Chapter 10
722 Words
“Ms. Bridgette Hawthorne, you were summoned before the council, what say you?” Ealdorman Amos started as he cleared his throat to get the attention of his fellow Ealdormen.
“I come of my own accord and am at the mercy of the council.” Bridgette closed her eyes, slightly dipped her head, and turned her hands palm up as she sat in the large chair next to Ealdorman Leif.
“Ms. Bridgette Hawthorne you are brought before the council on this day. We the Ealdormen of this council have educated you on our history, our culture, and our customs.” Ealdorman Leif leaned forward on his staff.
“We understand that you wish to marry Prince Raiden?” Ealdorman Silas spoke up leaning on the long table to hear better.
“I do, Ealdorman Silas.” She put her hands together as Rexus came under the table and put his head in her lap.
“We will grant you this, under a condition.” Ealdorman Eagan leaned back in his chair as he paused. “You will take an Ealdorman as an advisor.”
“As you know, you must choose an advisor before you take the throne. You will choose an Ealdorman to further educate you until you are ready to choose your advisor.” Ealdorman Callum poured a glass of water not making eye contact with her.
“If you refuse the council's offer, you shall not marry or become queen.” Ealdorman Amos raised his voice and stared her down.
“I will accept. I must ask Ealdorman Leif to be my advisor.” She bowed her head slightly and was stroking Rexus’ head for comfort.
“I accept, my dear, how humble of you.” Ealdorman Leif nodded.
“We have set your wedding in four months.” Ealdorman Saxon eagerly blurted as he took a sip of water.
“Yes, as Ealdorman Saxon stated, Your wedding will take place in four months, and as time dictates your and Prince Raiden’s coronation will take place in six months. I call to adjourn, and this council meeting comes to an end.” Ealdorman Leif stood and banged his staff on the floor as he turned to leave the room.
“My love!” Raiden grabbed hold of Bridgette as she was coming through the doorway. “Tell me what was decided?”
“Well, for us to get married and take the throne” She paused as she started walking down the long hallway that was filled with paintings of the past monarchs that ruled the little kingdom under the ice. “I have to choose an Ealdorman as my advisor until he feels I'm ready to choose my own. She watched his facial expression change to a puzzled look.
“An Ealdorman?” he stopped and looked back at the feeble old men slowly making their way out the door. She laid her hand on his arm. “No, no you’re right.” he sighed as they continued down the hall.
The next few days pass as the kingdom gets busier preparing a wedding and a coronation in such a small time frame has everyone on edge.
“Ms. Bridgette” Ealdorman Leif walked into Raiden’s office just as she was directing her desk in, addressing the helpers. “I come with my heartfelt apologies, I can no longer be your advisor.” he bowed his head low and looked back up. “Ealdorman Saxon has fallen ill and his Prexius’ has fallen to me now as the other Ealdormen have their own, except for Ealdorman Amos. I have asked him in my place and he has agreed.”
“Ealdorman Amos?” she dropped her stack of books and stared at him.
“Yes, he was most enthused when I inquired of him.” He stared confusingly at the fallen books on the floor.
“Ealdorman Amos, enthused?” She questioned raising an eyebrow and widening her eyes.
“Maybe I’m using it wrong, either way, he respectfully agreed, he will be here in the morning. I will do my best to check in on you from time to time, take care.” He slowly turned to make his way out of the room.
“Ealdorman Amos” she dropped down in the chair sighing.
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