Albion was not as safe as the Queen had intended, but she could not afford to break her promises with her allies. With rebuilding Old Quarter, renovating the shelter and orphanage, as well as reopening the academy in Brightwall, the treasury was beginning to lessen with every decision she seemed to make. Even as she donated her personal wealth, the treasury still maintained a low citizen survival rate of the coming threat. She sighed deeply as Hobson continued on with his disapproval of the book keeping.

"You do understand that if there are not enough funds in the treasury, there will be no one left to appreciate your kind and just rulings, your majesty. Did we really need to renovate the orphanage? Reaver's proposal for a brothel would have brought in an excessive amount of recurring revenue—"

"While that being true, it would also spread crime, disease, and demoralize Albion as if my brother were still King" sighed the Queen.

"Very well. You are the Queen. Besides, I'm sure there will be enough celebratory procreation, once this inevitable threat has been dealt with, to repopulate all of Albion." Hobson looked down at the Queen's schedule, jotting down a few notes.

"Anything else on the schedule today, Hobson?" asked the Queen as she completed her daily calculations of the treasury.

"You have a few new proposals in the throne room, high tea with the nobles from Millfields, and then back in the throne room to settle citizen disputes."

"Honestly Hobson, why can't we get these proposals and disputes in writing so I could just sign off on them at be on my way? These constant public appearances are some what of a bore."

"The public enjoys seeing their Queen face to face, but I shall look into it, your majesty."

By the end of the day, her majesty was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to just relax in the privacy of her bedroom. Of course this was a challenge. Whether it was Hobson scurrying around scheduling her for this or that, her biggest ally, Paige, who kept requesting her to deal with the criminals of Albion, or Reaver constantly arguing the proposals set out before her, the Queen had no personal time for herself.

To get away from Hobson and his schedule, the Queen slipped into her war room and locked the door behind her. As she turned around, Ben Finn smirked at her.

"Hiding from Hobson again, your majesty?"

"Yes." She sighed as she walked away from the door and leaned on the edge of the map table of Albion. "Him and those bloody schedules. If I have to sit through another set of proposals this week, I might just have to shoot him…" she teased. Ben smirked.

"Or you could just fire him, rather than firing at him. But right now you need to take a seat and relax. Then you can decide on what to do about Hobson." Ben escorted the Queen to one of the more comfortable chairs and propped her feet up on an ottoman. She smiled gratefully.

"May I ask why you're in the war room anyways? I don't remember calling a meeting or did Hobson put it on the schedule last minute?" asked the Queen as she took down her bun, letting her brunette hair cascade onto her shoulders.

"Well Paige kicked me out of her secret headquarters again, so I figured you could use a dashingly handsome man to stand guard for you." Ben smiled brightly, standing up straight and looking proud. The Queen chuckled.

"Actually the dashingly handsome bit has already been filled, but feel free to continue with your guard duties."

Both the Queen and Ben jumped at the sound of someone else in the room. They quickly turned to see Reaver standing in the doorway, along with Hobson. The Queen stood up, a little uneasy at how quietly the two had entered.

"What brings you here, Reaver?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Well naturally I came to speak with you, your majesty. I is of a pressing matter."

"I'm not listening to any more proposals or disputes for the rest of the evening. Hobson can find a place for you on the schedule for tomorrow perhaps."

"But your majesty, this is a matter of utter importance and for your ears only. All I ask is to speak with you in private." Reaver sneered as he looked upon Ben, whose hand was hovering over the hilt of his sword. The Queen noticed this and gently touched Ben's arm.

"It's alright Ben. I trust Reaver will be on his best behavior?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.

"Yes of course, your majesty."

Ben looked upon the Queen's brown eyes with concern, but she smiled sweetly. He nodded and took his leave out of the room, grabbing Hobson on the way out.

"What's this about Reaver?" she asked, continuing to cross her arms.

"I've heard a little rumor that the kingdom's treasury is lacking the necessary funds to save all of Albion from certain death. Is this true?" questioned Reaver as he stepped towards the map table and glanced at its fine details.

"When did you start to care about the citizens of Albion? All they are to you are bodies for your factories and money in your pockets."

"While that is entirely true, I have no wish to loose an excessive amount of money because all of my customers, clients, and factory workers are all dead. That is why I have come up with a clever solution to both of our problems." Reaver smirked as he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to the Queen.

"What's this?" she questioned, looking over the envelope and its ornate wax seal.

"In exchange for a healthy donation to the treasury, all I ask is that you join me at my home in Millsfield for the evening. Enjoy my food, my spirits, and my pleasurable company."

"Forgive me, but am I hearing this right? You're willing to replenish the royal treasury as long as I sleep with you? I am not some whore on the streets, Reaver!"

"My dear you took my words out of context. I merely stated that I would like to enjoy one night of your company in its entirety. Whether there will be any encounters of the sexual nature would depend on the mood of the party, though I don't think I could pass up the chance to seduce the Queen of Albion herself."

The Queen scoffed as she tossed the envelope onto the table. "Only you, Reaver, would come in here and make such a hideous offer. I almost feel offended."

"What's so hideous about spending a little quality time with me? Just think, one night with me would not only leave you with an undeniable sense of gratification, but you would have also saved your entire kingdom from utter destruction. But no matter, the choice is yours. The invitation is in the envelope, along with the time I wish for you to arrive. Please dress accordingly, if you do intend on coming. Tatty bye!" With that said, Reaver turned on his heel and headed out the door.