The Spider Queen

(Alpha Star System- Planet Gaia)

(Eron City- Private Estate)

"Honey… I see you standing there… shining in the moonlight."

"The shine of your beauty and grace… it makes my heart race…"

"The sorrow of passing and the night is long… let me hold you in my arms…"

Sophie softly hummed under her breath along to the song that the band was playing. Gentle melodic notes filled the air and her body swayed ever so slightly from side to side.

The banquet had already gone on for three hours already. Some of the guests had already left but many were still mulling about.

She still had to talk to the remaining aristocrats and at this point the only ones left were the not so friendly ones.

The hybrid girl took another sip of wine and relaxed slightly as the sweet tasting liquid slid down her throat.

She really didn't want to speak to them.

Who would want to talk to people who didn't even consider you as a person who deserved the same rights as them?

Sophie took in a deep breath and fixed the expression on her face. Her lips curved upwards into a friendly but polite smile.

A mask that she needed to wear for the upcoming performance.

Okay… it was time to begin.

Sophie gritted her teeth and walked towards a group of nobles hanging about in the corner of the room with heavy scowls on their faces.

They wore expensive dresses and suits that were adorned with precious metals and jewellery that sparkled under the light.

Honestly… Sophie thought that they looked quite ridiculous like peacocks spreading out their feathers begging for others to look at them.

As she approached, she received no acknowledgement from the nobles other than derisive smirks or furrowed eyebrows.

"Baroness Eppea, Viscount Foxmond, Marchioness Zondard and Count Monmar, I take it that you all have enjoyed the evening so far," Sophie politely spoke.

The nobles exchanged glances and finally one of the women reluctantly spoke since it was considered rude to ignore the host's direct question.

"Yes… although the scale seems a bit small for an upper rank noble house," Marchioness Zondard replied with a hint of mockery in her tone.

"I agree," Sophie smoothly responded without being bothered by the barb hidden in the marchioness' words.

"However seeing as though my house is my mourning over the loss of my father… it did not seem right to waste precious resources to host a lavish and grand banquet."

"He would have wanted a minimal affair to celebrate my succession."

"Ahh… speaking of the late duke… it must really be… 'convenient' for you that he is now dead," Viscount Foxmond sneered slightly as he spoke.

Sophie slowly exhaled and mentally counted to ten in her mind. She pushed down the intense rage that was forming in her heart.

This was bait.

Do not fall for it… calm down… calm down…

It was easier said than done.

Her father's death was so recent and for this asshole to insinuate that she was happy about his passing made Sophie want to punch him right in the middle of his smug face.

"Viscount Foxmond… I do not know what you are implying by that statement but allow me to give you one correction," Sophie coldly whispered.

"My father… is. not. dead."

"The Imperial Army has not recovered a body and need I remind you that around twenty years ago he was also presumed dead and returned."

"When he does, I shall make sure to inform him of your kind words."

A naked threat.

The smug look on the viscount's face cracked ever so slightly as Sophie leaked out a trace of her killing intent.

Her right eye had a faint reddish mist creeping up along her pupils and when she spoke one could see the razor sharp fangs in her mouth.

"My colleague was only speaking in jest," Count Monmar broke the tense atmosphere with a cheerful smile.

"I for one look forward to your succession. It will be quite difficult to maintain your father's various companies and assets but… you will succeed."

The count's words sounded good, but Sophie could tell that he was being insincere. Still, this was a far better experience than trading insults.

"I am just surprised that the late Duke Peterlor did not have any other children," Baroness Eppea said calmly.

"I suppose he must have been quite taken with your… 'mother' . Did your father ever tell you anything about her?"

"Your heritage is quite the mystery. At least she gave you… 'exotic' features."

"My father met my mother on a trading starship travelling to the Earth Federation. Unfortunately that is all the information that he shared," Sophie lied easily as she spoke.

"My 'heritage' is indeed a mystery however I am genetically half human and have been raised since birth in the Federation."

Her Insectoid Heritage was something that Sophie was secretly proud of since it made her feel a connection to her mom.

However, she was aware of the reality of her situation. The Earth Federation and the Insectoid Empire were at war.

If her bloodline was to one day be exposed then it would lead to an enormous amount of political backlash.

Without her father around… Sophie shuddered to imagine what would happen.

If she was stronger then she would be able to resist but at the moment she was a sprout still waiting to grow into a towering tree.

Sophie pushed those unwelcomed thoughts to the back of her mind and continued to chat with the group of nobles for several more minutes.

Finally with not a hint of reluctance in her heart, she bid them farewell and moved on to the next group.

This went on for several more hours until the night had fallen and many stars were twinkling brightly in the sky.

Sophie waved off the last pair of guests who left the hall and then slumped down on a nearby chair.

"My lady, are you okay?" Butler Gerald asked with concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah… just tired…" Sophie replied softly as she rubbed her eyes.

"Can you bring me another glass of wine? I think I'll stay here for a bit longer and then head to my room."

"Certainly my lady," Butler Gerald nodded respectfully and then walked over to another area of the hall to pick out an expensive bottle of wine.

Sophie leaned against the chair and gently massaged her temples. She could feel all the stress and tension of the banquet slowly melt away.

She was exhausted.

Speaking non-stop and playing political games with aristocrats was nothing short of torture.

Having to plaster a fake smile on her face and be polite to a bunch of snakes wearing human faces was not a pleasant experience.

The hybrid girl stretched out her arms and yawned sleepily. Now that the banquet was over, in a few weeks time she would hold her succession ceremony.

Honestly even now… it didn't feel real.

Sophie kept expecting to see her father burst into the room any second now but… he never appeared.

She was going to be the new Duchess Peterlor. The head of an upper rank noble family with no other living members.

She was alone.