***Elsewhere***
"Your Majesty. May I present the Commander of the Order of the Royal Protestant Knights, Director of the Hellsing Organization, Knight of the Roundtable Council, Protector of the Faith and Guardian of the British Empire by the Grace of God and Her Majesty; Queen Elizabeth the II. Sir William Fredrick Hellsing the III."
With a practiced ease, William walked into one of the many private sitting rooms within Buckingham Palace. Coming to a stop before his Queen he lowered himself to one knee and, crossing an arm across his chest, he bowed his head in reverence.
"Your Majesty." he intoned solemnly.
After a moments pause, the Queen spoke. "Rise, Sir Hellsing. And please, come, sit." she said, motioning to the empty chair near her.
"Thank you, your Majesty." he said before accepting the proffered seat.
"Tea?" the Queen asked and, seeing Sir Hellsing nod, motioned for a server to pour the beverage for the both of them.
As the servant filled the teacups, William did his best to hide his…disquiet at this most untimely summons. Originally, he had planned to escort his daughter on his trip to Daigon Alley to get her school supplies today. Unfortunately, with the business of running one of Her Majesties most important (and secretive) branches had left him with less time bonding with Integra than he would have liked. As much as William wished, he had no choice but to leave that task in the most capable hands of Walter.
After all, it would not do to ignore a personal summons from the Queen.
Once the cups were filled, the Queen dismissed the servant with a wave of her hand. Once they were alone, Her Majesty took a moment to enjoy the tea. Following suite, Sir Hellsing took a sip of his own tea, enjoying the subtle blend.
Returning her cup to its saucer, the Queen graced William with a small smile. "Forgive the sudden summons, Sir Hellsing. I have recently realized that it has been some time since I have had an opportunity to speak to you face to face."
"I live but to serve, your Majesty." he replied.
"So tell me, how is your daughter, Integra, doing these days."
William paused a moment, realizing what the nature of this sudden meeting must surely be about. It came as no surprise that the Queen had learned about Integra being a witch. While he hadn't informed anyone within the British Governemt who would be in a position to know about the Wizarding world, he could think of at least half a dozen ways off the top of his head how her Majesty could have come to have such knowledge. He quickly decided how best to reply, as one does not lie to ones Queen; he decided to speak the truth.
"Integra is growing into a fine young woman, almost the spitting image of her mother." he answered softly.
Letting out a small laugh, the Queen said, "If memory serves me correctly, my dear Sir Hellsing, your wife was quite the spitfire. I'm sure that Integra must be a handful."
"Indeed she is." William said with a fond smile, which slowly slid off of his face as he continued. "However, it has recently come to my attention that Integra seems to have a rather...skewed position concerning some of the more...reclusive subjects of the Empire." he finished carefully.
"I see." the Queen said thoughtfully, "Well then, We certainly hope that the recent opportunity that has presented itself to Integra will be helpful in broadening her horizons when dealing with the wide variety of peoples within Our Empire."
As she fell silent, William held his breath as he waited for the Queen to continue. Seeing that she had started using the royal third person, he knew that whatever was on Her Majesty's mind was more important that simple curiosity about hi daughters wellbeing. Sir Hellsing didn't have to wait long before she began speaking again.
"Over the past several decades, Our relationship with Our subjects within the Wizarding world have become...distant. While it is well within their right to police their own, it has become evident that, over the years, they prefer to deal with any and all situations without Our input or knowledge. While We could see fit to evoke the Covenant, it is Our belief that a more diplomatic solution would be more beneficial for all. Were one of Our most trusted servants in a high-ranking position be a recognized member of their community, We feel that this would help ease tensions with both of our worlds. Do you understand, Sir Hellsing?"
"I understand, my Queen." Sir Hellsing said somberly.
"Very well." the Queen replied before relaxing and, saying in a less formal tone, "So if you find it beneficial, William, please let Integra know that I would be most pleased to hear that she is doing well in her classes. Not that I wish to put more pressure the dear girl, mind you."
"Of course, your Majesty."
The Queen smiled and took a sip of her tea as she looked out the window. "So tell me, Sir Hellsing, how is your...guest doing these days?"
Frowning, William carefully said, "Sleeping quite securely, I assure you. However, I am quite certain he is...aware, for lack of a better term, of the happening at the Castle."
"I see..." the Queen replied, a soft smile on her lips.
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(Posted Wed, 24 Nov 2004 15:17)
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