The air in the council chamber was thick with a tension that hung like a storm cloud, heavy and oppressive. The echoes of Theoden's footsteps faded down the corridor, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the unmistakable weight of grief that settled in my chest. I shifted my gaze back to Sybil’s coffin, a reminder of the fragility of life.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to confront the truth that had been gnawing at the edges of my mind. Sybil had been someone I could look up to. A teacher of sorts. One who was preparing me for the rest of my life, now we know is no longer living with us. As I stood there staring at her coffin, I found myself locked in a gaze as I knew what was about to unfold due to this discovery was about to turn things upside down.

As I stood transfixed on her coffin, brief memories flooded into my mind. Her smile and the way her heels clicked softly against the marbled floor of the castle. The way she would teach me and make learning as fun as possible. Those learning sessions, I found fun and some of the most memorable. Finally, after what seemed like eternity I found myself able to look away from her coffin, giving me a chance to breathe for the first time since I walked into the chamber.

As I stood with my back turned to time it seemed to slow as the weight of the impending meeting weighed heavily on my shoulders. This was one of the hardest things I had to do and I hoped it was the only time I had to do this but with the impending doom ahead, I doubted that was the case.

I took a deep breath, Alright, Maria, I got to focus on the meeting ahead. I got to be strong.

Even those in charge can show emotion. Théoden reminded me through the bond. I sighed heavily at his statement, I know… It’s just hard for me. I spent a good amount of time hiding in my room, hiding my emotions from my parents death, and now I have to do this.. There wasn’t any lesson taught on how to handle this.

I get it Maria, I do. Just remember, you are allowed to have your humanity show.

I know Theo, it’s just hard….

I took a deep breath and moved to my seat at the round table in the Council Chambers and took my seat with ease. My task ahead wasn’t easy, but I know I need to do it.

Silence fell as I sat and waited for the Council members to arrive in the chamber and weighed heavily on me.

The silence that followed was deafening, and I felt the weight of unanswered questions hanging in the air. “Alright, Maria, you got this. All I gotta do is explain to them that Sybil isn’t Sybil but is Crimson and the real Sybil is in the coffin. Easy right?” I felt a small smile creep on my face as I found a soft laughter escaping my lips at the thought of the task being easy.

Do you want me there or outside? Théoden questioned me through the bond as I felt him approach the chamber.

I’d say in here but let me handle this alone first…. I said as I released a deep breath.

Are you sure? Théoden questioned me, making sure I was alright.

No. But I need to. I responded, send the Council members in once they get here.

Will do.

I sat there for what seemed like an eternity before the first Council member arrived. Prior to the time going down I did have Theoeden come in to perform the Invisibility spell on the coffin so the Council members wouldn’t see it right away. Of course the first to arrive was Cedric.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“Princess…” Cedric said as he did a soft gentle bow before he moved to his seat. “Are you alright?”

“No…. but we will discuss that once everyone arrives.” I told him.

“Thora is right behind me and so is Wulfric. I think they stopped to talk to Théoden for a moment.”

“Thank you.” I said with a nod as I heard brief sound before the door opened once more.

“Sorry if we are late Princess, I wanted to thank Théoden personally for the other day.” Thora said.

“Of course, and you aren’t late. We are still missing two.” I said as I watched Thora and Wulfric both take their seats.

“I’m sure it has been asked already but are you alright?” Wulfric asked as they were all reading me like an open book.

I sighed heavily, “No, but I will explain when Fredrick… and….” I couldn’t even get her name out, however, thankfully for me both arrived on time.

“Princess, you sounded upset through the message I received earlier. And by your presence now, something isn’t right.” Fredrick said as he took his seat and Sybil (Crimson) took hers.

“I’d agree, you look quite upset.” Sybil (Crimson) spoke.

“Well, yes… I have some news that, I need to share with you all…” I glanced towards the shut door and back at the Council chambers as I let out another deep breath.

Within a moment, Théoden opened and closed the door quietly and moved behind me. He placed his hands upon my shoulders as he got my intention. You got this Maria… He whispered to me through the bond.

I took one final deep breath before I opened my mouth once more. “I gathered you here today to expose some truth behind a façade.”

“What are you talking about Princess?” Cedric asked as all of their expressions looked the same. Confused.

I honestly had no idea how I was going to proceed with this information but it needs to be said. “The Sybil that is sitting amongst us… is not the real Sybil.”

The room was a whirlwind of shock and confusion, a cacophony of emotions that swirled like a tempest. Faces, once animated with purpose, were now frozen in disbelief, mouths agape and eyes wide. The news had hit them like a bolt of lightning, unexpected and devastating. Whispers of disbelief ricocheted off the walls as the gravity of the situation settled in, heavy and suffocating.

“What in the nine hells are you talking about?!?” Sybil (Crimson) explained… “Of Course I am me…I am Sybil Nomaty!” She shouted. Her face faltered as she spoke as she started to become angered. I could start to see the veins in her face start to bulge. Her skin starts to turn vibrant red.

“Now, now. Before things get heated, what evidence do you have to support your claim Maria?” Cedric spoke in a calm voice as he moved his hands up and down in hopes to calm the tension that was slowly building between the two of us.

I took a deep breath, “I have the real Sybil’s body in a coffin. We found it in a cave in the Underdark.”

“LIES!” Sybil (Crimson) Shouted. “That is a bunch of…”

Cedric cut Sybil off, “Let’s hear her out before we get our panties in a bunch.” He turned his focus to me, “Do you have her body? If not, this is just a false claim.”

“I do. I do have her body.” I said as I looked up at Théoden. To which, he understood the meaning and dropped the Invisibility spell on the wooden coffin. “In the coffin, lays her burned and destroyed body.”

They all turned their heads and looked at the coffin… “Maria… are you saying that there is Sybil Nomaty?” Cedric asked while the others remained silent.

“Y…. Yes.” I muttered as I stood up from my seat and moved slowly to the coffin. “Take a look for yourself.” I said as I looked over at Théoden who followed my steps and moved the lid carefully off the coffin.

All of the Council members moved at once to surround the coffin. And all had mixed reactions. “This can’t be her…” Thora whispered as a tear began to escape her eyes.

“But that’s her family's broach…” Wulfric said as he pointed out the golden rose broach.

“I’ll give you all a moment before continuing.” I said as I stepped back from the coffin and the Council and went and stood behind my seat. Théoden followed me and watched me closely.

“How do we know this is her?” Sybil questioned as she looked over at me with an angry frown.

“I can speak with the dead on what is left. But we have utilized numerous spells already to find her.” Théoden spoke up.

“I think that it would be wise to perform one final spell, then we let her rest.” Cedric said.

Théoden nodded and moved back towards the coffin and cast the spell. “Who are you?” He asked the animated corpse as it rose from its resting place.