Once we reached the kitchen, I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. “Good morning Roland.” I said with a smile as the four council members stepped in behind.

“Good morning?” Roland said as he scratched his head. “Council?” He questioned.

“I hope it is not a bother that we impose on breakfast plans this morning chef Roland.” Fredrick stated. Damn that man was always so polite.

“It’s not a problem at all, Fredrick.” Roland went to the back pantry to gather more supplies than he already had sitting out.

As he walked to the back pantry, Theoden entered the kitchen. “Good morning.”

“Ah! The man responsible for the fuss at the meeting.” Fredrick said.

“Look, I am sorry about that.” Theoden said, “After everything that has happened, I just couldn’t lose another soul.”

“Understandable. Just try not to make it a habit. We do not need a riot on our hands if word gets out that the captain of the army is bringing people back from the dead. Understand?”

“Understood, Fredrick. I apologize again.”

Fredrick nodded, “as for other matters.” He turned his attention to me. “Your behavior-”

“I know, and I am sorry.” Interrupted him, “sorry.” I apologize again. Damn, I really need to work on my good behavior.

For starters, try cussing less.

Whatever.

Theoden turned around from the council as he tried not to laugh.

“It’s alright princess. Honestly, Sybil has been, as you kids say, unhinged recently.” Cedric pointed out.

“I wouldn’t go that far Cedric.” Fredrick responded.

“I would have to agree with Cedric.” Wulfric said. “Just because you have a thing for Sybil nowadays doesn’t mean she isn’t acting unhinged towards the rest of us.”

“Agreed.” Thora chimed in.

“Please, let’s not discuss that matter here. That is for a private conversation.” Fredrick said.

Huh. I didn’t know Council members could…hook up.

It’s unheard of. Usually frowned upon as it could lead to personal gain. Theoden told me.

“Still, a matter of discussion that we need to have at some point in time.” Cedric said, “and perhaps princess Maria would like to sit in on that?”

“What opinion of the matter would she be able to give, Cedric?” Fredrick responded a bit unhappy.

“Just to give another thought into our weekly meetings. Besides, its time she has joined The Council proper.” Cedric responded.

Join the Council?

It’s not a bad idea Maria. You will technically be the new Royal Head. You will be able to make changes.

Am I ready?

Considering you stood up to them early, I believe you are.

“You really think she is ready? She threw a punch at Sybil when things got rocky.”

“Sybil deserved that punch and you are not going to change my mind on that.” Cedric responded.

At this point Roland had returned and began prepping breakfast. Theo stepped in to help him, leaving me to fend off the council’s banter.

“I agree with Cedric, Maria needs to be on the Council.” Thora said.

“We could use this as a form of punishment for her.” Wulfric chimed in.

“Hold up now. Don’t I get a say in this?” I asked them. “Me. On the council? Taking my father’s place. I know that is what is right and what I need to do. But I don’t want to do it as a form of punishment. I want to honor my father. And do what is right by my kingdom.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“So, you are in agreement then? You will join the Council as our Royal Head?” Cedric questioned ignoring Fredricks grumbled sentences of him telling them not to have me a part of something I was born into.

I glanced at Theoden and then back at the Council, “yes. I am taking my role as the Royal Head. Not by means of punishment but by continuing a legacy.”

“Then it is settled. Since most of the Council is in agreement with this matter, in two weeks time we will have a formal celebration and welcome you into the Council. There will be training that will be required and Fredrick will provide that training, as it is part of his duty.”

Fredrick’s face went pale. “If I have no choice.” He mustered out.

“Good. Then it is settled.” The other two Council members nodded in agreement.

By this time, Roland had prepped and cooked three trays of bacon and eggs and set out a variety of sweets for us to snack on. Which I ate the majority of happily.

Theo, I hope I don’t regret this decision. Sybil already hates me. I think Fredrick does too.

It’s too late to back out now Maria. Besides, I think you will be wonderful on the Council.

Yeah…we will see about that.

Just remember the lessons your father taught you and you will do just fine.

I sighed and went to help set the rest of the table while the Council members chatted amongst themselves.

You won’t regret this I promise.

I hope not.

The room fell silent for a while as we all took a seat at the table. After five minutes had passed, “Maria, may I ask about your arranged marriage?” Fredrick asked.

I sighed, “I suppose. What do you want to know?” I didn’t want to talk too much on the subject as I knew Theoden got upset over it and I didn’t want to make things more awkward than they already were.

“How is king Marcel?” He asked.

“Alright. I mean he did try to kill me so that was fun. Besides that, it could be…well…” I was hesitant, I wanted to say worse, but I didn’t know if I should tell them everything or not.

“Hold up. He tried to KILL you?” Cedric asked me.

“Yes. About three weeks ago.”

“Why are we just hearing about this now? He needs to be put on trial!” Cedric explained.

“My guard and I thought it would be best if it was kept silenced. At least until we deemed it was necessary to share with the public and the Council. As for the trial, I didn’t want to be part of an ongoing trial that may take weeks or months to solve. Let alone have Summer Crest suffer once again considering they have been through so much already. Let alone, putting them through a trial wouldn’t look good on our attempts in unifying the two kingdoms. Besides, we aren’t just dismissing this issue, we are handling this ourselves right now.” I stated.

As the kingdom Marcel had taken leadership over, had just gone through war and lost their previous king. I did not want them to suffer at the hands of a trial when the kingdom was trying to rebuild. I know Marcel probably isn’t the best ruler, considering he is a devil and how he is handling things here, but Theoden and I’s plan would hopefully take care of that situation.

“True, but he did harm the heir to the throne.” Cedric said.

“Yes. But I survived, thanks to my guard and my own power.”

“If you are comfortable without his crime going to trial we can accept that princess.” Cedric said defeated.

“Yes, I am fine without a trial. Besides, we are handling things on our own.”

Cedric looked at me confused, “How?”

“That will come to light in due time. For now, just know it is getting handled.” I said confidently.

He let out a breath, “alright, we trust you princess.”

“Thank you Cedric. I am sorry for not coming forward about his attack sooner.”

“Apology accepted.” Cedric looked between the two of us, “is there anything else we should know about?”

Should I tell them that he is a devil?

Might as well.

“First, let me ask you a question. Do you know who Marcel really is?”

“Other than him being named King of Summer Crest, no.” Cedric said, “Do you know something that we should know?”

“Marcel is a devil high lord disguised as a humanoid figure.” I said as calmly as possible.

Their four faces went from shocked to disbelief then back to shocked. “Blasphemy!” Fredrick shouted, “there is no way Sybil would have allowed a devil in the kingdom!”

“What does Sybil have to do with this?” I questioned.

Remember, calm Maria.

Fredrick fell silent while Cedric responded in his place, “besides a guardian agreeing to the marriage, since it was an arranged marriage between two kingdoms, the paperwork had to go through the Council. A couple of us were against this but were overturned by Sybil.”

“What the hell!” I shouted, “Sorry.” I quickly said.

“It’s alright Maria. I get it.” Cedric said in a calming nature, “may I ask how you know he is a devil? He shows no signs, well maybe his scent but beyond that there is nothing noting his identity.”

“Research.” I said, “old texts my father had kept in the library.”

Cedric shook his head, “even from the beyond he is still aiding you.”

“Books don't prove anything.” Fedrick said. “You have no physical proof.”

“No. But I can try to get some if that is needed.”

“It is not Maria. I believe you.” Cedric said. “I find it strange a man that we all barely knew came in here and overtook one kingdom and now is trying to weasel his way into another. Not one man can do all that by themselves.”

“He has a point, Fredrick.” Wulfric agreed, finally speaking up. Thora nodded in agreement as well.

“Thank you for bringing this detail to our attention. We need to discuss matters further when Sybil returns. For now, let us enjoy the rest of the breakfast that chef Roland has prepared.” Cedric said.

“Thank you.” I said as I turned my focus to the food on my plate.

As the room fell silent once more, Théoden popped in my mind through the bond, you handled that well. I am proud of you.