Queen III

As they sat outside Agatha's room, awaiting their fate, Aden, Viktor, and Fenrir wore the physical marks of their defiance – bruises and grazes that bore witness to the clash of ideals within the Academy's hallowed halls. As the other kids emerged from Agatha's room, seemingly unscathed, a brief exchange of glances passed between the trio.

"Did you see the other kids' faces?" Viktor couldn't contain his curiosity, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. The three of them erupted into laughter, finding solace in the shared defiance against the status quo.

But their laughter quickly faded as Agatha's door creaked open, revealing her stern expression. "What did you guys find so amusing?" she demanded, her gaze piercing through their facade of mirth. Viktor fell silent, realizing the weight of their impending consequences.

Aden, with a smirk playing on his lips, muttered, "It was her mother," leaving the three in anticipation of the judgment awaiting them inside.

The queen approached them with a hand raised, creating a momentary tension that hung in the air. Viktor braced himself for any punishment, fully aware that his actions could tarnish his family's esteemed name. As the queen's hand descended, he expected a stern reprimand or a sharp slap to bring him to account.

However, to his surprise, he found himself enveloped in a warm embrace. Viktor's embarrassment soared as he stammered, "Mo-mother, not here," acutely aware of Aden and Fenrir's curious gazes, witnessing this unexpected display of maternal affection in the midst of their shared turmoil. The queen, undeterred by the public setting, held onto her son with a mother's embrace, momentarily providing solace amidst the uncertainty of their consequences.

The queen, ignoring her son's embarrassment, continued to hold Viktor close, her embrace conveying both concern and pride. "Are you alright, Viktor? Did you show them not to mess with my son?" she inquired, her voice a blend of maternal warmth and underlying authority. Viktor, feeling a surge of validation, straightened his posture and affirmed, "Yes, mother."

Seeing this exchange, Aden couldn't help but nudge Fenrir with a knowing smirk, ready to tease Viktor for his mother's protective instincts. However, before they could exchange any words, the queen surprised them both by extending her hand and pulling them into the embrace as well.

In that moment, status and hierarchy melted away as the queen enveloped them in her maternal embrace, offering solace and support to each of them. Despite their differences in background and upbringing, they found themselves united in this unexpected moment of shared warmth and understanding.

Aden and Fenrir, caught in the queen's maternal embrace, exchanged worried glances. Concerned that their presence might tarnish the queen's reputation, Fenrir hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to politely request, "Your Majesty, please, you don't need to concern yourself with someone like me. It might bring unnecessary attention."

However, the queen, undeterred by Fenrir's concerns, continued to hold them close. She responded with a warm smile, "Oh, my dear, in my eyes, you're all just my sons. Status and background don't matter in moments like these."

Her genuine affection was evident, and despite their initial reservations, Aden and Fenrir found themselves accepting the warmth and comfort she offered. The worry of tarnishing her name gradually faded as they embraced the unexpected connection that had formed between them.

"Well, let's eat together again today," the queen said with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine affection as she glanced at her son, Viktor.

Viktor, however, couldn't help but protest. "Mother, not again," he sighed, already anticipating the playful embarrassment he might face in front of his friends. "And what about meeting with Principal Agatha?" he asked, hoping to redirect his mother's attention to the more pressing matters at hand.

But the queen seemed unfazed by his concerns, waving them off with a casual flick of her hand. "Oh, don't worry, my dear Viktor. I'll handle it with grace," she replied, her tone confident and assured, as if she held the power to bend schedules to her will.

As she brought Viktor along for lunch, she stopped and turned her back, calling out to Aden and Fenrir, "What are you guys doing? Come join us." The queen's inviting tone echoed through the hallway, urging Aden and Fenrir to partake in the shared meal.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, the queen turned to Aden and Fenrir, extending an invitation to join them for lunch. "What are you two doing? Come join us," she beckoned, her tone inviting and warm.

As the queen invited Aden and Fenrir to join them for lunch, both hesitated for a moment. The usual social norms dictated a clear distinction between royalty and commoners, and it felt surreal to be treated so casually by the queen herself.

Aden, still grappling with the complexities of the new environment, exchanged a glance with Fenrir, who seemed equally unsure. Nonetheless, drawn by the queen's warm gesture and Viktor's welcoming smile, they decided to accept the invitation.

"Your Majesty, it's an honor, but we don't want to overstep any boundaries," Fenrir said respectfully, trying to convey his gratitude while maintaining a sense of propriety.

The queen, however, dismissed the formality with a wave of her hand. "Nonsense, my dear. Today, we're just a group of friends sharing a meal. No need for titles or formalities."

Viktor, eager to diffuse any tension, chimed in, "Yes, Mother's right. Besides, you both fought bravely back there. We could use some strong companions at our table. We are 'brothers' after all."

Encouraged by Viktor's words and the queen's warmth and insistence, Aden and Fenrir exchanged hesitant nods before joining them.

The queen led Viktor, Aden, and Fenrir to the dining area, where a table had been prepared for lunch. The aroma of various dishes filled the air, enticing their senses. As they took their seats, the queen maintained her cheerful demeanor, seemingly unaffected by the earlier incident.

"Here we are, my sons and honorary son," she said with a playful twinkle in her eye, gesturing for them to dig in. The tension from the earlier confrontation began to dissipate as the queen engaged in light conversation, discussing topics that ranged from the Academy's classes to the latest events in the realm.

Viktor, though still slightly embarrassed by his mother's affectionate display, found solace in the shared laughter and conversation. Aden and Fenrir, initially reserved, gradually opened up to the warmth of the queen's hospitality. The queen, in turn, appreciated the diversity of her newfound 'sons' and the unique bonds forming among them.

The queen's ability to bridge gaps and create harmony left a lasting impression on Aden, Viktor, and Fenrir. Despite the differences in their backgrounds, they began to recognize a common thread of camaraderie and acceptance. Little did they know that this unexpected lunch would mark the beginning of an unlikely friendship that would play a crucial role in the unfolding events.