The Legend of the ruthless Empress Freya

Chapter 288: A Queen's resilience: Selene's Curse [Interlude I]

– POV General –

"Who are you really ?"

As Freya uttered these words, in one swift, precise movement, she tore off the cloth that had completely covered the Supreme from the start. Never before had they imagined that they would one day find themselve exposed to the eyes of the world, them who had sworn to hide their identity for the history books.

Reacting at a moment's notice, they hid their face, dazzled by the pure brilliance of the blood moon, while everyone stood in awe of what they were seeing.

______

[18 years ago]

Even before Freya had entered this timeline of the world of Kleisaria, the Kingdom of Zal was prosperous and unrivalled. Wars across the continent had ceased altogether, with humans far too busy fighting a common enemy - in other words, all the other races. Despite this, the King of Zal didn't really seem to care, immersed as he was in the vices that life had to offer.

Alcohol, women, drugs and food were all part and parcel of his life, leaving his own family to one side at a time when his responsibilities as father and husband were most in demand. At the time, the two princes were very young, and the living Queen was 9 months pregnant with the future Princess Alayna.

Ill and sadly dying, she spent her days in her royal bed, observing the outside world from her chamber with sadness and regret.

Afflicted by an unknown curse that began at birth, Queen Selene was destined to die young, her body deteriorating day by day. Daughter of a Duke almost as wealthy as the main heir branch, she was well aware that her husband had chosen her for this reason alone. Otherwise, who would have married her and accepted this weird, mysterious curse if only for her money and her name? No one would have.

Lacking absolutely nothing, rich, of royal blood with a growing family and a happy people, that might have been enough for happiness, but this was not the case. What had she accomplished in life? Selene had never traveled, never ridden a horse or climbed a tree or even swum in a cool lake in summer.

All the common, simple experiences of life were unknown to her, condemned to stay cooped up to survive.

"I wish you one day to be free and not locked up in a golden cage..."

Caressing her bulging belly, the Queen smiled, hiding the sense of injustice that had been growing ever since she was a child. Why had she been born? What was her real purpose? She would never know, but she refused to believe that the reason for her existence had been the perpetuity of royal blood.

Yet, while her days were numbered, this was indeed the impression Selene had and yet there was nothing she could do about it. Pathetic, isn't it?

Ever pensive, she let her mind dream of grandeur, of discoveries and experiences beyond those of adventure books and fairy tales. The Queen knew she could only dream, but it was enough, as long as her children and husband were safe. Her health was deteriorating but she had to hold out for a few more days, soon her daughter would be born and Selene had vowed not to die before she hugged Alayna.

"E-Excuse me Your Majesty. It's time to take your medicine and...you also have a visitor."

Just as she could feel the baby inside her stirring, a voice from behind her bedroom door suddenly sounded. It was one of the maids assigned to her quarters, her arrival meant only one thing, it was almost 7am. However, she had mentioned a visitor, who could it be? Intrigued, Selene struggled to her feet as the door opened, letting in a draught of fresh air.

It was Marie, a young castle servant, long gray hair, amber eyes, dressed as a chambermaid with a tray in her hand. 20 years old, she had lived with the Queen all her life, first taking care of various chores at the castle when she was younger, then Selene. Over the years, the two women had formed a real bond beyond that of Master and Servant, an almost familial bond like that of two sisters.

"Your Majesty, please be careful!"

Placing the tray in her hand on a piece of furniture near the bed, Marie hurried towards the Queen, who was trying to get up from the chair she had placed in front of the window. The truth was that the King's wife was dying, almost blind and with a body that was gradually abandoning her.

The young maid was well aware of this, and was one of those who had watched Selene's condition deteriorate over the years without being able to do anything about it.

Today, despite her zest for life, she was a shadow of her former self, cursed yet brave and mentally sound. The Queen was a role model for Marie, who had promised herself never to abandon the woman she admired and who had taught her what it meant to love and accept yourself. So naturally, as the young maid rushed to Selene's side to give her her cane, she replied grumpily.

"I may be sick, but I'm not made of glass. I can still walk, Marie."

"But, my Queen..."

"Don't worry about it. Why don't you tell me about this mysterious visitor instead of worrying, mmh? Besides, it's just the two of us in this room, so you can drop the 'my Queen' or 'Your Majesty', don't you think?"

Finally arriving at her bed, the Queen sat down before drinking her medicine, even letting herself tease the young girl in front of her. She saw her a little like a little sister after having been with her for so long.

Marie was the only one who stayed by her side, gradually becoming her daily ray of sunshine even when her husband had deserted her or her two sons had decided not to visit her anymore for fear of getting cursed as well.

"Y-Yes at once, Madam Selene!"

"Pfff~"

Unable to hide the red in her cheeks, Marie had begun to stammer as Selene giggled softly at so much cuteness she'd never tire of. It was thanks to moments like these that she could still use what little strength she had left to finish what she'd set out to do. After a few seconds of panic, the young servant finally cleared her throat before announcing in all seriousness why she had come here.

"It is Razal coming from the Church to fix the last changes concerning the nomination of the new Supreme in a few days. He's waiting for you in the North Lounge"

"Sigh...my husband should see to it but he's far too busy enjoying himself rather than acting like the King. Already relations between the Church and the Crown aren't at their best and I'm ill, he could have made an effort when it comes to supporting a candidate as Royalty for the very first time..."

The Queen was only 35 years old, yet her face suggested that she had already been marked by life and its years that no one could avoid. She was still young, but the curse coupled with the tons of work she did every day only shortened her life expectancy.

Pregnant and of royal blood, Selene could never avoid her responsibilities as Queen and mother, especially when the King was not present to fulfill them.

In a few days' time, a new Supreme was to be appointed, and for the very first time in the Kingdom's history, the Royal family was to play an important role. Why was this? Because Razal, the Church's favorite for the title, was also a long-standing friend of Selene's. So, for the first time in the history of the Kingdom, the Royal Family would play an important role.

For the first time, the Crown and the Church were forming new ties for a peaceful future that both friends were determined to preserve.

Just as the Queen had finished cursing her lazy and useless husband, sighing one last time, she finally rose from the bed on which she was sitting. For a few seconds, all seemed well when suddenly Selene began to feel dizzy and a familiar sensation gripped her throat. In an instant, Marie's smile disappeared as she once again rushed in panic towards her Queen.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

"COUGH COUGH COUGH!!"

Blood splashed onto the carpet in the Queen's quarters, as it did just about every day, testifying to the gravity of the situation. Selene hadn't taken three steps when her body was already begging her to stop and stay in bed.

It was like this every day, but after getting used to the pain and weakness, she was more motivated than ever by the changes she could make now for the future, before she died.

"Surely adventure isn't for today haha~"

"My god, that would be far too dangerous in your condition, my Queen...I...please, be careful, I-"

"But real life isn't in books. It's outside these walls. Haven't you ever dreamed of another life? A life full of adventure and surprises..."

Leaning on her cane and straightening up, Selene had asked the question with sad, yet bright eyes. The kind of look that made Marie melt with respect, love and sadness every time she saw it. She herself felt the injustice of the curse on her mistress, so how could she possibly imagine what the Queen felt? Embarrassed and pensive, the maid began to stammer.

"Well, I-...I-...I don't know. A poor servant like me would never dare dream of greatness, Your Majesty, and as long as I can be useful to you and stay by your side, this life is quite enough for me."

Marie knew she was nothing special: abused in a poor family, without friends or money, her life didn't really matter. At least, that's what she thought until she met Selene and was swept away by the radiance of her existence. Today, nothing mattered but the Queen she loved so much and had decided to serve until the end. In a way, the two women had also become something of a family.

As long as Marie could be useful to Selene, no matter how, then it was worth all the adventures and happiness this world could offer. The same world that had cursed the Queen, condemning her to a short life of suffering, unfulfilled dreams, regret and sadness. Trying to suppress that dormant anger she wanted to forget, the maid then shook her head as the soft voice beside her echoed again.

"I won't be here much longer, you know? However, I'm sure you'll achieve great things one day if you so wish. You're not just a servant, you're much more than that, but you'll find that out later while growing up~"

For long seconds, the two of them stood there staring into each other's eyes, one smiling and the other feeling tears welling up. This bond they shared was inexplicable, true, sincere and yet it would never surpass that of the servant and her Queen. It didn't matter, Selene and Marie didn't care about that because there was still so much to organize and accomplish in such a short time.

"Well. Let's go and see Razal, who's been waiting for us for several minutes now. I don't have much time ahead of me, but if I can leave the Kingdom in good hands, then I'll do what I can."

The Queen, not wanting to keep her visitor waiting any longer, had begun to move slowly towards the door, leaving the gray-haired young woman behind, as if hypnotized. The morning had just dawned and the announcement of the new Supreme would take place in just a few days, so time was running out. Coming back to her senses, Marie rushed to her side with pride, tears gone, replaced by determination.

"You can count on me too, Your Majesty! I'd follow you even in death if I could so don't you worry!"

"Hahaha~ COUGH COUGH! I-I don't ask for so much but thank you for being there, Marie. I know I can always count on you all the way~"

Gently stroking her servant's head, Selene smiled once again with a kindness and joy that were so characteristic of her. She couldn't change the world, but she could surely make it a better place, for her children, her kingdom, Marie and her unborn daughter.

So it was that the two of them walked through the door towards the north-facing lounge, determined to see the beginning of a new era of peace for Zal and its inhabitants.

At least...that's what they thought, but dreams don't always become reality, and reality itself can be far crueler than a nightmare.

_______

FULL STATUS

Names : Freya / Lucifer Nightshade

Age : 0 year old / Mentally : 25 years old

Sex : Female

Course: Ice Demon Wolf of Chaos - Adult

Race : Imperial Demon

Titles :

- Demon Goddess of Primordial Blood and Death (former - until all powers are recovered) - 35%.

- Wrathful Lucifer (7th Sin) - Master of the uniques Sins Demons (to unlock it, please gather the other 6 - 3/6 - (locked)

- Dragon tamer

- Ruthless slayer

Level : 47/70

Exp needed for next level: 7 000 / 48 000

HP : 170 000 / 170 000 MP : 85 000 / 85 000. BLOOD : 100 / 100

Strength: 660

Defense : 660

Agility : 666

Endurance: 663

Speed : 662

Intelligence: 660

Charisma: 500 (imperial she-wolf)

Attribute points to allocate : 1 600

Married to : Gaya Nightshade

Daughter : Shiro Nightshade

Twins (son & daughter) : Tyle & Altaïs Nightshade

Little sister : Kira Nightshade (Greedy Fox)

Big sister : Kalaa Nightshade

Empire (menu)

Subordinates: 15 491(keep growing)

Humans killed: 153

Souls: 0/3

Elements: Ice / Chaos (Freya) - Blood / Death (Lucifer)

Skills (all):

Attacks :

- Demon Claws (Lvl 5)

- Bite of hell (Lvl 6)

- Infernal ice spikes (Lvl 6)

- Fighting techniques (Lvl max)

- Mastery of the katana (lvl max)

- Demonic Empress aura (lvl 7)

Défense :

- Ice demon wall (Lvl 6)

- Demonic Cloak (lvl 5)

- Pain Resistance (lvl 6)

Attack/Defense :

- Domain of the Ice Empress "Frozen Wrath" (lvl 4)

- Death Gaze (lvl 1)

Others :

- Humanoid form

- Demonic form (linked to the title so incomplete) - 20%.

- Ice creation (Lvl 6)

- Detection and control of mana (lvl 6)

- Storage of chaos (Lvl 4)

- Devouring Chaos (Lvl 5)

- Master of Souls (lvl 3)

- Lucifer's Threads of Blood (lvl 3)

- Healing Blood (lvl 3)

- Reminiscence (lvl 2)

- Analysis

- Telepathy

Passives :

- Commander (lvl max)

- Natural Aura of the Ice Empress ]