The Welcome
1039 Words
ISLA's POV
"What is it?" I asked carefully. "What do we need to talk about?"
The look in Adrian changed to something softer, although he no longer appeared amused.
“It has to do with your coronation,” he said.
My stomach contracted at once.
"My coronation?" I said, as it would be more real to say it. “Did something change?”
"Yes," he replied. The imperial council has taken a particular interest in it.”
I frowned. "Imperial council?"
Adrian nodded. Since Vensora is not any kingdom. When a new administration starts without any prior notice, the imperial council always sends some representatives to oversee the change.
I let out a slow breath.
"And they're here?" I asked.
“They came in earlier to-day,” he said. Some of them are going to dine with us to-night.
My throat felt dry.
"Dinner?" I echoed.
Adrian gave me a small look. “This is occurring too fast, Isa. They desire to see you, to talk with you, and conclude the preparations. They want to be a part of every thing.”
I shook my head slightly. “I do not know why everything has to be so fast.”
Adrian sighed. Reason being, that the council desires stability.
I looked down at my hands. I feel as though I am being forced to live a life that is not mine.
Adrian's voice softened. "I know. But you must see through to this evening.
I swallowed hard. "What do I do?"
"You get ready," he said simply. "You come down. You listen. And you try not to panic."
I gave him a weak look. "That sounds impossible."
Adrian smiled faintly. "You've survived worse."
"I haven't," I muttered.
He stood up. "I'll send the maids. They'll help you change. Dinner starts soon."
He was going to the door before I could object.
"Adrian," I called quickly.
He paused.
Are you--are you, really, leaving? I asked, my voice small.
He turned back. "I'm not leaving you, Isla. I'm just not king anymore."
“That is no improvement,” I said to him.
His eyes softened. "I'll be downstairs. Get ready."
Then he left.
After a couple of minutes a knock came.
Two women entered quietly.
“Your Highness,” one said bowing. "We are here to assist you."
I stiffened at the title.
"I'm not..." I started, then stopped.
There would be no difference in correcting them.
By the time they were over, I hardly knew myself in the mirror.
I looked... royal.
And I hated it.
Your Highness is beautiful, the maid said in a polite manner.
I forced a smile.
"Thank you," I murmured.
As they went away I was left a moment alone staring at the door.
And then I heaved a big sigh and walked out.
The corridors in the palace were endless.
Every step echoed.
Every servant bowed.
Every guard straightened.
My chest was tight by the time I got to the dining hall.
It was open, and there was warm light streaming out of the doors.
I stepped inside.
It was a long table covered with candles and silverware. Already plates were set on. The odor of food was in the room, and I was not hungry.
Adrian was standing close to the table head talking in a low voice to a group of men.
His face relaxed a little when he saw me.
Isla, he said, and approached me. "Good. You're here."
I nodded stiffly.
The men turned.
They were more aged, grave, and had on formal imperial clothes.
Adrian gestured toward them.
These represent the members of the imperial council, he said.
One of them stepped forward.
He was a long man with gray hair and piercing eyes.
It is Princess Isla Valeria, he said. I am Lord Cassian Rowe of the imperial council.
I swallowed.
"Good evening," I managed.
Another man spoke next.
"And I am Lady Mirelle Thorne."
I nodded again.
Adrian led me to his seat.
After a short time the dinner commenced.
Servants were creeping about, serving, drinking wine.
I barely touched my plate.
Lord Cassian moved his throat after the first course was served.
“Princess Isla, we know,” he said , that this has been a sudden transition.
Sudden it was an understatement.
He continued.
“Your brother, King Adrian Valeria, has officially stepped down off the throne. His causes have been documented. He says that it was something done in love.”
Adrian clenched his jaw a little, and made no reply.
The eyes of Lord Cassian were back on me.
As the heir apparent, you are now the heir to Vensora.
My stomach twisted.
Lady Mirelle clasped her hands together.
Also with it comes new rules, new expectations and new responsibilities.
I forced myself to listen.
Lord Cassian spoke again.
Your coronation will be before the week is through.
I almost choked.
"Within the week?" I blurted out.
Adrian gave me a menacing glance, but Lord Cassian did not lose his temper.
"Yes," he said. The kingdom can no longer afford to be in doubt.
I swallowed hard.
Lady Mirelle put in, "The guest list will be small. There will be only the important nobles, members of the council and imperial witnesses.
I frowned. "Why so few?"
Lord Cassian hesitated a moment.
Then he spoke carefully.
"Because there are threats."
The room felt colder.
"What kind of threats?" I asked, my voice quiet.
Lord Cassian bent forward a little.
Verified information has come to the imperial council, said he. Some of the rebel parties Vensora and outside do not feel you should have the throne.
My heart began to pound.
"They... don't believe?" I repeated.
They think you not ready, Lady Mirelle, said. The fact that you did not come to the palace is regarded as a weakness.
Adrian's voice cut in, sharp.
"My sister is not weak."
Lord Cassian nodded. This is not what the council thinks. It is the rebels'."
I felt dizzy.
"What are they planning?" I whispered.
The face of Lord Cassian became hard.
They are going to attack on the coronation dinner.
My breath caught.
"To strike?" I echoed.
The voice of Lady Mirelle was consistent.
"To kill you."
- Writer
