KING GARAM

Chapter 13

Heather

Dressed in the clothing of a queen, sat amongst the large table of elders, in the seat which Garam would have occupied. Bundont sitting at the right hand and many other faces, which were unfamiliar, burned through her skin with her glances.

The Room was greatly massive, all together bigger than most of all the houses in the village, spread across largely, barely able to make out the end.

Heather, being herself was nothing close to comfortable in the mist of all these blood sucking corrupt councillors who claimed to rule the kingdom all in the name of power and statue.

The disgust wasn't evidence on her face, but neither was she able to make out a warm smile either.

Her heart was beating faster each minute.

Bundont stood, proudly,

Shoulders raised high, which made her straighten her awfully unthought posture.

"Garam will not be in our presence today, so our Lady will take his place."

Despite the fact no one said a word, she could make out faces of disapproval and questions. She swallowed, taking the place of a king? What did she have to offer.

Counselor Bismarck, who introduced himself briefly Began, "The festive season starts in less than a moon away, the joust will also commence at once, but unfortunately... The kingdom is at great depts." He murmured his last sentence. Bundont and every other had a confused look across their faces.

A voice from amidst the room, spoke, "Depts? The kingdom has never been in depts." Other voices muttered in agreement.

Elder Bismarck retook his posture, "Our king had left us with depts that was unknown to us..."

Another counselor rang out, "It is against the laws of the land to spend without the knowledge of the elders, what is this we are hearing?"
 
"The King, my his soul rest amongst the gods, had some unknown dealings with other kingdoms and had invested greatly in them, helping them out in their time of need and trouble..."

Now, this was shocking to Heather.

The voices of many elders rose up in disagreements, then an Elder suddenly stood, who seemed to be the oldest of them, gathering their attention just by the single act. Which showed their respect.

His old and raspy voice boomed, "There is no time for foolish arguments amongst ourselves, but rather find a solution." He turned towards Heather slowly, which made her snap out from her thoughts.

"My Lady? Any solutions" Despite the fact she wasn't Queen, the respect in his voice touched her heart.

Without thinking, "Increase the tax..." She said, but just as the words came out, so did other disproving murmurs.

Bundont shifted in his sit, "Explain?"

She gained just a tiny confidence to get out her words without stammering. "The kingdom is in dept, great ones for that matter, to impose tax might be the only way to resolve this problem. Usually, the annual festive are not paid for by the villagers, that means they attend for free, right? I have been aware of this since I was barely a teen. Let them knowo that this year would have to be different, let them pay to attend, it's not as if we are going to increase the tax to that extent, but just this time, settle the kingdoms dept and that's it. The people won't be so bothered about this, because the tax have never been high, and I of course knows that."

A minute passed, and there wasn't any sign of disagreements. Maybe this would work, she thought, barely imagining the fact it was her idea. Not a very brilliant one, but there were no more disagreements.

"I agree," Bismarck and the oldest elder responded.

"Alright, we will address the other matters of the day in the court room. We are dismissed." He stood up, made a simple bow before Heather and made his way out of the room, as followed the others.

Except the oldest.

She sat, calmly. Wondering what he would say.

He took few cranky steps closer to her, holding a wooden staff to support his weak legs.

"I see the heart of a real Queen." He said, in a strong voice, filled with so much knowledge.

"I will tell you that I'm far from one." She said, humbly.

Before he could make out his next words, Garam came walking in, surprisingly enough, looking refreshed in his royal chainmail, which made her stare in confusion.

The Counselor, took a bow. "My King, I see you're of strong health."

Garam smiled, "Indeed, I am"

With that the elder stormed out quickly.

Garam placed his eyes on Heather, with a smile on his face. Realising she was siting on his thrown, he abruptly stood up, but her dress got stuck between the chair.

Noticing this her face flushed in embarrassment, making her to sit down as before.

Garam himself noticed.

"Let me" he said, and before the blink of an eye he was beside her and straightening the kneels of her gown. He smiled again, which made her feel unease.

He took her hand slowly, sending a thousand triggers through her hands, all the way to her brain, making her catch fire from within.

"Walk with me, My Lady."