small grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Besides, we've got a secret weapon, remember?"

She blinked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

"Secret weapon?"

"Rodion," Mikhailis said, the grin growing wider.

"He's always got some plan up his virtual sleeves. We just need to buy some time, keep things in balance until we figure out the next step."

Elowen's lips twitched, a reluctant smile breaking through her worry.

"Rodion, huh?" she echoed, her gaze softening.

"And here I was thinking you were the brilliant mastermind behind everything."

Mikhailis chuckled, shaking his head.

"Oh, trust me, I am. But Rodion's the one who does all the boring calculations. I just make the heroic speeches and look cool." He gave her a wink, and she couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit.

"You always manage to make me feel a little better," she said, her voice quiet but sincere.

"I just wish I knew what Laethor's true intentions were. He's charming face is kind of disgusting, yes, but there's something about him that feels... calculated that makes me more annoyed. And he even mocked you as well..."

Mikhailis nodded, his gaze serious now.

"You're right. He's got something up his sleeve, but we can't let him rush us. We'll play along for now, see what he does next." He leaned back in his chair, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Trust in Rodion, and trust me. We'll figure this out together."

She sighed, a glimmer of hope in her eyes as she nodded.

"Alright. I'll trust in whatever it is you and Rodion have planned." She paused, her gaze turning a bit distant.

"I just hope... I hope we can get through this without anyone getting hurt."

Mikhailis reached across the table, his hand covering hers, his touch gentle.

"We will. No matter what happens, we will get through this, Elowen." He gave her hand a small squeeze before pulling back, his smile returning.

"And besides, with Rodion watching out for you through those glasses, you've got one of the best AIs in this world on your side."

She chuckled, the sound soft and almost wistful.

"Yes. I suppose I do." She adjusted the glasses on her nose, her expression a little more determined now.

___

The next morning, Elowen sat in her study, the tension of the previous night still lingering in her mind. She glanced at the door as it opened, and her advisors filed in one by one. Prime Minister Aelthrin was first, his face set in a grim expression. Vyrelda, her loyal knight, followed closely behind, her posture straight and vigilant. Lastly, Serelith entered, her usual mischievous smile absent, replaced by a more serious demeanor.

"Thank you all for coming," Elowen began, her voice steady despite the weight of the situation. She gestured for them to take their seats, her gaze shifting from one face to the next.

"We need to discuss what happened last night—Prince Laethor's proposal."

Aelthrin frowned, his expression darkening.

"His proposal was nothing short of an insult, Your Majesty," he said, his voice tinged with anger.

"To suggest such a union, knowing full well you are already married—it undermines your authority. It suggests that our current situation is somehow... inadequate."

Vyrelda placed a hand on Aelthrin's shoulder, her tone calm but firm.

"Prime Minister, we must remain level-headed. Anger will not serve us here." She turned her gaze to Elowen, her eyes steady.

"Prince Laethor's actions were calculated, that much is clear. He wouldn't make such a bold move without reason. We need to determine what his true objectives are."

Elowen nodded, her expression thoughtful.

"That's precisely what I'm worried about. Laethor is too smart to act without purpose. If he's pushing for a marriage alliance, there must be something he stands to gain beyond the obvious. But what could it be?"

Serelith, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

"Perhaps it's not just about the union itself. Perhaps it's about positioning himself closer to our throne—closer to you, Your Majesty. If he can win the favor of the court, he could leverage that to his advantage."

Aelthrin's frown deepened, his hands clenching into fists.

"The audacity..." he muttered, his voice filled with frustration.

"To use such tactics to undermine our kingdom's stability—it is unacceptable. We're in our crucial times to reach the most prosperous point of our kingdom!"

Vyrelda gave Aelthrin a pointed look.

"And that is why we must remain careful. We cannot afford to let our emotions dictate our actions."

Elowen sighed, her gaze distant as she considered the possibilities.

"If we reject him outright, we risk escalating tensions with Serewyn. But if we entertain his proposal, even for a short time, we may be able to learn more about his true intentions." She glanced at Serelith, her expression thoughtful.

"What do you think, Serelith?"

Serelith tapped her chin, her mischievous smile returning, though it was tinged with seriousness.

"I think we should play the fool, Your Majesty. Pretend to entertain his proposal—give him the impression that we are considering it. Meanwhile, we gather information, and we prepare a counter-strategy. If we can make him believe he's gaining ground, we may be able to catch him off guard."

Elowen considered her words, nodding slowly.

"It is a risky approach, but it may be our best option. We need to keep Laethor close, but not so close that he believes he has the upper hand." She looked to Aelthrin and Vyrelda.

"What are your thoughts?"

Aelthrin took a deep breath, his expression softening slightly.

"It is a dangerous game, but I agree. We need to buy ourselves time—to understand what Laethor truly wants before we make any definitive moves." He paused, his gaze meeting Elowen's.

"But know this, Your Majesty—no matter what happens, we will protect you. The dignity of this throne will not be compromised."

It is quite strange, for the prime minister, the one that is always cold and calculating as well as detached to be so riled up.

But Elowen know, deep down.

Within the three of them, no, four of them together with Lira.

Within his eyes, they are his granddaughters as well.

Elowen smiles looking at him.

Vyrelda nodded, her eyes resolute.

"We will stand by you, Your Majesty. Whatever Laethor's intentions may be, we will ensure that he does not succeed in undermining you."

Elowen gave them a grateful smile, her eyes softening.

"Thank you, all of you. Your loyalty means more to me than I can express." She straightened, her expression turning more determined.

"Then it is decided. We will play along with Laethor's game, for now. We will gather information, prepare our counter-strategy, and ensure that we remain in control of this situation."

Serelith's smile widened, her eyes glinting with excitement.

"This will be fun," she said, her tone almost playful.

"I do enjoy a good game of deception."

Aelthrin gave her a stern look, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Let us not forget the stakes, Lady Serelith. This is not merely a game—it is a matter of our kingdom's future."

Serelith shrugged, her smile never fading.

"Of course, Prime Minister. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves a little along the way."

Elowen shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Alright, then. We all know what we need to do. Let's proceed carefully, and ensure that Laethor does not see through our intentions." She paused, her gaze turning thoughtful.

"And remember—we need to ensure no slips."

The group nodded in agreement, and as they began to leave the study, Elowen felt a sense of determination settle within her. They would face this challenge head-on, and they would not allow Prince Laethor to gain the upper hand.

____

After the meeting concluded, Elowen found herself alone in her study. She adjusted her glasses, her gaze distant as she thought about everything that had transpired. Prince Laethor's proposal, the uncertainty of his true intentions—it all weighed heavily on her. She sighed softly, her fingers brushing against the frame of her glasses.

<You seem troubled, Your Majesty.>

Rodion's voice echoed in her mind, and she gave a small, tired smile.

"I suppose I am, Rodion. This situation with Laethor is... more complicated than I expected."

<Indeed. His actions suggest that he is not simply interested in an alliance. His behavior indicates a desire for something more—a position of power, perhaps.>

Elowen nodded, her brow furrowing.

"That's what I fear. But rejecting him outright could provoke Serewyn. We need more time—to understand his motives and prepare our response."

<This is a matter that can be extended, but not indefinitely. The opponent will not simply wait for us to make our move. If we require time, we must create it.>

Elowen frowned slightly, her gaze thoughtful.

"Create time? And how do you propose we do that?"

<Allow me to provide several options that may assist in extending our timeline,> Rodion replied, his tone confident.

<If this were Prince Mikhailis, he would likely find a way to introduce delays—subtle complications that would force Laethor to slow his approach.>

Elowen raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"And what sort of complications might those be?"

<Let us explore a few possibilities, shall we?>