In the Presence of the Queen

With a shy giggle and a blush, Ilsa placed her delicate hand in Belboz's wizened old one. Belboz smiled at the girl avuncularly, then raised his hand and recited an enchantment he knew by heart.

Seconds later, the two appeared in the royal chambers of Jastina, the Queen of all Allaria. Jastina, who was seated at her vanity and inspecting a fair-sized emerald, looked up in surprise.

"Belboz!" she exclaimed. "Oh, I wish you would announce yourself before you do that!"

"My deepest apologies, Your Grace," the wizard said with a smile. "Allow me to present to you Ilsa, a sweet and simple lass who I believe shall serve you quite well as a Royal Attendant."

With an adoring smile, Ilsa curtsied deeply. "Your Majesty, it is my great honor to be allowed to be your attendant! I pledge my loyalty and industry to you!"

"Thank you, my dear," the queen smiled. "I have every confidence in your devotion, and look forward to your service. You may rise now, Ilsa. I'll have a guard show you to your room, but for now, Belboz and I have some business to discuss."

As the door closed behind Ilsa and the guard, the queen turned to face the necromancer.

1. "Oh darling, it's been so long!" Jastina exclaimed as she fell into Belboz's arms.
2. "Well, Your Highness," Beloboz said, "That's one perfectly trained attendant. Now about the matter of my payment..."
3. "Are you sure he doesn't remember anything?" Jastina asked. "Positive," replied the wizard. "Just as we planned."
4. "You monster!" she hissed. "That's the fourth knight of ours you've done this to!"
5. "No more, Jastina!" Belboz exclaimed. "This is the last time I'll do this in defense of your precious dragon!"
6. "I have the emerald, Belboz. Do you have the potion?"

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