As I looked over the palace courtyard I was taken aback by all of the faces that stood there. All matters of Xosta was there; from peasants to nobles, everyone wanted to see their new queen first hand. As the sun was bright, the heat sparked a passionate flame for every one of them. It is different to place your Kingdom’s future behind castle walls, but it puts everything into perspective when you see all of the faces it represents.

I step forward onto the stone balcony, keeping my back straight and head held high. Lifting my right hand, I smile and wave as Alva instructed. The courtyard was decorated in red, black, and gold Xosta colors. Streamers, curtains, and flowers hung from every window, balcony, and entrance, but it was the citizens of my new kingdom that caught my eye. As my feet hit the edge of the balcony the people slowly began to quiet their voices, waiting for my first words. I glanced at my cards, and taking a deep breath, I spoke.

“Good afternoon, and welcome to the Xosta palace. I am pleased you all could be here on this momentous day in history as I am crowned as your first queen. We live in uncertain times, but as your leader I swear to you to create a better Xosta then what was left behind for our former King-”

“KING KILLER!” a voice shouted from the crowd. The interruption shocked the entire courtyard as people began to whisper amongst themselves at the spectacle. I looked in the direction of the voice, to see two armed guards escorting someone from the palace.

One of the balcony guards stepped away from his post, and approached me. “My apologies for interrupting your Majesty. The citizen has been escorted out of the courtyard. Please continue.”

I wasn’t going to let this disruption ruin my first address, but if there is negative talk about the new queen I need to know. “I wish to speak with this person. Please make sure he does not leave the place just yet.” I order. The guard bows in respect. “Yes your ladyship.” and leaves swiftly to fulfill my order.

Clearing my throat I find my place back in my cards and continue on. “I know the trials and hardships of the people, for I grew up among you as a child. As such, I know that great reform must be taken. With lower taxes and redistribution of funds, I plan to remake the poor and create a better, happier place to live…” As I reach the end of my written speech I feel a lackluster in my heart. The people are also sandsperpants, and I am sure citizens are concerned about their new presence. “Part of this happiness includes the sandserpants. They have been hiding for far too long, and have been invited into our city to live with us as brothers and sisters. I hope that you all can welcome them with open arms as I have. For together we can build a better Xosta.”

As the crowd cheered, I could help notice a slight disinterss in their enthusiasm. Was it something I said? Maybe I should have stuck to the cards… Keep smiling, and make a graceful exit.

Upon re-entering the castle I see Alva frantic as ever talking with two guards. “How could you let this happen?!” The two iron men stood there silently, taking the lecture like champions. “I’ll have you fired for this!”

“Whoa! Easy Alva, it wasn’t their fault. The guards can’t control what people say. I think they handled the situation to the best of their ability.” My intervention was well received with the men, as a sense of relief washed over their faces.

Angrily Alva turned to me in disdain. “No, but you can. Why did you go off script?! Now they have more ammunition!”

“They? Who is they?” Alva bit her tongue. “Tell me.” I glare hard at her, pulling the information from her lips.

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“There are a number of people who are… not pleased with your sudden change to power. They believe you to be-” Alva paused, choosing her next words carefully. “Unfit to rule.”

I was furious for a number of reasons. That there are people who don’t see me as good enough to sit on the throne, and the fact that Alva and everyone else have been keeping it a secret. “When were you going to tell me about this?”

“I was hoping I would never have too. After the first address things normally tone down… but after today I think we may have a bigger problem at hand.” I could see the concern in my advisors eyes, this was no joke.

If I don’t have the acceptance of the people, we could have rioting in the streets, rebellion in the palace, and even other territories looking for a vulnerable queen to overthrow. I need to get to the source of their concerns in order to gain their favor. ”I’ve had that man who spoke out detained. I will speak with him, and get to the bottom of this.”

Alva nods in agreement. “Excellent idea your Majesty. I’ll have the guards summon him to the throne room. Let’s see what this man has to say.”

♕

The leather arms of the chair. The soft velvet caressing my back. The throne is exactly how I imagined it would feel. So why do I not feel like royalty? I am only a few hours into my reign, and a problem among the people has already come up. ‘King killer!’ The citizens' words were not wrong, and they haunted me. My father was not beloved, at least by most of his subjects. He was responsible for countless deaths, including the miscarriages he forced on my mother. I can’t even begin to imagine the number of children who died of starvation due to their poverty. With the taxes at an all time high in Xosta it forced many to lose their homes, and with imported crops, most of them couldn/t even afford to buy a crust of bread. King Thybaut got the justice he deserves… So why am I the villain in this story?

As the guards brought the man forward, I began to see the anger in his eyes. The clear disdain by my presence brought about a rage in my soul. The man is brought to his knees before me, his legs hitting the stone floor swiftly. The long throne room hall was plain, Alva was not expecting this area to be used yet or I am sure it would be decorated properly; But the torches lit around us was all I needed.

Setting my royal gaze on the interrupter, I take note of his fine clothing. The silks and gold jewelry around his neck told me all I needed to know. He is a noble. With nobility comes snobbery, and quick judgement. However if I am going to be a successful Queen, I need the support of everyone in Xosta, including the nobles.

“What is your name?” I speak clear as day, but the man seems to be reluctant of my question. In a rage, one of the guards shoved the mans shoulder. “Her Majesty asked you a question!”

“My name is of no importance.” The gentleman kept his face from me. His dark brown hair shading his eyes from my sight.

“Perhaps... But we are civilized people are we not? I only wish to ask you a few questions, and you can go on your way.” His displeasure continued to grow, his shoulders tightening with every word that flowed from my lips.

The man took a deep breath. “I cannot guarantee you will like my answers, your grace.” Just before the guard reached down to strike him I pulled up my hand, holding him from his action. “Your sharp tongue nor your answers frighten me… now tell me, what came over you to create an outburst during my address?”

I could nearly hear the stubborn man grinding his teeth. It is not in his stubborn nature to submit, but I will not allow him to leave until I get the information I need. “The members of nobility have strong feelings for those who overthrow respected Kings… Say what you will about King Thybaut, but he put us first in every manner. The nobility of Xosta demand to maintain their recognition and influence in the kingdom, or I can assure you my ‘outburst’ will be the first of many.”

It shouldn’t surprise me that the nobles feel threatened by a new rise in power, but the look of resentment in his face worries me. I may have more of a problem on my hands than anticipated.

“Without a king, the nobles will never accept you as the crown!” There it was, what I feared the most. My father's words have come true...