I stepped out from the Queen's chambers, still reeling from the realization that the Queen had kissed me and that I was now going to live at court as her concubine. My head was spinning with a mix of confusion and excitement. At first, I didn't even notice Papagalino. He was waiting for me nervously in a far corner behind some columns. There were no guards around, except by the doors to the Queen's chambers. None of them stopped me or said anything.

The castle, from the inside, looked more like a luxurious Baroque palace rather than a cold, medieval European fortress. The opulence of the decor and the warmth of the surroundings felt surreal compared to what I had imagined. My mind was still processing everything: the Queen's proposition, her touch, and the promise of returning home.

I rushed to my so-called servant. Papagalino's eyes widened with concern when he saw me. I must have looked as shaken as I felt.

"You're 'ere... I'm so 'appy. 'Ow are ya?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. When he was nervous he was tend to speak in real cockney slang.

I nodded, trying to steady my thoughts. "Yeah, just... a lot to take in."

"The main thing is you're alive and still got your head on your shoulders," Papagalino said, and I swear his feathers stood on end a bit.

"I think I might faint."

"Let's find you a seat."

"No, let's just go back to our quarters."

"Are you sure?"

"Just please, let's get out of here," I begged.

We began walking down the corridor together. The ornate details on the walls, the intricate tapestries, and the soft glow of the chandeliers above us added to the dreamlike quality of the moment.

"I didn't expect things to turn out this way," I confessed, more to myself than to Papagalino.

"You're safe now," he reassured me, though his voice betrayed his own doubts. "What did the Queen say?"

I hesitated, then replied, "She asked me to be her concubine. And... she kissed me."

Papagalino's eyes widened even more. "That's... wow. And you agreed? Wait... She asked YOU? The Queen is not asking she is ordering."

"She did ask me, and I did agree," I said quietly, my thoughts drifting back to the Queen's touch and the overwhelming blend of emotions I felt. "But I need to figure out how to use this flute to get home. And she promised to help."

"She gave you back the flute?? The one and only? I mean, it's not really my business, and I'm just a servant, so I know nothing about it..." Papagalino gasped.

"I think you know exactly what's going on," I huffed. "Seems like everyone knows about it."

"I just can't believe she gave it to an outlander! What did you say or do to make her not only ask you to be her concubine but also hand over the very Flute and give you a kiss? I don't get it — you must be something special. Maybe you're a sorceress trying to take her place? If so, I'm on your side..."

"Of course you are," I snorted.

Papagalino nodded, though I could see the worry etched in his features.

As we continued down the lavish hallway, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the new reality pressing down on me. This wasn't just an adventure anymore — it was my life. And everything was about to change.

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