Later that evening, the Mercerian's found themselves in Anna's suite of rooms; the princess sitting at the head of a table with Gerald to her right, the remaining seats available for the rest to join them. Once they were seated, Gerald looked around at the faces of those present. Beverly was sitting to Gerald's right and beyond her was her cousin, Aubrey Brandon. Revi, Arnim and Hayley sat across from them with little Lily sitting at the far end.
"I have decided," started Anna, "that we shall hold regular meetings for the rest of our journey here in Weldwyn. Everyone here is now, officially, part of my council. I would like to meet every couple of days to go over anything that might be of interest."
"Sorry," said Aubrey, "but are you sure I'm meant to be here, Highness? I'm only an appre
