The Queen and James

Even as James was led as a naked prisoner through it he couldn't help but feel in awe of his surroundings at the Palace. It was picture book perfect, looking like something from a Hollywood production of a decadent fantasy world. But this was no fantasy and, try as he might, James could not bring himself to lessen his predicament by complementing the place.

"Call this a Palace? This place is a dump! What a joke you people are!" James sneered cockily despite himself.

"He's been this way since I found him" Jennie lied "So rude and distasteful, especially when it comes to about our Queen and the Royal Wizards!"

"Really? I'd advise him this might be the moment to stop talking like that, unless you feel like being humiliated beyond what you can even imagine!"" the guard warned.

"He's right James" Jennie had apparently decided it would amuse her to taunt James by acting innocent "How you behave to the Queen and her wizards will determine whether they go easy on you or humiliate you beyond anything you could have imagined was possible. I'd hate to see that!" the witch shot James a subtle, triumphant smirk as the guard looked away to open the door and lead the two through to Queen Beatrice.

The throne room was an imposing place indeed and even Jennie seemed a little subdued and nervous as the two were led to the Queen. Queen Beatrice was a beautiful older woman, who gave a stern and humourless impression. She did not seem much impressed with the cocky bravado of the naked prisoner as he was marched towards her. The Queen was flanked not by armed guards as might have been suspected but two elderly gentlemen in blue flowing robes who James took to be the Royal Wizards. Clearly the Queen must have had great faith in their abilities if she trusted them alone to protect her where she sat.

As the pair were brought to stand in front of the Queen she addressed Jennie first "Who are you please, and what is your business here?"

"My name is Jennie Pendleton" the witch curtsied "I found this outsider speaking ill of you and our land!"

"Really?" Queen Beatrice arched her eyebrow and did not look impressed as she turned to James "Who are you and what is your business here?"

James tried everything within his power to say nothing but failed.

"What's it to you, you ugly old hag?"