A vast blanket reflects light,
Each grain displaying its glory,
beaming before so many,
Some never leave,
while others never remain,
They all hope for calm,
as they are swept away,
likely never to return.
Queen Nicole and her nerve-stricken daughter left the chamber together, walking the entire distance to the council room without saying a word.
The queen halted just before the hallway with the stone columns and large double doors, turning to Madeleine. “Not everyone will be pleased with this proposal and may speak against you,” she said seriously. “It all may be overwhelming, so I ask that for today, if you are accepted onto the council, to hold any questions or comments you may have.” The princess nodded, barely processing what the queen was saying as she grew steadily more anxious. “You need to seem as harmless and opinionless as possible right now.”
She nodded again, her heartbeat reverberating in her ears as they began walking again. When the double doors opened, she held her breath.
Madeleine’s father stood in the entrance, talking to Cardinal Vauquelin. He turned his head when he saw his wife who nodded in acknowledgement, causing a grin to spread over his face.
The hall was rather small, with a ceiling that seemed to stretch forever upwards. Tall, thin stained-glass windows were uniformly lined up along the left wall and draped with red cloth. A large table sat in the center of the room, and ten chairs were neatly, and thoughtfully placed around it. There was an extra chair sitting off to the side, away from the other ten that looked out of place.
The queen found her seat near the middle of the table, further up from where the two men sat, and Madeleine stood awkwardly near her. Nicole pointed to the chair that stood away from all the others. She gulped, realizing it was her own. Making a walk of shame to it, she sat, her cheeks flushed.
She realized the chairs had a certain amount of power associated with them, decreasing in rank starting from the head down to her little outcast chair in terms of hierarchy and prestige. Her face fell when Prince Bryson took the seat closest to hers.
He looked over at her with a stony expression. “Sister, what in Elderian are you doing here? I believe you’ve wound up in the wrong room.”
“Bryson, Dear,” Queen Nicole projected, giving him a pointed look and the princess thought she saw him straighten slightly. “Madeleine is here per my request and under the approval of the king.”
He raised both eyebrows. “Is that so? I hope you won’t fall behind, that is, if they even allow you to stay.”
“Thank you for your concern,” Madeleine retorted, expressionless.
“Ah, Madi, you’re here!” Prince Antoine’s voice rang out. “I see you’ve made it all in one piece.”
She smiled, opening her mouth in reply when everyone except the other kings at the table stood abruptly from their chairs. Getting out of her own, Madeleine looked down the table to see a man with blond, shoulder length hair and a brilliant purple cloak trailing elegantly behind him, walking with speed and purpose towards the front of the table. His sudden appearance left her face feeling hot.
Everyone sat down again once the king had taken his place at the front.
“Before we continue from where we left off,” Adrian boomed, “I have decided to consider adding a new member to the council.” Madeleine wanted to disappear as they all looked over at her in her pitiful little chair. “The three monarchs will decide on whether Princess Madeleine of Andveltica will be present for the remainder of our meetings.”
There was murmuring as the princess blinked around the room restlessly. It was then she realized how much of an honor it was that King Adrian had even considered having the council vote her in, since many of the others in the room would not have done the same.
“Your Majesty, if I might add my opinion.” It was a man in his thirties with a black mustache, brown hair, and copper colored skin. “This girl is hardly fit to be on such an important council.” He lifted his nose up at her, causing her to frown.
“I agree with Duke Adam,” Bryson said, and somehow Madeleine was not surprised. “I wonder what might have influenced this decision, My Lord.”
“It does seem somewhat random, King Adrian.” Madeleine did not need to look over to see who it was as Vauquelin spoke; his deep, confident voice unmistakable. “I would advise against this decision and not waste any more of the council’s time.”
Adrian’s face was unreadable. “What are your thoughts on this, Count Alexandre?”
A man with long, curly black hair, black skin, and a pleasant disposition said, “I think it rather strange we are talking about the princess in front of her as though she isn’t hearing every word of it.” His voice was deep yet soothing. “Do you wish to be a part of the council, Princess Madeleine?”
She was surprised to be addressed, blinking at the count’s large, kind eyes. She cleared her throat before saying, “Y-yes, I do, and I believe I have something to offer, even if it is seemingly negligible.”
“Give yourself more credit,” the count said, offering a small smile. “I trust the King’s decision in asking you here, and I doubt it was for some foolish reason as others may suggest.” He glanced at Duke Adam whose face fell.
Madeleine nodded in gratitude.
Adrian shifted his glance to an older man with a white hair and a long beard with pale skin who’d cleared his throat. “You are quite esteemed, My King,” he said and long, droopy jowls shook as he spoke. “I do wonder how the princess will possibly be able to contribute when we have such esteemed members here on the council. In my day, there were no women on the king’s council, that is for certain.” Count Alexandre propped his head under his chin and sighed, and Queen Nicole wore a forcibly placid look on her face. “Cappeland is a very traditional country, yes,” the ancient man continued, “but that is for good reason. It is important to keep to the old ways and do things the way my father did—”
“Thank you, Duke Bourgeois,” King Adrian’s voice cut in. “Without further ado…” the old man looked taken back at the interruption, his wrinkled face falling into a disapproving scowl. “King Abel, King Jean, and I will make the final decision.”
The three monarchs all seated at the head of the table began whispering amongst themselves, and Madeleine felt positively sick having to sit there and wait to hear her fate.
The cardinal leaned over King Jean’s shoulder, whispering something into his ear. The king nodded as Vauquelin spoke, then he looked at his advisor strangely, furrowing his eyebrows. As the king responded, he began shaking his head and Vauquelin’s whisper seemed to grow fiercer.
“In the end, it’ll be for the good of the council,” the cardinal hissed.
He glanced around the room for a moment, clearing his throat, then lowered his tone again. King Jean raised his hand for silence, saying something in a firm tone, and the cardinal resumed his regular posture in his chair, folding his arms in what looked like defeat.
King Jean returned to speaking with the other kings, appearing more confident than before. After a few tense moments, they three nodded, turning back to everyone.
“Princess Madeleine,” Adrian addressed her, and she stiffened.
“Yes, My Lord?” she squeaked.
“The vote was unanimous. You shall be the newest member of the council of the Triple Alliance.”
Her mouth fell slightly open as a small outcry came from half the council. Duke Adam, being one of them, was shaking his head at her with a disapproving look. Madeleine had been certain the king of Cappeland would have made whatever decision the cardinal made, but apparently not. This seemed to surprise the other members as well, since many of them looked over at King Jean incredulously.
Adrian held up his hand for silence. “There will be no further discussion. I do not wish to spend any more of the council’s time on this than I have to. With that said, I will now ask Princess Madeleine to take the oath of secrecy before the council.”
Antoine stood, walking over to her and placing an official-looking piece of parchment in front of her as well as a quill. There was so much writing on the document, she had no idea what she was even looking at.
After much staring, Antoine whispered, “Sign there, at the bottom.”
“Oh, thanks!”
She sat up straighter and moved the quill over the bottom line after dipping it in the ink jar he’d brought.
“Rise,” Adrian’s voice rang out, “and raise your right hand while repeating the recited oath.” She stood up, feeling slightly dizzy with nerves. “I do solemnly swear,” he started immediately, and she quietly repeated his words with her hand raised, feeling completely overwhelmed, “under the decree of King Adrian of Nebrasia, that any and all information discussed within these walls concerning the triple alliance of the three kingdoms of Elderian: Nebrasia, Cappeland, and Andveltica, shall be kept under strict confidentiality between members of the council. Any non-compliance to this oath is an act of treason and the punishment is confinement in the castle dungeons until a further sentence is stipulated by the three monarchs.” Her eyes widened and she glanced at Antoine seriously, realizing the full extent of the oath and what it meant to break it. “I accept these terms and agreements and understand all encompassing consequences.”
She lowered her hand and sat down, her cheeks flushed. Antoine had pushed her chair closer to the other members, and though it still stuck out at the end, she at least felt more a part of the group than before.
Without hesitation, Adrian continued. “In yesterday’s meeting we concluded that Andveltica will be stationing only twenty-five percent of their troops on the north-western side of the West Nebrasian castle in anticipation of war.”
There was some outcry, and the king waved his hand again for silence. Antoine gave her a look, heaving a soft sigh.
Doesn’t sound very concluded at all.
“For those that seem to have already forgotten,” King Abel projected impatiently, “if Andveltica spared anymore, they would be without a large portion of their military and be left vulnerable.”
“Please, Your Majesty.” Vauquelin stroked the small black goatee on his chestnut-brown chin as he spoke. “If Venwick were to launch a sudden attack at the Nebrasian border, we would need more troops and not just the underground safe houses for castle members. Is it not wiser to have extra reinforcements from Andveltica stationed here where the main battle would occur?” Despite King Jean’s previous rebellious nature, he now sat quietly and nodded in agreement with the cardinal’s words.
Queen Nicole spoke next, her voice loud and confident. “Just how many troops do you suggest Andveltica send in order for Nebrasia to be properly protected as you say, Cardinal?”
“Many of us were hoping for around four thousand soldiers with one thousand archers, plus two horse detachments,” Duke Adam answered gruffly, glaring at her. “I do not think it’s too much to ask, especially since Nebrasia is indeed at the forefront of any war that may occur.” He sounded matter-of-factly, shooting a challenging look her way.
“Please, Duke Adam,” Adrian sounded somewhat irritated. “We’ve already discussed these matters before and with finality, it is King Abel who decides whether or not to provide more military aid at our borders, and as he has informed the council many times before, Andveltica will not.” He shot a look Vauquelin’s way.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Duke Adam pursed his lips but said nothing.
“With that in mind,” Adrian continued, and Madeleine found herself watching him from where she sat, his pale, defined jawline slightly distracting her from his words, “the combination of all of Cappeland, Andveltica, and Nebrasia’s military is still not larger than that of Venwick’s, but it could be enough to defend either of Nebrasia’s strongholds.”
“Might I add,” Antoine spoke up, his curls bouncing slightly as he did, “while Venwick’s population may be massive, that does not mean they are all competent fighters, nor does it mean their military is terribly organized or disciplined, not to mention their supplies are dismal. They would be formidable for perhaps thirty days, and then crumble from lack of food and supplies.”
“We have to consider,” Count Alexandre’s voice carried across the room, “whether or not our combined forces would be able to hold off Venwick before their army’s inevitable fall, because if either castle was lost within that time frame, we could meet a swift defeat.”
“Yes, I believe there is a simple solution to that,” Antoine said. “If we were to recruit Tyrus…” A murmur and what sounded like a groan filled the hall. “Now hear me out before you all moan and complain.” An air of sass slipped out and the princess found herself biting back a small grin. “While it is a very small country with minimal defense, the victory of Tyrus would give Venwick additional numbers and an advantage in the war. More importantly, it would free up Venwick’s soldiers stationed on the Tyrus border. The people of Tyrus are strong-willed, and I believe their small contribution could turn the tide of war if it came to that.”
“Venwick has been persuasive or should I say, aggressive in winning over smaller lands to join their cause.” Vauquelin lightly drummed his fingers on the table a few times as he spoke. “Tyrus is just another victim to be added to the list. It’s a lost cause, Prince Antoine. It will one day be swallowed up by Venwick regardless. There is no point in putting energy and resources into a place so insignificant.”
“It’s true,” Adrian said, and Antoine shot him a look. “Venwick has had a force stationed on the border of Tyrus and Venwick for months now, threatening Tyrus to unify with them according to recent intel.”
“How do you know of this?” Vauquelin asked, and Madeleine thought this an odd question.
Adrian paused to consider him. “There are sources on the ground, and they have reported to me the numbers and actions of those stationed outside Tyrus. Venwick has an aggressive posture for sure.”
“Who are these sources?” Vauquelin folded his arms.
The king’s face was impatient. “Why is it important? I do not know who they are, simply that spies are there, and I receive regular reports from the commander.”
“King Adrian, I might bring us back to the original topic,” Antoine said firmly. “If we do not recruit Tyrus soon, the enemy will. Numbers are not something we can afford to lose.”
Queen Nicole spoke from her end of the table. “The prince has a point. We must use all that is available to us and not overlook any small detail that could make the difference between victory and defeat.”
“I do not see the hurry or the priority.” Duke Bourgeois’s unmistakable, warbling voice rang out. “Tyrus is not as small as say some of the larger, minor provinces. I would know, because I visited every country in Elderian when I was a much younger man.” He paused, pursing his lips, and a few pained sighs rang out as he rambled on. “What makes you so sure they will be absorbed so quickly,” he said, finally returning from his tangent, “when Venwick has been hostile towards them for some time?”
“Venwick has done this many times before,” Adrian stated tiredly. “It is the reason they are so massive. As easily as Minoka was lost to Venwick, it would be perfectly reasonable to assume that Tyrus will take the same path as soon as they decide they want to take it.” Madeleine had never heard of either Tyrus or Minoka and made a mental note to ask Antoine later about it.
“Will the contribution of this small country really be enough to help or hurt Nebrasia?” Vauquelin said stiffly. “Will the energy spent on this project truly reap the rewards we desire?”
Madeleine tried to think of other allies to Andveltica and remembered Courtney’s marriage to the Flussland prince. Without thinking she blurted out, “What about recruitment of Flussland?” Everyone stared at her, and she immediately regretted speaking. “They are rather large and a commonwealth of Andveltica and—”
“And therefore, their military is simply a branch of Andveltica,” Bryson cut her off. “They are one in the same.” She felt the blood drain from her face at the realization and her stomach did a flip flop. “Surely you knew that, Madi.”
She glanced away as many of the members began mumbling. She felt especially ashamed when she made eye contact with her mother, who gave her a look as if to say, “What did I say about speaking?”
“Enough,” Adrian interjected. “Antoine, I will take your suggestion into account, and Nebrasia at least, will consider Tyrus a possible option for recruitment. The rest of you, I’d like to hear more ideas on how and where we might increase our defense.”
Madeleine let out a silent sigh of relief as the discussion headed in a different direction. While the old man, Duke Bourgeois, droned on about the complexities of war, Adrian’s eyes wandered over to her. He shot her a soft look and what looked like a kind smile. She blinked back at him, and after hesitating, simply nodded in thanks.
After a long while, the king interrupted the old duke in an attempt to direct the conversation back to its original course. Cardinal Vauquelin used this opportunity to intercept with his own topic, and even though the men continued to try to drift the conversation elsewhere, Madeleine couldn’t help but admire how smoothly and confidently Adrian steered everyone back on track.
As she gazed at his confident face, the look of comfort Adrian had given her before filled her breast with hope.
♛♚♛
Overall, the meeting had not gone quite as Madeleine had planned.
She was overwhelmed and still raw from her little outburst. As she replayed the scene in her head, clenching her jaw in response, she made her way to the end of the council room to the large double doors.
Antoine caught up with her. “Well, that didn’t go so terribly, did it?” She looked over at him, giving a half smile. “Don’t worry, Madi,” he added kindly. “With time as you go to more meetings, you will no longer feel so overloaded with information.”
“Thanks, Tony. Perhaps, sometime you could fill me in on some of the details I’m lacking?”
He flashed a big smile. “Of course, though, I think you’ll need to acquire more than just details at this point to survive any more meetings.”
“I think you’re right. Are you up to the task of teaching me?”
“Certainly! We’ll meet tomorrow then. Is that alright?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
He considered her, then took a step closer, lowering his voice. “By the way, I was able to read your poetry.”
Her eyes widened. “You did?”
He chuckled. “Don’t sound so surprised. I did say I would read all of it, didn’t I? In fact, I have it here.” He pulled a black notebook out of his tunic and handed it to her. “Your writing is beautiful and insightful, Madi. I was honored to read it.”
She felt a heat behind her cheeks. “You’re too kind.”
That’s when the young Andveltican messenger boy with a runny nose and a roll of parchment approached her at the door.
He bowed to both of them then rolled out a long piece of parchment. “Pardon me, Your Highnesses, but I have a message for you, Princess Madeleine. Princess Courtney requests your presence in her chamber immediately.”
She blinked several times. “Is everything alright?”
“She did not say.”
“Excuse me, Tony,” she breathed out quickly, swallowing back the intrusive thoughts now bombarding her.
“Of course.” He took her hands and touched them to his forehead. “I hope everything is alright.”
“Me too.”
Without further delay, her feet carried her away to Courtney’s chambers. Her heart raced as she passed rows upon rows of torches and she tried to reassure herself that it was nothing. She stopped in front of her sister’s bedroom, breathing in deeply for a moment before knocking lightly.
A maid soon opened it, and she was led inside. Examining the bed first, she was expecting Courtney to be lying in it when she realized it was empty. To her surprise, her sister was sitting in front of a large mirror while a maid braided her long, black hair. The older sister turned, and upon seeing Madeleine her face lit up.
“Oh, Madi!” A pink glow filled the bronze cheeks. “I’m sorry to ask you over here, but I need to know if the rumors are true. The maids have been filling me in on the latest gossip while I’ve been indisposed, and they tell me you—”
Madeleine rushed across the room and threw her arms around her, cutting her off. “Oh, Courtney, when I got your message, I thought the worst.” Tears began forming in her eyes. “You look so healthy and full of life. I almost did not recognize you when I came in.”
The older sister stood to give her a proper hug. “I’m so sorry I worried you, Madi! Nebrasia has the most amazing doctors. Ever since they’ve been treating me, I’ve felt much better; a little shaky still, but better.”
Madeleine sat her sister back down and let the maids continue their braiding work. “You must take it easy, Courtney. We’ve all been especially worried after making the trip.”
“Thank you for your concern, but really, I’m doing fine.” She gave her a look before adding, “I’m still waiting for you to tell me how in Elderian you became a council member.” She motioned for one of her maids who brought a chair and placed it next to her own, and Madeleine explained all that had happened after sitting.
Courtney turned to her sister sharply, pulling the braids out of the maid’s hands. “Mother did what? I’d have thought she’d be pushing Nebrasian suitors on you by now.”
“That’s what I thought!”
“What do you think brought on such a change?”
Madeleine thought for a moment. “Well, there is something. Have you noticed during mealtimes, Queen Nicole and King Abel have been acting very strangely together?”
“Strangely in what way?”
“Father has been very conversational with her, and may have attempted, how should I say…” She leaned in close to Courtney’s ear. “Flirting.”
She snorted. “Well, Father has always loved Mother since their arranged marriage, but from what I’ve gathered, she did not always feel the same.”
Madeleine stared at her. “He l-loved…loves her? How do you know that?”
She shrugged. “I hear and observe things. This behavior on Father’s part is not out of the ordinary. Now, if Mother was returning the gesture, that would be noteworthy.”
“She was, actually.”
“What?” She turned her head again, ripping long strands away from fingers.
“I think perhaps she was receiving him well.”
Courtney was shaking her head. “Then it sounds like perhaps she has been preoccupied, with our father of all people. This is newsworthy indeed.”
“I suppose, though, if she’s so preoccupied, why would she put so much effort into putting me on the council? She could have just as easily continued pestering me about suitors.”
“Yes, I can’t seem to find an explanation myself. Perhaps she finally gave up on you and court life.”
Madeleine breathed out a laugh. “I’d like to hope that is true.”
“I hope Mother is happy. She’s deserved that for a long time.”
She bristled at that, clasping her hands tightly while frowning. “That was really all the news I had,” she said quickly, not wanting to linger on the topic any longer. “I should be going. I’m meeting with Tony tomorrow morning in the library, and I need to prepare for that.”
“Oh?” Courtney asked curiously. “Do you talk to Prince Antoine often?” Madeleine made a soft grunt in response. “Well, things certainly are more interesting than I suspected, and here I thought Adrian was the one you were keen on.”
“Oh, he is,” she said quickly, surprising herself with the confession. “Er, I mean, I just feel very drawn to him, but anyway…” Madeleine played with her hair in a flustered manner. “I already had Tony giving me a hard time about Adrian. He’s very good at interpreting my poetry.”
Her sister turned again, her mouth hanging open. The maid who had been pinning the hair around her head sighed. “You won’t even let me read your poetry. You’re telling me that Tony has not only been allowed to read your poetry, but you’ve discussed it together?”
“I also lent my notebook to him to read on his own, as per his request, of course. I didn’t think he would want to.”
“Eh?” Her sister made a flustered sound. “If you keep surprising me like this, I might faint!”
“Honestly, Courtney.” Madeleine blushed. “Antoine has been my only friend here since you’ve been out of comission. He’s a good support and we have a tremendous amount of fun.”
“Is Adrian not your friend? Does he read your poetry?”
“Well, no.” Madeleine bit her lip. “When I first arrived, things didn't go so well between us, but they are slowly improving.”
Courtney turned back to the mirror and the maid resumed. “I’m glad you trust Tony so much. So, you are meeting with him tomorrow for what reason then?”
“I asked if he could help me understand more what is happening in the meetings and give me tips and such. He really is kind to have agreed.”
Courtney stood up, her hair now neatly twisted around her head. She pulled Madeleine up from her seat. “You should get some rest. You don’t want to be all tired by the time you attend this outing with the handsome prince.”
The younger sister rolled her eyes. “I am so glad you are doing better, dear sister. I really am. Even if it means you tease me more vehemently.”
“That reminds me,” Courtney said with a grin as one of the maids fastened her stays. “I’ve been more active lately. I even spent some time with Princess Amabel yesterday when I first began feeling better.”
“She seems very agreeable. When was that?”
“I was taking a small walk in the courtyard as the doctor’s suggested, to get some fresh air, and she happened to be on her way to a jousting tournament when she passed me. She invited me to join her.”
“A jousting tournament?” Now it was Madeleine’s turn to be surprised. “You are not well enough to be at something like that! How could you risk your health?”
Courtney cleared her throat. “If you’ve quite finished, I’ll now explain that I refused her offer. I told her I was just recovering and needed to take it easy. She was very understanding, and I promised I would join her at the next tournament.”
“Well, I’m glad you’ve made new friends. Please promise me you’ll be careful and not overdo it though, even if you’re feeling better.”
The two sisters embraced.
Courtney walked her to the chamber’s door. “Stop worrying about me. You need to worry instead about preparing for that romantic meeting with Tony. Say hello to the prince for me, won’t you?” She winked.
Madeleine gave her one last eye roll before heading to her bedroom.
♛♚♛
The princess sat on her bed with several library books in her lap and stared off to the side, feeling completely overwhelmed.
There were more books laying at the foot of her bed with titles reading, Nebrasia’s History, War and Politics in Nebrasia, Agriculture and Commerce and many others. Her hand lay silently over an open cover of one, and she let out a soft sigh.
She didn’t know what she didn’t know, but she did know she was severely behind everyone else. She also did not want to disappoint Prince Antoine with her lack of knowledge, but there was just too much information to take in.
Closing the book, she examined the hardwood floors while fiddling with one of her earrings. It came loose and fell somewhere on the floor. She fumbled for it for a while then groaned, having to resort to a candle for assistance.
After returning with a taper candle holder, she searched the ground. The earring was nowhere to be found and she could see nothing around the large cedar chest where her things were stored. Noticing that the chest was propped up on small wooden feet, she had an idea where the missing jewelry might be. She pushed on the heavy furniture until it moved a few inches and in triumph, grabbed the earring.
That’s when she noticed something else under the chest. A small corner of what looked like yellowed parchment stuck out from underneath. She pushed on the chest until she could pull out the rest of the mysterious parchment. She unfolded it, her eyes scanning the only thing that was written on it:
Brûlant