AN: Matthew is not Alfred's twin. He is older by at least five years.

He felt a stinging pain on his cheek. The spell was stronger, almost as if he truly had been slapped himself. The Queen was here. He whispered a spell, a soothing spell that would envelop his queen. The pain faded back to a dull pain as the Queen had fallen asleep. A protection spell was whispered and it took.

"Start bringing in the nobles, the priests and priestesses, the squires, and more tea." Arthur drawled, his voice deceptively calm. Yao tried to hide the small wince at the tone. There was no doubt that the Duchess was going to die. The tea was delivered by the Paladin. He was distracted, as if he was needed somewhere else. Several of the paladins were sharing looks, all were concerned. Arthur knew that if they could, they would have given the Queen to him immediately but there was a curse on each paladin that would make impossible unless he asked the correct question.

"This is a special blend that helps my-*a gasp of air as the curse activated*- that can be used to soothe headaches for magic users. It may also help with old training injuries." Matthew spoke softly before the Duchess called him over.

"Get your mother some wine. The elderberry one from the year of that thing's birthday. If I have to sit here for the next week without any, I will make sure you'll loose your precious pet." Esmeralda barked while waving him away. He sighed and excused himself. Yao had signaled to his best assassin to follow.

"I was unaware that you have pets here, Esmeralda. It could cause quite the uproar as pets are known to desecrate temples. Why don't we have your son bring his pet here?" The casual tone had lowered her guard but not enough to get her to agree.

"I'm afraid that is impossible. We keep the poor thing in a cage. I did try to train it but it just wouldn't stop being so loud. My dearly departed husband had asked Matthew to care for it after the 12th time I had tried to drown it." The flippant statement brought back a memory of phantom water filling his lungs. He desperately prayed that he was wrong. Unfortunately, looking at the paladins, he really fucking hated it when he was right. At that moment, Matthew returned with a bottle and a grandiose goblet.

"The King wishes to see your little pet. Luckily for us, it died last night. Matthew, go grieve in your rooms." Esmerelda ordered. Matthew shook his head, pleadingly. "We can always get a new one, isn't that right? Perhaps we'll keep the new one outside next time."

Her laugh sent shivers down everyone's spines. Matthew obediently turned and started to leave the room once more when Arthur spoke. A plan had formed as a way to keep him in the room.

"You may depart but a spy must accompany you wherever you go. The same can be said about the head butler, maid, cook, gardener, etc." He hid his smirk with the tea cup. Esmeralda had to take a giant gulp of wine before draining the goblet and pouring even more. Her grip was so tight, the metal was creaking.

"Never mind, my dearest son. I should be with you as you are grieving. Come and sit by your mother." Her tone was so sickeningly sweet, it was poisonous. Matthew was being threatened. The last of the puzzle pieces snapped into place. The picture was stunningly clear. He opened the book once more, looking for a second child of the Duchess. He found the name was blurred but there. His Queen was her son. Her youngest son that was never introduced to society.

"Paladin Commander and Duke Matthew Williams-Jones, by all the powers vested in me as the King of Spadia, I command you to bring your younger brother here once he has been bathed, clothed, and be very careful with my Queen." Arthur didn't look away from Esmerelda's eyes. He heard sighs of relief from the paladins as Matthew and about four others ran to do his bidding, smiling as they went. Arthur was glad that his Queen would soon be brought to him.

"Esmeralda, for your crimes and your traitorous actions, I will be stripping you of all your possessions, your name, your titles, your magic, and all the lands under your protection will be put to death if I ever hear word that you have escaped and they are sheltering you. Yao, take it to the modern castle and lock it in the special cell we discussed."

Arthur was not in a good mood but wanted to spare his Queen the pain of seeing that evil, vile woman ever again. She screamed threats and curses before madly laughing at her own statement: "I won in the END!! ThAt Th!ng is BrOkeN!!!!~~~"

She was carted out, paladins ensuring that she could not escape. He settled himself back down on the comfortable chair and pulled out a book on how different Queens had ruled and was speaking with Yao, his Jack, on what path they should plan to begin as they waited for the new Duke of the Sacred Rose to return. There was no need to rush, as it might cause more problems for his Queen.