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You lowered your head in a gesture of respect and acknowledgement. Everyone else just looked at you.
<span class="mu-r">“It’s an honor to make your acquaintance, Lord Regent Tossa. You have a, uh…lovely kingdom here.”</span> you said.
Tossa brightened at that.
<span class="mu-b">“Ah! An intruder with manners! What a lovely change of pace.”</span> she said, her eyes scanning the room until they stopped on Peter Pan.
<span class="mu-b">“Peter! You are here as well? It’s rare to see you with outsiders. And adults, at that.”</span> she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly.
<span class="mu-g">“You have to come back with us, Tossa. These people are insane!”</span> Peter claimed. <span class="mu-g">“They’ve killed more rulers and regents than any of us can count on our fingers and toes combined! And they’ll turn on you just as quick.”</span>
Tossa let out a derisive snort. <span class="mu-b">“That is because the previous rulers allowed infighting to impede their progress before they got a chance to rebuild. I do not have such meager problems, as I am fully capable of preventing any wars or battle from breaking out, single-handedly.”</span> she declared, wiggling her fingers in the air.
Suddenly, several knights went stiff all at once. They groaned and grunted, but their resistance meant nothing when pitted against their ruler’s raw might. Without a moment of delay between any of them, the puppeted knights marched out the throne room with robotic, jerky movements.
<span class="mu-b">“And I can do that without even breaking a sweat! The time of petty infighting and civil disputes has ended! Under my rule, this kingdom can finally be something worth looking at.”</span> she proudly announced.
You took another moment to look around and nodded approvingly. <span class="mu-r">“I’m not gonna lie. With a little work, this would probably be a better home for the Lost Boys than the tree fort.”</span> you admitted.
Tossa folded her arms over her chest and gave you a beaming smile that exuded confidence and pride. <span class="mu-b">“A wise observation, my friend! You are some of the most delightful intruders that I’ve had all week.”</span> she said with a hearty laugh. <span class="mu-b">“Once I can get this kingdom back on its feet, all will be welcome! Travelers, Redskins and even the rest of the Lost Boys!”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Except the Redskins don’t trust anyone that claims themselves a citizen of the Black Kingdom.”</span> Peter cut in. <span class="mu-g">“There’s no way you’ll be able to get them to trust you. The attacks won’t stop!”</span>
Tossa’s expression grew remorseful. <span class="mu-b">“I am sorry, Peter. But there is very little I can do about that. If the Picaninny Tribe wish to oppose me, then they will continue to suffer the consequences until they learn that cooperation is the key to our survival.”</span> she proclaimed, shaking her head sadly.
<span class="mu-b">“Their dated customs and superstitions have corrupted their judgment for far too long! It is high time that they start thinking about what a future with our walls protecting their borders would mean for them.”</span>
(Cont.)