The Royals of Silvercrest

24

King Shane's POV:

Four Months Later:

The past few months have been hectic.

Our dragons circled the sky for security.

Dozens of eggs lay in the warmers.

Our people struggled to get back on their feet.

Cleanings were increased as the Plague finally died out.

The past few weeks went to maintaining more order as the court returned.

Noblemen entered the castle to handle affairs.

Supplies were shipped out to all survivors, as much as we could manage.

Finally, as I stand in the courtyard, I smile as the coach pulls in.

I watch as Princess Ruby steps out, looking as elegant as ever.

She lights up when she sees me, her emotion causing her to abandon protocol, rushing forward to wrap her small arms around me. I let out a happy laugh, spinning her around as she giggles.

"How are you, my darling?" I ask

"I am well. I am happy to be back at court."

"As am I, sweetheart."

I carry her inside into the castle.

In the time I had called for her back to court, the castle had been deep cleaned, a new nanny set up as well as her own estate, just in case.

Now at least, she is home.

We make our way through the halls, passing by knights and nobles.

They bow as we make our way past and into the throne room.

"Ruby, I have brought you here to inform you that as King, it is my duty to marry again. I know you grieve deeply for your mother and stepmother but this is a duty I must fulfill to protect ourselves."

"I know Papa. I miss my mommies. I know you'll find a good one." She says smiling up at me

I see the tears forming in her eyes, one rolling down her cheek.

I wipe it away softly.

"Please, no tears."

"I missed you."

"As did I, darling."

I stare at the small child sitting upon her mother's throne.

I feel a stab of pain, wishing Ida could see her now.

My beautiful baby girl.

I hear the bells chiming.

"Come darling." I say

I scoop her into my arms again and make my way out.

Lady Giana, her new nanny, stands waiting.

She curtsies when we make our way over.

"Your Majesties." She greets

I place a kiss upon her forehead.

"I will see you later."

I watch as they walk off before heading back for the council quarters.

The Lords stand at attention as I enter.

I sit as do they.

"I have gathered you all today in this room to announce I have chosen my future bride. A raven was sent to Princess Celeste of the Sandranda Isles." I announce

The room erupts into mumbles between the council.

There were a handful of kingdoms in this world, much like our own.

We did not all converse with one another.

It was the way of our world.

With plagues, dragon attacks, natural disasters, we must all focus on our own first and others after. This caused much tension between kingdoms causing many to go abouts on their own unless it was for trade or marriage alliances or if the case called for, war alliances.

"An excellent match, Your Majesty." Lord Ivan agrees

I place another portrait I'd received of the young woman upon the table.

They take in the view, a young woman of eighteen with long black locks and soft brown eyes. She truly is a sight to behold, a gem.

"She is quite young." Lord Miles comments

"It is with this choice, an heir will be brought forth and secure my line." I say

It is not my desire to have a wife so young.

I'd wondered often if choosing a woman who is a bit older is perhaps the cause of the complications but I shall never know.

I had spent many nights wishing for answers.

"I must bring it to the attention of those in this room that marrying a woman with an age difference of yours, of someone so young, it carries great risk. A woman of such age can be...naive." Lord Julian says

I sigh, rubbing my brow with my hand feeling a headache forming.

"That may be true but unfortunately in that time we had shut our kingdom down, four of those whom offered their hand have since wedded or chose other suitors. Two more have passed of plague. This decision has been made. In good time, preparations shall be made for the wedding and her crowning. Good day gentlemen." I say

I stand and exit the room.