Winterfall

My heart raced in anticipation as I waited for what seemed like forever, as the silence grew in the chamber the pounding of my heart grew into a steady rhythm.

After a minute had passed Sybil cleared her throat, “Alrighty, Maria you may begin your speech.”

A wave of fear crashed into me as all eyes turned towards me. Now, I know I shouldn’t have been so scared to deliver this speech, however, if there was one thing I lacked it was the booming confidence that everyone else has.

However, I dared not to stutter as I did not want to make a fool of myself. I quickly glanced down at the ring and side eyed Théoden as I felt the emotions pull from my body. My fear was quickly replaced with confidence as the bond went to work.

I took a deep breath and began, “Thank you all for allowing me to join the Council. I know the Council has been missing a Royal Head for a few years now and I am honored to take my father’s spot amongst all of you. I hope to continue to take strides in my fathers path of kindness, respect, and fairness, my father had once been and something I try to be on a daily basis.

We are all distended for our own path. Mine took a bit of a rocky start when tragedy fell upon the kingdom and my family. As it took me time to process my new reality, I appreciate each and everyone of you for being patient and kind towards me as I dealt with my own personal emotional state. I know due to that I have put my duties behind, but I assure you all now that I am fully focused on the well being of my kingdom and its people.”

I took several deep breaths before I continued. As I was trying not to rush through the speech and not stumble over my own words. I felt confident but I had no idea if my voice sounded confident. However, I needed to continue my speech.

“My goals for this kingdom, is to push its development further rather than it be in the knowledge that is presented in our libraries, our advancements in our everyday equipment or how we handle our personal affairs. Amongst this, I hope to provide our military with what is needed to further protect our kingdom from intruders, from crime within our own borders, and those beyond the sandy beaches of South Haven or beyond the Mountains.

“I know our kingdom has a reputation, especially in the innermost rings, and I plan to aid our military in trying to figure out solutions to handle the crimes that take place.”

Don’t forget the mention of the lair. Théoden reminded me through the bond.

“Beyond the inner rings, I plan to aid in the development of plans for our kingdom to survive and thrive in our newest conditions brought on by the creation of the draconic lair that enclosed our kingdom in a safety net.”

“A draconic lair?” Sybil questioned, as she interrupted my speech. However, she wasn’t the only one.

“A lair?” Thora murmured, “I thought that is what that was…”

“Interesting…” Cedric whispered.

“Yes, a draconic lair was placed over the kingdom. I will disclose more information in regards to the lair later, when there are less people involved. However, the lair is responsible for the changes in the environment that we all have felt so far. I do have a few plans I am drafting up that I will bring to all of you next week that will show the adaptations and how feasible it will be to live in our new lifestyle. I am pleased with how the kingdom is adapting so far to our newest safety measures and I hope to continue to see it flourish.”

The room was silent as I could tell most was contemplating the news drop of the lair being created. However, the majority focus was on me thankfully.

“I do plan to share with you all as much detail as I can with that involves the lair. But I must go beyond that now as I try to wrap up my speech.”

“Yes, of course. This draconic lair will need to be discussed in a less formal setting, with less eyes.” Sybil said. “Please wrap it up.”

I nodded, “Of course. Now, with addition to that…” I paused as I lost my train of thought.

“Well?” Sybil questioned as thirty seconds passed.

“Sorry. Anyways, there are a few laws that have been in place, like the revivification law I hope to look over and revise to better fit our current needs. However, all of that I know will come in time and in time I hope that the evidence will prove to all of you that including me as the Royal Head was a benefit and not a mistake. That I will be a great Queen of Winterfall one day. Even better yet, I am proving I am worthy of the crown and title as I take stride in bettering myself for the kingdom and bettering the kingdom as a whole.”

I seriously hope that made sense. I hadn’t really gone over every little detail with Théoden and perhaps I probably should have. Writing a speech the day beforehand was probably not the best idea.

I told you that you needed to focus on that a week ago. Théoden said through the bond.

Was it that bad?

I felt a wave of worry wash over me. Did I just botch my speech?

I saw out of the corner of my eye, Théoden giving me a soft smile before returning to a strict pose. I think the speech went well. Théoden said and just as quickly as the worry washed over me a relief took its spot. Unless that was sarcasm…

It wasn’t sarcasm. Théoden said as I saw he tried not to smile once more.

Well, now I wasn’t sure at all. Regardless, that was all I had as a speech. I just had to hope it was good enough.

“Thank you for that speech. I look forward to seeing what changes you bring about.” Sybil said with a half smile. “Now, let me call upon the servants to bring us all a glass of Thora’s favorite ruby red wine.”