"Your Majesty, please, allow us to explain," Niko blurted out. "I beg you to hear our reasons."
Queen Valerie shook her head and lifted her hand in a dismissive wave. The loose sleeves of her cobalt-colored gown fluttered against the breeze. "There is no need to explain."
I leaned toward the table, fingers interlaced atop my lap. "I beg your pardon?"
The queen sighed, bringing her finger to her temple. She seemed tired. Looking closely, I could see that there were bags beneath her eyes. Although it was hidden by a layer of makeup.
"I already knew," she began. "I already knew that Erilyn ran away three days after it happened. And about August, someone from the Varemont household reported it to me five minutes after it happened. And yes, all along I had known that you were wearing disguises at the wedding."
A memory flashed inside my head. That day, I had avoided her gaze because of its intensity. There was much knowing and wit in her eyes. After all, she was aware that she was being tricked.
Nikolas gripped the teacup tighter. I tried my best not to let my nerves get to me.
"How?" I managed, chills skittering down my back.
The queen refilled her cup, her calm smile not disappearing. "You surely don't expect me to be ignorant of the happenings in my kingdom."
I stifled a gasp. "No, no. Your Majesty, I did not mean it that—"
"It is fine," she said. "I jest. I have subjects everywhere, Lily. They act as my eyes and ears, loyal ones at that. To me, news travels the fastest. And for this I am thankful."
"You're not mad that two households from the Quartet had tried to fool you?" Nikolas asked.
"Oh, I was furious." She laughed, as if remembering a particular moment. "But the anger faded over time. I am not mad at the both of you, though."
Niko and I released breaths of relief at the same time.
The queen continued. "The two of you were merely caught up in this hurricane. All of a sudden, you were taken from your peaceful days at the academy. Away from your usual lives, away from your friends. It is not your fault that the adults made a temporary solution out of you. It must have been hard huh, Lily? And you, too, Nikolas. Since both of you are top students in the academy. It is surprising, however, that both families thought of the same idea."
"I agree," was my only reply. It still felt so surreal to know that Her Majesty wasn't trying to get us punished. For now, at least. I shouldn't get too ahead of myself.
"But, I suppose I myself am partly responsible for all this mess." She was stirring her tea with a small spoon, gazing into her cup as though she was seeing something there. "Ten years ago, I had come up with a suggestion to unite the families with marriage. The feud between the Russels and Varemonts was affecting the economy of Carnelia, you see. They were key figures in trade and mining industries. Not to mention, those under the households' command would cause fights in public due to their loyalty. It was becoming much of a disturbance. It was convenient for the two families, for the Quartet and the royal family to just wed off their son and daughter. And be done with it. But of course, it was not convenient for Erilyn and August. Their right to choose was stripped from them, without being able to understand what was happening. Like you two, they were involuntarily involved in the chaos, as well."
"Your Majesty," Nikolas joined in, his voice colored with sympathy. "I think you're taking too much responsibility from all this."
"It is only fair," she said. "I am the queen, and it is my duty to make sure my people are getting what they deserve. When I made that decision, I was young, far too young to handle big situations. Now, I would not want to make this about me. We have another matter to discuss. This is also why I called you here."
"We do?" I asked, dumbfounded. What else could be there aside from this issue?
"Yes, please listen," said Queen Valerie. "I do not want to shatter this fragile peace we have at this moment. I am saying that you two can continue with this… whatever this is."
"Forgive me, Your Majesty." Niko's brows knotted. "I'm afraid I don't understand."
"That's because I am not done yet, Nikolas." Her grey eyes narrowed, flickering with mischief. "You two may continue 'fooling me' that you are indeed Erilyn and August. I will not tell the heads of the Russels and Varemont households that I have busted their trickery. In turn, I will ask you a favor."
"Anything," I could sense the desperation in Niko's voice. His father's position as the head knight was at stake here. "Anything at all, Your Majesty."
I gulped. I had a bad feeling about this.
Queen Valerie offered us a thankful smile. "I want you to investigate a town, not far from here. See if there is something amiss."
"Why us?" I couldn't help myself. I was curious.
She shrugged. "You two are perfect for this undercover operation. You will go there as Lilibeth and Nikolas, students of the academy, merely there on an errand for a project. Besides, I can't order my Templars. They are… occupied as of now."
"How do we know it's safe?" I asked again, remembering the rumor.
"Dear me, I would not put you in danger. I am better than that." The queen offered her most comforting smile. "I assure you, Lily. This town is safe. I merely want you to take a look at it."
"All right," I said, although a bit hesitant. But then, what choice did we have? The queen had the final say in anything, either way.
"Good, and do take your time." She said. "I want you to thoroughly inspect the area."
"As you wish, my queen." I slumped in my chair.
At least I wouldn't have to wear this wig.