The courtyard buzzed with activity as Zia prepared for her first royal council meeting. Her encounter in the woods had emboldened her, but there was no denying the pressure she now felt. Every eye in the palace was on her—not just as Leon's chosen future queen but as the woman who wielded powers no one fully understood. Even Leon and the King and Queen watched her cautiously, unsure of what her newfound abilities might mean for the kingdom.
As Zia entered the grand hall, her nerves threatened to overwhelm her. The long oak table was surrounded by council members, advisors, and nobles, all seated in stiff, formal attire. Lady Isolde sat to the right of the King, her gaze sharp and calculating as always, while Leon sat beside Zia, offering silent support. Lila hovered nearby, whispering encouragement in Zia's ear.
"You've got this," Lila said, her grin mischievous. "Just imagine they're all chickens."
Zia snorted, unable to stop the laugh that bubbled out of her. The image of the noble council clucking like a flock of chickens was enough to lighten her mood, and she shot Lila a grateful smile. "Thanks for that."
The King cleared his throat, signaling the start of the meeting. "We are gathered to address the growing concerns among the people," he began, his voice resonant and commanding. "Queen-in-training Zia has requested this audience to discuss her plans for the kingdom."
All eyes turned to Zia, and she felt the weight of their scrutiny. Taking a deep breath, she stood and stepped forward, her posture straight and her chin held high.
"Your Majesty, members of the council," she began, her voice steady. "As you all know, I've spent the last few days meeting with the people of Eldralore. They've shared their struggles, their hopes, and their fears, and I believe it's time for us to take action."
The council murmured among themselves, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism in their expressions. Lady Isolde raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint smile. "And what actions do you propose, Lady Zia?"
Zia squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "For starters, we need to address the food shortages in the southern provinces. The people there are suffering, and we have the resources to help them. I also want to reform the taxation system to make it fairer for the lower classes."
"Bold words," one of the advisors, Lord Aldrin, interjected. His tone was laced with condescension. "But do you truly understand the complexities of such reforms? These decisions cannot be made on a whim."
Zia's powers stirred within her, responding to her rising frustration, but she forced herself to remain calm. "I'm not acting on a whim," she said, meeting Lord Aldrin's gaze. "I've spent time with these people. I've seen their struggles firsthand. And I refuse to sit by and do nothing while they suffer."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Leon reached out under the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. She glanced at him, grateful for his unwavering support.
Lady Isolde broke the silence, her voice smooth and measured. "You speak with passion, Lady Zia, but passion alone won't solve these problems. You'll need allies, strategies, and, most importantly, the trust of the council."
Zia nodded. "I understand that, Lady Isolde. And I'm willing to work with all of you to make these changes happen. But I need you to trust me as well."
The King exchanged a glance with the Queen, who nodded subtly. "Let us hear more about your proposals," he said, leaning forward. "Perhaps there is merit to your ideas after all."
As the meeting continued, Zia found herself gaining confidence. Her wit and determination shone through as she countered objections and presented her ideas with clarity. Even the most skeptical council members began to take her seriously.
Meanwhile, Lila stood by the doorway, whispering to one of the palace guards. "You think they'll let me into these meetings someday?" she asked, her tone playful. "I could spice things up."
The guard chuckled. "I think they've got enough spice with Lady Zia in there."
Lila grinned. "True, but I've got ideas. Like, how about a law that mandates free desserts for everyone? No one can be grumpy with cake."
The guard shook his head, laughing. "You're something else, Lila."
"I know," she replied, winking. "It's part of my charm."
---
By the end of the meeting, Zia felt a sense of accomplishment. She had stood her ground, earned the council's respect, and taken her first steps toward enacting real change. As she and Leon left the hall, she couldn't help but smile.
"You were incredible," Leon said, his voice filled with pride. "I think you surprised them."
Zia shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "What can I say? I have a way with words."
"You also have a way of turning the most stubborn nobles into allies," he added, slipping an arm around her waist. "You're going to make an amazing queen."
Zia leaned into him, feeling a warmth she hadn't expected. "Thanks, Leon. I couldn't have done it without you."
---
That evening, as Zia prepared for bed, Lila burst into her chambers, carrying a tray of sweets. "Victory calls for celebration!" she declared, setting the tray on the table. "I raided the kitchen for these."
Zia laughed, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."
"I know," Lila said with a grin. "But seriously, you were amazing today. The way you handled those snooty nobles? Perfection."
"Thanks, Lila," Zia said, her smile softening. "I couldn't have done it without your support."
"Anytime," Lila replied, popping a piece of candy into her mouth. "Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?" Zia asked.
"When you're queen, don't forget about us little people," Lila said, her tone teasing but sincere.
Zia reached out, placing a hand on Lila's shoulder. "I'll never forget where I came from," she said. "And I'll never forget the people who stood by me."
As Zia lay in bed that night, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time. The road ahead was still uncertain, and her powers remained a constant challenge, but for the first time, she truly believed she could do this. She could be the queen her people needed.
And with Leon, Lila, and her newfound allies by her side, she knew she wouldn't have to face it alone.