I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me as I looked down at the dried ink on the parchment. I had written three versions of the same law, each one a careful consideration of how to best serve our people while addressing the issues at hand. Now, all I could do was hope that the Council would pass one of them. The weight of responsibility hung heavily on my shoulders, but I was determined to see this through.

I called for Fredrick via a sending stone, my voice steady as I spoke into the smooth surface. “Fredrick, can you come up to my office, please?”

His voice crackled back, sounding somewhat gruntled. “Fine, give me a few minutes.”

I waited, the silence of my office enveloping me. Five minutes ticked by, and just as I began to wonder if he would actually show up, a sharp knock rang through the door. “Princess Maria, it’s me!”

“Come in!” I called, eager to discuss the next steps of our plan.

Fredrick opened the door and strolled casually into my office. Today, he wore a button-down green shirt that contrasted nicely with his dark hair and a pair of sleek black pants. A few buttons on his shirt were left unfastened, exposing a hint of his toned skin, which was hardly appropriate for formal council business but somehow suited him.

“What do you need?” Fredrick asked as he approached and settled into the chair across from me, his posture relaxed but his expression revealing an underlying tension.

“I have three revisions of the revivification law,” I began, my excitement tempered by the seriousness of the task at hand. “The original I wouldn’t mind reinstating, but I’ve come up with a few other options. Could you pull a Council meeting together for tomorrow so we can get one of them through?”

“I think I can manage that,” he replied, leaning back in his chair. “Do you want to go through the three with me so we can pick a final one to bring to the table?”

Fredrick had a good point, yet I hesitated. A part of me wanted to keep the details close to my chest, especially given his proximity to Crimson.

“I think I will just give them all three options,” I told him, trying to sound confident.

He narrowed his eyes, looking a bit disgruntled as he slightly slouched in the chair. “Are you sure?” he questioned, the hesitation evident in his voice.

“Yes.” I spoke firmly, feeling a surge of resolve. “I want them to be able to have options.”

“I suppose that will do,” he conceded, though he still seemed defeated in a way.

Something isn’t right… I muttered through the bond, my instincts prickling with unease.

I felt Théoden do a quick scan before he responded, You’re right on that. Don’t trust him. He may be spying on us for Crimson.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Mhm, I agreed silently, my thoughts racing.

I refocused my attention back on Fredrick, trying to gauge his demeanor. “May I ask you a few questions?”

“I suppose so,” he replied, the lack of enthusiasm in his voice betraying his reluctance. To my surprise, there wasn’t much hesitation with his response. Yeah… he was most definitely acting strange.

“How are things with you and Sybil?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“A bit rocky. But I don’t see how that is any of your business?” The low growl in his voice suggested he was displeased with where the conversation was heading.

“It kind of is. I believe it is against the laws to be in a relationship with a Council member,” I pointed out, my tone sharp.

His eyes widened at that, but then they softened as he leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “And dating your guard isn’t?” His glare met mine, challenging me.

“What did you just say?” I asked, needing to ensure I heard him correctly.

“You heard me,” he shot back defiantly, crossing his arms.

I took a deep breath, keeping my voice steady. “Fine. But you must know that it has ended.”

His eyes narrowed further, as if he were scrutinizing me for the truth. “Fine. I’ll believe you for now. As for Sybil and I… we haven’t had relations since last year. It’s been a bit rocky for a while now. Ever since that devil stepped foot in the kingdom.”

“Interesting…” I murmured, pondering the implications of his words. Perhaps that was around the time the real Sybil had died. I had always thought she loved Fredrick like I loved Theoden.

“What?” he blinked, confusion crossing his features.

“Nothing,” I replied quickly, not wanting to reveal too much.

“Uh huh.” Fredrick leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms defensively. “Do you have anything else for me, or can I go?”

“You can go. Just have them ready to meet first thing in the morning. Say eight?” I instructed, my tone final.

Fredrick nodded, “Got it.” He stood up and smoothed his shirt, trying to remove any wrinkles that marred the fabric.

As he turned to leave, he paused at the door, glancing back at me with a serious expression. “Don’t you ever try to blackmail me… I have piles of dirt on you, Princess… remember that.”

With that, he walked out, slamming the door behind him. The echo of the door slamming sent a wave of chills down my spine, and I felt a knot form in my stomach. What Crimson knew, Fredrick knew, and that frightened me.

What were you thinking when you questioned him to begin with? Théoden's voice echoed in my mind, his concern palpable.

I honestly don’t know… I just wanted some answers.

Maybe try something else…

We still haven’t found her body. Sybil’s, that is.

That’s a start. I can aid by using location spells. Once I get a ping, I’ll let you know.

Can you start that today?

Mhm.

To my surprise, he didn’t get a ping today. But he only had three rounds. Tomorrow, however, he planned to do a more refined search while I handled the Council.

Feeling the weight of the day’s events settle over me, I turned back to my desk, the ink on my revisions glistening under the light. The uncertainty of our situation loomed large, but I was determined to face it head-on. I would ensure that our plans moved forward, no matter the obstacles in our way.