“Do you even know what you are walking into? You are the least qualified person I know to go into a war council!”

His words were harsh but true. I had no idea what I was going to do or say, but the Queen requested me so I don’t have much choice. Ren was red in the face, I think that he is still angry with me from last night. We haven’t talked about our argument since it happened. I've never really been in a fight before… so not having things resolved is unsettling.

What am I supposed to say? My stomach is in knots. Why do I feel so guilty? I shouldn’t be. Ren is right, we did nothing wrong. It is clear that we care for each other, so there are no ill intentions.

I thought back to my childhood in Theora. The words of wisdom my mother would often share with me and my brother. Searching in the deepest forgotten parts of my memory for anything of comfort. Then, her voice reached out to me. ‘When one loves, one does not calculate. Do all that you do with love.’

“Are you listening?” Annoyed, Ren tapped his foot, grabbing my attention.

With my mother's words of comfort, I take my husband's hands, gently interweaving our fingers. “At least I can get some insight on what the plan is. Esteve is the only one who has been communicating our interests and she has been reluctant to share them with us.”

Ren sits at the foot of the bed massaging his temples. “I don’t like this. I am not used to sitting on the sidelines. Especially when it comes to Xosta.”

“You don’t have to like it. And may I remind you that we are here for Theora as well. Once your sister takes your Father's Throne, we will go to my homeland and create a new life there.”

The Prince presses his lips into a hard line. “I’m aware. I just-” Before Ren could finish arguing, Sir Esteve entered our chambers. She was back in her armor, except now she wore no helmet proudly. It is a nice reminder that she is indeed human under all at iron.

“We are going to be late.” She states flatly.

I look at Ren as if subconsciously asking reassurance, but all I got was a pouty Prince. Esteve sighs, “Are you sulking?” He turned away in spite of her question.”

“Come Ariella. Let’s not keep the Queen waiting.” Taking her lead, I follow the metal dressed Princess through the clay walls of the castle Labyrinth.

“I am glad we have a moment before the meeting. There are a few matters I wish to discuss with you.” Esteves long dark lashes faced the floor, her shoulders implied she was uneasy.

“First, I wanted to apologize to you about Mira.” Mira, my heart ached at the name. “I let her down twice, once at the beach and the other at the feast… Believe me, I wanted to jump into that ocean to save her, and if my father were not next to me, I would have pushed through the crowds and stopped her execution.” Her jaw clenched in recollection.

“Why didn’t you?” my head knew the answer, but my heart needed closure as much as hers.

“I couldn’t risk revealing my identity. The element of surprise is the greatest weapon we have, and I have a whole kingdom to protect. I couldn't just throw that all away for one person.” Esteve’s eyes turned to me, with the shade of green that is all too familiar. “Mark my words Ariella, her death will not be in vain. King Thybaut will pay for everything he has done. I will see to it.” She clutches the hilt of her sword and looks off into the distance like she is plotting his death in her mind.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“I know now that you were in a tough position, but I didn’t then and may have reacted rashly. Will you forgive me?

Sir Esteve shook her head. “There is no need. I would have reacted the same. You were protecting your friend, I know a thing or two about that… I am no Mira, but I hope that we can…” Esteve’s speech turned muddled, fumbling for coherent words. I laugh a little inside seeing her vulnerable. I finally am getting to see the real Esteve.

“Of course we can be friends.” She smiled in relief that Idecifered her babbling.

“Good.”

Finally, we reached the all too familiar war council door. It was slightly ajar leaving the voices of those who had already arrived pouring through.

“There is one other matter you need to know before we go inside.” Quietly Sir Esteve pulled me aside. “In the last meeting, we came to an agreement. When we take back Xosta with the Sanserpant’s help, it will free them of exile and anyone from Shepenaput to live in peace with the people of Xosta. More importantly, Queen Kahi expects Theora to be governed by you, and you alone.”

This was big news. After all, the Sanserpants were not seen much at all outside the desert, and now they would be free to walk and live with the humans of Xosta.

“What do you mean me alone? What about Ren?”

Esteve bites her lip. “The Queen is very set in her ways, and she does not want to be associated with any Kingdoms with Kings. It will be the main discussion today. I wanted you to know before we walked in there. And just know that Theora is yours, and whatever decision you make I will support.”

The loud thud of the War Room door calls to us. I swallow my nerves, straighten my posture, and prepare for what is to come.

The center of the room is a large round table with a cloth map laid out of the surrounding kingdoms. Instantly I can spot Theora and ponder out how small it is compared to the rest of the world. There were ten chairs in total. Each made of gold and fine leather. The Queen had yet to arrive, and my stomach turned with anticipation.

“Nervous?” Esteve asked.

“Yes.”

She patted me gently on the back. “Relax. You were born to do this. Just breathe...”

I take in a massive breath. As my lungs release, a member of the Queen’s guard announces. “Her royal majesty, the Empress of Fire, Queen Kahi-Bahiti!”

Any of the Sansperpants that were sitting rose from their chairs. Queen Kahi was as beautiful as ever. Today she dressed in an extravagant emerald green gown and a dark gradient toward the bottom hem. As always she accessorized with her signature gold jewelry, I could never grow tired of looking at it, so I am sure she will never get tired of wearing it.

The Queen walked slowly to the head of the table, taking her rightful place in the room. “You may all sit,” she commanded.

Pointing her finger at me, a shining gold ring flashed from across the table. “We have a new guest joining us. Please introduce yourself.”

This was my moment to make a lasting first impression. It had to be perfect. Every movement, every word will be scrutinized from today, I can’t afford for things to go wrong. I could feel my timid nature creeping up in the silence. Clearing my voice of jitters I stand strong and address the room.

“My name is Princess Ariella. Firstborn to Queen Ismena, King Edom III…” A lump in my throat delayed my speech, but I smoothly recovered remembering that Esteve was next to me and that my parents were with me in spirit. “Former King and Queen of Theora. Now Princess of Xosta, and wife to Prince Galleren, the Prince of Xosta.”

My heart was beating fast, but looking around the room, I felt that my presence was respected, and maybe even a little bit admired.

“Thank you, Princess, you are most welcome in this war council tonight.” The Queen’s voice was elegant in tone, much like herself.

With a smile, I bow to her royal highness with gratitude. “Thank you, your Majesty. It is an honor to be present here this evening.”

The gold-green Queen waves her hand, dismissing me to my seat. “Now. Let us begin.”