Memory in the End

Chapter 51: Queen Arrabella

Ever since the final battle, things are different. It took some time to fix up the castle and bring it back to its former glory. It took some time to adjust being the queen and having to go to many small council meetings about stuff such as balls and a coronation. It seemed so trivial compared to the fact that many of my people died in this battle. Anyone who was on Victor's side was executed, per small council's order, not mine. I wanted to give them a chance to redeem themselves but the small council thought otherwise...they are quite the pain in the arse.

As for Arkade, King Philip died in the fighting, protecting his son. James is now the King of Arkade and vows to keep up an alliance without the marriage. We allow them to use our trade routes to get food to their people and they let us call upon them if needed. It's a win-win and I was proud of that.

As for the Five, now that they were mortal, they had to find replacements for them, as well as train a new army since the experienced ones were executed per small council's orders. They were also my closests advisors, I always asked them before anyone else. They are also the only ones who know that I died that day and we're keeping it that way. We do not need people asking questions that we do not want to answer.
Today was just like any other day, it started off with a small council meeting. I took my usual spot at the end of the table and the council of old, sly men sat all around me. The Five stood by me as they usually do, examining them. They had all been on Victor's side until he was defeated and now joined mine...not to mention they always only had their interests in hand.

"Today we would like to talk about your coronation, your Highness," David, the leader of the small council begins. He's in his mid ages with graying hair and dark eyes. He wears the finest clothes that fit him too tightly and holds his head up as if he's in the clouds.

"As always," I mutter, low enough that only Michael hears and smirks a bit, "Carry on."

He clears his throat, "As you know, you will be coronated in the throne room which will then follow with a ball later that night. This is the first time you are officially the ruler of Isigailla so a lot is riding on tomorrow."

I nod, "Yes, I understand that the first three times you told me. Are we going to talk about anything new today or are we just going to review the same old topics?"

He sighs, "Yes your Highness, there is something new to discuss today...but it will require just your ear and not the ear of the Five."

Before I can protest, Michael speaks, "Very well, we will leave."

I wish he would've fought with me to stay but they know they have to act differently at court, I do sometimes wish we could go back to how it was before, the freeness to be ourselves without worrying about which small council member it'll affect. They bow slightly and leave, closing the door behind them. David begins to speak again, "Your Highness, we need to talk about the expulsion of the Five."

I wasn't expecting this, "I beg your pardon, what?"

"Well your Highness, the Five were exiled by your father years ago, they helped us again but their power is dangerous. It should be better to send them on their way with generous amounts of gold and honor what your father wanted."

"My father is dead, I am queen, and I say the Five stay...end of discussion."

David has an evil grin pass over his face, "You are not queen yet...until tomorrow when the people accept you is when you become queen. If you do not exile the Five tomorrow at the ball, we will turn the people against you and we will run you and the Five out...if we don't kill you first. Understood?"

Did he just threaten me? I wanted to scream and stab him a million times but that would only cause more problems. I could deal with threats from enemies but from inside my own kingdom is tricky. I need to play this cautiously or else we could all lose our heads. I look down and sigh, "Very well."