Winterfall

“You know the Council-” Quinn tried to press the subject further.

“I know! I have seen too many people die within the last few years. Including Maria’s parents!” I shouted, “I couldn’t save them due to the Council and their stupid rule! Despite Maria beginning me too. I couldn’t save them, no matter how hard I tried to press the Council to let me save them.”

I felt horrible for blowing up at Quinn but I was tired of people dying around me. I used to be able to revive five people a week then this stupid Council rule came before her parent’s passing. We tried to fight it but the Council was firm on the rule.

This rule only came into effect due to the amount of requests people were giving the Council and my guards. As more and more people wanted their loved ones revived from the dead, the Council grew concerned with the use of diamonds and little pay received to make it happen. I did it out of the kindness of my heart as most of my guards did, however the Council was pushing to either have them pay or for it to be removed completely. And their conclusion, since not everyone could afford the revivification cost, they outlawed it.

I even went straight to King Mikail to discuss the rule and he told me he was against it but somehow the rule got passed. I had a bit of suspicion then that something was off with the Council. Usually the Royal Head had the final say on rules and for them to go against the King, something was off. I just didn’t know what.

“I’m sorry…” I glanced over at Quinn. I read her emotions quickly. It was a mix of shock and sadness in her eyes.

I stopped walking and looked down on her, “I am sorry for erupting on you like that. It’s not your fault. It is something out of our control. I know Maria and I will have to face the council, which we will. I just could not stand by and let another die. Especially if I have a means to fix it.”

“Do you think Maria will take her father’s place on the Council?” Quinn asked.

Now that is a thought, if Maria was willing to take her father’s place she could potentially overturn some of the rules the Council has put in place. “I’ll have to talk with her about that. I’m not sure if she is ready for that yet.”

Not only was it Maria had to be willing to take her father’s place but I knew the Council had to be ready for her to join it too. And based on the rumor mill, they were not ready for her to take his place, as I know they believed that she was still too childish to take his spot, let alone be Queen.

“I’m sure if you voiced your concerns about some of the rules, she would get on board.” Quinn said optimistically.

“Perhaps she will.”

Maria, I know you are listening in.

I don’t know if I am ready for that yet.

I didn’t want to push her into doing something that she didn’t want to, however, perhaps this was the push she needed. As I knew we needed her on the Council, if we were to ever to start seeing some positive change in the kingdom.

I understand but if the Council comes for us perhaps this is something to discuss.

We will discuss it if it is needed, I promise. Right now, I am not ready.

I could sense she had started contemplating the idea but she shook it off, as she too heard the Council talk. Beyond that I knew her own confidence was shot, especially after Marcel’s attack on her life. As he made her feel weak and unable to protect her own kingdom.

I get it. I do.

I sighed deeply as I wished she would join the Council but I didn’t want to push her too much. Perhaps maybe a talk with the Council would do her some good, even if the risk was me getting in trouble. I just hoped that the Council’s opinions of her have changed over the course of the year and they see that she has grown and changed.

I ended up letting the conversation drop there as I needed to turn my focus back to my surroundings. I at least planted the seed of her joining the Council, I can only hope she would act on it if given the chance.

“Quinn, I respect you will not say anything about this to the others right?”

There wasn’t much for any witnesses around the crime scene and I don’t know if the mother would talk or not. What I could stop was the conversation between my guards.

“Of course captain, I won’t say anything.”

“Thanks Quinn.”

At this point we were back at my office and I had paperwork to do.

Maria. Can I do my paperwork please?

I’ll let you be. Thank you for forgiving me. I am sorry again my dear,

It’s alright my love, I truly understand. I love you too.

~Maria Point of View~

I sighed in relief and felt my emotions calm as he finally let me in through the bond. Though the crime that unfolded before me bothered me. Children’s deaths were never easy. I hated it as much as he did, which is why I was happy to give him the go ahead to bring the child back to life.

I know we get backlash from the Council but it was worth it. A life saved is worth the backlash from the Council. And perhaps he was right, perhaps I needed to join the Council and fix them. Their rules had become really stupid over the years since they stopped listening to my father.

The no revivification rule was one of the stupidest rules they ever created. They claimed bringing back people from the dead would cause a riot within the kingdom. However, we have been doing it for years prior and no one ever rioted.

That’s beside the point, perhaps it was time for me to step up like Theo had suggested and take my father’s place.

I relaxed a few more hours in the comfort of my bedroom before I head to the kitchen for an afternoon snack when I heard shouting coming from the closed door.