[ WP ] `` I never thought it would happen ''

Sir Lawrence makes a noise of intrigue. 
 
 `` What did you think would not happen, you majesty?'' Her knight is leaning against the solid oak door, his desiccated frame draped in mail and cloak. Despite lacking flesh or skin, Queen Malvina knows her Captain well. On his macabre face is an expression of bemusement. His liege rolls her viridian eyes at the question, as if it were obvious. 
 
 `` That someone could ever love me. I mean, look at me.'' She gestures down at herself, at her svelte form. She is gowned in a light dress of deep blue silk, with soft slippers on her feet. Her raven hair is done in a braid tied with silver thread. Pearl earrings hang, shining in the well lit study. Her face is one of gentle lines and soft lips. Her ears are quite small, almost pinniped-like in nature. Not surprising considering her heritage. Though Queen Malvina addresses herself in a scornful tone, she is undoubtedly a beautiful woman. That she has lived over a century is meaningless, time has done nothing to age her youthful complexion. She does not look a day older than twenty-one years of age. 
 
 `` I see nothing but a young, charming woman who is loved both by her subjects, and by someone dear to her.'' 
 
 She gestures again at herself, as if pointing out an obvious flaw. `` Look at me Sir Lawrence. I am a monster. Born with tremendous powers, and what have I done with them? I've killed with my gifts.'' 
 
 If Sir Lawrence had eyebrows he would have arched them. `` As I recall, those you killed had murdered your subjects and nearly raped you. I would hardly say that defending yourself makes you evil.'' 
 
 Queen Malvina brushes aside his defense of her actions. In any case, that was over a hundred years ago those events. `` If that does not make me monstrous, surely what I did to my subjects does. Everyday when I look upon you or the staff, I am reminded of my crimes. I accidently cursed you and everyone else in my kingdom with undeath, not even the immortality I cursed upon myself. You can not taste the fruit of your labors, or enjoy a cool glass of water. You can not soak in the warmth of a summer day or a hot cup of cider on a winter's night. You suffer, while I enjoy all the above and more.'' Malvina throws herself into her chair, her face red with shame. `` There's not a punishment severe enough for me.'' 
 
 `` Your majesty, it was an accident. No one holds you to blame, and neither should you.'' 
 
 The pair pause for a moment, thinking of what to say. Finally, the silence being overbearing, Queen Malvina speaks. 
 
 `` Dieter loves me...'' She says quietly. 
 
 `` I know.'' 
 
 This makes her bolt upright in surprise. `` What?! How did you know?'' 
 
 This makes Sir Lawrence burst out laughing, his cheery baritone voice echoing in the study. Nearly bent over with laughter he manages a reply. `` Your majesty. Much as I am the confidant to you, I am the closest thing to a companion to him. He's told me of his feelings for you long ago. And did I not say a year ago he would fall in love with you? The rest aside, it is quite evident what the two of you do so late at night in your private chambers...'' 
 
 Malvina's face burns with embarrassment as she sinks into her chair. `` Is it that obvious?'' She says softly. 
 
 `` Your majesty, the entire castle is aware of what's going on, and they approve. The whole kingdom for that matter.'' Malvina's ears are tinged red now. 
 
 `` The whole kingdom?'' She asks, looking about to die of embarrassment. 
 
 Her knight nods nonchalantly. `` Oh yes. It's the talk of the island. How our just and noble queen is in love with the charming and handsome guest of hers. You really need to make more public appearances with him in tow. They're dying to see more of him and you together.'' 
 
 Malvina sinks even deeper into her chair, trying to disappear it seems. `` Is that so? Well... the Count of Eaton will be hosting a dance in a month. Perhaps I'll attend. If that would please my subjects.'' 
 
 `` It would indeed, your majesty. I'll send notice of your acceptance, along with a guest. I'll think I will let you be your majesty.'' With that, he spins and marches away, into the castle. His queen on the other hand, finishes her wine in a single swallow. 

