My Queen: Anastasia

The garden was bathed in warm sunlight and adorned with white lilies and roses. Anastasia was in pursuit of a small, charming boy with blond hair, who was hastily making his way towards his older sister, Alana, who was preoccupied with flower picking alongside their maid.

"Big Sister! Help me! Sissy is going to catch me!" the boy exclaimed, wrapping himself around Alana and panting heavily.

"Alan, do not use your sister as a shield. Hand that over," Anastasia called out as she approached them.

"NO!" Alan retorted defiantly.

"What mischief have you caused now, Alan?" Alana inquired, kneeling to separate the child from her dress. Anastasia finally caught up, breathless, while Alan stood stubbornly, pouting and offering no explanation.

"Anastasia, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be in class?" Alana asked, turning to her younger sister, whose cheeks had turned a bright shade of red.

"Alana, he took my teddy bear again," Anastasia complained, pointing to her new teddy bear.

"Could you not lend it to him for a little while? We can retrieve it later," Alana suggested, attempting to persuade her.

"But Daddy gave it to me for my birthday," Anastasia protested, feeling overwhelmed.

"Anastasia, my dear sister, would you consider letting him have it this time? We can ask Father to give you a larger one upon his return. What do you think?" Alana proposed, gently patting Anastasia's hair.

"A larger one?"

"Yes, a very large one."

Anastasia paused to contemplate the suggestion. Alana smiled as she observed her siblings engaged in their playful dispute over a toy. Alana is the second child of King Eleazer, the ruler of the fallen kingdom of Jahandil. Anastasia, the third child, had received the teddy bear from their father for her thirteenth birthday just two days prior. Alan, still a toddler at the age of three, was known for his mischievous antics, often targeting Anastasia's toys.

"Very well, I will accept the deal," Anastasia declared proudly, raising her chin in a show of confidence.

"Lady Anastasia… Lady…" The group turned in response to the calling voice. Anastasia's nanny had come in search of her, having noticed her absence from class.

Anastasia turned and began to run away from the nanny. "My Lady… stop…" the nanny shouted, pursuing her.

"Your Majesty… Your Majesty…" Anastasia awoke to the sound of a familiar voice. Julia, her attendant, opened the blinds in the bedchamber to rouse her.

The queen rose from her bed, her expression reflecting displeasure.

"Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?" Julia inquired with concern.

"Not at all. I merely had a dream," Anastasia replied in a fatigued tone.

"Your Majesty, you have received a message from the Queen Dowager," Julia continued, remaining close to the queen.

Anastasia rose from her bed and approached the mirror to adjust her nightgown.

"She has requested to meet you for breakfast in the morning," Julia added. Anastasia's expression shifted to one of worry upon hearing this news, troubled by the Queen Dowager's sudden interest in her.

"Please make the necessary arrangements for the meeting," she instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

 The pathway leading to the residence of the Queen Mother, Elizabeth, was adorned with flowers and elaborate decorations. Upon entering the hallway, Anastasia was greeted by the sight of chandeliers and a fountain. A servant, awaiting the Queen's arrival, guided them to the dining area, where only a few attendants, the Queen Dowager, and an unfamiliar individual were present.

"Child, please take a seat," Elizabeth said, gesturing warmly toward a chair. Anastasia reciprocated the smile and accepted the invitation, sitting beside Elizabeth while casting a curious glance at the third individual present.

"This is Lord Sebastian Thornton, the son of Prime Minister Duke Alfred Thornton. He serves as the commander of the Hwagwande army and is my nephew," Elizabeth introduced him with notable esteem.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Sebastian," Anastasia said.

"The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," the young lord replied, rising and approaching Anastasia. He bowed and extended his hand in a gesture of courtesy. Anastasia placed her hand in his, and Sebastian gently kissed her gloved hand, embodying the demeanor of a true gentleman. Anastasia felt a heightened awareness of his actions; his pale complexion and striking emerald eyes, complemented by his glossy black hair, gave him an almost ethereal quality. Sebastian smiled politely, causing Anastasia's cheeks to flush. To regain her composure, she averted her gaze and looked back at Elizabeth.

"This must be your first meeting, correct?" Elizabeth inquired, attempting to facilitate conversation.

"Yes, Aunt. I have not had the opportunity to meet Your Majesty until now, although I have bestowed with her presence from a distance at royal gatherings," Sebastian replied, recalling his previous encounters with Anastasia at such events.

 Elizabeth indicated the attendants responsible for serving the meal, which was met with a notable silence as the food was presented. The Queen Mother took a sip of her coffee before continuing the conversation.

 "The Thornton family has a longstanding tradition of charitable work, organizing events and donations each season. Next Friday, they have scheduled an event at the church, with Sebastian overseeing the arrangements this time, as he is currently in the capital. I would like the Queen to participate in this occasion, as it presents a valuable opportunity to engage with the general populace and integrate into the social sphere."

 Upon hearing this, Anastasia's expression became increasingly uneasy.

"Anastasia, do you not wish to partake in this?" Elizabeth inquired, discerning her discomfort. The gravity of the Queen Mother's tone heightened Anastasia's anxiety.

 "Mother, I am more than willing to assist. Thank you for considering me," she replied, striving to maintain her composure in front of Sebastian. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and her nephew continued their breakfast conversation, while Anastasia found it challenging to eat, feeling caught between them.

 The royal carriage came to a halt in front of the historic church. Anastasia disembarked alongside Julia, two additional maids, and four knights. The area outside the church was bustling with commoners, which left the Queen feeling somewhat isolated as she observed the crowd. The knights guided her toward the church, while Anastasia followed closely behind, observing her subjects with curiosity. However, her attention was soon diverted by a familiar figure. Sebastian, accompanied by two priests, emerged to greet her, bowing in acknowledgement.

 "Your Majesty, thank you for your presence," Sebastian expressed with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting genuine happiness at the sight of the Queen.

 "Thank you for the invitation. It is a great pleasure to be here," Anastasia replied, addressing the priests.

 "It is our honour, Your Majesty," the lead priest stated, gesturing for the Queen to enter.

 "Please, this way, my Queen," Sebastian interjected, attempting to capture the Queen's attention as he guided her toward the charity event. The knights observed this interaction with a mix of discomfort and surprise, as they were accustomed to seeing their commander in a more serious demeanour.