The Land of Shadows

Chapter Fourteen

When nightfall came around, I walked confidently through the halls of my castle. I was no longer planning on asking the Council to put Zach in charge. I was planning on something else entirely. As I walked, I came up with reasons to back my case. Surely they couldn't deny me. And even if they did, I am the Queen.

The hallways were familiar yet strange at the same time. Walking through them, I was aware of how much I'd changed. I wasn't as strong, yet at the same time I was stronger than ever. It hurt my head to think about who exactly I'd become, so I pushed those thoughts away as I pushed open the heavy door leading into the advising hall.

The same wooden floor I remember stretched all the way to the other end of the room, the same red and gold rug leading the way down the center. There was a table at the back of the room, where all the advisors were siting. Below them the carpeted isle broke off. Zach was standing on the left, so I marched over and took my place on the right.

"Queen Alice Castonia, you have been summoned to an Advisory Council meeting by Zachariah Krashean. Are you fully aware of the argument between the two of you?" a booming voice asked. I looked up at the head of the Council, Joshua. He was the youngest Council Head yet, but he did his job well. "I am," I answer, my voice ringing out loud an confident. Without even glancing at Zach I know he can't take his eyes off of me. "Very well. Since Zachariah Krashean is responsible for summoning you here, he is to present his case first," Joshua says in that same strict voice. I turn to look at Zach as he begins to speak.

"I believe it is in the kingdom's best interest if Alice keeps full control of the court. She has, so far, been a wise and righteous leader. If she steps down from her current position, it will be viewed as a sign of weakness and the enemy forces will attack. Despite what she has recently been through, I am confident that she can still be one of the best leaders this kingdom has ever had," Zach says, confident that he'll win. Joshua stares at him for a moment before nodding. "Is that the entirety of your case?" he asks. Zach nods. "Yes sir," he replies respectfully.

Joshua turns to me. "Queen Alice Castonia, it is your turn to present your case," he tells me. I take a deep breath. "I would like to merge the two kingdoms with a marriage involving myself at King Matt Costello," I say, ignoring the gasps from everyone in the room.