The Heiress

Chapter 3 - The Herald

 Two people arrived: one, with red hair tied in a braid at the back and yellow dress, was Lady Hannah Kyros, the Queen's most faithful servant, while the other, a man of a certain age with silver hair and beard, was Baron Reiner Luko, his former tutor now one of her butlers. They bowed to her almost at the same time.

– Forgive me, Your Majesty, I didn't know you had any guests, she apologized.

– It is okay, Hannah, do not worry about it. What is it, Mister the Baron?

– Your council has gathered, my Queen, they are waiting for you.

– I am following you, then.

She rose from her chair, turning to the two other women.

– Please excuse me, Ladies, for such a hasty departure. Allow me, however, to extend the hospitality of my abode to you for a day or two, if you accept it anyway.

– It would be a pleasure, Your Highness, they said in unison.

– Lady Kyros will therefore lead you to the West Wing. Make yourself comfortable there, I will come and visit you once the council is over. Hannah, get them the latest tea we imported and some sweets, please.

– Very well, Your Majesty.

Ashen greeted her new friends, before following the man out of the small living room. He smiled at her as they walked side by side.

– It was an excellent strategy to have the Ladies of the Countess and the Duchess fetched, he congratulated her. Thus, the rumors will subside.

– I am afraid I did not do it like that, Reiner, she huffed with a laugh. They are the ones who came to me, and offered to become my friends.

– So keep this bond well, my Queen, they will be precious allies. Their husbands are influential, that can only be an advantage.

– Indeed. I am therefore invited to a party at Madam the Duchesse's in a few days. I'll give you more details when I myself will know more.

– Alright, my Queen.

Soon after, they reached the entrance to the Council Chamber. It was a room with high walls covered with the coat of arms of the Kingdom, white and gold colonnades and floors covered with carpets embroidered with the greatest care. In the center was a long table of light solid wood, veined here and there in a darker shade, surrounded by high-backed upholstered chairs. At the end of it was a throne of the same colors as the columns, and it was there that Ashen came to rest. The dozen men of all ages – though most were elderly – rose from their seats and bowed to her.

– All hail to the Queen, they proclaimed.

– Greetings, Council, she replied. Take a seat, please.

They sat down, all staring at the young woman. She looked at them in turn, took a deep breath, then began.

– The Captain of the Guards had come to me a few moments earlier to notify me of the arrival of a messenger from the Kingdom of Khardûll, apparently to seek Bôrn's aid in the fight against the Jarkhan. This request is the reason why I called you to come. I would appreciate to hear your thoughts on this.

With a nod of her head, she let them know that they could speak.

– It seems to me necessary to continue to follow the guideline that Bôrn has held so far, started a first, and to remain neutral in this conflict.

– Especially since it does not concern us, added a second, since we have neither a treaty nor a mere agreement with Khardûll.

– But what will Dazorwin say about this refusal on the part of our new Queen? A third worried. Doesn't he risk taking this as an affront?

Others hastened to talk, causing an incomprehensible hubbub that only escalated as tension grew between the Ministers. Ashen remained unmoved: she had seen her father enjoy these situations so often that they didn't worry her in the slightest. She ended the debate with a wave of her hand, instantly silencing them.

– Calm down, please, she said, before resuming. I can hear all your fears, gentlemen, but we need to stay true to who we are, and what we want Bôrn to be. Despite our anxieties for our Kingdom, we cannot support either the tyranny of Dazorwin nor the methods of the Jarkhan.

She paused to better gauge everyone's reaction, and seeing that they all nodded, she continued, reassured in her choices.

– I have had their messenger properly greeted, but any help we could give Khardûll will stop at this gesture. Baron Quenlya, I charge you to write a letter informing the King of our refusal to take part in these belligerents. As for the rest of us, we will meet again in two days for our next Weekly Council.

She stood up, and they followed suit, bowing respectfully and declaring:

– All hail to the Queen!

Without another look, Ashen left the room, followed by Baron Luko. She reached the hallway and was about to leave for the West Wing when her title sounded twice, almost simultaneously. In front of her came Hanz, while on the other side another young man with pale skin and short brown hair caught up to her. She smirked, watching them.

– Captain Herzeben, Viscount Wilyo, she greeted them. You both seem to be in a hurry to talk to me.

– Please excuse me, Your Majesty, I-...

They noticed they were talking at the same time, and glared at each other, which only further distracted the sovereign. She let out a small laugh, waiting for them to come to their own accord. Hanz raised his hand, and the Viscount gave him the floor, acquiescing.

– The Messenger has been installed in the Seventh Quarters of the South Wing, my Queen, he told her.

– Fine, she replied. A letter will be given to him informing him of Bôrn's refusal to help any of the parties involved in this conflict. Something else?

– Yes, Your Highness. This Herald...

The red-haired Elf hesitated, watching the Noble behind her for a moment before resuming.

– This Herald desires to see you.

– To see me? She wondered.

– He must be very desperate, to ask for an interview with the Queen of a Kingdom that is not even ally of his while being a mere peddler, the other young man muttered.

– He says he has more to pass on than a parchment, but that he will only speak to the Queen.