I laughed, “Gods have a sense of humor don’t they?”
Théoden looked down at me with a questioning look, “I’d wouldn’t question the gods if I was you.”
“I’m not, just their humor. Pairing someone who is utterly unstable with someone who has enough stability they can hold a mountain on top of their shoulders and not even buckle.”
I could almost hear his mind turn in thought. “Maria, why do you have such low self esteem?”
“I-” He left me speechless. He wasn’t wrong, I did feel low when it came to protecting myself and others. Perhaps, the attack on my life a few weeks back had something to do with that. Or it was the fact that I was letting the devil himself reside in my castle.
He stood up and walked to the other side of the arena. I watched as he took a few deep breaths before he faced me again. “I hate it when you think low of yourself. You are the strongest person I know, Maria. Any normal person would have buckled under pressure by now. Any normal person wouldn’t be doing what you are doing.”
“And what is that Theo? I am training to try to defeat a devil. However, that devil has free reign in my kingdom.” I protested. I truly felt what I was doing was right, however, I knew part of me felt responsible for all the death and chaos that has happened since Marcel stepped foot into my kingdom.
He walked over to me and knelt down, “Maria, none of this is your fault. If anything it is mine, considering I failed to detect the problem to begin with. Now, we are doing something about it.”
I turned away from him. I knew he was right. However, I still couldn’t help but feel guilty for my part in everything that has happened. However, as I looked away from him he pulled my face back to him and kissed my lips, melting my stress away. “Maria Roza Silvermist, my Queen,” I couldn’t help but smile as his lips brushed mine. This was the first time he called me Queen. “I admire your will to admit the issues we have to face, your strength and devotion to protect our beloved kingdom. You are truly remarkable and that is not my love for you talking.”
My face flushed red, “I-” Once again I found myself struggling to answer him.
“I understand Maria.” He kissed me once more. “Just know, this isn’t just your fault, we all have our role to play in what happened and what will happen.”
We both fell silent once more. I could sense that the dream was about to fade any minute. “Théoden this-”
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As I began to speak, my words began to fade as the scene around us came crashing to a halt. My eyes flutter open in the comfort of my own bed. “Damn it.” I muttered as I stretched beneath the covers.
It was the morning of the celebration, a day that was going to be packed with activities that I was going to have to attend with Fredrick and the rest of the Council. All leading up to the formal celebration that was to commence at six in the evening.
I grabbed my first outfit of the day, a simple suite with a black shirt and black pants. It was dressy enough, to get the first few tasks done. Fredrick was scheduled to pick me up at 5 in the morning. It was now only midnight.
As I got dressed, I could feel my body's exhaustion as our training in our dreams had an impact on my body. Do you feel as exhausted as I do?
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Théoden chuckled, no but it is good that you do. I know it will make for a long day, Maria however, it will help with your emotions tonight.
I grumbled as I pulled my belt across my waist and strapped my bag of holding in its proper loop. The aches in my body were definitely going to make this an interesting day. I just hope no one else will notice.
I’ll take what I can. Théoden said as I began to feel the siphoning part of the bond start to happen. The uncomfortable, unease, and strain on my body began to fade as Theoden took all of what he could from me.
Thank you dear, I owe you one.
Just knock them dead today.
I’ll try.
I gathered my speech that I had written on parchment and put it in my bag and walked down to the kitchen to grab a quick bite.
“Good morning Maria. Today’s the day.” Roland said as I entered through the archway.
“Today is the day.” I repeated back to him. “What did you get for breakfast this morning?”
“The usual.” Roland said as he grabbed a tray of food out of the cooler and popped it in the oven. Soon, I began to smell an array of breakfast foods that made my stomach grumble.
“I thought I smelt something good.” Théoden said as he entered through the other door of the kitchen.
“You two and food, I swear.” Roland muttered as he pulled one more heaping tray of food out of the cooler and placed it in the oven.
“What is first on the agenda?” Théoden asked as he embraced me in a hug before sitting down.
I took my seat across from him and gave him a soft smile, “Fredrick wants to go over the pledge one more time to make sure I got it down. From there, I have to stay with the Council all day going over what I plan to change and implement, as well as a general run down to some of the events that have happened in the kingdom so far. Including the layer and what I plan to do combat some of the issues that may rise, Marcel, and Crimson.”
I honestly thought about ratting out Crimson. That Crimson was Sybil and that Marcel was well responsible for the spike in crime in our kingdom. I knew however, that would be a bad idea and pour taste on my part.
“Agreed. I know they need to know at some point. However, we need to keep Marcel and Crimson in the dark as long as we can.” Théoden said. Of course, he was right on that. At some point we needed to come clean on everything, however now wasn’t the time.
“Fine, I’ll do my best to leave them out. However, if the bitch pushes my buttons I will-”
“Maria!” Théoden raised his voice at me, stopping from continuing my thought.
“Fine, fine.” I muttered.
Silence fell as Roland began to plate food for breakfast and hand it to us. All that could be heard for a good thirty minutes was the munching of bacon and toast.
Once the meal concluded, I helped Roland clean up the kitchen and prepare some of the meals for tonight's celebration, while Théoden went to start his rounds. By the time I was finished with helping Roland in the kitchen it was time to meet Fredrick.
I walked downstairs to the chambers where Fredrick was just getting ready to leave to meet me in the grand hall. “Good morning Fredrick.” I said causing Fredrick to jump.
“Princess, I didn’t hear you come down.” Fredrick brushed his hands to the sides of his slacks, “Ready to go over the pledge one more time?”
He glanced up at me with a glint of…hope? No not hope…suspicion? No. I didn’t think that was it either. He seemed oddly calm despite being jumpy and I couldn't help but wonder if something else was being planned.
“Of course.”
We walked into the Council chambers and I took my place at the round table and recited the pledge with ease.
“Well done. Your voice carried well, you had good posture, and remembered every word.” Fredrick said applauding me.
“Thank you Fredrick, what’s next?”
“The other’s will be here shortly. Just take a rest for a bit.” Fredrick said as he stepped out of the Council chamber, leaving me to my own will.