Both Theoden and Quinn walked me back to the castle. “Thanks again for training with me tonight Quinn.”

“Anytime Maria, really.” She said with a smile, “that goes for you too Theo. I love sparring with you.”

“Noted. And remember Quinn…”

“I know. It’s safe with me.”

As Quinn went to leave I couldn’t help it but give her a hug. “What’s this for” She questioned me as she was surprised.

“Nothing…I.” I quickly removed my arms from her and looked away from her as I felt my face turn red.

“It’s alright Maria. I’d hoped we could be friends.”

Damn she was good. I glanced back at her with a smile, “thanks.”

“Well, goodnight.” She waved at the both of us as she left.

“I like her.” I said to Theo as he opened the gate to the castle.

“I knew you would.” He said with a smile.

He walked me the rest of the way to the grand hall. From there, we parted ways. No dream tonight. We both need rest.

But…

No, Maria. We both need it.

Fine. I love you.

I love you too Maria.

Once I was inside my room with the door locked, I undressed for the evening and grabbed a T-shirt. I glanced at my tub in the corner of my room as I was tempted to take a bath before bed but decided against that plan as my bed welcomed me with open arms. As soon as my head hit the pillow my trance followed within minutes.

----------------------------------------

I woke four hours later, around 1 in the morning, to the sound of a gentle knock on my door. Damn it. This better not be Marcel again. I thought to myself as I stretched and got out of bed.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Coming…I’m coming…” I grumbled as I walked to the door, unlocked and opened it. “What the…” I stopped myself as it was not who I was expecting at my door.

Instead it was Fredric, an Aasimair that had flawless bronze colored skin, piercing golden eyes, and lushes black hair. Despite appearing humanoid, he wasn’t the typical human. He held a position on the council, working alongside four other people, five when a Royal Head was present.

His spot on The Council is The Records of Affairs. The Records of affairs was one of the lower positions on the councils; however, it was just as important as the rest of them. He handled all documentation on various subjects, which included laws, rules, nobility families, and treasury affairs.

“Princess Maria Roza Silvermist, I have been…” Fredrick stopped mid sentence as he glanced over my body.

Shit. I thought to myself as I remembered I had just slipped on one of Theo’s shirts before bed. “Dam---” I stopped myself from cursing. “Sorry. Let me get changed please.”

“Of course princess, take your time.” Fredrick said.

Honestly, I don’t know whose face was redder at this point. Mine or his. “Thank you. Give me five minutes to put on something proper.” Yeah, not only did I want to wear something proper but every time I was around anyone involved in The Council I felt like I had to act more proper. That meant no cussing, lots of please, and thank you.

He nodded as I closed the door quickly. Fuck sake. This has to be about Theo reviving Violet. Why this hour though? Damn it!

I thought as I quickly pulled out an appropriate dress. This dress was a deep green with gold trim. I slipped it on and grabbed the rest of my items that I needed. I quickly ran a comb through my hair in an attempt to make myself look somewhat presentable.

I reopened the door to Fredrick standing against the wall waiting for me. Once he saw me he straightened up and repeated what he originally was going to say. “Princess Maria Roza Silvermist, I was ordered by Sybil to bring you in front of the council to discuss matters of importance. Follow me please.”

I sighed and shut my door behind me and locked it. “May I know what this matter is about?”

“No.” Frederick said as we began the long walk down to the basement of the castle where The Council members met.

“Should I get The‒” I began to say his name as I had a feeling that this was in regards to the events that took place earlier.

“No. Sybil specifically requested you.” Fredrick responded, interrupting me.

“Is there a reason why I can not get Theo‒”

Fredrick interrupted me again, “You may not get Theoden, it was an order.”

“Hmm.”

I crossed my arms as I walked behind him. Why was I the only one in trouble? Was it because I allowed it to happen? Then again how would they know that? Wait.. did someone see that? I mean I know we are being watched by someone so that is possible.

Perhaps I should…no I won’t wake him. It's been awhile since he got his full eight hours of sleep. Besides I knew if I did wake him he would march his happy ass down and into The Council Chambers and take matters into his own hands. This was something I was going to have to handle and as future Queen, this was something that I should handle by myself.