Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius

Tony and Happy were studying the hustle and bustle of the city's main stables, which were just outside the city's castle. While Happy enjoying himself, busy muttering about guards and horses and grooms, Tony was still thinking of Pepper, locked up at the inn.

I do not know whether to be angry at her cheek or admire her for it. Hiding in the cart and coming with us... Pepper, you really are a handful. She'll be safe at the inn, until we return from our scouting.

They knocked out two guards who were patrolling the stables and quickly changed into their clothes. This was going to be purely reconnaissance, get in the castle, scout around, see what they were up against and get out. Tony changed into his uniform and chuckled at the sight of Happy struggling to fit into the guard's tight uniform.

Once they were dressed, they sneakily joined a marching guard unit, which luckily, turned out to be the next shift of guards for the palace. They marched through the courtyard and into the castle. The guards moved towards the mess for lunch. Tony and Happy quietly separated themselves from the crowd and headed for the throne room.

"What are we looking for exactly, Sir?" asked Happy.

"We are looking for the lady who is now the queen of this city. I want to see her. I also want to see exactly how many soldiers or guards are in this castle. Now act natural."

Happy whispered as they marched, "I have a question but not about what we are going to do."

Tony sighed, "Let me think, you want to know how I saw through Pepper's disguise."

Happy nodded.

Tony very nonchalantly said, "I have a sixth sense about these things. She is too womanly to pass off as a boy."

The dragon chortled so loudly, that Tony nearly jumped with the sound. Liar, liar, Anthony. Oh my, we must not let Hereald know, that as soon as you came to the table, the smell of lilies and vanilla assailed your senses so thoroughly, that your heart and head told you, Pepper is here. Tsk, tsk, imagine, you could do that through all that grime as well.

The throne room was just up ahead. It was full of courtiers and ladies of the court, who were waiting for the Queen to arrive. Tony nodded to the guardsmen in the room, who nodded in return and left.

Tony whispered to Happy "They think we have come to relieve them. Now you stand on the right, I'll be on the left. Don't panic. Just... be a guard."

They stood at attention and trumpets began to sound. The entire court curtsied or bowed as the Queen stepped in from the far side of the room, where Tony and Happy were standing.

She was a tall, curvaceous brunette with riotous curls, cascading down her back. She was clad in a shoulder-less, tight black tunic, trimmed with gold and a large, blood-red, ruby brooch was pinned on her chest.

Tony stared at her. She seems familiar. The hair, the body... I feel certain I've seen her before but where?

The Queen was too far away for Tony to get a good look at her face. But the way she walked and looked, was giving him a strong sense of deja vu.

Her attendants fanned her as she stretched languorously on the throne, the ruby glittering. The head minister read out the items of the day and Tony watched as the whole room paid complete and utmost attention only to the Queen. They seemed to salivate at her every word and watched her movements with desperate anticipation.

When she sensually took off one of her rings to reward a courtier, the room went wild with excitement, the courtiers climbing over each other, clamoring to reach her hand. She laughed winsomely at them and then snapped her fingers. The noise died down immediately.

He looked at Happy to see if he had noticed the same weird behavior and was shocked. Happy's mouth was open, his eyes were unfocused and he was literally drooling at the Queen. Tony hissed at him but he paid Tony no attention and just kept staring.

Ok, what is going on?

I do not know, Anthony, but there is something strange at work here. Be careful, the dragon whispered.

The Queen stood up, stretched sexily and began to walk with her entourage towards the exit, which Tony and Happy were guarding. Tony snapped to attention, adopting an impassive expression. He surreptitiously stared at the her, as she walked through the parting crowd, trying to understand what was all the fuss about.

She was very fair, with an attractive mole under her pillow-shaped, luscious lips. Her hips swayed seductively as she moved. And her eyes, doe shaped with long, long lashes... Tony began to feel light-headed. The room started to sway. His vision turned blurry.

He began to chant inwardly, like a prayer.

My Queen, my Queen, I would give anything for a chance to kiss your feet. I would be your slave till the end of time. My Queen, I would do anything for you.

He could feel the beginnings of an erection. His heart started to pound with sexual anticipation. He wanted to touch the Queen so badly.

The Queen was doing her rounds, graciously accepting tributes and declarations of loyalty from her kneeling subjects. When she stepped towards a courtier, sunlight streaming from the high windows, reflected off the ruby, turning it a light, strawberry red.

The sparkling jewel penetrated the thick haze of lust in Tony's mind. I've seen that color before on one most fair. The one I love.

The memory came to him. Of a woman looking at him with eyes, deep blue and hair that color. Smiling at him. Dancing with him in the moonlight. The scent of lilies.

Pepper is the queen of my heart. Not this... not this woman.

The thought echoed in his head loudly and he felt as if he had been dunked suddenly into freezing cold water. The room started to shift into focus. His mind was clear now. He looked at the Queen with sharper eyes.

Is she a sorceress? Why did I fade out like that? Has she cast a spell on the court?

The dragon murmured, You couldn't hear me, Tony. Whatever it was, it cut you off from me. There is a dark presence at work here. It is her or in her. I can't make out. She reeks of blood to me.

The Queen finally started to walk towards Happy and Tony. Tony schooled his face into a stoic expression. He looked straight ahead as she came towards the exit. He could feel her staring intently at him. He began to sweat for some reason. The Queen stopped right in front of him. Looking him over impudently. Then she smiled wickedly, exposing small white teeth.

She whispered sideways to one amongst her entourage, still looking at Tony. Then she passed the exit. The room started to clear. Tony made to leave, trying to grab Happy when the courtier came over.

"Our Queen wants to see you right now in her private chambers."

What?

Tony showed no emotion but muttered impassively "What ever for, my lord? I'm just a humble guardsman."

"You fool!", the courtier hissed at him. "You cannot refuse the queen's command!"

This may well be a trap but I cannot rouse further suspicion.

He clicked his heels together and saluted smartly. Then he pulled Happy and they marched to the Queen's room.

I have a bad feeling about this.