"Where have you been all day Old One?" Queen Amri questioned as the tutor entered the library. "I had need of you today."
"I am sorry, my queen. I had personal matters to attend to," the old elf replied.
"Personal matters? What, prey tell, could be so important that you would make your queen wait like a commoner?" She asked indignantly.
"I do apologize, my lady. I left early this morning and was unaware or your needs. I shall try to be more careful in the future."
"Yes. See that you are." She narrowed her eyes at him. "Now, then; Master Elf. I have need of your wisdom in the matters of ancient law. It seems that there is an ancient law forbidding any royal to remove the portraits of past royals from these halls."
"Yes ma'am. The law was put into effect at the beginning of our race to preserve our heritage," he explained.
"Well I need that law changed! Find the loophole I need to change that law. If I have to look at any of these dead royals for one more day, I think I shall be ill. I need no reminders of who they were. They're dead and they should remain as such."
"But your majesty, I do not understand. Those portraits have hung on those walls for a millennia or more. What harm can be caused for them to remain?"
"I want them down! I want them down now! Need I remind you what I am capable of when I am not obeyed?" He shook his head. "Am I quite clear?" she seethed.
"Yes, ma'am. I will search the law books as you demand."
"Good. Then we understand each other. I shall await the news in my ready room."
He hated that woman with every fiber of his being but he had no choice in obedience. If he did not comply with her wishes, he would be punished as a traitor. Traitors received the most dishonorable death possible. Slow and painful and on display for all to see. If had not been for his family, he would not care what manner of death she could bring, but he could not bring shame to his father's name. A traitor's death for one, meant disgrace for all. He would do her bidding… for now.