“That’s all right, if she doesn’t bear us a grudge. You know we knocked out her whole army,” remarked Bud. “Quavo the minstrel says she is very beautiful, and kind to her people,” said the girl. “Well, there’s no one else we can trust,” Bud answered gloomily; “so we may as well try Zixi. But if you drop either of us on the way, Aunt Rivette, I’ll have to call in the lord high executioner.” “Never fear,” replied the old woman. “If I drop you, you’ll never know what has happened. So each one of you put an arm around my neck, and cling tight, and I’ll soon carry you over the mountain and the river into the kingdom of Ix.” Chapter XX. IN THE PALACE OF THE WITCH-QUEEN. Bud and Fluff were surprised at the magnificence of the city of Ix. The witch-queen had reigned there so many centuries that she found plenty of time to carry out her ideas; and the gardens, shrubbery, and buildings were beautifully planned and cared for. The splendid palace of the queen was in the center of a delightful park, with white marble walks leading up to the front door. Aunt Rivette landed the children at the entrance to this royal park, and they walked slowly toward the palace, admiring the gleaming white statues, the fountains and flowers, as they went. It was beginning to grow dusk, and the lights were gleaming in the palace window when they reached it. Dozens of liveried servants were standing near the entrance, and some of these escorted the strangers with much courtesy to a reception room. There a gray-haired master of ceremonies met them and asked in what way he might serve them. This politeness almost took Bud’s breath away, for he had considered Queen Zixi in the light of an enemy rather than a friend; but he decided not to sail under false colors, so he drew himself up in royal fashion and answered: “I am King Bud of Noland, and this is my sister, Princess Fluff, and my Aunt Rivette. My kingdom has been conquered by a horde of monsters, and I have come to the Queen of Ix to ask her assistance.” The master of ceremonies bowed low and said: “I’m sure Queen Zixi will be glad to assist your Majesty. Permit me to escort you to rooms, that you may prepare for an interview with her as soon a she can receive you.” So they were led to luxurious chambers, and were supplied with perfumed baths and clean raiment, which proved very refreshing after their tedious journey through the air. It was now evening; and when they were ushered into the queen’s reception-room the palace was brilliantly lighted.