"Hey Alia don't you think we should go and find Candy, we can get a carriage or even fly dragon back! Whatever, we need her back so that we can figure out a way to get back home together. Alia..."
"It's Queen mother to you". she smirked up at her. Alia was seated once more in the study, at a polished table, littered with more books and scrolls. She diverted her attention to the open book, turning a page. "Is there something you wanted help with?"
"What are you talking about? Alia! We have to leave remember, the war and the monsters and mother and father? We must get Candy..."
"Dira" Alia cut her short.
"What! What is wrong with you?" Rwen was on the verge of tearing up.
Which was too much for Alia. She closed the book with a thump. slitting her eyes in annoyance.
"I am Queen Jensari wether I like it or not. And the people won't sympathize with my amnesia act for too long and do you know what will happen to us when we are found out?" She slowly rose from her chair planting both hands on Rwen's shoulder. "Nope!". She steered her out the door, down the corridor, a flight of stairs and to another darker hallway. There, they halted at Silverus's study. "Look, what do you see?"
Alia had positioned her so that looking straight ahead, she would find the Queen gazing solemnly back.
"That's...you?! Wait when did they have time to paint you?"
Alia sighed exasperatedly, did she really have to tolerate this?
"That's the Queen Jensari...me. It does not matter our resemblance, if we continue acting out of character it won't be long until the council and all those with power put us aside. And then there's no way we're finding a way out of here with everyone believing we are lunatics!" She spun her around, shepherding her back towards the Queen's study, her study. "Hence I'm researching how things work around here, past battles, laws, the people, Lord Roland and even dragon training. It's a lot of work as you can imagine and I'm only one person! See Candy has run of to some fancy party, Oldin is questioning my mental health and on top of it all, like a nice little cherry topping," she was grinning fiercely, her words dripping with sarcasm. "We've got you. A grown baby, crying and complaining and not being of any help whatsoever!" Her smile stretched as she faced Rwen, her eyes glinting madly. "Got that?" Rwen nodded more from fright than understanding. "Great then if you will excuse me I've got some catching up to do. The door is that way!" Saying this, she collapsed back into her chair reopening the book.
Rwen left without another word.
Alia had never behaved so rashly and she felt a sense of regret for the vile words spat at Rwen but they were the truth, what she really felt inside. She only hoped Rwen would not take them to heart. She did not have time to dwell on these thoughts for at that instant, she sighted a familiar pair of ears in the doorway.
"Ah Silverus! just the cankey I wanted to see!"
Silverus appeared flabbergasted at Alia's mood. Still, he would not dare question it. He was carrying a stack of papers and rested them carefully on the table.
"Your highness, these are some deeds and documents that require your approval, they've been lying around unattended for far too long, I hope you don't mind. If you need any help I am right here." He stood hands clasped behind him.
"Why, I don't mind at all and I'm certain I'll do just fine on my own. Now to think of it, isn't it time for your morning stroll in the gardens?"
"My Queen?" His ears were standing sharp! And his mouth formed a perfect o.
"Now run along then and be back before lunch, there are things of great importance we must discuss".
The cankey need not be told twice! He bounded from the room with a wild yammer, eyes blazing with mirth.
"Silverus, do you know where my schedule is?" Alia questioned upon his return.
"Yes! yes your majesty". He spoke up eagerly, whiskers quivering with excitement. "You always misplace them so you placed me in charge of it". Making a bow, he turned and bolted.
"Here it is!" He panted holding a scroll up above his head. She took it from him, scanning it briefly before...
"Take a seat".
Silverus, in obedience, hastily climbed into the plush sedan chair opposite her.
"I have been thinking about the threat of a siege and to quell this, we should separate those who are loyal from the rioters, confirm the power of the throne and also organize the people for a counterattack. Do you have any suggestions?" Alia exhaled, eyes boring into those of the cankey's. It was plain she had been thinking very hard. Her very eyes betrayed the exhaustion within her bones.
"My Queen, you normally discuss these matters with the dinning council".
Ah, she knew that but actions had to be taken and their loyalty still remained questionable.
"I know this, but you yourself warned me of Oldin. They need to regain their confidence in me. Whatever way? I don't know how!"
"Very well my Queen, even know I will testify to your recovery!"
She gave him a weary smile.
"Your loyalty is really something isn't it! That's it! I will arrange a public award ceremony rewarding those who have shown great piety in my absence. Do you have an idea of who?"
"That's brilliant your majesty! Oh yes, there is Netly and Elrod oh oh".
"Calm down Silverus". His quaint ways were rather amusing to Alia and she could not help but shake her head with a laugh. "Make a list and schedule the ceremony, the sooner the better! Also make arrangements for a meeting with the council".
"Yes your majesty".