Beyond the Lamppost

XXX. Slowly

Chapter Thirty:

X

Slowly

The days went by slowly. Every day, I read a lot of books in the morning, join the ministers in the afternoon and the night is left empty for me.

I adjusted big-time that sometimes I felt that things had been a farfetched dream. I woke up once and I grabbed my things by my side-table, but later on, I realized that I am not in my log cabin in Greenwoods anymore.

I also felt my talent activated whenever someone is near me. I can sense the truthfulness in their tone and the feelings in their heart, even the slightest one.

On the other hand, the private knights had been busy lately and I had only seen them during dinner in the Great Hall. They had been busy hunting the other knights and prisoners. Some of them also visited the other towns and Waplis for peacekeeping duties.

I only have Alicea beside me. She thought me other things about the castle and she shares stories. Because of her, I never felt alone in this big castle.

One afternoon while we were strolling the castle grounds. A question suddenly popped in my head.

"What would people think if the castle maids will have a chance to study?"

Her eyes widened.

"Y-Your Majesty," she utters in disbelief.

"I was just thinking. Everyone should have equal rights in acquiring knowledge, at least in basic things like to read and write," she stooped her head low. She didn't say something but I felt happiness from her and I smiled. "Then we'll expand from that."

"Nokt may exist but they should not be treated less than those who have talents. They can do more too. I have told you about what are the talents we define on the other side, right? Do you want to learn those things?" I stared at her and I got alarmed when I saw her in tears.

"Hey, what's happening?" I saw her smile but tears continuously fall from her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she looked away and wiped her tears. "I'm just too happy with what you said. You are just like Queen Atheena. She cares so much about us too."

I smiled as she said that. With those words, I am now sure of my plan. I'm sure that Mom will be happy with this too.

That night, I started writing my whole plan. I have taken into consideration even the tiniest details of it. I want to present a proper proposal to the ministers.

I slept late and woke up early to continue my plan. I had used a few rolls of parchment before I felt satisfied with all the ideas I wrote and that I want to present.

By afternoon, I felt my heart pounded as I walk towards the minister's office inside the castle. They had been gone for a few days to visit the towns and they had come back only last night.

A knight stood outside their office and he bowed first before opening the door.

"A pleasant day, ministers," I greeted. They stood up and bowed. I went up to my usual seat in the office, the middle one. I sat behind a large desk filled with parchment and books.

"Princess," Ministress Floir called out. "The town of Ghrym had been experiencing an outbreak, we had sent out healers there but they are not enough." An outbreak?

"Then, we should send healers from other towns too. We need to contain the disease before it will affect the neighboring town, Ministress Floir." I said as I assessed the situation but I felt the hesitation in her.