The Crowned Queen

Chapter Four

Early the next morning I made sure to be working in my office when Prince Keith was leaving. That way I wouldn't have to see him off. I didn't want to be in his presence any more than necessary. Plus I have the meeting with the council today, so an early start would help me get more paperwork done. It was a little after noon when we held the meeting. This would be the first time I attended a council meeting as Queen, so I was a little nervous. I had to remember to appear strong.

I walked out of my office and towards the meeting room, Frederick and Mathew following closely behind.

"Sir Mathew, I know this is your first time attending one of these meetings, so allow me to explain what's going to happen." Frederick says. He acts like he's talking to Mathew, but I know that he's really saying it for my benefit. He could tell I was nervous. "Each member of the council controls one part of the government. Of course her Majesty controls all of them and has final say on any and all matters. You have already had the displeasure of seeing Timothy Crow. He is the Treasurer and controls finances. The captain of the royal guard, Simon Steward, will also be there. Him you should already know. There will also be General Christopher Rodgers, who controls the military. And Lastly Duke Rudoph Jones. He has control over foreign affairs." Fredrick says as we step in front of the door that leads to the meeting room. I take a moment to breathe in a few deep breaths. I nod and Fredrick moves forward to open the doors. I step inside to hear them talking to one another, ignoring me.

"Good afternoon." I say moving further inside. They all turn to look at me. I can tell Timothy visibly stiffens and Simon immediately bows. The others don't seem to react.

"Your Majesty. I apologize for not hearing your entry." Simon says as they all move to their seats.

"It's fine Sir Steward." I say, moving towards the head of the table. That is where the King is supposed to sit, in my case Queen. "Let's get down to business. I know you have concerns about the new tax law but I assure you my mind will not be changed. That isn't why I called you today though." I sit down in my seat before continuing. I nod to Fredrick and he hands everybody a copy of the treaty I wrote. "This is a treaty I have written. I have given a copy of it to Prince Keith and he will give it to his Father upon his return. My concern is that he will refuse to sign it. Should that be the case, it may lead to war. We should start preparing just in case.

"Sir Simon, strengthen the Castle's defense. General Rodgers, I want you to prepare soldiers. Have them ready to fight if needed. Lastly, Duke Jones, write to our allies and warn them of what might come. Ask for their aid." They nod as Timothy begins to talk.

"What should I do, your Majesty?" He says.

"Begin the process of attaining supplies." I replied. "You're dismissed." They begin to rise as General Rodgers stops them. "What is it?" I ask. They all sit back down.

"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, I don't believe we are strong enough to defeat King Roman." General Rodgers begins. "We may need to seek unusual assistance in order to stand a chance against him."

"Did you have someone in mind?" I ask.

"Are you aware of the so-called mafia that exists in the lower areas of Ehrana?" He says.

"Of course I'm aware! How could I not be. They had been causing trouble for my Father for as long as I can remember." I say truthfully. The part I dont say outloud is that I wished to thank them. My favorite part of the last few years was when my father would complain about the headache they caused him. "Get to the point." is what I say out loud.

"Of course, your Majesty. They have begun to call thesleves 'Tigers Claw'. They are incredibly strong. Perhaps it would be best if we were to seek their aid." As soon as the words had left his mouth there was yelling.