[se] could be ghosts or monsters or a robot-vampire

Nikolai

We are only haunted by the things we refuse to accept
-Bridgett Devoue

Nikolai gives a small nod and shakes her hand, still eyeing her warily. "Hi. Nice to meet you Wessex. I'm Nikolai." He pauses and blinks for a moment before giving a small shrug. "I honestly didn't really expect to meet you, ever. I thought you'd be too busy with all the stuff going on to worry about every single new Ascended." Nikolai admits quietly, somewhat afraid of insulting her.

The new Ascended really hadn't ever expected to ever meet the Queen, it certainly showed how much he still had to learn about his new life. Suddenly having more people worrying about his wellbeing then just his mother was a drastic change for Nikolai.

Introductions made, Nikolai glances at the queen nervously. "Better?"

Resilience is born even when we feel like we are dying
-Alex Elle