Chapter 42 Writer's POV
Onyi's eyes fluttered open, and he groggily got out of bed, still half asleep. A knock at the door startled him, and he hesitated, wondering who it could be at such an early hour. "Enter," he called out, his voice shaking slightly.
The door creaked open, and a liveried servant bowed low. "The Queen requests your presence at breakfast, sir," he announced, his voice formal and intimidating.
Onyi's heart skipped a beat. The Queen? What did she want with him? He stumbled out of bed and quickly dressed, his hands shaking as he followed the servant through the winding corridors.
When they arrived at the Queen's private quarters, Onyi felt a sense of dread wash over him. The Queen smiled warmly at him, but her eyes seemed to bore into his soul. "Good morning," she said, her voice gracious but firm. "Please, join me."
Onyi took a seat beside her, feeling overwhelmed by the elegant spread before them. The Queen poured him a cup of Earl Grey tea, and they served a light breakfast, but Onyi's appetite had vanished.
As they ate, the Queen's demeanor turned serious. "Onyi, I've been informed of your... situation," she said, her eyes piercing. "You must be cautious in your dealings with the King."
Onyi's eyes widened in fear. "Cautious, Your Majesty?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Queen's expression turned grave. "The King's court is treacherous," she warned. "You'll need to be careful to survive."
Onyi nodded, feeling a sense of panic rising within him. He had no idea what the Queen was talking about, but he knew he didn't want to get involved in whatever game was being played.
The Queen leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I've watched you, Onyi. You have potential. But use it wisely."
Onyi felt a shiver run down his spine as the Queen rose from her seat, signaling the end of their meeting. He stood, bowing his head in respect, but his mind was racing with fear and uncertainty.
As he watched her depart, Onyi felt like he was walking into a nightmare. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he knew he had to be careful. The Queen's words had been both a warning and a mystery, and Onyi felt like he was stumbling blindly into the unknown.