Council

"It's not as big as my wing, but you'll find everything you could possibly need," I continued and opened the door to the closet, then the bedroom, and paused at the bathroom. It was much smaller than mine. There was just a spacious round tub, a stove to heat the water, and a couple of pails leaning against the wall.

"The maids will put this place in order today," I murmured and turned to her.

She was standing by the window looking out into the gardens, with a sad smile adorning her face.

"I know I can't fix all the wrongs my family has done to you..." I began and walked over to her.

"No. I understand," She said softly, looking up at me. "My mother's husband was a traitor to the crown. I am the daughter of a noble family, I know my role and the sacrifices my position entails. I hold no grudge against you. I thought you would be different, that you would be like him. I feel stupid for listening to all those rumors, sorry. You've shown to me that you're righteous. A cruel man of honor," She tilted her head to the side and looked out the window again.

"And kind on top of that," She added with a smile.

I brought her hand up to my face and briefly brushed my lips against the knuckles of her slender fingers.

"I'm glad to hear that. I'll send you a tailor and a few maids," I forced myself to let go of her and turned to take a leave. "If you can think of anything you might need, just tell me, I'll take care of it," I said over my shoulder before closing the door behind me.

"You - stay, you two go back to your superior. He'll introduce you to Marco who will assign you a room and proper gear," I ordered those three and walked down the hallway to the council chamber. 

'You coward,' I cursed and rubbed the bridge of my nose. 'Fucking coward!' But it'll be easier this way. Surely safer for her. I straightened up and sighed.

It's getting harder and harder to keep my shit together in her presence.

This is the only way.

I stopped two maids with laundry in the hallway, explained what I needed and immediatelly dismissed them, after I was sure they understood where I sent them and why. 

So many duties awaited me. Father's funeral was only two days away, and thankfully, the wound on my thigh didn't hurt so much anymore. It was still a nuisance as the doctor would have to check it himself tonight, as I willingly lost access to her nimble fingers.

As I entered the council room, every gaze fixed upon me, recognizing the heavy burden left by my father's mismanagement of our land. I was confident in my skills. This is what I was preparing for my whole life. My focus finally shifted towards restoring peace and prosperity to my kingdom.

With a low voice, I began outlining my plans to revitalize our economy, improve infrastructure, and strengthen diplomatic ties. 

They all shut up as I continued, some of them horrified, some excited.