Going to Meet the Queen

"Since you found the outsider, would one of you like to accompany me to explain to Queen Beatrice the manner upon which you came upon him. You'll get a front row seat for the humiliation which also means you can make requests, of course. I can only take one of you, I'm afraid!"

James desperately hoped it would be Edwin who accompanied him and the guard when he was presented to the Queen. The wizard at least seemed fair, while Jennie would likely go out of her way to make his situation even worse.

"Ooh, I'd love to meet the Queen!" Jennie enthused "And I've always dreamed about being front row for a humiliation. I have so many ideas for punishment requests!

"I have more pressing matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave" Edwin added amiably.

James' heart sank. Edwin was the only person who knew about the spell of rudeness and cockiness Jennie had placed on him who might have spoken up about it. James couldn't and Jennie wouldn't which meant he had very little hope of avoiding antagonising the Queen and her wizards.

"Would you like to lead him?" the guard asked.

"Oh, yes please!" Jenny beamed, clapping her hands in excitement. The guard made James stand in place as he had his hands tied together and a collar placed around his neck to which was attached a lead.

"You people are so backwards!" James mocked despite his inner fear. Jenny took his lead and gave it a tug.

"Come on James, we're going to meet the Queen!"