Extra Astra

Astra looked puzzled and annoyed. "You would need to ask her about that," she said, pointing to the doorway into the inner chamber. "Xyllis is satisfied that I am the genuine article, and that should..."

"Perhaps," Norla added. "But she was also certain those two in there were bawdy girls enchanted to believe they were royalty rather than the other way around."

Xyllis looked uncomfortable at this assessment, and Norla smiled a crinkled smile at her. "I do not judge you harshly, child - the spells used by Pronklezilch were extremely detailed and subtle. But we must now compare the two Astras again in order to..."

"I don't believe this!" the Princess exclaimed. "I have submitted myself to examination twice, and I do not plan to do so again!"

"Astra..." Helia began.

"Mother, this is patently absurd! I don't know who that, that doxy in there is or why these two," she yelled, gesturing at Vincent and Norla, "Are convinced she's me, but I am telling you - all of you - that I am indeed Astra, Princess of Aquilaria, and heir to the Throne of the Grand Matriarch herself! I am not some - some test subject to be prodded and poked for the amusment of-"

"It is not that I doubt you," Helia said softly, "But now even Xyllis admits that she has been in error. You may be the heir to the Matriarch Throne, but I am the Queen, and I will not allow anyone - mage, witch, knight, dragon, bawdy girl or even my own kin - to jeopordize the safety of my people. Now," she said, steel in her voice, "You will go with Xyllis and this witch, Norla, and we will see finally what the truth is here!"

1. Astra sighed and nodded. "You're right, mother, I was allowing my pride to dictate my actions."
2. Astra glared at her mother. "I will submit, but I do so under protest!"
3. Astra crossed her arms defiantly. "I refuse, mother - this has gone far enough!"
4. Suddenly, the princess burst into tears, turned and ran from the room.
5. Suddenly, the princess drew her sword and charged at Norla.
6. The Princess laughed sinisterly and began to suddenly change shape.
7. The Princess laughed sinisterly and suddenly, Queen Helia began to change shape.
8. Just then, Fred(a) and Astra, looking groggy and unstable, stepped out of the inner chamber
9. Suddenly, the entire tower began to shudder. "Pronklezilch!" exclaimed Vincent. "He's attacking us here!"

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