Transmigrated into the body of a poisoned queen

Javier's POV

That insolent brat!

My fist clenched and unclenched as I sat on my throne, trying to focus on the matters of court being discussed around me. But all I could feel was the boiling anger coursing through my veins.

I had not felt such intense emotions in a long time. My anger was always controlled, calculated, precise. Everything about me was measured: when to hold back, when to let go, and when to show my pleasure.

But she, that brat, that defiant little princess who was now my queen consort, was doing something I couldn't control. This was a fury I couldn't harness, and another emotion I couldn't fathom.

Looking at her, with that unruly posture and hair, her rebellion practically radiating from her, I was consumed by the urge to act. I wanted to wrap my hand around her throat, feel her pulse beneath my fingers, and watch as she begged me. I wanted to see tears welling in those hateful eyes, yet still, even as she pleaded, I wanted her to look at me with that same burning hatred.

"I hate you." Those words she had screamed at me echoed in my mind. They reverberated in my ears, stirring something dark and deep inside me.

And despite the fury they provoked, I didn't dislike them. No, in fact, I relished them. They were so raw, so genuine. That's what I wanted from her, her true emotions, stripped of all pretense.

"My lord."

Matteo's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to him, realizing I hadn't been listening to a single word that had been said. All eyes were on me, waiting for a response, but I didn't care enough to ask them to repeat themselves.

Instead, I turned to one of the guards. "Fetch the queen's personal maidservant for me."

"Yes, my lord," he said before rushing out of the throne room.

I shifted my attention back to the officials. "Carry on."

They exchanged brief glances before nodding and resuming their discussions.

Matteo, ever the shadow at my side, sidled up closer, lowering his head to whisper into my ear.

"My lord, I do not mean to intrude," he began cautiously, and I turned to him slowly.

"I noticed you seem... on edge. Is there anything the matter?"

I let the silence stretch between us before speaking, my voice low and deliberate.

"Matteo."

"Yes, my lord?"

"The next time you bring your face this close to mine, I will cut it off and have your head mounted on a pike."

His eyes widened, his breath catching for a fraction of a second. Then, with a hasty nod, he staggered back, putting a considerable distance between us.

Moments later, the guard returned with the maid. He bowed and retreated to his post, leaving the trembling woman alone in the center of the room, her head bowed in submission.

"My lord, you requested my presence." Her voice quivered in her native tongue, barely above a whisper.

"Has she eaten?"

The maid hesitated, lifting her gaze briefly to meet mine before immediately looking back down.

"N-No, my lord, but…."

I didn't wait to hear the rest. I already knew what she was about to say, some naive hope that her beloved queen would eventually give in and eat. But I knew better. She wouldn't. She was stubborn to the point of recklessness. Hours had passed since breakfast, yet she remained in the dining room, untouched food before her.

Without another word, I rose from my throne. My advisors, guards, and the maid followed as I strode purposefully toward the dining hall.

The moment I neared the dining chamber, I knew chaos had unfolded. Her ladies-in-waiting stood clustered at the entrance, their hushed voices filled with concern as they tried to calm her. The moment they saw me, their expressions shifted. They bowed quickly and stepped aside, clearing the way.

I stepped through the doors.

And there she was. Standing amidst the wreckage of spilled food and scattered silverware, she looked utterly unhinged. When she noticed me, she smiled, not a polite or pleasant smile, but one that was wild, almost deranged.

Her long hair was a tangled mess, and she still wore her night garments, standing shamelessly before my advisors and servants. A queen in name only, yet behaving like a petulant child throwing a tantrum.

"Oh, Your Majesty," she cooed mockingly, sweeping into an exaggerated bow. "You've finally graced me with your presence. How gracious of you."

Then, with a dramatic flourish, she gestured at the chaos around her. "How do you like it? I thought the dining chamber needed a little… decorating." That same crazed smile lingered on her lips, as if she were daring me to react.

I simply stared at her. "Come here."

The smile vanished. The unrestrained anger returned.

"No."

A collective gasp rippled through the room behind me.

"Come… here," I repeated, my voice slow, deliberate.

But she didn't move.

So I did. Each step I took toward her was measured, heavy with unspoken threat. Yet she stood her ground, refusing to shrink away.

I stopped just in front of her. She was breathing hard, her chest rising and falling, her skin damp with sweat, her dark eyes burning with fury as she glared up at me. Daring me to do something about it.

And I would. I stepped even closer, tilting her chin up until she had no choice but to meet my gaze.

"Kneel." My voice was cold, emotionless.

Her jaw tensed, her hands curling into tight fists at her sides.

"You're insane if you think I'll kneel for you," she spat.

I traced my fingers along her jaw, deceptively gentle, until I tightened my grip. She winced but held her ground, refusing to drop to her knees.

I exhaled slowly, watching her, then spoke without breaking eye contact.

"Leave us."

The shuffle of footsteps filled the tense silence, followed by the heavy sound of the door closing behind us. We were alone now.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, but her disobedience didn't waver.

"What do you think you're going to do? I'm not afraid…"

Before she could finish, I moved. In one swift motion, I spun her around and pressed her against the wall, her breath hitching as I pinned her in place. One hand tightened around her throat, the other twisting her wrist behind her back.

I leaned in, my lips near her ear. "Kneel, or I will ensure you never stand again."