Sorry for the lateness of the chapter! I haven't been completely silent though. I'm working on something new: a short story! It'll be a total of five chapters, minus the prologue. I've finished four of them, so it's almost done. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

When the sun rose, Shaterria alerted us that the council would be arriving earlier than expected. I said my parting words to my father and Lily, letting him know that I would visit again soon.

I packed my things, joining Sage on his departure. I rode with him as we followed Shaterria back to the castle, all of us riding in silence. The mood was somber as if it too was dreading the return to all that waited for us.

When we arrived, it became clear that the council had made it before us. In the front, tied to a post, were several large horses, all covered in thick, silver armor. They were unswayed by the guards moving around them and the servants scurrying one way or another.

We dismounted, Sage telling a nearby servant special care instructions for Sequeria to whom he murmured goodbye, promising to see her again soon. We then headed inside, Shaterria leading the way.

"We will all be allowed there at the beginning to each tell our version of the story. However, once this is done, Sage and I will be told to leave. They were very reluctant about allowing you to stay, Rowan, but decided it was the best solution for their own well-being." She glanced back at me once, waiting for a nod of confirmation before continuing.

"They will pressure him and try to confuse him. You are there to keep him calm; however, they will be watching you too. They'll be making sure you do not help him in any way," she said and I frowned.

"If I cannot speak to him, how am I of service?" I asked as we paused in front of my room, Sage opening the door.

I stepped in, placing my suitcase on the floor and leaving it unpacked as before. I placed my bag next to it, letting Todd out. He started for the door but I stopped him, deciding to keep him nearby until the culprit was found. He was smart, but not smart enough to outwit a determined killer.

Shaterria was slow to speak, thinking her answer through. "You will be allowed to speak to him, but your answers cannot guide him in any specific direction. You must be careful or you too will be thrown out. This will be difficult. If you cannot do this, either myself or Sage will stay behind instead."

I opened my mouth to answer, but it was Sage who spoke. "She will be fine. If she cannot do it, no one can." His words were clear and firm, not once wavering. He then turned towards me, adding, "I believe in you, Rowan. You have what it takes to make sure all is right with the King."

It was reassuring to hear him say that. His words brought newfound determination to me, although I was still unsure of how it would play out. I did know, however, that I would try my best to help the King.

I nodded to him. "Thank you, Sage," I said, my voice holding sincerity. He mumbled something in return, but it was awkward, showing he was still not used to receiving gratitude.

Shaterria led the way, taking us towards the stairs where the council awaited our arrival. I stood behind Shaterria and Sage, but it did not keep the lead council member's eyes from catching my own.

"Is this who you've brought to tame the King—Rowan?" he asked, scoffing as if he couldn't believe that they would do such a thing.

Shaterria and Sage glanced at me, both looking a bit surprised. I frowned, ignoring their looks. "I am glad to see you are well, Council Member Warren," I replied calmly, refusing to give in to his childish behavior. It would not help me any, but cause harm instead.

He narrowed his eyes at me, knowing of my attitude, having spent so much time in the forest. "What is this? Where has the stubborn woman gone? Is that all you have to say to me?" he asked, causing the others to laugh. They too knew of my behavior, but I gritted my teeth.

"Shall we?" I asked Shaterria pointedly, looking at them. She was quick to nod, unlocking the door, leading everyone upstairs.

Sage and I were the last ones, giving him the perfect opportunity to question me. "How do you know them? Were you in some sort of trouble?" he whispered, trying not to catch anyone else's attention.

I glared at him, knowing he couldn't see it in the darkness. "It is not any of your business," I replied, but paused before adding, "Sometimes, deaths occurred in the forest. They were quick to blame me before blaming the animals. Each time it was ruled as the fault of the hunter, not the animal. However, it did not stop them from endlessly questioning me. They believed I killed anyone that came through the forest. It was one of the many rumors that spread throughout the land."

He was quiet, not responding. I supposed he knew better than to say he was sorry as if it was his fault. He also knew not to try comforting me. For that, I was grateful.

We arrived to the hall, the council members murmuring to one another when they saw how gruesome it appeared. If they did not enjoy the sight of the hall, they were certain to be disgusted by the room. But I kept quiet, secretly enjoying their discomfort.

"Rowan, come," Shaterria said, beckoning me over with a hand. I listened, walking towards her, glancing once at Sage who nodded in return.

I stood beside her, studying her as she stiffly said, "You are allowed in before us all. You will have five minutes with the King. It is to make sure he is stable before the council enters. Make good use of it."

She unlocked the door, allowing me to step in before shutting it behind me. I glanced at the door once more, wondering whether I was truly going to be able to do anything. Would I have been just as useful outside with them?

My eyes caught the King sitting at a table, staring at me. The room had been tidied up a bit, a wooden desk placed near the large windows, a chair for the King to sit in. There were several others in front of it, three for the council members and two other to the left for Shaterria and Sage. What I assumed to be my own chair was behind the table right next to the King.

His face was as expressionless as usual, leaving me to believe that he did wear an expression but it was his own. One that showed nothing yet still exuded authority and resilience. The King had truly mastered the look, showing no fear.

I walked towards him, noticing that his attire was different. It was not as formal as the council members, who were dressed in newly made suits. However, it lacked the usual holes and his shirt was a buttoned down one. Even his hair had been cared for, appearing a little cleaner than before and in a ponytail.

"How was your visit home? I apologize that it was cut short," he greeted, his eyes leaving mine once I took my seat next to him. The two chairs were placed close together, little space between the King and I.

"It was fine. How are you doing? Are you prepared?" I asked, more concerned with talking about his current situation. It was possibly life or death for him, yet he did not seem to care. He was calm, much more calm than I could be.

"I will be fine once they leave. How many times did they visit you?" he asked, once again turning the attention away from himself and towards me.

They had visited multiple times, each for a different reason. From bodies in the forest to claims that I was turning the village's pets and livestock against them, I had been the primary suspect of them all. But each time, I was left alone, the councilmen disappointed and still suspicious.

"Enough for a lifetime," I replied, not going into details. I was sure he already knew the answer if he was asking, as I had never mentioned their visits to him.

"You know to answer with as little as possible, yes? If it is a yes or no question, you answer with just that. They will twist your words if you answer with more," I instructed. I was sure Shaterria had already warned him of what to do and what not to do. However, it did not keep me from asking.

"Yes, I was told of how to reply. And were you given instruction on what to do if I become enraged?" he asked, tilting his head towards me. He was merely curious, wondering if I had a plan.

"No, I was not," I replied, realizing that I had no idea what would happen in that situation. They expected me to calm him but did not give any suggestions on how I was to do so. Perhaps I was just to act as a barrier, but would become bait if anything happened.

He was silent for a moment, studying me before speaking once again. "Then you should hope for the best outcome for the councilmen and yourself." It was stated casually, as if it was not a warning but a mere fact.

We sat quietly for the remainder of the time until the others entered in, the councilmen following behind Shaterria and Sage. They looked around the room in wonder, disgust, and fear. They were viewing an exhibit that they had now become a part of.

Shaterria showed them to their seats, Sage finding his own. He looked at me, his face expressionless but his eyes holding worry. Was he afraid for his dear King? I would be too, given the circumstances. For King Sandalius to walk away clean, we would all need some sort of miracle.

The room grew quiet, sound replaced with tension. It appeared we were all in for a long day.