I did not know how Arkin expected me to keep meeting him despite the Queen’s orders but there was nothing I could say or do to dissuade him. He was adamant to go against her, which forced me to do the same even though I wanted to remain in her good graces. After our combat lesson, Arkin ordered me to return to my chambers and warned me never to go against him. Should I do so, then he would not hesitate to punish me in the worst of ways. I really did not wish to be punished by him but I didn’t want the Queen to execute me either. However, the only thing that was bringing me some peace of mind was Arkin’s reassurance that he wouldn’t let his Mother execute me. I wondered if the King was in agreement with his wife. Of course he would be, otherwise the Queen wouldn’t come here and threaten

