Trials and Tribulations of New Rulers

At that moment, looking out over the sea of joyful faces, Madison knew that this was where she belonged. Not as an assassin or a lone wolf, but here, beside Wald, working to build a better world for all.

As the cheers died down and the crowd began to disperse, Wald turned to Madison with a weary smile. "Ready to face our next challenge?"

Madison nodded, squaring her shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The next morning, they gathered in the council chamber with their newly appointed ministers. Astrid and Roran looked uncomfortable in their fine clothes, but their eyes shone with determination. The old guard ministers, however, eyed them with barely concealed disdain.

"Let's begin," Wald said, taking his seat at the head of the table. "We have much to discuss."