A few hours after the formal audience, Ren was given a tour of the hive by Veskar and the bee princess, accompanied by Elaria. They walked through the organic corridors made of wax and resin, softly illuminated by natural bioluminescent substances. Though the place was alien, Ren couldn't help but admire the structure's order and biological sophistication—like living architecture, constantly growing in harmony with the instincts of its inhabitants.
Despite the occasional smile in response to the bee princess's innocent chatter and Elaria's curious questions, Ren's mind remained entangled in the last conversation he'd heard in the queen's hall. Queen Melanithe IX's words still echoed in his head, stirring a new worry he couldn't ignore.
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