*I know that this scene went very different in the movie, but I wanted to make Preminger seem smarter and more cunning. Plus, I wanted to characterize the queen a little bit more.*

The queen was sobbing in the throne room. She had demanded that she be left alone. Since she heard about her daughter's death, she hadn't moved an inch. 

The queen was honestly, a weak woman. She was without a doubt, good and kind and caring. And she loved her people. She would always do what she thought was best for them. She was a rare type of noble who believed that she was there to serve her people; not the other way around. She worked hard to instill that mindset into her daughter, and her daughter belived it too. 

But despite her goodness, and how hard she worked for the sake of her people, she was weak to her own emotions. Whenever she was overwrought, she would turn to others. Her genius daughter, her most trusted royal adviser - she could never do anything alone. And now she was. After working so hard to protect and serve her people, now her most precious jewel was taken away.

Preminger entered the room, drawing her attention immediately. She looked up and quickly wiped her tears away. But she couldn't fake a smile. She thought she may never smile again. 

"Your majesty." He said. "I need to speak with you freely, if I may." 

"Of-of course. What is it?" She said. 

Preminger sighed and came forward, taking one of her hands. "I am so, terribly sorry about your daughter. I did all I could to save her." He was smiling warmly, which the queen fell for. 

"I know you did. You're a good man." She patted his hand, still holding hers, but he grabbed it and held that was well. Not tightly, but warmly. 

"Despite our grief towards young Stephanie, we must put our own troubles aside, at least for now. Is that not right, your majesty?" He asked. She nodded slowly. Her people. Yes, she had to worry about them. "Now that the deal with King Nathan has fallen through, I have to ask you if you had another plan?" The queen shook her head. 

Preminger sighed. "I'm so sorry, my queen. You have so many problems." He looked back up at her. "But I think I can help."

"You can't bring my daughter back." 

"No, I can't. Despite how much I wish I could, I can't bring her back. I promise, if I could, she would be standing next to me right now." He sighed again, this time more dramatically. "But I can provide the answer to saving the people." 

"And what is that?" Asked the Queen. 

"My journey. I anticipated that the gold in the mines would soon run out, so I went to search for a solution, even a temporary one. And I found it." He said. "An abandoned mine. I bought it, worked hard to have it restored, and now I'm practically as wealthy as King Nathan. 

"You have a mine?" The Queen asked. 

"Yes. Several. Now, granted, it's only a temporary solution, but it will buy us enough time to find a better solution. I've also made a few connections and, with time, we may be able to raise this kingdom to prosperity again." 

The queen gasped, almost happily. Without thinking, she stood up and wrapped her arms around Preminger's neck. "I can't believe this! You're a miracle worker!" She cried. Not even really thinking, she kissed him on the cheek. Shocked, (or at least appearing so,) Preminger stepped back.

"Well, yes but, there is one small problem." He said. The queen pulled back. "I can't manage the mines as just myself. One man cannot hold this much power with so few resources." 

"Are you saying-"

"Yes, I'm afraid I am. I would need the power of a king." He said. 

The queen froze. "But if I'm queen, that makes you prince con-"

"I know how monarchies work!" He slapped a hand over his mouth. "I mean, yes, I know. But as the queen, you can, through marriage-"

"Officially name you king."

The queen stepped back once more, thinking about the whole thing. There was a picture of her husband, Stephanie's father, on the wall. She loved him, she really did, but if she didn't think about her people soon, the kingdom would fall. She turned back to him. 

"What should I do?" She asked. 

"Your majesty, if we don't take action soon, the people will starve. But because I'm so good-hearted, I'll will give this kingdom my full attention and bring it back. I feel your pain, your Majesty. But honestly, with this whole situation, how can you refuse?" He smiled at her. "I already have plans on how to restore this king-"

"Yes."

"What?"

"I understand fully. My daughter... I can't do this alone. I can't do this without someone by my side. In my state, I am no longer fit to be head of this kingdom. Right now, my people need someone who can... put them first. What I tried so hard to teach Stephanie is failing me. So yes, I will marry you. And in that ceremony, I will name you king. A man who is loyal, honest, and will put the people first, as I no longer can."

"Are you sure about this, your majesty?" 

"Yes. How can I refuse?" 

Preminger smiled. "Tomorrow at sunset. That should give us enough time."