A Hero's Bedtime Story.

CHAPTER 15: BOW FOR THE QUEEN

This was it, they were there. The gate would tower above the three. The fate of the world, it was right in front of them. A Monster stood in front of them, unmoving. The monster was a bear-like centaur whose bottom half was very fluffy. He also had a short tail and animal-like ears. His eyes were black with white pupils. "State your purpose- wait. You. You're Nat Arron-. You idiot- Your face is everywhere." Said the monster, unsheathing his sword, pointing it at Nat's throat. Jack would walk out from behind Nat, pushing the sword aside with a single finger. "We request an audience with the Queen, Sammy." A smirk would creep up on Jack's face as Sam's blank expression turned into irritation. Sam would bow and mumble something along the lines of "Sure thing your 'highness'. " he would walk away and the gate would lift. The three would walk in, and Sam would follow behind. The gate would close behind them. "Follow me." Sam would say, finding himself in front of the trio. Jack would snicker, and Rhett would grumble. It hadn't changed much since Nat was last here, there was just less...Lucas. The huge entrance doors used to have "L . D'' in big bold letters on them, now they were replaced with "ROMAN." The mainly blue interior was now a soft pink, reflecting the queen's 'soft' nature. They would walk up a flight of stairs and stop in front of a door. Sam would walk through the door telling them to stay put, leaving the three alone. "You really think she'll listen to us?" asked Rhett, looking quite anxious under his cloak. "If she doesn't, we'll have to make her." Was all Nat could answer. "You mean when she doesn't. She might seem all sweet and angelic, but she's a witch under that facade." Jack would say, clearly pessimistic about the situation. Nat wonders how much of what Jack said about Nikki was true...i mean of course he's just exaggerating, sibling rivalry and all...right? Then again, the women single handedly started a revolution and overthrew a king, taking his place before any blood relatives even got their claim. Stuff like that takes serious wit, power, and knowledge of controlling others. She never seemed to have bad intentions, like she wanted the best for humans and monsters, never favouring one over the other. Sam would step out from the door after a few minutes. "The queen will see you now." He would then let the three in the room, it was the queen's chambers. Why were they meeting in her chambers? There she sat, at a vanity, a woman humming and brushing her long strawberry blonde hair. She would stand up and walk up to the three. Her presence was intimidating as she looked upon them. She was in a long flowy pale pink gown, and the woman stood behind her. The three would bow and Jack would step forward. "Sister- we must spe-" before Jack could finish, he was cut off. "Silence, Jack. I wish to hear from her instead." Nat put her hand on Jack's shoulder, as a way of telling him to back off. Jack did, with a face full of frustration. "Queen Roman, Your grace, we have come to warn you. Lucas Darlling, former king, is launching an attack in order to seize the throne. We have come a long way, I have betrayed my closest friend, in order to insure you and the country's safety." The queen nodded in response, then glanced at Rhett and Jack. "And what of the other two?" she asked, her voice ever so poised and unwavering. "This is Rhett Goldheart and, as you know, Jack Roman." Nat said, nodding at Rhett, who in response removed his hood. "He's come to request equal rights for monsters, and to represent them as a united front with humans. Together, we can change the world, and save millions. I believe you and Jack's issues are more personal." The luminous woman in front of them had a stone cold expression, impossible to read. "Yes, I believe so. You see Ms.Arron, the world is fragile. If you push too much, it'll break. I do want to help the monsters, but I'm afraid that's not an option." What? Of course it was an option. "Not to be in parr, my grace, but aren't you the one who said we were all equal? So why can't you give them equal rights, you certainly have the power to do so." answered Nat, confused ever so slightly. "Because, Ms.Arron, it would be reckless to do so. I'm afraid monsters are a minority, and I must please the majority. Monsters are a threat to my power-" She answered, cut off by Nat. "But your majesty, monsters are you people as-" The queen's face hardened as she beckoned for Nat to 'Silence.' "You are a threat to my power. Sam, seize the girl and her little friend." She said, resulting in Nat pulling her sword out. "Don't touch them-" Jack shouted, in his friend's defence. "Know your place Jack, you are not a real prince." She said, and with that, Jack's head fell as he stood unmoving. Sam threw Rhett over his shoulder and grabbed Nat's arms, her sword clattering as it hit the ground. "Don't listen to her Jack, don't let her in your head!" She shouted, but Jack didn't move, the only thing he said was a low, broken, 'I'm sorry.' They were dragged away, watching as the queen and her waiting lady smirked. (932 words)