Milenne, the queen.

You have already remarked on my accent, and we can both agree that I have much darker skin then the native people of this land. The terms of our wager certainly do not require me to provide you with any further clues of my identity, but I think it will amuse me to tell you the truth.

I am the Queen of Apollia, Imperatrix of the Three Rivers, Commander of the Emerald Citadel, and the Guardian of the Crown of the Keldan Dynasty.

Why are you laughing?

You are fortunate that my personal guard is not at hand. They do not tolerate those who disrespect their queen. Yes, I do admit that traveling without an armed guard, without a carriage, without the symbols of my reign, without even a more flattering pair of boots, might leave me without any proof that I am who I say. But the truth is that I am traveling incognito, for purposes of my own, and if you care to see me make good on our wager, you will just have to take my word.

Your apology is accepted.

Since I am telling the story, I think it will begin in my bedchambers, in my palace in Apollia. It is night, and as I stand at my window, I can smell the cool air of the sea and hear the bells at the docks. If I look up, I can see the stars of the souls of my ancestors, scattered through the night sky.

I am dressed in a light white robe, sheer enough that it might be made of mist. A jeweled pin holds up my hair, and my feet are bare on the polished stone floor.

Then you tap at my door.

Hmm. We should decide on what your role is in this tale.