Haldir and Inyanga jumped on their chairs at this sudden intrusion.

The wizard servant was from the royal palace. He had folded his hands in front as he stood there. He bowed to them and informed, "The Queen has called you on an urgent basis."

​​

Haldir gritted his teeth out of frustration, which he didn't let manifest the face. His blue veins popped up on the neck. The servant stood there well aware of the awkward situation. He wanted to leave as soon as possible. Inyanga chuckled upon seeing Haldir's clenched jaw.

Although he didn't ask as to why the Queen called, the servant explained, "Victory celebrations are going to take place from tomorrow and the Queen has to talk to you on some critical matter."

"She wants to see me now?" asked Haldir, with a serious expression wondering about the gravity of the situation.

"Yes," the servant replied.

"Okay, thanks," Haldir said as he rose from his chair.

The servant got sucked in the vortex leaving the two of them alone.

Haldir took a deep breath. He didn't like the timing because he was about to ask Inyanga something really crucial but since it was the Queen who had asked him to come personally, he couldn't avoid it either. He looked at Inyanga, who had rested her head on her palm and was smiling. "Can we continue this conversation later? I have to go."

"Sure," she replied with a nod. "Let us both go back," she suggested.

Haldir was happy that she understood him so well. The two of them went back to their rooms, packed their things within a few seconds by waving their hands in the air to cast spells over the belongings and left within five minutes.

Haldir saw Adrianna sitting in the main hall talking to Dmitri.

"Father is insisting that we commemorate the victory in the Werewolf Realm too," he said. He was sprawled on a couch opposite Adrianna looking very exhausted.

"I think he is right, Dmitri. After all, even the werewolves were a part of the war. We deserve this festivity just like anyone else," replied Adrianna.

Dmitri turned his head to look at her. He smiled at the way she thought herself as a werewolf more than being a witch even though she was more of a witch.

Hearing his internal thoughts, Adrianna grinned, "You forget that my wolf is stronger than yours and that I was a werewolf at first."

Dmitri raised his eyebrow. "Now that's a questionable point. I am your Alpha."

Adrianna couldn't hold her laughter. "Now that is condescending."

It was at this time that Haldir appeared.

"My Queen," he bowed.

"Oh! Hello Haldir," Adrianna said with a jerk.

"You summoned me," he informed her.

"Yes," she nodded. She picked a fruit from the tray in front and said, "There is a very important event that you have to attend tomorrow."

---

Yanga had gone back home after the meeting was over. He wasn't there in the house. She was getting worried about him because lately he wouldn't return home for several nights in a row. She knew that he was a talented boy and didn't get a good start in his profession, but she had always told him that wizards live very long, and he was too young to worry about a steady profession. He blamed her for not helping him at all. When Mihr died, it was him who gave her the idea of filling up that post and using her position as a Minister to influence the Queen.

Kenai came pretty late that night. However as soon as he came, Yanga approached him. Kenai looked tired. There were dark circles under his eyes. When he saw his mother, he scoffed and ignored her.

In order to cheer him up, Yanga burst with good news, "I have mentioned your name to Adrianna in regards to the post."

Kenai was about to retire to his bed but he stopped. Without looking at her he said, "That's good. Has she agreed?" There was a contemptuous look in his eyes.

"She said that she would like to take your test," Yanga informed. "Isn't that good? You are one of the ablest wizards in the kingdom," Yanga asked in a voice that wavered a little because she was afraid of his reaction.

Kenai narrowed his eyes and then turned to look at his mother. "What kind of test? And why should I undergo a test? I am much more intelligent than that bloody bitch!" He lashed at her with a flushed face.

Yanga tried to pacify him. "You are definitely more intelligent, Kenai. And that is why you should prove it to her. Most likely, she is going to challenge you in a combat of spells. This is your chance to put her down and show her that you are a pure-blood wizard while she is the filthy one."

Kenai moved his chin up. He straightened feeling better and muttered, "Tomorrow I will show her that she is nothing in front of me."

Yanga smiled and Kenai left.

---

Next day the entire Wizard Kingdom was submerged with festivities. The wizards and witches wore fancy costumes. There was an explosion of colors that could contend with a fairy's garden. There was music in the air, and the festive pulse lifted the emotions of the people as they sang and danced and had fun. It was as if the entire kingdom was in some kind of a heavenly rhythm. They celebrated the victory, they celebrated the Queen. At every corner there were mini stalls where Queen's servants distributed delicious food. The air wafted with a pleasent smell.

It was morning 10AM and Adrianna was getting ready to receive guests. She wore a blue gown that fitted through her waist and fanned out in lovely waves behind her. The gown was comfortable to accommodate her three months pregnancy. The maids fastened the buttons down her back. Her hair was tied in a bun on top of the head and pearl pins bedecked it. Large tear-shaped white pearl earrings were added. She was made to wear a necklace that had so many pearls in it that it seemed as if stars were floating on her skin. When Adrianna was done, she wore a sequined, black velvet cloak and walked out of her chamber, ready to meet the guests.

Dmitri's breath was caught in his throat. That was her prettiest self he'd seen so far. Although in his white, golden-embroidered shirt with black pants, he too was looking dashing.

Enchanted, Dmitri went to her and she curled her hands around his arm. The two of them walked to the main hall where all the distinguished guests were waiting. It included the Ministers and their families.

All of them greeted the King and Queen of the Wizard Kingdom. A silence fell as they bowed. As she walked to the two luxurious high sofas where the two of them were supposed to sit, her eyes went to Yanga and a tall black-haired boy standing right next to her. The two of them immediately bowed to her, but what surprised Adrianna was presence of a fat girl who was standing right next to Kenai. She gave her a smile, which was returned sweetly.

When they were seated, Yanga was the first one to come to her. "This is my son, Kenai and daughter, Lenny."

Adrianna ignored the mother and son and looked at the daughter, "How are you Lenny?"

"Who is she?" Dmitri asked telepathically.

"Lenny was in the same class with me in the academy."

Before Lenny could speak anything, Yanga exclaimed, "Kenai is ready for your test".