Grave Misconception

Ling's brows furrowed. "Sorry for what, Queen Ruby?"

"Everything," Ruby said as she gently dropped his hand back unto his lap and walked over to her chair. She had instructed that Ling be placed at her right hand as they had personal and private matters to discuss.

"The kingdom looks so organized, Ruby- um- Your Majesty…"

Ruby chuckled as she signaled to the servants there that it was time for food to be served. She had been waiting to eat and didn't want the sound of her hungry stomach would make an echo in the room. 

"I can imagine that it needs some getting used to…" she said.

Ling nodded with a small smile on his face. "But I mean it… I was looking around while I was coming in and everything seems in place… and the people are cheerful, happy with themselves, and laughing among each other… you know, the atmosphere of a satisfied kingdom…"

"My people support me, Ling… I feel I'm blessed and my parents are looking out for me somehow."