Bound by blood & Ink

A seat at the table

The next morning, Alex sat on her bed, her gaze drifting to the window as Doctor Leoda carefully changed her bandages. She winced slightly as the cloth shifted, but she was too exhausted to protest. Just as the doctor finished, there was a knock at the door.

An older man entered, bowing politely.

"My apologies for disturbing you, Countess, but the council has requested an urgent meeting. They would like you there within the hour."

Alex blinked, her head still foggy from the events of the past few days and adjusting to her new role .

"Of course," she said, nodding slowly. "Let me finish here and change, and I'll be there as soon as I can. Do you know what the meeting is about?"

The man shook his head.

"I'm afraid I do not have that information, Countess. However, I'll send your entourage to help you change and ensure your guards are informed."

Alex nodded again.

"Thank you."

The man hesitated, standing awkwardly at the door. Alex furrowed her brow, unsure of what he was waiting for. Doctor Leoda leaned in and whispered, "You need to dismiss him, ma'am."

"Oh... right," Alex said, flustered. She turned to the man. "Thank you, you're dismissed."

The man gave another bow and left the room.

Fifteen minutes later, Alex was dressed, though it had taken some convincing to settle on a formal pair of pants and a top rather than a dress. The very thought of wearing one made her feel suffocated. As she adjusted the last bit of her outfit, a knock came at the door. Odessa entered with the young knight from a few days before.

"Ma'am, I would feel more comfortable if I escorted you to the courtroom. Is that alright with you?"

Alex smiled, grateful for the offer.

"Of course, Odessa. I'd feel much better with you by my side."

The knight nodded, and the three of them left for the courtroom. As they walked through the courtyard, Alex finally took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the round building she hadn't quite seen the previous day. The dark had hidden its intricacy.

They followed a group of older men into the building, but just as Alex was about to step into the room, Odessa stopped her.

Odessa hesitated. "I can't go in, ma'am."

"What do you mean? You're my escort."

"Yes," Odessa said, her voice low, "but only members of the council—or those with rank—are permitted inside. And... I'm a woman."

Alex blinked, incredulous. "I'm sorry, what?"

"It's tradition," Odessa added, clearly uncomfortable.

"That's ridiculous. I'm a woman. I'm literally the Countess!" Alex gestured to herself for emphasis.

"It's different," Odessa muttered.

"Well, screw them, You're coming with me." Alex's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. She grabbed Odessa by the arm and pushed open the heavy doors to the chamber.

The room fell silent as Alex entered, Odessa trailing a step behind. The council chamber was grand but suffocating, sunlight now shining in from the roof hits the walls lined with tapestries depicting battles she didn't recognize. The men seated around the room turned to stare, their faces a mix of shock and disapproval.

"Countess," said Aldor, the gray-bearded man who had been present when she first arrived. He rose and bowed stiffly. The others followed suit—except for the general.