The Queen sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Sometimes I feel like I don't even know myself. You make me spill my soul, girl."

"Grandma says it's easier to open up to strangers than to those you've known your whole life. I'm not sure if those are her words or just another cliché from some thirty-year-old TED Talk speaker."

"And this Ted knows a lot?"

"I don't think so," I giggled, realizing she didn't catch the reference. "Just a lot of banal truths that people repeat." I popped something that looked like a shrimp into my mouth. "Mmm, this is delicious!"

"I'm glad you like it."

"Speaking of Papagalino, I'm taking him with me regardless."

"Why? Don't you have servants at home, or do you just like him?" The Queen's gaze turned serious, and she paused with her glass halfway to her lips.

"He saved my life. I don't think I could have managed on my own. I just don't want him to live in a world where he's treated as someone of lower status. Things aren't perfect in my world either, but at least where I live, Papagalino could truly thrive. My parents would definitely help — they'd understand. We'll just need to find him a wig; there's no one like him in my world, but I think he'll figure out what's best for him."

"Why do you think he'd be better off in your world? And why do you believe he's treated poorly here?" the Queen asked.

"He wouldn't lie about something like that. I saw the genuine fear in his eyes."

"Gala, come here," the Queen commanded, calling over a woman with crimson feathers on her head who was assisting at our table. "Gala, tell me, are you happy living in our kingdom?"

"Yes, my lady," Gala said with a bow.

"See," the Queen said, "you have nothing to worry about, Ti."

"Look at her, she's even afraid to meet your gaze. Of course, she'll say everything is wonderful. Even those two ladies, the concubines, they were ready to give up their quarters the moment you asked."

"And you wouldn't?" the Queen challenged.

"Of course not, but not under the threat of death. I'd want to keep them for myself, but I'd be scared and nod along, while inside, I'd feel awful for bending to someone else's will again."

"Is life truly hard for you, aviata?" the Queen asked.

Gala lowered her head even more and remained silent.

"See? She's in a no-win situation. If she says no, she'll contradict me, your guest. If she says yes, she risks incurring your wrath."

"Yes, I can be strict, but I must act for the good of my kingdom! Damn it. I'll handle this, Gala, I promise." The Queen gently patted Gala on the shoulder. "You may go home and rest today. I know how hard you work."

"And the Queen will also give you a raise," I added.

The Queen nodded.

"Everyone is dismissed for the day," she declared.

They left quickly and silently.

I glanced at the flute, still fastened to her dress. "If it's so important, why do you keep it with you?"

"Because it symbolizes hope and power. And right now, we need both," she replied, her expression serious. "But if you can prove you're capable of using it, I might just let you have it. If you truly can wield the flute's power, you might be more important than you realize."

"I have no idea how to use the flute," I said.

"That's not the answer I was expecting," the Queen replied.

"Am I not as interesting to you anymore?" I asked.

The Queen leaned forward across the table, bringing her face closer to mine.

"I believe you can. You managed to use the flute to protect yourself."

"Yes, I did, but I have no idea how. I'm like a young wizard from a fantasy story whose powers just manifested. I even managed to play it, which brought me here from my world, despite everyone always saying I had no musical talent whatsoever."

"Play?" she exclaimed.

"Well, yes... I was shocked myself. I thought you knew how to handle the flute."

The Queen felt silent for a while.

"I want to propose something to you. I'd like you to become my concubine."

"Are you joking?" I asked, incredulous.

"I'm absolutely serious." The Queen leaned back in her chair and took a sip of dark red wine the color of pomegranate. Her cheeks flushed slightly from the alcohol, but with her no longer leaning over the table, I couldn't observe (close enough) her elegant collarbones, neckline, and the hollow between the breasts.

"You could just force me to be your concubine, why proposing?" I pointed out.

"Why would I want obedient girls who only say what I want to hear?"

"I think it's because I can somehow use the magical flute."

"Maybe so. One doesn't exclude the other," she said, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and determination.

"I have conditions."

"Oh, really?" The Queen raised an eyebrow.

"Yes... but first, a few questions, if I may."

"Go ahead, we are negotiating a business proposal after all."

"You—" I mustered the courage and blurted out what had been bothering me, "—did you sleep with your late concubines?"

The Queen swallowed hard, clearly caught off guard. Then she replied, "I did not sleep with my concubines. Not with them..."

"Do you like any of the women who arrived in the carriages today?"

"Possibly..." The Queen smiled. "Why are you pouting? Is there someone among them you don't like?" The Queen's eyes sparkled.

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