It took them no time to wash the bloodstains out from the floor.

"They're gone. You can come out now," the Queen said to Darryl.

Darryl slowly emerged from his hiding place with a smile. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

"Stop!" the Queen shouted before he could even take two steps forward. "Who are you? What were you doing in my room?"

Darryl was a little overwhelmed by the Queen's forceful demeanor, as evident by his quickened heartbeat. He quickly calmed down. He scratched his head as he thought about how he should reply to the Queen. He was well aware there were strict rules in place, and no matter how he explained himself, he would receive some punishment. So, he decided to lie.

"Your Majesty, please don't be angry. I'm a new royal guard and have not familiarized myself with the palace. Before I knew it, I found myself in Your Majesty's room. I was scared of getting punished, so I decided to hide."

The Queen frowned as she observed him. "How dare you lie