The Queen.

Chapter 2: A Friend from Parthenai.

Chapter 2: A Friend from Parthenai.

    “I could really feel the tension earlier, it was so nerve-racking,” Miss Semera blabbered as she was pouring some afternoon tea on the cup of Queen Elysse.

    Elysse just listened to her as she was taking a sip of her tea. After the Parliamentary Assembly they walked to her study room, she dismisses her entourage and requested for a tea. Few minutes later Duke Mavel joined them.

    “Some tea, Sir Mavel?” Semera offered a cup.

    “Yes, please,” he took it from her and said to the Queen, “You handled yourself well, though I was expecting something more.”

    “Like what?” asked by Semera.

    “Some action, more deadly punishments,” he teased but he knew she’s not that reckless.

    “If I were a merciless person, I’ve already done that before,” the Queen deadpanned.

    He chuckled, “Your Father might have done that.”    

    “I’m sure he will, unfortunately they got him killed first before he could do it,” she muttered.

    Mavel’s smile left his face, he shouldn’t have bring it up. The late King Doran left a huge responsibility to Elysse – a responsibility that she have no choice but to take. King Doran doesn’t have a close relationship with his children, not just because of work but because he’s just that type of man. A cold man like him doesn’t know how to show fatherly affection towards his children but he cares for them. He’s not strict to things they wanted to do and sometimes, in very rare and surprising occasions, he acts like a father to them in a very subtle way.

    Elysse knew that even if she grew without being shown a fatherly affection by her Father, she knew he loves her, she knew he cares. Though she it was a big mystery on why he gave the throne to her. If she doesn’t experienced a fatherly affection, it was also the same on her Mother. It’s not that Queen Athelia maltreated her but she treats her differently especially compared to Jonathas. Although she did some motherly activities when she was a child like combing her hair, teaching her some stuff, dressing her up, smiling at her, however, you could sense something is different. Her actions were like insincere obligation – she could feel nothing were genuine. And when she grew up into a lady, especially right now that she’s on the throne her treatment to her became more distant and Elysse was now sure that Mother doesn’t like her. The Queen Dowager is one of her biggest threat on the throne.

    Jonathas, on the other hand, was the only person that she could say that treated her as a family. When he was born, just few ages apart from her, everyone already declared that he will be the next in the throne – he was taught how to be a King for preparation for his coronation. In a very young age he was placed in too much pressure but Elysse treated him like every normal sister would do like play with him, do activities that would enjoy his youth and sometimes helping him out on his training – relieving any burden that was loaded to him. Jonathas was fond of her, he follows her around when they were a kid, he’s a sweet kid and he really appreciate everything his sister would do.

    “About the marriage candidates -,” Duke Mavel changed the topic to cheer up the Queen but it wasn’t a good one.

    She grimaced, “Duke, please don’t.”

    “You let them make a list – they will definitely make a list,” he said. “I could foresee that at the end of the week, a lot of suitors will ask for your hand.”

    “I only said that because I know that they won’t drop the topic besides the old traditions of Balen are important to them that they were so sensitive if it will not be followed,” she rolled her eyes on the last part.

    “But isn’t it exciting to meet handsome men,” Semera gushed.

    Elysse raised an eyebrow at her, “I thought I was ‘perfectly fine without a King’?” she quoted

    “You’re still are,” she assured, “But who knows, you might fall in love with one of them and you would realize that you’d be better with a King. Falling in love is such a great feeling,” she said dreamily.

    The Queen stared at her unamused.

    “It makes your heart flutters, you’ll feel butterflies on your stomach, every time you’ll touch each other there will be a spark, you will just unconsciously smile whenever you heard his name -,”

    “And you’ll make him the center of your world that makes you forget your priorities and responsibilities, you’ll always be distracted  to the point that it will affect your work, you’ll feel weak because of him and you will change who you are for him,” the Queen interjected, “And when you don’t feel the love anymore – smiles will fade, sparks will be gone, butterflies will die and your heart will stop fluttering – you’ll lose yourself, will get depress, will be miserable, you’ll get sick and you won’t be able to change back from who you are because you gave everything to him without leaving something for yourself,” she finished.

    “Oh,” Duke Mavel amused, “I didn’t know you’re that knowledgeable about love,” he teased.

    She blankly replied, “I do read novel books.”

    “You’re so pessimistic, Your Highness,” Semera frowned, “Life experiences are better than what you read on books.”

    “So you’re forcing me to fall in love,” she said indifferently.

    “No,” she argued, “What I was saying was that you might fall in love to someone, to the one. Falling in love isn’t a bad thing.”

    “I never said that falling in love was a bad thing, I just said the bad side,” Elysse pointed out, “And what if ‘The One’ wasn’t written on the list? What if he’s an ordinary man? A commoner? A servant?”

    Semera opened her mouth but no words came out. As a Queen of the country, her partner should also be someone who’s extraordinary, someone who came with a name and a title, someone who is noble and worthy.

    “Exactly my point,” the Queen answered on her behalf, “Besides I’m not against love, I just think that it shouldn’t be rush and it should be a choice,” she shrugged.

    Duke Mavel chuckled, “For two people who were never been in a relationship before, both of you were talking like experts.”

    “Enlighten us then,” Elysse boringly asked, “You’re married and also have children, among the three of us you’re the expert.”

    He feels like a Father who were talking to his children about love and it’s awkwardly uncomfortable. “Love just happens and when it do, there’s no certainty about what will happen in the future, it’s all about taking risks. But I don’t know, I’m no expert about this – no one is.”

    They were interrupted by a knock on the door, Semera asked, “Yes?”

    A guard entered and announced, “General Linus Avanzo of the Royal Army wishes to see the Queen.”

    “Let him in,” Elysse ordered.

    A man who was wearing his military uniform with a sword hanging on his side entered. He bowed down and gave his respect to the Queen. “Her Highness, I would like to present myself as I returned from Barstan.”

    Elysse asked, “Remind me how long were you gone?”

    “Three months, Your Majesty,” he answered.

    “Ah, it seems like it was just yesterday when you left the capital. How was you and your men?” she inquired.

    “A small battle happened and some were injured but none died. All of us came back safely,” he replied. General Linus was one of the Royal Army Generals of Balen and just three months ago he and his men were assigned to visit the Barstan located at the northern area of Balen. The village there was located at the mountains and the travel would take almost 2 weeks just to arrive there and to return to the capital. Barstan is a quiet and rural place, they are still uncivilized area and they are included to those areas that the Palace wants to develop so that they could keep up with the fast civilization of the whole Kingdom.

    He’s one of the best and strongest General the country have. He’s serious and quiet person but he’s good at making military strategies, making him the youngest General. He’s devoted to his country and loyal to his Queen. He’s been away for a few months but you could see changes happened to his body because of the long journeys and tiring activities. The tall young man still have his muscular well-built body but he got tanner than he usually is, his hair grew a little as he always has his clean cut hairstyle but he managed to keep his stubble beard in the same length.

    “That’s good to hear,” Elysse said, “I’ll let you and your man have a month break before you go back to your posts here at the Palace and take your time on making the report, I won’t rush you.”

    “Thank you very much, Your Majesty, my men would love to hear that,” he bowed again, he want to say something but he hesitated.

    Duke Mavel saw his hesitation so he asked, “Is there anything you want to say?”

    He looked at the Queen, “You did great earlier.” General Linus was also part of the council and he received the letter of invitation perfectly in time when he arrived at Balen. So he attended the Parliamentary Assembly before he went to the Queen for a courtesy call.

    Elysse smiled and softly said “Welcome back, General.”

                                                                                    ***

    A grand carriage that travelled for a few weeks as it came from a different Kingdom, wheeled down the unpaved road, where tall trees lined at each sides. It reached at a wide Andrade estate where a huge manor stood and the Duke of the land with his family together with their servants were already lined up at the entryway, waiting patiently at the guest.

    The carriage parked in front of them, one of the servant opened the door and a middle aged man emerges out from the vehicle. He bowed down to the Duke and stepped aside then a tall man stepped out of the carriage. He has a curly medium-length chestnut brown hair that, fair skin and well-built body. His oval shaped eyes, straight nose, defined jawline – an overall handsome face, makes women fall for his charms.

    “Welcome to the country Balen and to my land, Andrade. It’s a pleasure to have you here Prince Alestan,” Duke Urian greeted with a full smile as they all bowed down.

    “The pleasure is all mine,” he smiled, his white teeth makes the maidservants stared at him dreamily. “I’m thankful for letting me stay at your house.”

    “It is such an honor, Your Grace,” Duchess Alta de Servian commented. “How was your travel?” she asked.

    “It was long and dull but I know it’s all worth it,” he answered then he noticed his good old friend, Quenall de Servian. “Quen!” he beamed as the other man laughed as they gave each other a hug.

    Duchess Alta was born and raised at Parthenai and she’s a good friend of the Queen of Parthenai. When she got married, she went with his husband and live at Balen, his hometown. Alestan and Quenall also became friends since they were children and they treat each other like brothers.

    “You didn’t bring your entourage? I was kind of anticipating more than one carriage,” Quenall asked.

    “I didn’t bring more men anymore since I’m here for leisure and it’s not sort of a royal visit,” he replied. “I want to enjoy my freedom before I sat on the throne,” he grinned.

    “Oh, um about that ‘not a royal visit’ thing,” Quenall anxiously muttered as he glanced at his father.

    “I have something to discuss to you but let’s do it inside,” Duke Urian intervened.

    “Alright,” the Prince agreed nonchalantly, “Oh, Bernard take care of my belongings,” he said to his personal servant, the only person he brought from Parthenai.

    The man bowed politely, some of the servants from the Manor helped him to unload the luggage.

    The family ushered the Prince inside the huge house to the study room of the Duke, it’s not like this was the first time of Alestan on the Andrade estate or even at the Balen so he’s somehow familiar with the place.

    “Is there something I need to know?” Alestan asked unconcerned as he sat on the couch and looked around the room wondering if something change. Duchess Alta prepared for some tea and handed one to the Prince which he thankfully took.

    “This is something fun,” Quenall teased, he sat right next to him while his father and mother sat on the couch in front of them.

    “I’m proposing something that will be beneficial to both kingdom of Parthenai and Balen, it is something huge that risk will be needed but if it will be successful it will be a win-win situation,” Duke Urian started.

    “What is it?” he asked curiously.

    “I swear he won’t agree to this,” Quenall commented.

    “Keep quiet,” Duchess Alta silenced her son.

    “A marriage union between you, the Prince of Parthenai and the Queen of Balen, Her Majesty, Queen Elysse,” the Duke responded.

    “A what?” he frowned.

    “I know that this is something really out of the blue and you’re not expecting this when you have just arrived but you see, when thinking about this kingdom I just only wanted what’s the best for it. You are the perfect match so I suggested it to the council the other day when we had our assembly,” he explained.

    “Why not Quenall?” he questioned.

    “Although he is my son, I can’t see him as a King. If I do that surely, this kingdom will fall,” he scoffed.

    Quenall scowled but didn’t say anything. He’s not also interested to the throne.

    “You are unmarried and soon you will be the King of Parthenai, you will need a Queen. Queen Elysse has been on the throne for the past few years already and she’s still unmarried. It’s really out of our tradition and everyone thinks in the council that we need a King and also an heir for the throne,” he added.

    “This is really ridiculous, Father,” Quenall commented again, “Alestan here, likes women and marriage is not on his dictionary. If he marries the Queen he can’t play with other women anymore, but if the Queen doesn’t mind for him to have some concubines, I guess it’s really a win-win situation.”

    “I know you have that kind of image,” Duke Urian ignored his son and continued to persuade the Prince, “But you’ll be a King soon so you need to be responsible for your actions and if what Quenall said about concubines will happen, that will be great for your part then. Just think about it.”

    “Marrying the Que--,” Alestan trailed off.

    The Duke interrupted him, “However it’s still not sure if you’ll be the one who’s going to marry her, you’re still one of the candidates because actually the Queen’s kind of not interested to get married also but the council wanted her to and it’s still her decision who to marry. You have to give your effort to court her so she’ll pick you.”

    “You’re handsome and all of the women wants you, you can use your charms on her and I’m sure that she will also fall for you. Besides you have a royal blood, you’re a few steps ahead from the other candidates,” Duchess Alta added.

    “I haven’t seen her yet but I heard some rumors about her,” Alestan wondered.

    “Don’t listen to those rumors,” Duke Urian shook his head, “She’s a beautiful woman.”

    Alestan knew little things about the Queen because sometimes Duke Urian shared things that happened in the palace with them. He knew that she’s a beautiful woman and the Duke is a little bit intimidated by her, so he thinks that she’s a difficult woman since she can intimidate powerful people. He admits that he admire her for being a ruler of a huge Kingdom but he isn’t really interested in the types of her.

    But – it’s like a challenge who can break the Ice Queen. He wasn’t planning to get married at the moment but he might take this offer and see how long he could last. Meeting the Queen seems interesting and courting her seems like a challenge.

    “Okay,” he agreed with a grin. The Duke and Duchess were relieved while Quenall was surprised. “Let’s meet Queen Elysse.”

                                                                                ***

    “This is really surprising,” Quenall laughed, he was drinking some wine at the chambers of his friend.

    “What will be more surprising is when I got to be the King of both Kingdoms,” Alestan grinned.

    After the conversation they had earlier, Alestan went to his chambers to rest but the room was still messy because of his luggage that was not yet organize. He dismisses the maidservants since they can’t stop staring at him and he got no more energy to entertain them, he let Bernard continue their job.

    “If the Queen will fall for you, I’ll be really impressed then.”

    “I’m pretty confident about myself but still there are things that are unpredictable, so I’ll try,” he shrugged.

    Quenall nodded in agreement as he took a sip of his wine then he asked, “What will happened if she wants to marry you?”

    “I don’t know, maybe I’ll marry her - or not.”

    “You can’t just tossed aside a Queen just like how you did to those other women. You’ll start a war,” Quenall warned him.

    “Hey, I didn’t just tossed those women, I made clear to them that I can’t promise them any serious relationship which they willingly agreed before they throw themselves at me,” he justified.

    “Fine, fine you a great seducer,” his friend rolled his eyes, “So answer my question.”

    “I told you I don’t know. Maybe I’ll like her and as you told earlier, she might agree for me to have concubines,” he replied.

    “Oh, what if you got to fall for her first,” Quenall eyes widen as he thinks of it, an exciting view to see his friend who never love seriously finally learns how to be one woman man.

    “I’ve already fallen in love,” Alestan insisted.

    “Yeah, you’ve fallen in love with numerous women,” he argued, “The love that I’m talking here is when you won’t love anyone anymore because you found a woman who you want to cherish for the rest of your life and even if you see other women, your desires and affection will always be felt just for her,” he explained.

    “I never felt those,” Alestan pondered.

    “Obviously, you will not be called a ladies’ man if you were already settled for one woman,” he scoffed.

    Alestan got a feeling that his friend has been criticizing him, but this is how he normally speak.

    He sighed, “I’m not closing to any possibilities, if I feel the love that you defined then I’ll marry her but if I don’t then it’s better to end things with us or we’ll just keep hurting each other.”

    Quenall looked at him still not believing, he knew his friend and he can judge him the way he know him. “I hope you got to taste your own medicine,” he muttered.

    “Hey, I’m not a bad guy,” the Prince defended.

    “And you’re not a good guy also,” he added as he finished his drink.

                                                                                ***

    After a few days Duke Urian managed to let Prince Alestan inside the Palace, though he can visit the Palace without the help of the Duke there’s no assurance that he will be able to meet the Queen. However, because of the council trying to find a King they let the candidates to visit her without her knowing so that she couldn’t refuse them and hide away. It’s also common for royalties from other country to courtesy call whenever they visit another Kingdom, but in her case, they can just send a notice to the Palace to let them know that a Royalty is in the country.

    Quenall, Alestan and Bernard; Alestan’s personal servant arrived at the Palace late morning and they were greeted already by some of the palace servants.

    “Good morning, Prince Alestan,” the chamberlain, Mr. Bertie greeted as he bowed, “And to you too Lord Quenall.”

    “A pleasant morning,” the Prince greeted back.

    “Good morning,” Quenall also greeted.

    “Duke Urian already informed us about your arrival, we’ll lead you to the Queen,” he said then he started to walk deep inside the Palace.

    “Does Queen Elysse know?” Alestan asked as the three of them followed him.

    “No she doesn’t have any idea, Your Highness,” he replied.

    “What is she doing right now?” he asked again.

    “She is at the Palace Garden, having her morning tea.”

    “Is this a right time for me to visit her?” he said unsure of the timing, he doesn’t want to upset the Queen.

    Mr. Bertie stopped on his tracks and abruptly faced them, “If you won’t take this chance, Your Highness, I’m afraid there won’t be a next time anymore. There are a lot of candidates presented by the council and suitors were already started to pay her a surprise visit – the Queen doesn’t like it and she started to get annoyed by those men. She will definitely stop this nonsense and if she’ll do that, your chance to become the King of Balen might disappear,” he strictly stated. It isn’t clear if he is against the idea of having a King or he supports it.

    “Alright,” Alestan slowly and hesitantly responded as the three of them were startled and frozen to his sudden behavior.

    Mr. Bertie resumed on walking in the maze-like Palace then they reached an open area where trees, plants and different kinds and color of flowers were visible. It was a fine morning, the sun was out but the heat wasn’t scorching, the trees were swaying as wind passed by and you could smell the pleasant aroma coming from the flowers.

    A small pavilion was located at the center of the Palace Garden, Queen Elysse sat at a bench reading a book, there was a warm tea at the side table and Semera was standing behind her.

    Alestan saw her. She was engrossed on her book that she didn’t mind things that were happening around her, the half empty cup of tea was being ignored as it started to go cold. Her back was leaning against the arm of the bench, the book was sitting against her knees as her legs bent and her feet was on the top of the chair. Her black hair was half braided, there were no crown on her head but the braids looked like a black crown, some strands of her hair gently sway as the wind were blowing.

    She was pristine.

    Mr. Bertie stood near her, “Your Royal Majesty,” he tried to catch her attention but she paid none, “I present to you His Royal Highness, Crown Prince of Parthenai, Prince Alestan Laudus Verrall. He’s here to see you,” he announced.

    She turned her gaze to Mr. Bertie then her eyes slowly moved to Alestan.

    Alestan saw her eyes. Those deep hazel, almond shape eyes were captivating yet intimidating – it looks like it could see right through him, he wanted to turn away but he can’t help but to be caught by her alluring gaze.

    He smiled, his charming smile, and bowed together with his friend and his attendant.

    “Thank you Mr. Bertie,” she spoke, dismissing the man but her eyes were still on the Prince. “Who among the three of you is the Prince?” she asked. A question she already knew the answer as her eyes were still kept on the said man. The difference among the clothes being worn were noticeable, his was more elegant and silky, and as the rumors said he got a handsome face that could get every women he wants.

    “It is I, Your Majesty,” Alestan answered, the charming smile was still glued on his face.

    “So you’re the one that the Duke of Andrade personally suggested,” she said.

    “To have been chosen is my honor,”

    She raised an eyebrow then she turned her gaze back at the book she was still holding and questioned, “A lot of suitors came to ask for my hand in marriage, I gave them time to pique my interest but they failed, what makes you think that you’re different among them?”

    Alestan wondered if she’s giving him a test. “I don’t know how they do it, I may be similar with them or not but I think that whatever I do, you won’t still be interested,” he answered.

    “Are we now going to end this chase as you declare giving up?” she asked as she turned the page of her book.

    Quenall was glaring at him, he should have answered differently. But there’s no hint of worriedness in Alestan’s face.

    “I was just stating a truth about you.”

    “And it was not wrong,” she agreed.

    She is difficult, she’s making it difficult. And Alestan likes it.

    “May I ask the same question,” he said, “Among all the suitors that have gone to you, what do you think the difference I will do to pique your interest?”

    “How would I know?” she shrugged still focusing her eyes on the book.

    “Exactly, how would we know the answer if we won’t try to find the solution?” he pointed out.

    She finally looked at him again and responded with a tired eyes, “I’m not interested to know.”

    He chuckled, “Like I said, whatever I do you won’t find it interesting.”

    Elysse wasn’t yet annoyed or upset even if he’s playing with her with his words. Those men who recommended by the council that already visited her were all the same, easily be intimidated by her that they become submissive or they’re too proud of them being a man that the discrimination she get were both annoying and upsetting.

    “I heard rumors about you,” she stated.

    “I bet they’re not good,” he grimaced, he admit that he doesn’t have a good record but some rumors are not entirely true.

    “You are known to be a ladies’ man,” she declared.

    “Yeah, I admit that but I’m not what you think that I am,” he defended.

    “Why? What do I think of you?” she questioned.

    “That I’m a heartless and contemptibly obnoxious man who just flirts with numerous women and break their hearts, a proud prince who uses his power to get what he wants and uses his charms to bring every women to bed just to satisfy his s****l desire.”

    Quenall and Bernard were biting their lips trying to prevent themselves to laugh. Semera’s eyes widen and she was looking at the handsome prince with disgust.

      “If that’s how others perceived you – it must have been tough,” Elysse deadpanned then she deeply sighed, “But no, I don’t think that way.”

    “Whether it’s true or not, I don’t care. I also have been surrounded by rumors – empty and exaggerated rumors that existed because people were envy of me, envy of my power and position. If you are not the man that they proclaim to be then you don’t need to prove yourself – you just need to be yourself,” she added.

    He smiled. He likes talking to the Queen. He sat at a chair next to her, sitting comfortably liking the distance that was shorten between him and the Queen.

    Elysse raised an eyebrow, she didn’t offer him to sit down and they are not close enough for him to do whatever he wants in front of her, “Shameless,” she bluntly said.

    “I’m not a ladies’ man if I can’t be shameless,” he chuckled.

    She rolled her eyes and went back to her book. “I’m still not interested to marry you,” she muttered.

    “It’s okay if you’re not, we got a lot of time,” he confidently assured, “Besides if you don’t want to marry me then we can be friends,” he offered.

    “It’s difficult to be my friend,” she replied, flipping another page of the book.

    “They said that you were a difficult woman yet we are talking comfortably,” he countered,     “What are you reading?”

    Elysse closed the book then she sat properly and glared at him, “What are you doing?” 

    “Are you annoyed?” he asked nonchalantly.

    “I’m starting to,” she answered calmly, “I don’t like surprise visits and I’ve been receiving them from men who are unknown with an intention of marrying me. It’s irritating how they seek power and how they act desperately for the throne. You might be at ease because you’ll still be a King of your own Kingdom but don’t you think it’s a bit greedy that also here you want to be a King.”

    “It’s not that I don’t like you but we’ve just met and the level of knowing each other were very low and some were only base on rumors. I don’t want to marry someone that I don’t know, and especially for political purposes – I don’t even want to get married yet,”

    “So let’s stop wasting each other’s time and let’s just mind our own businesses,” she finished.

    He was taken aback but he won’t just end there.

    “I came here just to have some break from my Kingdom, to have some fun. And just when I arrived, I was nominated to be one of your candidates for marriage. At the moment, I also don’t have any intention of getting married,” he shared.

    “However, I found you interesting, though I still don’t want to get married. Come to think of it, we are on the same boat. You are being pressure to get married and same goes for me. I’ll be the next King of Parthenai, and they all wanted me to be more responsible for my actions; regarding to me being a ladies’ man,” he continued.

    “To stop these pressure of marrying, why not we spend time together and maybe we can find each other interesting. They’ll think that we are getting closer and they’ll stop sending you suitors,” he proposed.

    She looked like she’s going to oppose the idea so he continued.

    “All of these have no intention of getting married. It’s a deal for us to have not to be annoyed by the council and besides we can become friends, two Kingdoms can be united without having a wedding ceremony,” he insisted.

    She looked at him, calculating every possible event that will happen of her decision. She don’t think that cooperating with him will lead to a good result but she’ll play with him. Anyway, she could get out of the situation whenever she wants to.

    “Alright,” she agreed, “I don’t mind but don’t expect me to put effort into this.”

    “At least you agreed,” he grinned, “So, I have your permission to enter the Palace whenever I want to, right?”

    “Aren’t you being too greedy?”

    “But we are now friends,” he whined.

    She sighed in annoyance, “Do what you want.” Her sight transferred to those men behind the Prince. One looks like a nobleman with the expensive clothing he wears and the other man has a simple clothes. “Since few people will know about our deal, aren’t we going to introduce those people already heard our conversation?”

    “This is Semera, my personal maid,” she introduced. Semera nodded politely at the Prince which he smiled.

    “This is my friend, Quenall de Servian, son of Duke Urian and Duchess Alta de Servian,” Alestan introduced also.

    Quenall bowed to Elysse, “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

    “And this is my personal attendant, Bernard,” the Prince continued, then the servant bowed at her. “Don’t worry, these people will not tell anyone what they heard today,” he assured her.

    “I don’t mind if they do tell to anyone, I won’t deny but I also won’t admit anything,” Elysse stated.