AISLIN | I

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

"Welcome home, your Majesty. How was-" The guard was interrupted by Queen Aria's raised hand. One small movement caused such a sudden reaction. I felt a little smug knowing I tended to have the same effect.

"I am..." She paused, trying to find the right word, "completely and utterly appalled by your behavior at the Ecrin coronation. And for good reason. Do you understand that your actions affect everyone around you? You hold their lives in your hands! You may have just sent the entire realm into a state of war! This was a diplomatic event meant to bring unity among the kingdoms of the Realm. What on earth possessed you to attack the Crown Prince of Aberystwyth? You may not technically be under my reign," The Queen started. I knew she was talking to me. "But I would have thought you had grown up enough to handle big events with diplomacy!" Aria's voice was dripping with anger and disappointment, all directed straight at me. She was demanding an answer from the group of travellers that had circled around her. Senara trotted up to her mother and looped her arms through the Queen's, trying to calm her.

Leland and Evander stepped forward at the same time and opened their mouths to offer an explanation. I raised my hand to intervene. I stepped forward and looked the Queen square in the eye.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, but I am not subject to the laws of Kavan. I am not subject to the laws of any kingdom. I live in unclaimed territory. I was also doing the job you asked me to do. The "Crown Prince of Aberystwyth" as you called him was making inappropriate, and downright lewd suggestions to Princess Senara, Mèabh, and Kingsley, all of whom are royals from other kingdoms in the realm representing their nations at the coronation. My girls were putting up with it and keeping their tempers and distance perfectly well. However, Juniper didn't take the hint. He crossed the line when he approached Senara and Blakely-Rose. Willow was defending his little sister from a man he knows would do her harm if given the opportunity and Oislin was doing the same for his fiance, who, by the way, he had known for less than an hour."

I paused to catch my breath as my words sank in.

"Evander and Grey were just trying to protect their little sister. Leland, Zion and the others were doing their jobs; protecting the royals of their kingdoms. I did mine; make sure everyone comes out in one piece. Juniper was the one who brought an army to a diplomatic event, not me." I finished.

My words fell heavily on the group in the courtyard. Queen Aria began to speak in response, but just then the castle door slammed open and the future king, Prince Koa, ran out with a flushed face and a piece of paper in his hand.

"I found it!" Koa exclaimed. "I finally found it!"

My back went rigid and I felt a sickening swirl of anxiety in my stomach, the same sensation I felt when something wasn't right. I had wondered where Koa had gone during the coronation. He seemed to disappear before the ball and all the chaos happened. My suspicions of him seemed to fester as I caught Kingsley's eye. She was already looking at me with a look that only confirmed what I was thinking.

Everyone else seemed to be ignoring the questions that were brewing in their minds, so I left it alone for the time being even though my nerves twitched as more questions surfaced in my mind.

"Found what?" Mèabh asked, crossing her arms. Her tone only confirmed she was suspicious as well.

"I found the unclaimed sections of Laventhorpe's ruins!"

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Author Note!

Hello My Mickey Mouse Club House Members!!❤️

I finally finished complete chapter! Look at me go!

Thoughts >

Random >

How is your day today? Was it bad? Good? In between?

QOTD: Pineapple of pizza?

for me it's a definite yesssss

Love you all thank you for reading! Xoxox 💋💋

- Mickey ✨