"As I started to tell you all, there are plans in place to address all of your concerns.”
Those who remained standing finally took their seats as order fell back over the theatre.
"Security has been increased in the castle, the woods, and all of the surrounding areas of the city and nearby countryside to ensure there are no more casualties from the beast. Funds have been diverted from the castle’s operating expenses to cover the restoration of the marketplace. We want to ensure that it is up and running as soon as possible, but we are taking suggestions for improvements in a special session of court later this week so we can remain the prosperous pride of the kingdom.”
A few cheers and positive comments rippled through the crowd. Not the overwhelming response I'd hoped for, but definitely better than the alternative.
"And for those who fear that the castle is still harboring threats to your safety, we are opening our doors to everyone for guided tours whenever you feel the need. We want to show you that although we know we have made a mistake, that it will be our last and all decisions are made to make this kingdom the strongest in all the land."
Feeble applause echoed through the theatre. Veda locked eyes with me through the sea of faces and smiled, my lips curling upwards in response.
“I might not be my father, but I intend to make you all proud to be Aborians. Together we will rebuild and be stronger than ever.” I nodded and released my grip on the podium. An ache rippled through my fingers from the strain of holding on so tight, but I welcomed the release. “Thank you.”
The guard to my left nodded his head toward the curtain and I quickly rushed offstage before things could swing out of my favor. A rumble of voices flowed behind me, but without the sharp contempt of my last speech. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. A new beginning.
As the noise of the crowd fell away, I loosened the two coat buttons near my neck and breathed deeply as the oxygen sparked life in my veins. I'd done it. I'd given my speech and without anything being thrown. No fruit juice, or worse, staining my dress clothes. No mob of angry citizens waiting by the door. Maybe I did stand a chance at this after all. Except, of course, I hadn't done it all on my own.
I signaled to one of the guards and he came at my command. "The girl from the theatre, the one who stuck up for me during the question period, I need you to rush out front and find her. Tell her, no ask her, to wait for me near the entrance after everyone else has cleared out."
"Of course, sir." He nodded and quickly disappeared, weaving through the remaining guards and out the side door into the sun.
A lone steady clap echoed beside me.
Lord Marchand appeared with a smile beaming across his face. "Well done, Your Majesty. We all had faith that you would rise to your new station. I'm glad we were not wrong."
I grabbed the back of my neck and gazed down at the scuffed and peeling boards of the backstage area. "I'm glad things worked out well. But I'm still afraid that I may not be ready for such a large undertaking. Maybe we should employ more forces to search for my father. I'm sure the people would be pleased to know he wasn't running loose.”
Lord Marchand narrowed his stare and grasped tighter onto the top of his walking stick, twisting it against the floor. "Perhaps. Or perhaps you should get better at taking a compliment and stop being so modest. Being king is your birthright, and by refusing you are risking everything your parents have built."
"I'll try harder." The last of the voices died in the main theatre. I glanced at the side door, but Lord Marchand stood still.
"Now if you could please excuse me, I have another meeting to attend to."
"Of course. However, before you go I would like to remind you about how important appearances are in your position.” He pointed his index finger at me as his pleased grin dropped to a grim line. “I’m not sure how you bewitched that girl to come to your defense, or if you even know her at all, but she doesn't seem like the kind of girl befitting a future king. A little too plain. A little too…vocal.”
I smiled back, my teeth grit tight enough to shatter. "Thank you. I'll have to remember that.”
I rushed around to the front of the theatre. A few remaining guards still stood by the doors, but no Veda. My shoulders dropped along with my spirit.
"That should be all gentlemen." I waved my hand. "Thank you for your service and feel free to take the rest of the afternoon off.”
The guards nodded and then marched in perfect time into the city. As the last guard passed, he jerked his head backward. "Maybe try the fountain, sir."
I rushed across the open square toward the large fountain. Cool droplets splashed my skin as I approached, a nice relief in the early afternoon heat. On the far side, Veda sat on the edge, just below the goddess of the fountain and her ever full jug of water, twiddling her fingers along the surface of the pool. I stood back and watched the serene look on her face as she splashed in the cool blue. I ached to feel that kind of peace. The last week bore down on my shoulders, sometimes like the universe was holding my head under that fountain water and I couldn't fight my way out. Eventually, the dark shadow of
