Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 3

Early the next morning, everyone is out in front of the caste, watching as the murderer is hung. He's screaming that he's innocent, and has been framed, but quite frankly, that is absolutely impossible. We have far too much evidence on him, plus he supposedly confessed last night after he was caught. There's no turning back now. He's in tears as he steps up to the gallows just outside the front gates.

After he's dead, they keep his body there to remind everyone that the crown is not to be trifled with. My father was a beloved, kind hearted man. Only a true demon would kill him. More importantly, I can't have people think that they could try to murder me without any repercussions.

After I watch the event, I head back to the throne room. There, my advisors, as well as Brokk are all waiting for me. These are the 6 most dependable people in my nation right now.

Of course Brokk is the head knight, and has proven himself in combat dozens of times. He's been at my father's side for as long as I can remember. He's worked hard to get into this position, and nobody deserves it more than he does.

Vinill, Glorion, and Cistax were my father's most trusted advisors when he was king. They were with him pretty much since he took the throne up until the day he died. I can trust them, and they can help me make the important decisions for my nation.

My cousin Heroth was an obvious choice to help me lead. Since he started living with us, he's taken on an almost brotherly role. He's helped me make decisions even when I was a kid, and will be a great help making decisions in the future. He's a very bright man, but if push comes to shove, he's also really tough. If I do get into a corner, Heroth has the brawns needed to get me out.

Emmaline's appointment was a surprise to many. Emma is my best friend, and some are accusing me of just appointing her because we're friends, but she's also very compassionate and caring. If Vinill and the others try to push me into making a decision that I feel is morally questionable, she will be an invaluable ally. After all, she knows better than any of us just how rough things are for the peasants. Her parents were farmers, and she had nothing to her name when I offered her a job in the castle.

"Well, my trusted allies... The murderer is dead. The castle is open, and we will be starting business as usual. With you all at my side, I'm confident that we can do what is best for our kingdom. We shall continue to prosper, and before we know it, these past few days will just be a distant memory." I smile at them.

Heroth speaks up next, "My queen, I'm sure you have heard what some people have been saying. Some people are worried that you are not a suitable leader. With your young age, as well as the fact that you are a woman, some believe that you should step down. We support you no matter what, but please keep this in mind as we continue onwards. You have no time to get used to the throne, you must take everything head on... With us by your side, of course."

"I'm familiar with what people say." I sigh. "I believe I've had this discussion before."

"I know, ma'am. I'm just reminding you. It's important to show them that you're capable of doing this. I've been with you since we were kids, so I know that you will do great, but you need to remember that others don't have the same faith in you. The sooner that things get back to normal, the better. As part of that, I also suggest opening the throne room up today, as well as inviting over foreign delegates. The Jude Royalty of Roanne, for instance, was scheduled to meet your father the day that he died. They are waiting for a chance to reschedule."

"Please do get to scheduling that as soon as you can." I tell him.

"Of course. They're staying in a nearby town, so I can probably set an appointment up for tomorrow."

"Excellent. As you suggested, we should reopen the throne room as soon as possible, so if anyone else has anything to add, please tell us now before the peasants begin to arrive."

Everyone seems to be good, so I dismiss Brokk in order to return to ordering the guards around, and tell Heroth to go schedule the appointment with Roanne's crown with me.

We open the doors, and peasant after peasant come rushing in. Several of them are here to pay their respects to the old king, and offer me small trinkets. Baked goods are taken away to be destroyed, as we cannot trust them to have not poisoned them. Other stuff like handmade clothes and drawings by their kids are taken to be examined for anything that may cause harm. I'll check the stuff out after I'm done here. I might hang the drawings up in my room or something.

Some of the peasants have legitimate concerns. They have rough lives, but we'll try to help them where we can. There will always be some kind of issue, like drought, or famine, but we're a pretty large nation, so we should be able to help them out.

I spend all day there, listening to their issues, as well as accepting gifts. It's a busy day, but that's to be expected. Most days hopefully won't be so exhausting.

My advisors let me know that as the days go by, some noblemen will likely stop by as well, to try and get close to me so I can make their lives better at the expense of the peasants. Good luck with that.

Of course, the advisors insist that I do need to keep friendly with them. They hold some power in the nation, and if I continually screw them over, they will try to get the peasants against us. Even if I'm helping the peasants, they can always be swayed with gifts from the noblemen.

Basically I'm just gonna be walking on eggshells.

When Heroth returns, he informs me that I have a meeting scheduled tomorrow with Queen Jude and her husband. They're generally... Egotistical people. They care more for their own wealth than the wellbeing of their citizens, but have made a few concessions to appease the peasants.

"Thank you." I tell him.

"Anything for you." He promises. "Also... You know what? Nevermind."

"What?" I raise an eyebrow at him.

"It's just something that I overheard in the city. I don't think it's anything to worry about."

"I want to hear it regardless. If you thought for even a second that it might be important, it's vital information for me to hear."

"I mean... It's just a silly rumor, but I did overhear something about a possible witch in the forest. I don't really know if it's anything worth worrying about. Witches aren't real, after all."

"Perhaps not, but it's something to keep our eyes out for. Send a soldier our to scout the forest. We probably won't find anything, but we must be careful. Witches are dangerous."

My parents did kill a few suspected witches in their time, but I don't really know if they were actually witches. I don't know much information about the trial, but the witch and her husband were burned at the stake. Two other witches, their children, were also burned the next day. Other than that, we've had zero issues with witches. They're probably just children's tales.

Regardless, even that slight hesitation in the back of our minds is enough to warrant concerns. How would our throne be seen if we allowed a dangerous witch to just go about doing whatever she pleased? No, we cannot allow that.

Heroth nods his head. I know he doesn't believe in witches, and that any witch murders were just ridiculous accusations, but he's still gotta be safe.

"Do you really think they're just fairy tales?" I hear behind me after Heroth leaves.

I jump about a foot as I spin around to find Rosth standing there.

"You need to stop doing that." I frown.

"My apologies, my queen." He bows. "I came to talk to you, but saw that you were busy. If you're not busy now, we could possibly head up to your room?"

"I've had a busy day. Try tomorrow." I tell him.

"As you wish. I won't try pushing anything." He promises.

Hopefully he won't be on patrol early tomorrow, then maybe we can talk. I do really need some sleep, though, so I'll have to turn him down for now.

Heroth is cute, I'll give him that, but I gotta admit that he's just a bit spooky. That could be a useful trick in the future, though. Perhaps his true calling is a spy.

I smile a little bit as I walk into my room.