Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK I - Chapter 47

As Queen Aglaia entered the room Princess Liofia recognised her immediately. She'd seen her before at ceremonies and on other such occasions, though the last time was many years ago, when she was but a child. She'd even spoken to her briefly, but only in the most formal of ways. Liofia was royal herself, of course, but in the presence of Queen Aglaia she felt something of a commoner. Even in the more casual setting she was now in, the queen looked every bit a monarch. Her posture and general demeanour having a deliberate and unrelenting regal air to it. She breathed monarchy, and never was there a moment when she didn't behave monarch-like in the presence of others. Even other royals. Had Liofia been completely unfamiliar with her she would've easily guessed who it was she was now standing before. The three little dogs - four, five and six - the famous companions of this most peculiar queen also being something of a giveaway.

Unfortunately for Liofia the queen also recognised who she was too.

"I've heard all about your issues, Liofia ..Princess of the Eastern Kingdom".

She stated Liofia's title, as if to emphasise how certain she was of her identity. Liofia curtsied in response, though she felt a little inappropriate doing so, given how she was dressed. Her long cloak muddied and discoloured by her travels; along with her face and hair, which were now genuinely grubby and dirty, in comparison to the artificial grubbiness she'd doused herself in when she first left Patina.

"My spies are everywhere," continued the queen, in a purposeful tone, "I've known your whereabouts from the minute you arrived on these shores. I have some sympathy though. There are not many like us in this world."

The queen then paused and glanced up at a large portrait of herself that hung on the wall.

"Obviously you can't stay here. It's not in my interest to have a fugitive princess on the run in my kingdom. Especially if it's discovered that I'm aware of you being here. Plus, we can't guarantee your safety, and I will not be held responsible for it." She then paused again, being careful to suppress any appearance of emotion or kindness, "I should really notify your father, but I'd rather not do that, so I'm willing to turn a blind eye, if you leave with quick effect."

Liofia nodded, surprised and pleased to receive the leniency.

"You'll have to take the two children and the young man with you. Likewise, you can take that old beagle Eldskeep. My guards will escort you to the coast ..from there you can take a ship to wherever you please. I think it would be wise to return straight home, but I'll leave that up to you."

The three little dogs by this point were sniffing around at Liofia's long cloak and jumping up at her. As the muddy hem brushed against their clean white fur she feared the mud would transfer across. She bent down to stroke the head of one, then curtsied to the Queen again, daring not to speak.

"It's best you leave tonight ..if there's anything you need before then, or for the journey, just ask."

The queen then called for her guards, who escorted Liofia back out the door, down the long twisting staircase, and finally to the dim dungeon that contained her four new friends.