Chapter 28 – The Queen

The estate of princess Scarlet located on the southwest part of the castle area. Scarlet's estate was a mansion within the area that externally be could be described as extravagant. The estates themselves were from the an accumulation of history of the Packtern Kingdom. The estates themselves were actually multiple mansions with borders that change with the amount of children the King would have.

The current king Wild Gorepelt was satisfied with his first son's performance. His second daughter was also outstanding while his third daughter was young. Though the king Wild has other concubines he had only been able to give birth from his official wife for some reason. The king did not mind this matter since he was sure of all their births and were great children so far. If he had to choose to have elites or dozens of children who were useless, he would choose the former. However other kings before him had other opinions causing for multiple mansions to be set in Scarlet's current estate.

Ender and Millie were both still in awe from the castle and were thrown into a personal mansion. The mansion Scarlet stayed in was designed in a western style and painted in a white color. As they were heading in a maid reported that the back courtyard's dinning area was set for them. Nodding Scarlet lead the way for the group of Scarlet, Sarah, Millie, and Ender.

Walking through the mansion they were able to see more historical artifacts however brief the time was as they cut through. Since the group were going to a designated destination the did not take long wandering since they could do so at a later time. On the outside balcony was table that was set for their dinner. The group was able to see the large back garden that was well taken care of. Large amounts of flowers were elegantly arranged.

The table was set for 5 people which caused the group to be confused. It was at this moment that the head maid of the mansion mentioned that the queen, Ruby Angora, would be arriving soon for dinner. Scarlet was excited yet also nervous due to the Ender and Millie. She knew that she could not hide the matter of Ender's and Millie's 'invitation' which was essentially a kidnapping. The men and other people from the procession would be giving a report the queen eventually.

Millie at this point asked, "Would it be alright if we bathed and changed clothes before the queen arrives. We would not want to meet the queen in our current attire."

Scarlet looked over to realize that Millie and Ender were still wearing commoners clothes. While the two were given clothes by Scarlet on the way here, they were not of royal fashion. Thinking about the upcoming meeting Scarlet wanted to given her mother the best impression so Scarlet readily agreed.

Walking back the mansion Scarlet had a maid for each send them to their designated room to quickly get ready while Scarlet, herself, go try to delay her mother with Sarah. Ender and Millie quickly went to their rooms that were next to each other.

In front of the mansion Scarlet and Sarah were waiting for queen Ruby's arrival. The two did not have to wait long since the estate was not far from the location where Ruby's study was and the reports were prompt. Scarlet waited at the entrance but when she saw queen Ruby she ran over and gave her a hug. Queen reciprocated the hug before pulling her back to have a look at Scarlet. The queen nodded as she could see the usually bored look was now gone.

The queen still spoke of official business first, "How was your time in the Human kingdom? Were you able to deliver the letter that to Prime Minister? There has unrest to the west recently. We don't know the reason but in the past 7 years we have seen more monsters. It is at these times we should be united."

Scarlet nodded, "I have already given the letter to Prime Minister as requested as a representative of the country. They said they will take it into consideration."

The queen sighed, "We do not know if the humans will help us since we look like beasts to certain extent and they are wary of use. The Elven representative will be visiting in couple of months so we can ask the as well if they have seen any disturbances."

With the business finished queen Ruby smiled while asking, "So I heard you brought guests from the human country I heard. Where are they? I do not see them here. I even heard that one was a boy around your age."

Scarlet face grew turned pink as she replied, "They went up to freshen up. Umm mother the way I invited them could not be said to be proper per say…"

The Ruby grew intrigued as she laughed, "Why don't you tell me as we head to the table how you invited them."

…

Above in the rooms that Millie and Ender were getting ready quickly after a quick bathe. The clothes that maids and butler chose for each fit them perfectly. Millie was wearing an auburn-colored dress that fit her well except for her stomach region. Millie's pregnancy was barely starting show but was still not noticeable without vigilant looking. Ender on the other hand had a dark blue suit that seemed to be tailored for him some way or another. Ender exited his room first before waiting for Millie since she seemed to be taking a slightly longer time. When Millie did exited Ender complimented her beauty before the both went to the balcony for their dinner.

On the balcony Scarlet, Ruby, and Sarah was talking. Ender and Millie both bowed slightly while introducing themselves but the queen waved them from bowing, "Please sit. I have already heard that you two could be considered as friends of Millie. I do not care much for social statuses so please rise. Scarlet was just telling me on how she 'invited' you over. You have my apologies regarding my daughter's upbringing."

Millie was the one to interject, "There is no need to apologize. Scarlet saved my life with getting her healer in her procession to help me. Also, It seems like our two children seem to have become friends so this invitation was well received."

Ruby was happy that the two people in front of her did not resent Scarlet. Ruby did note, "But it will be hard to live a life in Packtern as you may know. Even if we are allied there is still conflict between species at the end of the day."

Ender interjected at this moment, "Scarlet said that we will be her guests until we are adjusted so we should be fine for now."

Ruby nodded with Scarlet's decision before smiling, "You two are guests so let us talk over dinner."

While the group of five sat down the servants brought food for them. Sarah who was technically Ruby's subordinate usually ate with Scarlet so she was excused of her usual status. The conversation was mostly towards Millie's and Ender's background. The food they were served was of royal standards such as fine the meat was cut from higher ranked beasts, the bread was soft to he touch, and the desserts in the center was sweet and savory with each bite.

The queen, Ruby, seemed to approve of Ender especially when the story about how they were escaping from the bandits were reached. Ruby could see that Ender would be a strong man if he was given enough time to grow. Towards the end of lunch Ruby noted, "I will also be sending more people to guard your residence."

Ender and Millie were confused from Ruby's declaration. Ruby explained, "This is a precaution to reduce trouble for as long as possible per say. You two will find out eventually be the two men in our family could be said to have short-tempers and single minded. The soldiers are for your protection specifically Ender's."

Slight cold-sweat could be felt on Ender's back as he had a bad feeling of instead of visiting a friend's house he walked into a landmine field.