My face burned as the Queen's words hung in the air. All eyes were on me — the Black Concubine's curious, Fari's suspicious, and even the aviata servants sneaking glances my way. I felt frozen, my heart racing. I wanted to speak, but my throat felt tight, and no words came out.

Papagalino, sensing my distress, nudged me gently under the table with his foot. I blinked, startled out of my stupor. "I... I didn't say anything special," I finally stammered, feeling foolish.

The Queen's eyes twinkled as she looked at me. "You're being modest, Lady Tibia. You made me think deeply, back on the terrace, about the lives of all my subjects. My father, may he rest in peace, always upheld tradition. I, too, wish to honor them; that is why I have my three loyal concubines here. But some traditions are outdated, especially the mistreatment of my aviata subjects."

She paused, her gaze piercing. "You were the one who dared to point out the flaws of my kingdom to my face. I value that in a person. You may sit."

I slowly lowered myself back into my seat, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. Did my words really matter that much? As I glanced at Papagalino, he gave me a quick nod of encouragement. The Queen's praise felt like a weight and a blessing all at once.

The Queen continued, "My secretaries will draft a series of reforms to address the welfare of the aviata in my kingdom. It's time for change."

I couldn't contain myself. "I'm so glad you're putting an end to racism!" I burst out, forgetting my manners entirely. The room went silent for a moment as my words echoed.

The Queen's smile grew, and there was a playful glint in her eyes. "Me? Oh, no, dear. This is entirely your idea. And you will be the one to see it through."

My eyes widened. "Me? But I —"

"Yes, you," she said firmly. "You've started something important, and now you have a responsibility to finish it."

Fari, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, her voice edged with irritation. "But she's an outlander, a stranger, Your Majesty! How can she manage such a task? It must be someone experienced and noble. And why should we even concern ourselves with the aviata? My Queen, I think we should..."

The Queen's eyes flashed, and her tone turned cold. "Lady Fari, I thought we had settled the matter of proper behavior after last night's... incident." Fari's face paled, and she lowered her eyes, clearly remembering her misstep. The room fell silent, and the tension was palpable.

I swallowed hard and spoke, my voice small. "Lady Fari is actually right. I don't have any experience, or even a proper education for this kind of thing. I don't know where to begin."

The Black Concubine, who had been observing everything quietly, smiled warmly at me. "I will help you, Tibia. If My Queen isn't against my humble idea to join you." Her voice was soft, but there was strength in it.

I felt a wave of relief, "Thank you," I whispered. Having someone like her on my side made the task seem less impossible. The Queen's eyes softened and she nodded in agreement.

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