The queen asked quite a bit, and by the end, was rubbing her temples. You could see you had stressed her, but you couldn't do anything about it. You didn't know what to do.

She sighed, and asked you another question. "So, they what?"

You slouched, sighing. You really didn't know how to put it. "They basically killed themselves? I really don't know. I just remember eavesdropping my mother telling the butler to light all the tapestries on fire at midnight. I made myself stay up until midnight, and sure enough, the entire house was in flames before five minutes had passed. I ran out before he locked the door. But the rest of my family died."

"And you're sure of this?"

"Yes. I sat there and watched, waiting for them to find a way out. None of them did. They all burned."

"Okay." She paused for a moment, then stopped rubbing her temples. "I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

"For making you relieve all of this. You look rather shaken, I'm sorry. But, you can put it all behind you. I know what I needed to know now."

"Ah. Okay."

"Now. A final question, not about your past."

You were skeptical, but went along with it. "Okay?"

She took a deep breath. "I know you don't want to kill me, I can tell you harbor no resentment. I also know you are very skilled, and as such, I would like to ask you a question. How would you like to work here?"

"W-What?! Me? No way! Trust me, you don't want me here! You'd be making a mistake!" Your mind was in denial, trying to deter her. You didn't think you would be of much use.

"Hahaha! Don't worry Y/N. I know what I'm doing, and I'm sure I want you here. So, will you?"

"I-I... Well..." You were at a complete loss. You wanted this, and it would mean you got to see Grey more often, you just weren't sure. You were still completely torn, and leaning toward no, when a certain part of you took over. "Yes."

What the hell!?!?! Seriously?! You were just about to say no! And all of a sudden that stupid girl side has to take over and go 'I wanna stay with the earl!' Seriously!! What the fuck!

I ignored the anger in my head, and realized I made the right choice.

"Good." The queen looked genuinely relieved. "Thank you. But, I'm afraid I have something to tell you."

"Oh. What?" Oh god... what is this?

"If you're going to work here, I want you to be able to use a sword. Not only knives. I'm not saying you can't have them. Keep them on you! I just would like it if you had a sword as well. Is that all right?"

"Oh! Of course. I don't mind. I'm a quick learner when it comes to weapons anyway." You gave her a small smile. And again, she looked relieved.

"Well then. Grey, I suppose you wouldn't mind teaching her? You are an expert after all."

Grey looked more than thrilled. "Of course! I wouldn't mind one bit!" He smiled at her, and she returned.

"Thank you, both of you. Also, Y/N, you won't have to come in until your comfortable with the sword. Earl, you won't mind her staying here?"

"Of course not!"

She looked at you, "O-Oh. I don't mind."

She smiled and laughed, "Of course not."

As the earl went to leave, and you with him, she called you back. "Ah, Y/N. Would you stay a moment?"

"Huh? Oh, sure." You were, for the millionth time, confused.

The earl left, closing the door behind him. The queen promptly began laughing in a most unladylike manner. Her laughter filled the room, and you were tempted to ask if she was okay. After a few minutes, she wiped the tears from her eyes, and looked you straight in your E/C ones.

"You two..." she giggled a bit more, then calmed again. "You, are the most adorable, and hilarious couple I've ever seen in my life!" Then burst into laughter again.

Your face was red, and you immediately began denial. "What?! W-We're not a c-couple!"

"Oh?" She looked up. "You're telling me you don't like him? Cause he's pretty obviously in love with you!" She giggled again, trying hard to keep it in.

"Well... um... n-no.. I wasn't say- I just- I mean- ugh!" You flopped into the chair, trying to regain your thoughts. They were all a swirling mess at the moment.

"Alright. Let me ask some definite questions."

You looked at her, exasperated, and slightly scared of what was to come. "Okay?" Your voice trembled slightly.

"Do you love him?" She was dead serious, and looking straight at you.

"W-What?! How can you- I mean I- don't just ask that!" She giggled again, with how red you were, and how you reacted, she could tell what the answer was.

"So yes? Oh my god that's adorable!" I guess even the queen has a girlish side. "Alright, so you two had to share a room? You slept in the same bed right?" She was looking with hungry eyes. Like a teenage girl eager for the latest gossip on noble love.

You sighed, and looked down at the floor. "Yeah."

The queen squealed. Actaully squealed. What the fuck? I didn't think she could actaully do that.

She took several deep breaths. Then asked a question that made me yell. "Did you two kiss?"

"WHAT?!" You calmed, and lowered your voice. "No! Don't even say that! That's-" You stopped. Unsure of how to describe your mixed feelings. One part of you wanted to shove it as far away as possible. Another part just hated the earl. Another part wanted it to happen, but not really. It just wanted to fantasize. Then, one, tiny part, wanted to happen. Actually wished that it would, and that you could sleep in the same room every night. It wished that he would hold you, and you could simply enjoy his warmth. A tiny part. Very tiny.

AND LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY!!

Every other part wanted death to that part.

"It's? What, ridiculous? Unwanted? Or is it that you really want it, and you're too scared?" The queen had a huge smirk on her face. You let your head fall into your hands.

"Yeah."