The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 74: Family

"Nikolai's mother is too scary! I mean how could she threaten Your Majesty without batting an eye? That too in the first meeting!" Zaila burst out using their secret language the moment they entered the Queen's bedchamber in Amaranth Palace.

Mineah shook her head with a faint smile on her face. The isolated language she had developed herself, Haen Language, was very advantageous. Only her Shadow Maidens, her family, and closest acquaintances such as Seer Beirut and Wizard Lurio knew of it.

Mineah ignored Zaila's comment, immediately stripped, and walked straight to her private bath house. She needed a very very cold bath after everything that happened.

"I need to recharge," she murmured.

"Milady, allow me to check first if the temperature is right for you to dip in. ," Krisha said, before using her magic to check the bathwater that was prepared by the servants.

"It's safe," Krisha hummed her approval, which had Mineah slide into the tub almost immediately.

"I still find it fascinating that you recharge your strength through cold water, Milady," Dani commented.

They suddenly heard a few knocks coming from the window, so Mineah signaled Zaila to open it.

"Seriously, Nik?" Zaila snorted, seeing the raven comfortably perched on her window.

Mineah chuckled and said, "Let it be Zaila. Can you please hand me a mirror?"

They continued talking in their secret language, being mindful that there could be spies around. It was ingrained in Mineah and every member of Secret Maidens as part of their training. They were trained to be on high alert and not let their guard down, especially in Valcrez soil.

Mineah gently touched the bite on her neck.

"Will it leave a mark, milady?" Krisha curiously asked as she massaged her head.

"Yes, it will. I'm honestly interested to know what symbol will appear once it heals…" Mineah replied with a gentle smile as she looked at Nik who was keenly watching over her.

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"Milady, aren't you worried about the Queen Mother? She seems very close to Lady Rosela. Her rude words are really troubling, I can't help but feel weary…" Dani murmured with a pout.

Mineah chuckled and said, "I had already expected it given the personality of Queen Mother Rania. Not only did she play a major role in helping Nikolai reach where he is right now, she's more importantly his mother. It's only natural for her to be protective of her son."

Mineah understood that Nikolai's mother had to be tough as the Queen Dowager. She could not show any signs of weakness which would jeopardize their Clan, especially after the passing of King Ichor and Nikolai barely hanging on during his trials.

And as for herself, she had a lot of work to do…

"By the way, did any of you see Niran and Laura?" Mineah asked. She didn't spot the two during the parade and she was honestly worried.

"I had a brief talk with Laura, Milady. She's doing well outside, so you don't need to worry…" Dani informed her.

"How about Niran? Any news?" Mineah asked and frowned when she saw Dani and Krisha exchange meaningful glances.

"Um, she also witnessed the Coupling Rites together with Prince Raul. You probably didn't notice Niran because you've been focused on His Majesty while performing the Coupling Dance. She intentionally passed by me and whispered that she will properly meet and greet you tomorrow morning." Zalia answered as she handed the hand mirror.

Mineah's shoulders slumped. It looks like things have escalated further between Niran and Raul.

"He seems to be serious about her, given how casually he brought her with him," Krisha commented.

Mineah could only sigh and hope that Niran was not hypnotized or compelled by that vampire into being with him. Mineah made up her mind to talk to Niran and find out more.

She would often hypnotize and compel all her Shadow Maidens whenever she sent them on a mission. So, Laura and Niran were schooled to answer a certain way if a vampire or any supernatural beings tried to gain intel from them with their powers.

So even if Raul tried to get information about her using his powers, he would simply get the answer Mineah had input to Niran.

"I'm glad that the two of them are doing good," Mineah said. She then turned to Dani and added, "Tell Laura to study hard. The national civil service examination is coming up soon. She must pass that by any means. That way she can enter the royal court and possibly gain a good position."

"I don't think we have to worry about that, Milady. If there's one thing Laura is confident in… it's her brain!" Zaila assured her.

Laura had volunteered to go to Valcrez along with Niran to spy. Honestly, even today, Mineah didn't understand what she had done to deserve all her Shadow Maidens. Over the years, just like her, the five of them got used to being with each other. It was as though they couldn't stand being separated from each other.

She couldn't express how happy and very grateful she was to them. Although she was away from her immediate family, her shadow maidens, who are also a part of her family, chose to stay and accompany her in this foreign land.

Without her knowing, Mineah's tears ran down her cheeks…

"Milady, are you alright?"

"Milady, w-what's wrong? Is the bite hurting?"

"Are you hurt anywhere? Why are you crying?"

Mineah chuckled at the way they were questioning and hovering over her in concern.

"I'm fine. These are tears of joy because I'm so grateful that all of you stayed with me on your own accord," Mineah smiled and said while wiping away her tears.

After listening to her, all three of them felt equally emotional and suddenly hugged her. Mineah chuckled and let them hug her. This sweet moment was unexpectedly interrupted by Nik's hissing.

[Master, is there something wrong? Why are you crying? Are you in pain? But why are you smiling? Why are they hugging you?! And why can't I understand the language you're talking? I knew every language of every kingdom but I've never heard of the language you're using now.]

"Nik, please take a breath, will you? Nothing happened to me, I'm perfectly fine. We're just having an emotional moment, so stop worrying so much. Also, I will teach you this language later alright?" Mineah answered while looking at Nik.