TOGETHER APART

A QUEEN OR A FORCE

Rays of sunlight slipped through the tall windows of Valtheria's chambers, casting pale golden streaks across the floor.

She was already awake.

She sat before the mirror, her hands resting quietly in her lap.

She wore a deep burgundy silk gown that fell to the floor in elegant folds. The fitted bodice hugged her frame, while the long, flowing sleeves moved gently whenever she shifted. Fine gold thread traced intricate patterns along the neckline, sleeves, waist, and hem, catching the morning light.

The door opened slightly.

"Your Highness?"

Valtheria lifted her eyes to the reflection in the mirror.

"Your royal officials await your presence."

She gave a small nod.

The door closed as quietly as it had opened.

For a moment, Valtheria remained still.

She drew in a slow breath and released it.

Then she reached for the slender golden crown resting beside her.

She placed it carefully upon her head.

The gemstones caught the sunlight, glittering above her dark hair as though whispering a silent reassurance.

We're here with you.

Valtheria rose.

She slipped her feet into her flat, gold-embroidered shoes and walked toward the door.

When she opened it, two guards stood waiting in front of her and two more behind.

She lifted her chin.

Then she walked.

The corridors of the palace seemed unusually quiet as she made her way toward the council chamber. Her footsteps echoed against the stone floor, each one carrying her closer to the men who had governed Vandria while she had remained far from the throne.

The great doors opened.

Inside, seven officials sat around the long council table.

Conversation ceased immediately.

Valtheria walked to the head of the table and took her seat.

Her expression was calm.

Almost cold.

"Let the meeting begin."

Her voice was soft, but it carried across the entire chamber.

For a moment, no one moved.

Several of the officials exchanged glances.

Some looked at her with curiosity.

Others looked at her as though they were still trying to understand how someone young enough to be their daughter could now be giving them orders.

Valtheria noticed every look.

"Is no one going to begin?"

Silence.

She leaned back slightly.

"You asked for me. I have come. So why is no one saying a word?"

One of the men finally cleared his throat.

"Your Majesty?"

Valtheria raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

The man straightened in his seat.

"Lucien, Your Majesty. Lord Treasurer."

"Good."

Her eyes remained on him.

"Tell me what the problem is."

Lucien hesitated before speaking.

"The kingdom has enough gold to sustain itself for only a few more months."

Valtheria's expression changed.

"How is that possible?"

Lucien lowered his gaze.

"The neighboring towns that have always protected Vandria have not been paid."

"Why?"

"The kingdoms that supply Vandria with gold, royal silk, silver, black iron and other necessities have stopped trading with us."

Valtheria's fingers tightened slightly against the arm of her chair.

"How long?"

Lucien swallowed.

"Three years, Your Majesty."

The words hung heavily in the room.

"Three years?"

"Yes."

Valtheria looked around the table.

"And why was this not reported to the King?"

Another voice answered.

"Because His Majesty was not in good health, as we all knew."

Valtheria turned toward the speaker.

"And you are?"

The man sat upright.

"Aldric Vador, Your Majesty. Royal Chancellor."

Valtheria studied him for a moment.

"Very well, Lord Chancellor."

Her gaze returned to Lucien.

"I want meetings arranged with every kingdom that has stopped trading with Vandria."

Lucien nodded.

"It will be done, Your Majesty."

"Immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Valtheria looked around the table.

"Is there anything else?"

Aldric spoke.

"Many nobles have refused to pay their taxes."

Valtheria's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Why?"

Aldric paused.

Then he answered carefully.

"Because you are a woman, Your Majesty."

Silence fell over the chamber again.

"The nobles believe they should not be forced to pay taxes to a..."

He paused deliberately. "Lesser being."

Several officials shifted uncomfortably.

Valtheria simply stared at him.

Then, unexpectedly, she smiled.

"Then call them here."

Aldric raised an eyebrow.

"Your Majesty?"

"On the next fortnight. Every noble who has refused to pay their taxes will appear before me."

Her voice remained calm.

"They may bring their grievances with them."

Aldric studied her face.

"And if they refuse?"

Valtheria's expression hardened.

"Then we will deal with that when the time comes."

Aldric smiled faintly.

"Very well, Your Majesty."

Valtheria rose from her seat.

"If that is all, I have other matters to attend to."

"Of course," Aldric replied.

She turned toward the doors.

Then stopped.

Valtheria looked back at the officials.

"Some of you have not spoken a single word."

Her gaze moved from one face to another.

"I will assume that you have nothing to say against the way I intend to rule."

No one answered.

"Good."

She took a step forward.

"I have heard the rumors. I have ignored them."

Her fingers brushed the edge of her crown.

"But understand this."

Her voice grew firmer.

"As long as this crown rests upon my head, I am your Queen."

She looked directly at Aldric.

"And I will decide what happens in my kingdom."

Valtheria walked toward the door.

But before leaving, she stopped beside Aldric's chair.

"Tell your nobles something for me."

Aldric looked up at her.

Valtheria's eyes were unwavering.

"Their Queen awaits their arrival."

She leaned slightly closer.

"Not the ruler."

A pause.

"Not the heir."

Her voice dropped.

"Their Queen."

Aldric held her gaze for several seconds.

Then he bowed his head.

"I will do as you have commanded, Your Majesty."

Valtheria turned and walked out.

The doors closed behind her.

For several moments, no one in the council chamber spoke.

Seven officials remained seated around the table.

And for the first time that morning, they were not wondering whether the young Queen could rule Vandria.

They were wondering what kind of Queen she would become.