#queen bisera

Bansabira was well aware that royalties and distinguished guests from many Kingdoms, including Queen Euthalia of Manthos, were now waiting for them to give a dazzling performance, and she was determined to give her all.

However, no determination can overrule the decision of the body. It's just physically impossible. So while the other girls lined up for their performance of a lifetime, Bansabira was in a servant's room with high fever, nausea and a headache from Hades.

The five remaining girls did their very best, and even if they knew that the formations wasn't perfect, the audience were thrilled.

So when the Queen of Katafygio stood up and clapped and cheered - a very unroyal thing to do - the Astanna sisters felt that they had achieved what they hoped for. It was a success.

But then, just as they were taking their last dance steps, there was a terrible grumbling noise followed by a loud bang while people were thrown up in the air and swept off their chairs. The beautifully decorated room turned to a war zone, as plates, vases and furniture were whirled around as if they were leaves in an autumnal gust of wind. People, royalties and servants alike, screamed in fear, and added to the general panic.

And then there were strange silence, but the silence felt more threatening than the fierce noise just before. Dust filled the air, making it difficult to breathe and even to see more than just a hand in front of one.

Myrto first thought she was unharmed, but when she tried to get up, the floor beneath her undulated like the waves of the ocean. It wasn't from the earthquake itself, but Myrto's own balance was suddenly completely off.

People around her were moaning and wailing, some were bleeding, and everybody was in shock. It was a complete nightmare.

It was one of those crispy cold autumn evenings, but Euthalia and Mijararos were greeted in the courtyard by the whole family.

- My daughter! Son! Welcome! You must be exhausted. The forerunner told me that you had to go on the west side to get here?

- That's true, father. We will explain everything, but let us get inside first. It's freezing!

- Nikh, my darling sister, I've missed you so much.

- You are my favorite Euthalia. Will you stay here now?

- Aww, I wish, but we can't. We will have to go back to Manthos in a few days. But I've missed you terribly!

- I've missed you too. Tremendously!

- So this is the last branch on my father's tree. Euthalia smiled to little Monachos. He looks so much Philokratis when he was that age! Is he making your life difficult?

- Not at all! He's a very easy boy! How is your little Radhamanthos? Don't you miss him?

- Oh I do! I wouldn't leave him if it wasn't extremely important. And this time it is.

- I've heard rumors that there might be a new war coming on? That's terrible.

- It is. But sometimes war is necessary. Some problems can't be solved in any other way.

- I guess. I never really cared for politics. I leave that to Akrisios.

- You are so right. Let the men handle these things!

- Well they don't seem to troubled about war and problems. Bisera commented.

- Definitely. Laughing and playing games. You wouldn't think they had a problem in the world, right?

- They don't have a problem! Prince Philokratis said. Because they are the kings!

- You don't think kings have problems? Bisera responded.

- Of course not! They can decide everything!

- Haha! How sweet you are, brother! And still so innocent! I wish it would last forever, but I'm afraid you might get a reality check very soon.

- You are here to discuss the war, aren't you? Bisera said gravely.

- We are. Well, my husband is. I would very much like to see the fabrics you got from Kastanea. I've heard they have the brightest colors?

- They have! I will be happy to show you tomorrow. I didn't know you took an interest in that kind of thing?

- Oh but I do! We have good weavers in Manthos, but nothing like the ones in Kastanea. Their fabrics are something else from what I've heard.

- They are! I look forward to showing you tomorrow. While the men solve the world problems.

- Exactly! I'm looking forward to it too.

.

The harsh words of his brother rang in King Mijararo's ears, and to make the misery complete they got the sad message that Queen Alkmini had passed away on their way back. It was not unexpected considering her old age and health situation, but still sorrowful for those who loved her.

Just a few months later, they also received the message that Laonome, the Queen of Selinódasos, who was King Mijararos' aunt and Queen Euthalia's mother, surprisingly had turned ill and died. Rumors had it that she had been poisoned, but nobody were able to figure out who and how.

The King was of course devastated, but was comforted by the children's governess Bisera, whom he just months later decided to marry, because "it is easier this way", as he said.

Queen Euthalia was furious with her father, and wanted her sister Nikh to come to Manthos, "to avoid the influence from common and unfit people" as she explained it. "Absolutely not", was the short and clear answer from the king. We don't think he ever asked his daughter Nikh what she wanted, but if he had, she would most likely had agreed with her father. Truth is Nikh had a much better relationship with her "common" governess than with her rather snobbish sister. As for her younger brother Philokratis he was not old enough to understand.

Queen Euthalia had strong opinions about most things, and there had been a couple of episodes with both staff and family in the past. But lately the frictions between Euthalia and Amphiera had escalated to a level that was affecting the whole family. As soon as they were in the same room, which they were daily, there were loud arguments and glowers.

King Mijararos tried several times to discuss this with his wife, but to little avail.

- Why are you telling me this, she said, when it is Amphiera who is causing all the problems? She looks so innocent that one, but she is a demon! I'm telling you!

- That might be so, but please, if you could be a little less confrontational?

- You don't understand my situation Mijarare! Euthalia was clearly upset. I'm the head of this household, I am the Queen of this country, and my authority is constantly challenged by that... Lámia!

- But we will all just have to work together, and ...

- Work together?! She is a lazy slob, and all she can do is to lie on the coach and have the servants run around for her! And she don't have children or households or kingdoms to look after, like some of us! You don't know what you are talking about! Go talk with your brother and ask him to get his wife in order, next time. I'm sick and tired of this!

Mijaros found it best not to continue the discussion that night.

He had a feeling that his brother wouldn't be open for any suggestions concerning his wife's behavior, so he decided not to talk with him about it. Instead, he confided in his uncle.

- So you see the situation is a bit unruly, and I really don't know how to handle it. Do you think your Konchylia could... No, probably not a good idea. Could become even messier.

- Hmm. Well I don't know. She is good at stopping the children from fighting, but this is a different level of course.

- You know what is worse than two women fighting?

- What?

- Three women fighting.

- Ah, it's a joke!

- It is, but it's true, isn't it?

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