Crimson Noon

Chapter Two

When Kenneth and Elizabeth returned the next day, they were welcomed warmly. Vera watched from the window of the council chamber, where she and Lord Addendale had been discussing the expenses of her coronation.

“My father trusted you,” she suddenly stated. “My personal guard, Sir Arthur, trusts you. Your daughter and I have been friends since we were very young.” She turned from the window to meet his gaze, the same shade as Merida’s. “Can you tell me why exactly there are so many that oppose my ascension to the throne? Is it truly as simple as me being a woman?”

He let out a deep breath. “I am afraid so, Princess. Your father and I discussed this many times. Since the three kingdoms were joined into one, an Ember has sat the throne. An Ember must always sit the throne. The dragons will not bond with any other bloodline. And a lesser family than the royal family could not hold that much power without deadly conflict.”

“So these lords that do not wish to be ruled by a woman intend on putting either Kenneth or Horatio on it instead?”

“I cannot say for certain because I have not been approached by anyone that is openly in rebellion against your succession. Even Lord Maple never disclosed his plans of the master to me.”

“Because you are unquestionably loyal. And you have advocated for my rule since my father decided to name me heir.”

“I have, Princess.”

“Why?”

His gaze was steady on hers, kind even. “I grew up the second son of a noble family, raised by a father whom treated my mother as the property that the law said she was. My father never really liked me or I him. But after years of seeing how he treated my mother, the things he did, her cries in the night…” he trailed off, eyes clouded with memory. He shook himself after a moment, coming back to the present. “My mother was a human being. A warm, kind lady that got dealt an awful hand the day she had to marry my father. When he was gone and she was in charge of the home, it was warmer, safer, kinder.

“And I look at my Merida, at how wild and unruly she is, so carefree. And I’ve watched you grow from a wild child into a remarkable young woman with a strategic mind that surpasses most men’s. And I just cannot reconcile a woman ruling with the terrible dystopia that others have tried to insinuate will come from it.

“Women are natural care givers. It’s in their biological makeup to sacrifice for the betterment of those around them. They bring life into this world - something no man could ever do. Our gods did not design you to create life, but make you ill-equipped to protect and nurture it.

“And watching you grow, your lessons and your hunts and training as well as seeing your mind at work in this room and with the tests that your father put before you over the years, I honestly believe that you are the best option for Rune’s future. And there is no convincing me otherwise.”

“Thank you for your honesty, as well as the insight into you and your family.”

“What is troubling you, Princess?”

“Besides the obvious?” She joked, pulling a smile from him. “Lord Oar was very displeased to learn that the wedding wouldn’t be until after my coronation.”

“Anyone that has deeply researched Royal marriages and laws knows why.”

“Yes. And that is my concern. Because I am going to marry James. I just fear that by doing so I’ll be entering into an endless power struggle with his father.”

“What has James said about this?”

“I haven’t discussed it with him yet. Because what if he’s fully aware of his father’s intentions? Just because he doesn’t feed into them doesn’t mean he’s willing to do anything about them.”

“Don’t allow all of this unrest to make you paranoid, Princess. I have never known you to hesitate with anyone for anything. Especially when it was over a serious matter. I know that you are grieving and that everything is in an upheaval, so to speak. But do not allow it to make you paranoid. Paranoia isn’t something people ever truly come back from.”

“Thank you so much, Lord Addendale. Truly. I needed to hear that.”

“I just know your father would want me to tell you.”

She nodded.

He started to speak, but a knock sounded on the door. She’d been expecting it.

“Come,” she called.

Kenneth and Elizabeth entered the room.

“I have spoken with the king and queen of Zanza and expressed your desire to treat for peace while hosting them here as your guests. And they have accepted. They said it would be a fortnight before they leave, and it’ll take a turn of the moon for them to arrive here.”

“Thank you, cousin. Aunt Elizabeth. How were yall received?”

“There was no hostility,” Elizabeth supplied.

“They were glad to see us.”

“We just slaughtered an entire fleet of their ships and people and they were happy to see you?” Lord Addendale asked incredulously.

“I was even more surprised than you are,” Kenneth told him. “But King Abdul said that he was looking forward to meeting you, Princess, and that he had many things to discuss with you.”

“And his wife? How did she seem?” Vera asked Elizabeth.

“Just as excited as her husband, if not more so. She gossiped with me like we were old friends while the men talked.”

“When they arrive, I may need you to use that familiarity.”

“Yes, Princess. So did you announce your engagement?” Her aunt asked.

“Yes. It was well received.”

“The fact that the marriage isn’t happening until after the coronation wasn’t as well received by some,” Lord Addendale stated.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I’ve made it a point to avoid him, but I will speak with him. See where he’s at.”

“I greatly appreciate it.”

“My husband wouldn’t so let’s not make it common knowledge.”