Crown of Thorns | Yandere Queen X Male Reader

4. A Royal Welcome

(Y/N): "Could you please walk a bit fucking slower?"

The only response you got in return was an annoyed grunt as the soldier ahead of you picked up his pace, causing the chain, along with you, to drag across the floor.

(Y/N): "When I break out of these chains, and believe me, I will, I'm going to fucking hurt y-"

Before you could finish, Talia swats the back of your head with a book she's carrying (for some reason)

(Y/N): "Okokok I get it!"

Alva: "I don't think he does, maybe you should hit him again"

(Y/N): "Maybe you should shut your fucking mou-"

SMACK

Yet again, you feel the cold, hard leather-bound book wrap around the back of your head. You turn around to chide Talia, but stop yourself when you notice her raising the book again.

(Y/N): "Point proven."

You quickly glanced to your side and notice Alva looking at you with a grin. Deciding against retaliating, you bite your tongue and continue onwards towards the Grand Palace that overlooks the city.

After what felt like hours of walking, you reached the bottom of the royal steps, which were a set of 2000 steps leading up to the front gates.

(Y/N): "You can't be serious." you say, turning around to meet Talia's cool stare.

Talia: "Deadly."

(Y/N): "Then you may as well kill me now because no way in hell am I climbing THAT!" You motion to the steps with your head.

Alva: "My pleasure."

In an instance, Alva reaches and clutches the handle of her sword before Talia holds her arm out, motioning her to stop.

(Y/N): "Talk about a hate boner."

Alva: "Do you EVER SHUT UP?!"

You bring your finger up to your chin in a faux thinking motion before shaking your head, pissing off the royal guard beyond belief.

(Y/N): "You love it really."

Reaching her boiling, the golden haired captain stomps her feet in frustration before stampeding to the front of the convoy, away from you. Talia didn't say a word, watching the situation unfurl with an amused smirk.

Talia: "You have such a way with words." You smirk in response, itching at your shackled wrists.

(Y/N): "I know, women love it."

Talia: "I'm sure they do."

Before you could conjure up another snide remark, you're forced back into motion as the platoon of guards starts the ascent to the Royal Palace.

______________________________

After what felt like an eternity of just straight climbing, you finally approach the summit of regal steps leading to the grand entrance of the royal palace, a sight of undeniable magnificence creeps before your eyes.

Yeah, even you had to admit that this was infinitely better than the shithole you almost died defending. The front of the palace stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur and opulence of the Empire, exuding an air of majesty that befits its regal inhabitants, making your old home look like some sort of hovel in comparison.

At the center of the facade rises an impressive marble staircase, wide and adorned with intricately carved balustrades, leading up to the large double doors that guard the entrance. The steps are meticulously maintained, their pristine white surfaces gleaming in the sunlight.

Flanking the majestic staircase are two imposing columns, rising tall and proud to support an ornate pediment adorned with intricate sculptures and ornamental motifs. You now understood why the denizens of the empire were happy and thriving.

Talia: "Impressive, huh?"

You scoffed in response.

(Y/N): "That's putting it very fucking lightly."

You focus back on the imposing structure before you, your eyes landing on the large double doors, made of richly polished wood intricately embellished with gold accents.

Above the entrance, a grand balcony adorned with lavish draperies and finely crafted iron railings provides a vantage point for the royal family to greet their subjects and dignitaries on special occasions. Majestic banners flutter in the breeze, displaying the royal coat of arms, symbolizing the sovereignty and heritage of the royal family.

You couldn't quite believe that someone could grow up in a place like this, having their every whim tended to at a moments notice. Spoilt shits.

The front of the palace is surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, filled with vibrant flowers, perfectly trimmed hedges, and elegant fountains. The symmetrical layout of the gardens complements the palace's grandeur. You noticed a multitude of people tending to said gardens, as well as a small army of armored guards tactically placed across the courtyard. Escaping wasn't going to be easy you thought to yourself, but you still noted their positions for future reference.

You feel the cold steel of a sword gently push into your back as the guard behind you pushes you forward with the rest of the group. They actually looked happy to be home.

Alva: "Let the King know that we're back"

You notice a servant scurry off into the castle at the behest of Alva's orders.

After only a few seconds, the sound of a distant fanfare announces their princesses arrival, echoing through the palace's imposing grounds. The palace guards, dressed in resplendent uniforms, stand tall and vigilant at their posts, their gleaming armor reflecting the sunlight. You couldn't help but smirk at the sight.

(Y/N): "You really make them wear that armor in this heat, all day?"

Talia: "It is their duty, and exactly what they signed up for, now get a move on."

As she says this, you're yanked forward again, through the grand double doors.

Your breath hitches in your throat as the inside of the Palace is revealed to you. Of course it was even more lavish than the outside, because why wouldn't it be? Everything you'd seen thus far was just one massive flex of royalty and riches, it really grinded your gears.

A large extravagant red carpet lay before your feet as it stretched across the lobby and up the grand staircase opposite you. Great, more fucking stairs. Royal paintings depicting grand battles and impressive victories hugged the walls and countless tallow candles lay neatly, casting the room in a cosy yet beautiful glow. You didn't get chance to gawk at the rest as you spot Alva split from the group and approach a group of guards to the corner.

(Y/N): "Bitch..."

SMACK

Your head was sent reeling forward again as you felt the book clip the back of your head. Alva only glanced over he shoulder with an amused look before continuing whatever the fuck she was doing.

This royally pissed you off. But, as fate would have it, you couldn't even react as Talia grabbed your chain this time, before leading you through the long, winding corridors, away from her guards.

She must've spotted the confused look on your face as she smiled, still leading you by the shackles.

After climbing more stairs, much to your disappointment and Talia's amusement, she stopped right outside a large expensive-looking door.

(Y/N): "Please tell me there isn't another set of steps behind this door..."

Talia: "I guess you'll have to find out."

You lay your hand on thr cold steel door handle, before pushing. The door didn't budge.

(Y/N): "It's locked."

Talia just rolled her eyes in response before she reels her leg back and plants her foot on to your back, effectively spartan-kicking you into the door. The door effortlessly flies open causing you to roll across the floor of the supposedly locked room.

As you regained your bearings, you sat up, taking in the new room before you. It was a bedroom. Shit.