Appointed

POV: Alexandra

Enzo continued, “As you may not know, Your Majesty, we have long had poor conditions in the realm’s orphanage. We understand that Her Highest Highness has written a letter to Elder Edgar about the conditions. We took an inspection earlier today and we did not like what we saw there. The roof is leaky, the food was spoiled and the children were not well dressed and had no wardrobe for the upcoming cold months. All of these conditions could lead to illnesses and many deaths. We had had reports from the headmistress there that all was fine so we didn’t think to look before. We found that she was diverting realm funds to feed a rather nasty gambling addiction. It is most admirable that Her Highest Highness should bring this to our attention. I believe this is a subject near to your heart considering your work with the orphaned children in the Glades?” I nodded, “Yes, sir. I had been curious about the conditions the children would find themselves in so one day I disguised Derek Chalshin and me as a couple who were looking to possibly adopt. I was not pleased with the conditions I saw there. I knew you all would want to know that the King’s charity was not going to the proper place so I informed Elder Edgar. I thank you for giving it prompt attention.” I looked over at Lucien who looked horrified, “Was the woman arrested for embezzlement of realm funds then?” Enzo nodded, “Promptly, Your Majesty. That is a matter for you to discuss with the General, I imagine. It was a good thing he took an interest in coming with us. He seemed rather angry at the woman too.”

Lucien nodded, “And so since you were alerted to this by Alexandra, you feel that she is the best person to fix the wrongdoings in the orphanage?” The council all nodded and Lucien continued, “Okay, she can use the funds that were already allocated to the orphanage for the year. That should, at least, fix the roof.” Enzo sighed heavily, “Unfortunately, the funds for the year are now depleted and we don’t have any hopes of recovering them. The problems Her Highest Highness faces in this task are monumental so we don’t make this appointment with any sort of hope that she can succeed right away, sadly. This might expose her to public scrutiny also.” Lucien furrowed his brow, “Then I must insist that you appoint another.” A gasp went across the room and whispers amongst the members started around the table. Enzo waved his hands to calm the others, “Respectfully, Your Majesty, may we ask why you must insist this course of action not be taken?” He looked over at me then the council, “She will face harsh public scrutiny and we are in the middle of a competition. This will undoubtedly affect her standing in that competition. She will have an unfair disadvantage. I would insist on any of the other two as well. Could you not find another to take on this monumental task?” Enzo looked around at the council, “What do you all think?” Edgar rose, “Respectfully, Your Majesty, this will have no bearing on our decision for our selections.”

Lucien went to object again when I laid a hand on his arm, “May I speak on my own behalf, Your Majesty?” He looked over at me worried but gave me a weary smile, “Uh, sure.” I went to rise to my feet but saw everyone else rise so I plopped back down, “I would like to take this project on, Your Majesty. I am well aware of the risk associated with it. I think I need to think of the greater good of the children and it is dear to my heart. Please let me take this appointment?” He sat silently regarding what I had asked of him before he looked around the room, “This better not affect Alexandra in the competition. I will only approve of this if you all put this in writing and understand that this will be punishable if you go against your word. We will go around the table and get verbal confirmation. Malinus will write up the contract while we go around the room.” He looked at Malinus who nodded back at him. Lucien then looked at Enzo who stood up, “As you will it, Your Majesty.” I didn’t think he needed to ask Enzo since he was the fairest and most neutral person in the Elder Council. He looked at Edgar, “As you will it, Your Majesty.” I didn’t think he really needed to be questioned either as he had already stated to Lucien that he supported me in my candidacy. Each looked to each man on the council and each man took turns standing and confirming their promise not to use this tasking against me. If it hadn’t been for the fact that this task was urgent, we likely would have tabled this until after the ball when the future Queen would be announced.

The council adjourned for a time while Malinus wrote up the contract. Lucien turned to me and looked me in the eyes, “Are you absolutely certain about this?” I nodded, “Those children need me, I feel that in my heart. If I can do something to improve their lives, I would like to try. They’ve been dealt a crappy hand in life so far, I want to show them there are people out there who truly care.” Lucien nodded, “Forgive me for my selfish behavior then. I just didn’t want to be married to Melody or Rayla. Don’t get me wrong Rayla is a lovely person but she’s not you.” I patted him on the shoulder and smiled, “You’re forgiven if you become my first donor.” He chuckled, “Extortionist. Fine, I will take my own personal money and donate it to the orphanage. I suppose we should set up a new account at the bank just for such a purpose. It will be a realm account but you will be in charge of the spending. We, of course, will have to vote on it here today. Do you feel comfortable with that type of responsibility or should I give that power to someone else?” I sighed, “I honestly don’t feel comfortable with it. I know the perfect person though.” He smiled at me, “Talia?” I laughed and nodded, “You know me so well.” He shook his head, “No, I just know of all the people in this realm, I probably would trust Talia most with finances and handling large sums of money. She does it well for Blackwood. I’ve seen the books annually and hers are impeccable. Your father’s estate has seen a much higher profit since those two took over.” I didn’t know about any of this but knowing my father’s good business sense and my mother’s ability to manage anything, this didn’t really shock me. My mother could herd cats if she determined that the cats needed herding. They would listen to her too. She had that famous temper but she was always equally determined.

Malinus finally finished up the contract and handed it to Lucien. He read through it and nodded, “Great work. I especially approve of the specific language of punishment. They need to know what they are agreeing to if they go against their word.” I leaned forward to take a look at the contract to see what the punishment would be but Lucien shook his head, “It’s best you don’t know what it is. It is my hope you will never find out either. I have other things in here that ensure you will not be drawn down by any negative press about this orphanage project. Just know that everything I must do from here on regarding this is only to protect you.” I sighed, “I was just curious what punishment would entice someone not to vote against me for anything to do with this orphanage. Also, how would you determine that they used this as a point to vote against me?” Lucien smiled conspiratorially to Malinus, “We have our ways.” I didn’t like this new secretive side to Lucien, he usually was pretty good at informing me of what he was up to. Still, he had not given me much of a reason to doubt him so I just shrugged it off. He patted the hands that I had resting on the table, “Just know that I only wish to keep your good name safe. Call me selfish for it.” He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I will only accept one woman into my heart. She will truly be my wife.” He sighed, “I want to kiss you right now.” That small confession made my stomach flip and I smirked at him, “You’ll have to steal that later. They are coming back.”

Enzo and Edgar walked into the room having what looked like a heated discussion. The others followed in behind them, two by two. The men took their seats and all of them stared at Lucien, waiting for him to speak about the contract. Lucien remained seated, “We have the specific language worked out. I will have Malinus bring the copy to each of you. I want you to regard it carefully before you sign it and remember what it says when you gather for your vote. I will not tolerate nor will I show mercy to anyone going against this contract. You may control certain things in this realm but I still have ultimate authority when it comes to breaking contracts.” Malinus brought the contract over to Enzo who read it, nodded, and promptly signed his spot, “Easy enough to follow, Your Majesty.” I thought to myself that the punishment might not have been so bad if Enzo was okay with signing it. Malinus gave the contract to Edgar who repeated what Enzo had said. He turned his face to me and smiled. I knew he wouldn’t have any trouble keeping his word. As the contract continued to get passed around, some were okay with signing while a couple of them were nervous and hesitant. They ultimately signed it though but not without sighs and hands shaking after doing so. Those were likely the ones Lucien would heavily scrutinize if he determined a vote went against me due to the orphanage project. Once all the signatures were collected, Lucien brought up the new account and who he would like to appoint to be the holder. All agreed readily that my mother was, indeed, the most appropriate person to manage the account. I just hoped she wouldn’t be upset with the extra work I asked to give her. Enzo said he would send an official appointment letter to my mother today informing her of their decision.

Enzo looked at me, “Now, Your Grace, you have the right and ability to appoint a counsel of your own to help you out with this task. Who would you like to help you out?” I thought about who would be best to serve the orphans of Vellum, “I think I would like to appoint Countess Delnaro, Lady Kellen, Lady Baltiliard, The Chalshin, The Befent, and Toby Ligidew.” Enzo wrote down the names and regarded each one, “A very wise decision. You have many different cultural backgrounds and many different perspectives. Not to mention a few dukedoms who have rich coffers that might be willing to donate to a worthy cause.” I smiled, “Also their social reach is nothing to be taken lightly. I believe they will be able to help me spread the word of the need for assistance and get the much-needed help.” Enzo looked at the other members who all nodded at him, “It appears you have the approval of the Elders as well. What do you think, Your Majesty?” Lucien nodded, “If I may add someone to your council?” I smiled at him, “Who do you have in mind?” He sighed, “It will probably seem controversial but I believe he could do with a little hard work and public relations boost. I would like to nominate my brother, Prince Blake.” Murmurs came up in the room before Enzo quieted them down, “What do you think, Your Grace?” I looked into Lucien’s eyes and he gave me a pleading look, “I think it should be fine. His Highness isn’t known for charity work but he respects me so I think it could work out. I would ask that His Highness give a healthy donation to be accepted into my council though.” Enzo chuckled, “You think he’d pay for the privilege of working with you on this?” I gave Enzo a serious look, “I know he would pay to have that privilege, sir.” Enzo smiled, “If that is so, I would love to see it happen. I will agree. What say the rest?” They all gave amused nods and Enzo looked at Lucien, “That is settled then, Your Majesty. Will you send the official orders then?” Lucien nodded and looked at Malinus who was already writing down names and handing them to Teddy.

The council was shortly adjourned after that and we left the room. I felt a quiet sense of determination that that orphanage would not ever be the same again. I had realized then that perhaps I wasn’t much different than my mother in this. We climbed into the carriage and made our way back to the castle. The short ride didn’t afford much conversation except for Lucien ordering tea for him and me in the library when we got back. I remembered my request to talk to him about Cal and my stomach flipped again, only this time it was a nervous action and not one of anticipation. As we climbed out of the carriage, Renier was stepping out of the castle. He hurried over to me, “Highest Highness, I wonder if I can have a short word.” I glanced at Lucien who said, “Go ahead, I will set up the library for our meeting.” I nodded and looked up at Renier but he waited until Lucien was out of earshot before turning to me and asking, “May I ask who Lucy is and why we didn’t meet her?”