Rebirth (A Remington Leith AU)

Chapter 14

As I sat next to Remington so we could start this meeting, most of the topics that were initially brought up were some I wasn't even aware of since I barely left my own home to know if such issues. I listened closely and carefully so I could better understand what was going on in this kingdom I'd be spending my life in, and it was interesting to know that these nobles and royal figures tried their best to keep things in order for everyone. Remington brought up some pretty surprising topics I didn't even realize he was concerned about, such as the welfare of low-class citizens and if we can make sure they don't suffer in poverty. It made me admire him more for his selfless attitude to put others before himself. I should've realized what a great ruler Remington will end up being and I used to only see his title but didn't understand there's so much more than just wearing a crown or owning castles and riches.

"What do you suggest is the best way to ration natural resources so everyone get equal amount and no one is given more or less despite their economic status?", someone asked to the group, yet nobody seemed to have an answer. Remington turned to me, "My princess, do you have any suggestions for this issue?" I was surprised when he asked for my opinion and as I glanced toward the rest of the group, they stared at me awaiting my response as if they had been waiting to hear from me for a long time. I considered the question in mind, and then thought back to when me and my mother would have limited supplies of crops and oil, and we had to be logical in how we rationed everything so it would last long enough till we could provide ourselves with more. Knowing my answer, I gave them my suggestion with a scenario in mind based on my time living in our castle, "Well, I think it's almost like how nobles try to save their best antique decorations to last long until they can find better ones, especially for very special occasions, but without wasting all of them at once so they're preserved for anything else they want to do next."

The group at the table were impressed at my analogy and understood what I meant when I expressed it. It seemed that I won their favor of being seen as a worthy ruler of my kingdom with Remington. Even he looked impressed at how I managed to provide my best answer without giving away the fact that I wasn't even raised in royalty. When the meeting was finished with, I was about to walk out with Remington before we were stopped by a young man who seemed to recognize Remington. "Remington, is that you?", he called out as we were about to walk out the doors, and Remington turned to face the man and smile as he greeted him back, "Ah, Andrew! It's been a long time since I've seen you. You're looking great. How's my brother, Sebastian? Overbearing as always?" Andrew nodded with a giggle in his tone, "If he wasn't, he'd be dead. Still, he never fails to be good company." Remington then went ahead to introduce his friend to me, "Andrew, I'd like you to meet not only my wife, but my beloved and precious Princess Lillian. My princess, this is Count Andrew, a family friend to my brother, Sebastian."

I went to shake the count's hand with a shy smile, "It's very nice to meet you, Count Andrew." He shook my hand with glee as he replied with, "Likewise, Princess. Also, don't be shy to call me Andrew. Anyone who's close with the royal brothers, I consider immediate family." His statement made my smile grow bigger as it felt nice to have more close companions to treat me kindly and not act all proper in the wrong way. "So, what brings the royal lovebird couple to the official building?", Andrew teased us, but Remington just rolled his eyes and answered with, "Just finished a meeting. It was a success, but I think I'd consider it the best we've ever had thanks to our amazing princess here." Remington's praise for me made me blush like a rose, and they both chuckled as Remington kissed the side of my head. Andrew commented, "Is that so? Well, well, well! It's seems Remington not only got a beautiful woman as his bride, but also a smart and compassionate one too. I can tell she's gonna do great things for everyone around her."

I beamed brightly at Andrew's kind words. How sweet it was for him to believe in my potential to be a good ruler of this kingdom, even if I still have some doubts myself. We talked a little more as Andrew told me a bit about himself and how he knew the royal family when they were young boys, and I found it all the more interesting to know more about Remington's past before he moved away from his mother and brothers. After a while, Andrew bud us goodbye and best of luck on our relationship as spouses, but also as lovers. I thought to myself as me and Remington entered our carriage, what a sweet and amazing soul, I hope I get to see him again. And I also hoped that maybe someday soon, I get to meet Remington's family. I hoped I'd find myself to be worthy in their eyes as Remington's wife and partner. I found myself looking at Remington who was staring out the window, a small smile on his face as he focused on the view outside. I leaned on his shoulder and closed my eyes, feeling safe enough to be close to him and rest for a while after a long day. I felt a small kiss on my head before I drifted off to a nap.