Lina tumbled onto the ground, and turned to glare at the doorway that had just slammed shut behind her.
Annoying brat... she muttered ill-temperedly. Suddenly, soft laughter caused her to turn around.
Her eyes widened and she held her breath in astonishment as she saw what lay in the room. There were 2 magnificent thrones, each carved intricately with the most complex of designs and decorated with hundreds of sparkling gems. On each throne sat a person- and these people were perhaps even more magnificent than the chairs they were sitting on. Each of them had long, flowing golden hair, attoped with a crown. The woman seated on the left held a shovel in her right hand; the man seated on the right held a sword in his left. Their presences were both incredibly commanding, and Lina found herself having to resist the strong urge to bow before them.
she greeted, her tone becoming timid under the influence of these magnificent figures.
the king replied, in a tone filled with such warmth and kindness that Lina was immediately put at ease. It was the tone of one who was greeting a friend they had not seen in a long, long time, and Lina could not help but to smile fondly, even though she didn't know either of them.
Are you faring well? the queen asked kindly. It was she who had laughed before. Lina nodded in response.
Where am I? she asked curiously. What are all these rooms?
I am afraid that is something we cannot tell you, the king replied. It is something you will have to find out on your own.
Lina wasn't quite sure how to respond to this.
If you really wish to, you will find out, the queen assured her with a smile. All in due time.
Did you realize that you forgot to close the doors in the other rooms? the king asked.
Lina's face paled.
Oh- oh no! she exclaimed with dread. I'm sorry! I didn't realize-
It's all right, the king interrupted with amusement. If anything, it may prove to be helpful.
Those stubborn children may interact now, the queen informed her kindly. You didn't hurt anything.
Lina replied, relief filling her face as she realized that she hadn't made a mistake after all. The king and queen gazed affectionately at her.
But we do have a favor to ask you, the king said.
Lina looked up at him. A favor?
He nodded.
What is it? she inquired.
We need you to go into one more room, the queen informed her. You need to talk to someone there.
But why can't you? Lina asked curiously, for they seemed to be people who could achieve anything.
We can't do anything for her. This is something only you can achieve.
Only me? Lina asked curiously.
Yes. Will you? the king asked.
Lina nodded with a grin. Sure! No problem!
Both the king and queen glanced at one another and smiled at this remark.
Thank you, the king replied.
The door is over there, the queen informed her, beckoning to a wooden door embedded in the left wall.
Lina walked over to it. Before opening it, however, she turned back to the two.
Do I know you? she asked.
We are always watching you, the king replied, giving her that warm glance again.
One from afar, one right beside you, the queen told her.
Nodding, Lina turned her head back to the door, and walked through.