Kissing the Fae

Chapter 5 - The Counsilors

People may see me struggle but they will never see me quit.

There will be times that I'd scream, wanting to end those souls who craved to witness me fall on the ground in failure. There will be moments that I'd shed a tear in prostration as even despite our kind, each of us is still allowed to give up if one can no longer think of a reason to continue.

However, I will be that girl who wakes up with a purpose. A girl who never gives up for the betterment of her kingdom. No matter how worn out, I will continue fighting for my rights.

A lot of women suffered in their hands, one of them was the Queen Mother, who endured a forced renunciation for being a woman.

I've marked the brutality of the other counselors.

Amongst everyone, they were the ones who have the power to oppose the decision of those higher than them, as the King said, they have a significant role in determining whether the verdict is fitter to a certain condition and whatnot.

I left Queen Tatiana's palace with determination to strive.

My heart is driven by the mere thought of their wickedness, it gives me the motivation to dig my heels in and end the sexist directors who think men are better at everything.

I wanted to end the misconception that women can't rule, and that they don't deserve a spot in society other than being a wife and a mother.

These counselors have no respect for the women who bore them only to grow up being sexists.

"Rani Letisha, the feast will start any time now. I think we need to go," Rin reminded.

I chose to stay in Enchanted Forest for a while, grasping air to calm both my mind and heart.

As per la Reine's words, they won't go easy on me. There will be no mercy and there's one thing I could do to survive; attack with intent.

"They would probably question my capability to rule, Rin..." I chortled. "They would ask for something I can't give. The counselors would find something in me I don't possess. And with that, I felt scared because if they did, I'd lose."

"Rani Letisha..." She perched on my shoulder. "There's no doubt that the counselors wanted to abdicate you. For a reason, they can't just accept that they need to bow their head to a woman. But please, do remember that you are not alone in this battle. You have our back, we will never leave you."

I'm a lady of courage. Opinionated, and a woman who won't back down. Yet I can do things only in limitation. Everything is limited.

Particularly, my power.

"You were not named after a queen for nothing, Letisha. You are Rani. A queen, and was born to become one."

Losing is what I fear. I grew up winning every competition, small or big, I always compromise to bring home the crown. It would be a big disappointment if I can't win this great battle.

I'd give up everything if the crowd won't clap for my success and that — I promise. They will bow their heads at every step I take, including the counselors who stepped down on my morale.

The Queen said I can give up whenever I feel like it. They would still be proud of me but I can't bear to delude myself. It would be a big slap to see them celebrate their coup for letting me down.

"We are waiting for you to become one, Rani Letisha. You are next in the generation, and we would be pleased to see you on your throne, leading the whole Acres Kingdom."

That added to the pressure. If not everyone, the majority of my people expect me to rule not just the Faye region, but the Acres Kingdom. The king will be one of the three idiots, and I'd rather be a kingless queen than deal with one of them.

I would be an independent queen with no weakness. Powerful and wiser. I'll turn the mere kingdom into the greatest of empires.

Only if I show up, which I did without hesitation.

The fete was a dark theme, same as before, like the Counselors' black hearts. It has always been this gloom that represents their lives. The Queen even stopped attending this kind of fete due to the atmosphere as it was mostly held by the people who were willing to kiss the director's filthy feet.

A long table was set up in the middle as fairies did their thing to make the place beautiful, at least. I don't have the power to command them to turn the devil's party into a magical one, as most of them hated me for a reason.

The power of persuasion these cowards hold. I just can't see my domain being a slave for their own likings.

Yet they have chosen to be one.

The hall was filled with high profiles. After this, everyone will leave and it's only me, with the King and the directors that will be left behind.

They will challenge me and with all the power vested in me, I will accept and face it with a strong will to sail.

No one will take me down. I will stand strong until my last breath. I'll be remembered as a fearless fairy who has chosen to fight.

"This night will serve as a challenge for everyone who is in the position. In the past three years, Alistair, the leader of Sylphs passed the tests and he has proven his capability to rule his region. The crowd chose him to lead his people and until now, he still stands prominent with no mistakes shown in the past."

My eyes went to him sitting across from me. I wasn't surprised when his kins met mine.

I always admire Alistair's eyes. It reminds me of the azure sky, his kingdom. The air we breathe depends on his power, it gives us all life, and between these three idiots, he was the powerful one.

When the announcer spoke again, I abruptly averted my gaze.

"This time, our Princess here, Rani Letisha will have to show her worth as the leader of the Faye region or else, every one of us would decide whether to abdicate her or not."

My heart rammed inside me. I didn't let it affect me, instead, I showed them my willingness to participate. With their eyes all in me, I bravely welcome their kins.

The only ones who shamelessly flaunted their desires to cede me were the directors. I couldn't even look at them without disgust. They were filled in green with envy in their hearts.

"The King has requested to see you, Rani Letisha," Rin appeared the moment the announcer finished all the talk.

I roamed my eyes in the whole room but there was no sign of His Majesty.

"His Majesty is waiting for you on the balcony, Rani Letisha."

Just like that, the next minute, I stepped onto the balcony where His Majesty was waiting.

His arms were crossed behind his back as he observed the night sky. It was gloomy and lonely and I think most of us reflect its forlornness.

Yet in spite of blackness, his crown still shone.

Bowing my head, I walked beside him.

"Your Majesty..."

Silence filled in.

Between the King and the Queen, I'm more vocal with mum. Perhaps because it was only the Queen who showed me her love freely, it was my mother who believed in me. It wasn't like His Majesty doesn't have faith in my power, but rather because he once expressed himself wanting to have a son instead of a daughter.

"Have you talked with your mum?"

I nodded slowly. "Yes... Before I came here, mum called for me."

"She must have warned you about this night," he assumed. "Your mum is always concerned about you, Rani Letisha. And as your father, I understand where she's coming from."

"I have prepared myself for this, dad. It was something one can't avoid. After all, each of the leaders has been tested to prove their strength to be able to rule their region."

"But everyone knows it was an unfair decision."

Again, I agreed.

The challenge always favored the men leaders. As they believe that they are more fit in every role that has ever been made in our world. It was unfair to us women who were always challenged, and even if they have proven themselves to everyone, they still can't get the respect they deserve.

Men will always question the capability of women. Their abilities and strength, it was unending queries and doubts on their side.

"Why don't you stop the directors from pulling such tricks? Even mum has already proven herself to everyone, and yet the counselors are still questioning her. Not just as being the ruler, but also her position in your life."

"I never doubted Tatiana," he immediately defended. "Your mum doesn't need to prove herself to everyone, Rani Letisha. Among them, it's me and you that know her better than anyone else. We both know how strong-willed Tatiana is, and you got it from her, and that, I'm proud of."

He faced me, with his eyes that resembled the blue sky.

"I'm not asking anything, my Princess. I could feel how much you wanted to win this game and I believe in you. But whatever happens, know that you already win our hearts."

"I deem to win everyone's hearts..."

"You will if you're eager, Rani."

Raising my head, I stared directly at his sapphire eyes.

"Can I do it, dad?" Slowly, I asked.

I'm starting to doubt myself. I knew I shouldn't. A lot of them were expecting and disappointing them is out of my options and it will never be included.

He smiled a bit. There was a sign of approval in his eyes.

"You have grown into such a beautiful and strong fine lady, Rani. I've witnessed you cry whenever you failed but it doesn't stop you from getting what you want. You always stand up not just for yourself but for everyone, too. And with all your courage and wit, I know you will overcome whatever they throw at you."

"Thank you..."

It was enough for me. To know that the most important people in my life believe in me, was what I'll hold on to for the rest of my life.

"I will always be proud of you, Rani Letisha."