"I'm not asking for forgiveness or your trust. I've not earned it." Haze said. 

"Then what do you want from me?" The queen inquired. 

"The chance to earn it. To prove myself to you." She said. 

The Queen simply glared at her over the mug of brew.  "Why should I?" She spat.

"I'm not asking for friendship; but for now maybe we should start by tolerating each other." Haze said in a calm soothing tone. 

After a long moment the queen let out a deep sigh. 

"I suppose I can consider it." 

"That's all I ask.' 

"Fine." Lily replied.

"Thank you, merciful queen." Haze said.

"Don't push it." She warned.

"I'm sorry. I can understand your distrust." Haze told her.

"I appreciate that." Lily responded.

        The empress was more than relieved. She didn't expect to see an instant friendship, but seeing them act civil was a damn good start. It made her feel a little better. Then Haze asked the one question that got her to open up.

"The empress told me you have a child." 

"Yes." She said.

"What's she like?"