you are going to have to learn to be okay with it.” The queen looked almost smug, and Nolan’s face contorted in an effort to hide his anger.
“Of course, madam.” He bowed, then quickly strode out of the room, the golden doors slamming behind him.
“Don’t pay him any mind. He enjoys brooding and complaining. He’ll come around.” Kelandra stood and descended the steps until she was standing in front of Angel. “I hope you enjoy your time here. The wonders of the magical world never fail to impress. The Gold Palace is just one
of the many magnificent places for you to see. Explore. Enjoy yourself. Just be safe.” The queen gave Angel a pointed look at this. She simply nodded.
“Of course.” Angel was perturbed by the way that Kelandrs was looking at her, seeming to stare through her soul. Her eyes searched hers, searched her face and her body. Angel was uncomfortable and shifted under the weight of her stare.
“Well, I’ll have someone escort you to your room. Adora,” she called, waving her hand, and a servant was immediately at her side. She was short, with brown, curly hair and a cute, chubby face. “Will you take Miss Berry to one of the guest rooms? Give her one with a nice view.”
“Of course, my lady,” Adora bowed, then gestured for Angel to follow. Kelandra ascended the steps to her throne, but before Angel left, the queen called out to her once more.
“Oh, Angel?” She stopped and turned back to the queen, who smiled brightly. “It’s really wonderful to have you here.” With that, Kelandra turned away, seemingly without a second thought, and Angel paid her no mind.
Adora led Angel through the never-ending golden passageways, her curly locks bouncing behind her.
“So how long have you worked here?” Angel asked, wanting to make conversation to break the silence.
“Oh, about 3 years. Ever since I was 18.” She looked saddened by this, suddenly, but immediately brightened. “It’s great work, really. A real honor to work in the service of Queen Kelandra.”
“I’m sure. She seems great,” Angel replied, unsure. She didn’t know why, but it seemed like she was hiding something. But why hide anything from me?
“She’s been more than generous to me and my family. Kelandra is the kindest woman I’ve ever met, and I think we’re lucky to have her as our ruler.” Adora sounded like a crazed fan, but it was cute. At least she wasn’t acting this way about a boy band or worse.
“I’m happy to hear that your ruler is so loved and admired.” Angel smiled, attempting to be understanding of the strange new world that she had come to find.
“Alright, here we are,” Adora said, stopping abruptly at a closed door.
“Oh,” Angel halted along with her. “I just realized I have no things.” Adora waved her hand.
“Pfft, don’t worry about it. The room is well-stocked, you won’t be in want for anything.” Adora’s smile broadened and she gestured again to the closed door, so Angel reached and slowly turned the doorknob.
Inside was the most elegant, not-gold room that Angel had ever seen.
She noticed how not-gold it was in contrast to the rest of the entirely-gold palace around her. The beautiful bed was covered in red and brown, silky-looking materials, and it looked absolutely satisfying to lie across. Angel was looking forward to doing just that. The windows were covered in brown drapes, with the slightest hint of gold in the tassels that hung from it.
Her mouth most have been open, because Adora chuckled next to her.
“Wait until you see the bathroom.” She smirked, then scooted along. “You just go on inside now, miss, and make yourself comfortable. You get some rest, I know you’ve had a long day!” Adora skipped away at that, leaving Angel to continue gaping at the gorgeous room.
Angel did the first thing she could think to do, which was fling herself across the bed, which