The gentle rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across Scarlett's room as she lay nestled in the warmth of her bed. Just as she began to drift into a peaceful slumber, she was jolted awake by a strange sensation at the end of her bed.

Blinking groggily, Scarlett's eyes widened in disbelief as she saw none other than the Queen herself perched at the foot of her bed, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Your Majesty?" Scarlett stammered, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

The Queen grinned, her regal demeanor softened by a playful glint. "My dear Scarlett, I couldn't resist the chance to pay you a visit. I hope I haven't disturbed your rest."

Scarlett shook her head, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "Of course not, Aunt Charlotte. It's an honor to have you here."

The Queen reached out, shaking Scarlett's leg gently. "Come now, my child. I have a proposition for you. Join me downstairs for a cup of tea, won't you?"

With a sense of curiosity piqued Scarlett nodded, scrambling out of bed and hastily donning a robe. Scarlett called for her ladies maids and asked them to dress her quickly. As soon as she had her dress on she ran down the stairs following the Queen out of her room and down the grand staircase.

As they settled into the cozy sitting room, the Queen poured them each a cup of tea, her expression serious as she met Scarlett's gaze.

"Scarlett, my dear," the Queen began, her voice low and measured. "I find myself faced with a dilemma. My children have yet to provide me with a suitable heir to the throne, and as time passes, I grow increasingly concerned for the future of our monarchy."

Scarlett listened intently, her mind racing with the implications of the Queen's words. "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"

The Queen sighed, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her burden. "I have decided to take matters into my own hands. I intend to change the law so that I may choose the next king or queen of England myself and I would like to chose you."

Scarlett's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling at the magnitude of the Queen's announcement. "But Aunt Charlotte, why me? Why now?"

The Queen reached out, taking Scarlett's hands in hers with a reassuring squeeze. "Because, my dear, I see in you the same strength, intelligence, and grace that I admired in your mother. She was my dearest friend, and I see her spirit shining brightly within you."

Scarlett's breath caught in her throat, her heart swelling with emotion at the mention of her mother. The Queen's words struck a chord deep within her soul, igniting a sense of pride and determination, unlike anything Scarlett had ever known.

"And so, my child," the Queen continued, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "I want you to be the next queen of England. Will you accept?"