Queen Bellatrix stared at them.
Serena took a breath, and dipped respectfully with Elara.
"Please excuse us, Queen Bellatrix," Elara said. Both girls turned to leave quickly.
"I asked a question. And you are not dismissed," Bellatrix snapped.
They froze, and turned back to face Queen Bellatrix. Mean or not, she was their queen and they understood. Her tone was sobering.
Serena swallowed, then opened her mouth to speak. But the words never came. She shut it, eyes reddening.
Bellatrix narrowed her eyes, in not a kind way.
Elara squeezed her arm.
"I'm sure you already know, Your Highness," Elara said. "We should be on our way."
"Enlighten me," Queen Bellatrix snapped.
Serena took a breath and tried again, finding her voice.
"Your efforts have paid off." Serena's tone was composed with no malice. She thought she'd say more, but that was the only thing that came out.
Bellatrix's lips twitched, like she was enjoying this.
"Then why do you have a crown on?" she hissed.
