Ghruz and Silviana spent the rest of the day visiting various landmarks of the kingdom: a bathhouse, a monument to Titania, and various restaurants. The orc could barely keep up; their mind often focused on the sheer amount of people.

“... and this is the Governess’s office. She is often the one that handles local matters. Ghruz, are you listening?” Silviana asked curtly. Ghruz snapped out of their stupor, and their darting eyes focused on the elf.

“Uh, sorry. I left this world for a bit,” they said sheepishly. Silvana shook her head and smiled.

“It’s okay, you seem overwhelmed. Have you never been to a city before?”

Ghruz shook their head. “My village, at their peak, was about three hundred of us. Mostly kept to ourselves. Unless provoked.” They placed emphasis on the last part, making the elf hesitate for a moment.

“Of course. That should do for today; I presume our lady will want you for dinner.” Silvana offered a sly wink, before turning away. The orc opened their mouth to say something but decided against it, following the elf back to the palace.

The crowds thinned and dispersed to their homes, and windows lit up as people prepared for the evening. Ghruz allowed themselves a deep breath, thankful for the quiet in the moonlit city. Silviana and Ghruz wove through the city streets, quickly made it to the palace, and prepared to part ways.

“Please find your way to the dining hall; I have other matters I need to attend to. If you need anything, please ask.” Silviana smiled warmly.

Ghruz chuckled, “Are you planning on poisoning me again?” Silviana cocked an eyebrow, before cracking into laughter.

“No, I think a blade to your heart while you sleep would be more effective. I don’t want to accidentally make you enjoy your food more than expected again.”

“Careful, I might take that as another challenge,” Ghruz spoke with a deadpan face. SIlviana looked mortified until Ghruz broke into a hearty laugh. Silviana wiped a tear from her eye and giggled.

“Well, my dear orc, I need to arrange for some arriving diplomats. They won’t be happy to learn that our Queen will be leaving in a few days. Please enjoy your dinner with our lady.” Ghruz nodded as Silviana walked off, turning to find their way through the palace.

As per usual, the queen was waiting patiently and the head, greeting Ghurz with a tender grin.

“How did you find my kingdom? It is impressive, no?” Titania inquired.

The orc retorted with a cocky grin. “Too many people, but yes, it’s impressive alright. Everyone seems to love you.” Titania nodded along.

“I see, very good to hear. Did you place the order for your armour?”

“Mhm. Silvi defended me when the human smith called me a pig. I was almost about to threaten the smith.” Ghurz laughed, before a serious look was cast upon their face. “You sure you want me as your bodyguard? The people here still seem to hate me. I think I might have burn marks in my tunic from all the glares I was getting.”

Titania sighed. “I do wish people would get to know you before making judgement. You’ve been nothing but charming and polite. Well, until someone said something horrible to you.”

“I might hit the next idiot that calls me ‘pig’,” Ghruz smirked.

“Please don’t, I wouldn’t want the pavements to be stained red,” the queen giggled. Her silver eyes stared intently at the orc. The orc laughed.

“It’s fine. Orcs are tough, don’t worry. Some of the people here are even tolerable.”

The queen sighed before continuing.

“Anyway, on to business. We will be leaving for Dradinhir in three days. I will have you acquainted with each of my personal regiments. They will respect you; you already proved yourself in my court. It should be a rather boring affair, but with any luck, something interesting will happen.” Titania grinned wickedly. Ghruz felt almost exhausted by her rapid change of emotion.

“Fine. Well, by my honour as an orc, you will return safely. I can fight; just don’t have me speaking to any nobles,” the orc grunted. As they spoke, servants poured in, placing various dishes in front of the queen and her bodyguard.

“Leave us now. We are not to be bothered ‘til we are done.” The queen spoke with complete authority.

The moment everyone left the hall, she let out a loud exhale, and threw her legs over her arm rest.

“Eat to your heart's content, my illustrious bodyguard.” Titania teased. She twirled her finger, and one of the fruit in front of her flew up into the air and landed in her palm. “You’ve got a big week ahead of you.”