I woke up to a curious maid’s eyes as she was serving a glass of water.

- “Mister…Von? ...Morning audience…Ready.” - Is as much as I managed to understand. She did say more, of course, but I was just beginning to learn. Even if it’s easier when you are fully immersed, there are words I always seem to forget - even from English. Haha. Byelingual.

Like the previous day, Mizuen came to my aid. I needed to be dressed extra formal that day, you see; I was to be presented to the court at noon.

I didn’t even feel like I was actually there yet, not quite. But remember. Just a deep breath. Take it easy.

I decided to skip breakfast, both because of the nerves and to avoid getting these fancy clothes dirty. I sat in the bed moving my legs and playing with the bed sheets a bit, my only company being the maid who woke me up, as she had to clean the room. I got up to help, but she saw how restless I was, so she just patted my head and smiled. Back to bed, I guess.

A knock woke me up from the eternal slumber of nervous sitting.

- “It’s almost time, so please follow me.”

Mizuen was, to say, well dressed. But that wasn’t the important part, I tell you. The thing that shook me was that he had pulled his hair back from his face. A clean ponytail. I could finally see his eyes-

- “…Do I look weird?” – He asked, already lifting his arms, as if to try to untie his hair.

Not at all! I stopped his arm, before saying anything, and fixed his bowtie.

- “Not at all. I was just surprised; it's the first time I see your eyes.” – He smiled a little bit after clearing his throat. To see him nervous too calmed me down.

- “I’m glad they found a good outfit for you. You are so thin and small that it was a bit hard to tailor something fancier than yesterday’s change this quickly.”

Was I? I’ll admit I’m a bit underweight, but still. Tho I did find they could only give me a camisole for pajamas, so. I ignored the change of topic and fixed my hair a bit. That done, we headed towards the throne room.

Sun high in the sky, the ceilings illuminating the corners of the room, rays of light reflecting over the court members. Proud silhouettes of nobles and academics, in two formal rows across the hall. Standing in their shadow, I felt their sight of clear solemnity directed at me. I swallowed my nerves under their judgement.

Arsamira and Daien were already in front of the throne, waiting for me. Forced to wait there to show their crimes, I thought to myself, like puppies who were caught making a mess. Now together, we waited for the queen.

Her Majesty arrived.

Graceful and determined, each step full of dignity. Mighty, unreachable, a vision of an otherworldly beauty. The petals of her white dress painted, once again, by the rainbows of the stained glass above her throne. There, she sat in front of us, the fairest of the lilies.

- “Good morning, dignified members of the court.” – We bowed to her, Mizuen whispering to translate her words. He struggled, but I managed to get a grasp of her regality; I shall write her prose as he intended to do. – “I’m glad to see everyone was able to make it in time. Without further ado, let us start.”

We had to stay bowing while the court stood up, the queen explaining what had happened, how I got here, and what they had decided. Their eyes turned to me again, some curious, some, kind of annoyed, and some actually seemed happy. Unexpected to me, with a gesture from the queen, they approached us.

- “This is Duke Meilar, who reigns over the territory of Miler, in the west. And this is Treasurer Sheqipi, they take care of finances. This is-” - And so it went on and on, until I was introduced to everyone. Handshakes, cold smiles, someone touching my hair. Judgmental eyes. I didn’t keep tab of everyone, just holding on to Mizuen as I zoned out of reality. Before I got back to my senses, the queen apparently called upon them to settle down. I felt Daien’s hand on my shoulder, securing me. Did I look sick? They seemed concerned… But I felt like I kept myself together pretty well.

- “I’ll keep this short. Mister Von has acceded to aid us in the war, yet we haven’t asked for details regarding how, as he just arrived in our world, and we didn’t want to overwhelm him with requests after he was so kind to agree. If you have any questions, lay them now. I hope you understand that I won’t accept any defiance regarding my choice to trust him, nor address the topic of my son’s irresponsibility, as that has already been settled. Yes?”

Murmur and silence. The court members looked at each other like questioning their own ideas. But one took a step forward.

- “If you allow me, Your Majesty.” – He was a tall, well-built man with long hair of a rose gold gleam. I think he was presented to me as Count Latrei, who was currently the second Court Mage. The queen nodded. – “I can’t help but disagree, even if you tell me not to bother. I understand our fondness of Mister Io, but we can’t put all our hopes in a…” – a hesitation; Mizuen took a few seconds – “…look alike.”

- “You misunderstand, Count. We are not placing all our hope in mister Von. He’s aiding us despite being kidnapped from his home; I do not wish to make his stay more difficult. Do not think of him as a hero, nor a replacement of Mister Io. So do not refer to him as such. Have I made myself clear?”

- “Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize for my rudeness.”

- “If there aren’t any more questions, I will call this meeting off. I don’t wish to keep taking from your time unnecessarily. We will reconvene after lunch to appraise the damages of the war. In addition, I’ll call for another meeting in 5 days’ time, for by that time the informants from Zeliram will have already arrived. As always, if there is anything you need during your stay...” - she took a pause to look at me - “...feel free to talk to my advisor.”

After she left the room, the court following her, Arsamira was the first to call my name. He approached, but the events went a bit too fast for me, so I was still… spacing out. He pinched my cheek, trying to wake me up. By the time I felt pain, we were already moving.

Though gone, the court had left their sights on me. I could feel their expectations. I felt heavy. It was a fear I hadn’t felt in a while. The fear of having to decide, the fear of confrontation and moving forward. I felt glad I skipped breakfast. I held myself in a hug, while Daien’s blurry, white silhouette guided me outside the throne room and helped me sit down in a corner.

It was alright, I said to myself. It was all okay. A glass of water later, I finally could talk.

- “…Sorry. I don’t do well with important people.”

- “Is alright, can you stand? I was worried it was because you did not had breakfast…”

- “It’s fine. I don’t think I can eat yet but…I’d like some fresh air.”

Daien didn’t let go of me as we headed to the gardens, guiding me through each step. Even when I was clearly better. It was a bit embarrassing, but I thanked her wholeheartedly.

As you would expect from the gardens of such a castle, there was a maze of flowers and bushes, lush and bright; shadows cast from plants tied together in arches of blossoming buds; a fountain reflecting the sun’s rays, rainbows forming under its flow. A beautiful sight altogether, we rested next to its core, watching the butterflies and bees flutter around. I played with the water in the fountain’s basin, fiddling with the ripples of the fallen drops.

As if fearing I would disappear, Arsamira held my arm. His furrowed eyebrows contrasted with his soft smile.

- “I’m sorry for causing a ruckus. I didn’t mean to scare you.” – I said, looking down. Mizuen was glad to translate, his gentle tone reassuring them. All I got in return was more petting and some candy from Daien.

I thanked them silently for not questioning my weakness, but I understood too. It would be too much for their guilt to also blame me for the weight they put on my shoulders.

I let the breeze blow time away.