11 Ballroom party (3)

"If you are done conversing, kindly excuse us. There are things Miss Meilleure and I must discuss." Quince said.

Uncle Smith chuckled at Quince's statement. This brat sure is stingy, keeping such delightful company away from him. While it was true that Quince had things he wanted to talk to Queen about, another reason why he is trying to distance Queen from his uncle is purely due to instinct. A sense of self preservation warned him to let these two evil-doers stay away from each other. The farther the better.

"See you around Uncle." Queen wave goodbye with a sweet smile.

"Do pay this old man a visit Queen. I'm sure we'll have endless topics to talk about." Uncle Smith said with a mischievous smile. Queen immediately understood the meaning behind that smile before flashing a similar smile back at him.

Quince didn't allow them to say anything more before escorting Queen to a quiet corner where they could talk.

Queen looked up at him before saying, "Why the hurry Master Quince? Your uncle is truly a delightful company, unlike someone here."

Quince gave her his signature non expression before saying, "As delightful as he is, there are things we must talk about Miss Meilleure."

"Indeed Master Quince?" Queen quirked one of her brows up in mock surprise, simply to annoy him.

Quince paid no heed to her gesture before continuing,"It seems my uncle knows your family, so your character is most likely credible to a certain extent. However, that does not excuse your prior behavior. I no longer consider you as the culprit but that doesn't mean that I won't toss you to the police if you lose out bet."

"My, how terrifying Master Quince! But if my character and background is credible, on what grounds do you intend to throw me in jail?" Queen asked, her eyes shining with amusement.

"Attempting to wreck havoc, causing psychological pain and emotional trauma." Quince deadpanned.

"Psychological pain and...what?!" Queen half yelled the words out. Luckily they were in a corner so no one paid any attention to them. 'You smelly cat!!! What psychological pain, throughout our interaction you only had that non expression on your face ok?!'

"Is that accusation even legal?!" Queen rolled her eyes at how ridiculous he's being.

"Lose the bet and you'll see whether it can be done." Quince replied nonchalantly.

Queen sighed before crossing her arms. "So what do you want to talk about?"

Quince narrowed his eyes before saying, "Have you forgotten the purpose of being here?"

"Hmmm aren't we just here to enjoy the party?" Queen asked with an innocent look on her face.

Quince merely gave her an icy stare. She simply stared right back. It somehow became a silent staring contest between them. He with his icy ones and she with her wide innocent ones.

Finally Quince said, "Perhaps I should lock you up until we reach the shore after all."

"You are no fun at all Master Quince. Wait a while more, the clues will come soon." A mysterious glint flashed within Queen's eyes immediately intriguing Quince.

"Oh there it is." Queen said as she turned her head to the direction on her right.