Upon the second day the temperature in the kingdom dropped another five degrees. This time, there were a few reports from the staff that the citizens were starting to be concerned. However, there wasn’t much we were doing about the concern at this time.

“Don’t tell them anything just yet.” I told Leo, one of Théoden's elite guards that guarded the castle gates.

“So you do know what caused the ten degree temperature drop?” Leo questioned me with suspicion in his voice as he leaned up against the brass gates.

The temperature difference was noticeable as even I had began to notice it on my morning walk. So, it didn't surprise me that we had received a few reports of the temperature change.

“I…I…Yes we know.” I stammered out. Damn I need to get better at this if I am going to take over the kingdom.

“So, what caused it? Some people think clerics are causing environmental change or even the druids.” Leo informed me.

“Classified information.” I told him and walked back towards the castle in stride. I didn’t want the kingdom knowing that there was a dragon present. That would have defeated the purpose of him creating the layer.

I found myself back in the kitchen to collect a fresh pot of tea and biscuits that Roland had prepared. The tea I was going, to give to Theoden. Despite his constant pleading that he was perfectly fine, I found it to be the only way I can protect him and take care of him right.

“Maria, this is really uncalled for. I feel fine.” Theoden pleaded as I handed him the cup of tea and biscuits. “Honestly, I feel better than I would have expected to.”

“And that concerns me. You had an immense drainage of essence and yet you appear perfectly normal.” I protested. I knew he was fine, I could sense through the bond that he was fine. However, something felt different and I did not know what that was.

“So, my health appears normal and you are concerned?” He was amused by my reasoning for keeping him in bed.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Feeling annoyed, I gave him a glare, “That much power used and you seem fine two days later?”

“And what about it?”

“That doesn’t raise suspicions with you?”

I knew it wasn’t my doing. I hadn’t given him anything to help him bounce back so quickly. It was the work of some outside force that I had no clue as to what it could be.

“Not really. I am a dragon and have been able to bounce back quickly before with power drainage.”

He had a point but this much power drainage, there was no way this was natural. “Alrighty, I will drop it for now.” That was a lie. I needed research but I didn’t need him knowing about this. There were two sources I could go to. The Library of Forgotten Knowledge or the castle library.

“You are not going to drop this are you?” He questioned me as I sensed he was reading my mind.

I sighed in defeat, “Nope. Something has happened but I don’t know what. I feel it. I sense it. And I think you do too.”

He wore a blank expression on his face. I could sense he began to question it himself but he dared to let his mind wander too deep with it. I got hints of possible possibilities. One involving dragon’s lore but he brushed that off quickly. “Maria, I assure you there will be nothing on this in the library.”

“So, you do know something?” At this point in time I was about halfway to the door of his bedroom and his words caused me to stop dead in my tracks and turn back around. Crossing my arms in the process.

“Possibilities. Unlikely ones but there are a few. I need time to think. So, just give me that Maria. Give me time before you start scrounging the libraries for answers.”

I thought about it. I trust Théoden with my life. So, I felt it was right I trusted him here too. “Fine. But I hope you will eventually tell me.”

He simply nodded and I left. I decided instead of going to my room or to the library like I had planned, I figured it was time. It was time that I visited my father’s office again and perhaps utilized what was his as my own. After all, if I am the heir to the throne, I need to start preparing myself for the duty as Queen. I couldn't just be playing hooky, skipping lessons, sneaking around, and getting away with it. I had to duties I had to start doing. And seeing Théoden make his sacrifices he made, made me realize I needed to start doing the same.

Besides joining the Council, this was the next step I decided to take. Using my father’s office as my own personal office. A place where I would hold meetings. Sign laws into order. A place where I would rewrite history. A place where I will push my kingdom forward. A place where the next stage in my life would truly begin.