Chapter 5: Proud

The rest of the week passed in a blur to Charlotte. Queen Haven took her on a tour of the castle, introducing her to everyone who would attend to her every need.

The dressmakers had been incredibly excited to make clothes for another girl and had wasted no time in measuring Charlotte and setting about to work on designs. They led Charlotte to their work room to show her their fabrics and let her pick out the ones she liked the most.

Charlotte's attention was instantly captured by an entire wall's worth of blue satins, silks, and velvets.

"There's so much blue," she said in amazement, running her hands over the cloth.

Queen Haven laughed a little. "The royal family tends to wear blue to demonstrate status. You are, of course, allowed to dress in any color you please, princess."

After picking out a variety of reds, greens, and a single blue, Haven led Charlotte out of the work room and continued on to the kitchens.

A few brief introductions later, the chefs prepared various small samples of dishes and desserts, and Charlotte helped Haven plan out their meal for the day.

Once they were done with that, Charlotte was allowed to pick several furnishings to add to her bedroom so that she'd be more comfortable. She reluctantly asked for a paint easel as well, worried she'd be refused, but Queen Haven smiled.

"Of course. If you would like a paint easel, then you shall have one. Anything else, my dear?"

Charlotte shook her head and the queen ended their tour at the library, introducing Charlotte to her tutor before leaving Charlotte to learn the history, traditions, and rules of Vasilvael.

As the end of the week approached, the castle staff worked hard to prepare for the final celebration of Ashton and Charlotte's engagement: the parade. But as the townspeople continued to riot over the liberation of the wizards, the king had to call a meeting to see if the event would be allowed to continue.

"Perhaps if we had waited to announce the emancipation of the slaves until after the parade this would not have been a problem," the first advisor, a balding man in his 50s, began. "With all due respect to your majesty, of course." He finished quickly, glancing at King Selwyn nervously.

"It is too late to wonder what we could have done in the past. We have to focus on what we can do now," a second advisor stated, this one a young man in his 20s who had inherited his father's position.

"We could repeal the liberation of the slaves. We have yet to pass any laws that actually impact their conditions so it would not be difficult," declared the third advisor. He was the eldest of the advisors, and the most heartless in Charlotte's opinion, though she'd yet to meet all of them.

"Do not speak such nonsense! That would appease the people, yes, but the wizards would be furious and we would have a bigger problem on our hands!" The first advisor shouted, slamming his hands on the table.

"There will be no slavery in this kingdom," King Selwyn stated calmly, but his expression left no room for discussion. "If we can find no solution to ensure the safety of my son and his betrothed without involving slavery then we will simply cancel the parade. Is that clear?"

The room fell into tense silence. No one dared to speak. Alther, who was sitting next to Charlotte, merely looked down at his hands, greatly wishing he were somewhere else.

Hesitantly, Charlotte raised her hand, instantly drawing the gaze of everyone in the room. "If I may," she looked at King Selwyn, who nodded. "I do not believe we should cancel the parade."

Several of the advisors tried to hide their laughter, clearly thinking her a silly child who wanted her party.

Undeterred, Charlotte continued. "If we cancel the parade we are giving the people the impression that we are afraid of their disapproval. They will take advantage of this and use it to bend the law in their favor. Any new laws passed that they disagree with will be met with anger because they will know we are afraid of their rage. Instead, we need to host the parade, show them we have made our decision and that we take pride in it. That their angry words will not deter us from doing what is right."

The smiles had been wiped off of the advisors' faces as Charlotte finished. In their eyes there was a newfound respect.

"The princess is right," King Selwyn beamed. "Now, gentlemen, let us find a way to keep this parade going."

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By the end of the meeting, the council had agreed that wizards would be asked to participate in the parade. Partly to showcase their magic and celebrate their freedom, but also to be able to protect the royal family should any trouble arise.

As Ashton led Charlotte out of the room, King Selwyn stopped her.

"What you said in there was very wise. I can tell my son will be in good hands with you." Charlotte felt the heat rise in her cheeks and bowed her head in thanks.

Queen Haven stroked Charlotte's cheek. "You'll be a queen with a good head on your shoulders." She turned to Selwyn. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you in the parade tomorrow, dearest. The castle will be very busy and I am needed here."

King Selwyn placed a hand on Alther's shoulder. "Very well, Alther, would you care to join me in your mother's place?"

Alther barely had time to nod before Haven cut him off. "The boy stays here, Selwyn. It's a wedding celebration, not a political statement. Besides, he has studying to do, don't you, boy?"

"I...yes, I do," Alther agreed sadly, walking back to his room. Selwyn bit back a retort as he watched his youngest leave, but ultimately decided against it. Alther would be better off if Selwyn didn't infuriate Haven any more.