The Problems in Our Stars

by Benji The Vampire Confuser

Based upon the world created by Terri Windling.

Since taking the throne, Leda had had more than a few adventures, and had had her work cut out for her in trying to reform both Faerie's foreign, and domestic policy. Having grown up in a largely anarchistic society, she had trouble with the whole concept of monarchy to begin with. But that was a whole other story.

Now, the day's work was done, and Leda was taking a break before heading home. In this case, said break involved imported Reese's peanutbutter cup ice cream, and dancing to Katy Perry.

Once upon a time she might have been embarrassed to have Leander walk in on her like this, but those days were long past. Hell some already called her the Crazy Queen (mostly the nobles), why not take advantage of that and indulge in some eccentricities?

"Ahem, Your Majesty..."

Crap, he used her title, that meant this wasn't a social call. With a wave of her hand, she silenced the music and set the ice cream down. She'd placed a cooling spell on it so it wouldn't freeze.

"What happened?" she sighed. She knew Leander would not come for official reasons after her "office hours" unless it was important.

"I'm very sorry to bother you now." Leander said. "But I felt this matter should be dealt with as soon as possible and in as eh, delicately a manner as can be."

"Sounds scandalous."

"Quite possibly. A young man has just arrived, begging, and I do mean begging, to see you immediately. He is quite distraught and has a singular problem."

"Well at least this won't be boring. Let's see 'im."

Leander ushered in a young Elf who seemed incredibly out of place. He was openly gaping at everything. Could he be one of those rare Elves that had been born across the Border and had therefore never seen his home land? But it was more than that. There was something off about him that Leda could not put her finger on.

He bowed low, before she could stop him, and then offered her a pre-written sheet of paper.

It's better that I not speak out loud, lest you fall hopelessly in love with me. It began.

Leda almost burst out laughing at that, but the distressed look on her visitor's face stopped her. And that was when it hit her what was bothering her so. This full blooded Elf, was carrying himself like a human. Even the most provincial Elf she'd ever seen would hide their emotions better than this.

"What's up pup?" she asked. He merely motioned for her to read on. She did, and could not help exclaiming;

"ARE YOU SHITTING ME?!"

To be continued?