DRAGONQUEEN: RISE OF THE SILVER PHOENIX

Chapter 24 - Preparations for the Kings Council

Rebecca enjoys breakfast in the throne room along with the other royal families on the morning after she returns from her journey to make contact with the sharkdragons.

Marilyn is sitting on her right next to Arwin and King Reynold from Griffondale on her left at one of the round tables Lady Merscha has organized. Rebecca is surrounded by the king and queen of every kingdom.

"Thank you for this wonderful breakfast. You must give my chef your recipe. Your chef has outdone himself again. The food is delicious," says Reynold after finishing his bacon and eggs breakfast.

"It is just a new ingredient we added to the food. Your chef only needs to add a pinch of salt to the food. The difference is incredible. Dragonvale will have small amounts of it available from next month," says Rebecca.

Rebecca picks up her water goblet and the next moment her goblet goes flying out of her hand. Rebecca looks up to find Charles standing next to her. His golden eyes spark angrily as he looks down at the contents of the goblet. Both Guss and Earl have their swords pointing at Charles.

"Guards stand down! My water has been poisoned. What did you see Charles?" Rebecca asks as she is looking at the murky white substance in her drinking water on the floor.

"It happened so fast none of you saw the mechanical gold snake delivering that white stuff in your water," replies Charles.

"But you did and acted accordingly. I am in your debt, Charles. That white substance is a control potion. I would have been forced to do something against my will. The problem with the golden snake is that it can be hidden as a necklace or a staff. The amount of magic it takes to control such a weapon is minute. Making it impossible to find the culprit. Thank you, Charles," replies Rebecca.

Marilyn looks up across the throne room and locks eyes with someone with a threatening glare. Rebecca follows her field of vision and sees Sabrina.

"I think it is time that we take our leave. Sabrina is my best dutchess, but it comes at a price. We all know her history." Reynold says coldly as he prepares to get up. "Sabrina may be powerful but she abuses it and she wipes away all the evidence. There is a rumor that she is in league with Drachna but we have no definitive proof. Do. Not. Trust. Her."

"Ashton and her mother destroyed her ability to use magic twenty years ago. We fear she may have regained some of her magic," says Marilyn. She was taught dark magic by an old veteran named Agatha.

"Your decision to let her marry Galahad was a foolish one Arnoldus," says Queen Anna.

"Give it up Anna, Marilyn is a free-spirited woman. She would have been the worst choice to marry Galahad," replies Arnoldus.

What is Arnoldus talking about?

"What Arnoldus is saying is, that it is not his place to tell you why I refused to be given away to a man I hardly knew let alone entrust my honor to. My reasons are personal and I am glad to love the husband that I chose. When I was young I did not care if I was a pauper or a princess as long as I loved my husband nothing else mattered. I am still of the same belief. I adore you and love you to pieces Arwin," says Marilyn.

Mmm... What else happened during the time my parents passed away? Given away? ...meaning pre-arranged marriage?

"Please, respect my wife's privacy. This matter has been settled twenty years ago. Leave the past where it belongs," says Arwin in an authoritative voice.