The Script

My mouth falls open.

"Earlier now? Why so suddenly?" I ask agonized. I hadn't counted on this. Ralph Ralph has decided unilaterally that the mating will take place in three days. After that one afternoon, he came to my apartment, he made no further attempt to see or speak with me. And now he has such a message delivered to me. It is as if my input doesn't matter in all this. Eric looks at me expressionlessly. "The King has decided. If you need any explanation, you will have to ask him for that yourself, my Queen," he adds aloofly.

My heart beats in my chest.

I have been waiting to hear from Jasper for a week and a half. He had promised to come to get me and now there was little time left. What has held him up? Distraught, I stare at the Secretary. "But I'm not ready yet. I need more time," I whispered helplessly. Eric stands up and makes a brief bow to me. "Discuss that with the King, please," he replies briefly and leaves the room, Ivor following behind