As morning came Oliver's eyes opened from their slumber as the sound of his door slammed. A guard came in setting a tray down on the chair, now behind the open door.

"Here's your breakfast monster lover." He growled turning and slamming the door shut again.

Despite the guard's harsh words Oliver couldn't help but think back to his father, Darcy. He remembered lessons and teachings from his younger years. That even when those around you might choose to lash out that you still have a choice in how you are going to behave. He wasn't sure why that popped into his head all of a sudden, but he took it as a sign. He was going to choose to be the same kind person he always was. Even if he was locked in a jail cell for simply being friends with Slime.

"Thanks!"

Hours passed and Oliver could tell it was midday, or sometime around midday anyway. Now that he was awake he noticed the sound of faint foot steps approaching. The slowly grew louder with each step until finally the door unlocked and in came the Captain, Cedric, again.

"Morning lad." His voice boomed in a low tone. His stare turning down to see the boy at the edge of his bed.

"Good morning." He smiled while his legs swung forward and backwards.

"My guards 'ave returned from their investigations."

If Oliver was a cat his ears may have flicked in interest at this comment. Instead, he turned his head to the side.

"Oh?"

Cedric swung the chain from beside the door closer to Oliver's bed. The wood groaned and creaked as the man took a seat. The legs bowed slightly.

"Aye. Turns out most had nothin' to report."

Oliver nodded.

"We really did just pop out into Derelict's shop and then came into to town to look around."

The captain planted his elbow into his knee, leaning forward to rest his bearded chin in against his rest.

"You've mentioned that. You understand why we're suspicous I trust?"

The boy frowned turning his palms up giving the man a shrug as he shook his head.

"Not really."

His eyes widened at this reply. "Are you from here lad?"

"From this city?" He shook his head. "No, this is the first I've ever been here."

"Ah, no, I meant do you hail from these same lands. The Kingdom of Zophia?"

He just shook his head again. Aside from his life with his father, Oliver knew very little of the world, let alone any kingdoms that might inhabit it.

"I'm not sure I guess."

Cedric's brow wrinkled and he narrowed his stare at the boy.

"What do you mean?"

He met the man's gaze as he thought. About his life with Darcy. The hum drum of the warm summers. How his father suddenly left one day and hadn't returned. His trip through the forest and the underground channel.

As Oliver looked at him in thought it occurred to Cedric he may be giving off an unapproachable aura. Creaking came from the chair as the man shifted positions in his seat followed by some grumblings and throat clearing.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Let's 'ave an easy one. W'at were youse shoppin' for in town?" Cedric placed his hands on his lap waiting for his reply.

"Hmm? Oh, well we were buying supplies for the road. I didn't make it very far before this enchanting scent filled the air. Next thing I knew my nose had brought me to the shop Derelict had mentioned. Saffron's Bakery."

Cedric nodded along. He knew this from the knights reports he received last night.

Oliver went on with the more specific details of his time in the city right up to when they were detained and thrown in the dungeons.

"And that's how we got here."

"You ran out the shop and we're then told you'd be taken."

Oliver nodded.

"But w'at did Slime do before you came onto the street?"

"I don't know. I heard the commotion and came out to guards trying to pick him up and take him away."

Cedric nodded as the story has stayed consistent with Oliver's multiple retellings and what the guards were able to find out as well as his own recollection of events.

"Right, well you've stuck to the same tune. I spose that's somethin'. All right, come with me." He put the chair back, opening the door and then motioning for him to come with.

"Okay. Oh, where is Slime?" The cell door thudded behind them as they turned down the hall away from the cell.

Suddenly the gentle thudding of glass began and Cedric pointed to the bottle on his hip.

"Oh, there you are! Are you okay?" He leaned over trying to look at his friend as the bottle swayed back and forth as Cedric walked. Slime had extended his body to fill most of the body in an attempt to lessen how much the bottle jostled him around. As apposed to yesterday when he clanked and bumped and rolled around his glass prison. Bubbles started popping from his head and Oliver let out a chuckle.

"I guess not. Did you remember to feed him?" A scoff escaped a nearby guard as the pair approached a stairwell.

"No kid, of course not. He don't have extra humans sitting around to feed your monster pet!" His voice was angry as he borderline shouted at Oliver.

"Slime doesn't eat people!"

"Yeah right!" He barked back. Cedric gave the two a watchful side eye as the exchange occurred. Keeping mindful of what the boy had to say on the topic.

"Enough." Cedric barked. The guard returned to formation softly apologizing. They proceed up the stairs back into the main hallway of the castle.

"We are about to address the queen 'erself." Cedric knelt down to make eye contact with Oliver.

"Be respectful, mind yer manners and tell 'er your story. Hmm?"

Oliver nodded. He let out a grown as he rose back to his feet and the two made their way to the audience chamber. Oliver meanwhile had his attention pulled in every direction as they made their way there. From servants carrying towels, or trays, to knights training in a courtyard of dirt. They passed an open window that had a large secluded garden with a small fountain in the middle of it. Sun flooded into the halls and room where allowed by openings and eventually they finally approached an arched double door. Dark metal adorned the door for hinges, handles, and fittings. A pair of servants reached out and opened the door after Cedric said something to the pair. The doors opened reveling a round room with bright light pouring in from the roof above. It filled the center of the room with light and beyond on the other side of the room, A top a small set of rugged stairs were a set of thrones. One tall ornate in jewels, cloth, and flowers. The other about half as tall and fitted with intricate metal designs. In the tall throne sat the shadowy figure of a person, but from light didn't flow upon those thrones. The figure covered in shadow from the ceiling where light did not shine motioned for the pair to come forth. Cedric gave a small motion for him to walk with him as they stepped into the center of the room. As soon as they entered the light Oliver recognized it as the heat from the sun. Through squinted eyes he looked above seeing the sun high in the blue sky.

"Oh wow!" He said in reaction.

Had Oliver been paying attention to Cedric he would have realized that he had stopped in front of him. Since his attention was focused on the skies above he instead walked straight into the man. His chin slamming into the back of his metal armour and the shock knocking him backwards onto the floor.

"Ow! Cedric what'd you do that for?" He groaned rubbing his chin.

"Me?" He pointed a finger at his chest in surprise.

"Yeah you, why'd you knock me over."

Cedric scoffed. "Oi lad, if you were nae day dreamin' you'd 'ave seen I stopped."

"There's a massive hole in the ceiling. How could I not notice. Wait, how did you not notice?"

"I know there's a 'ole in the ceiling!"

"It's actually called a skylight." A soft voice replied.

"Aye, I know that too. I was just sayin' to the boy…" Cedric suddenly stopped talking as he turned to the figure. Now realizing who had replied to him. He choked and quickly recomposed himself.

"Apologies youer majesty!" He replied. She raised her hand to mouth and let out a soft chuckle.

"That's completely fine. And who have you brought before me today Cedric?"

"This is one Oliver. A boy claimin' to be from a forest and is accused of conspiring with munstuh kind in order to usurper your throne, your grace."

Her eyes widened.

"That's quite the statement." Her voice was flat as she looked down on the boy.