In the People's Hands

I took a deep breath, the cool air of the chamber settling around me. The council’s demands loomed heavily in my mind, but I was determined to meet them head-on. I glanced at James, who was still studying the letter, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“Tomorrow’s meeting will be different.”
“I will show them my vision for Vespera—not just as a ruler, but as a queen who leads with strength and compassion.”

James lifted his eyes from the letter, his expression softening as he nodded.

“What do you have in mind?”

I moved toward the window, gazing out at the city below, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. The sprawling streets, the heart of Vespera, seemed to glow with the promise of something new.

“I want to gather the voices of the people.”
“I will invite a selection to the meeting.”

“They need to see I am not just a figurehead.”
“I am a princess who listens.”
“That is bold,” James said, crossing his arms.
“Will the council allow it?”

“They have to.”
“If they care about Vespera, they will realize the people's support is crucial.”
“My reign will be about more than power.”
“It will be about unity.”

“We need to show the council we are stronger together.”
“It is a brilliant plan.”
“If the council sees the people rallying behind you, it will send a powerful message.”

With our strategy forming, the knot of tension in my stomach began to loosen. I moved to the desk and picked up a pen, ready to put the plan into motion.

“We will start with the leaders of the guilds, the farmers, and a few commoners who have been loyal to our cause.”

I began writing the invitations.

“They can share their thoughts on how we can lead Vespera together.”

James leaned against the table.

“What about the nobles who are still hesitant?”
“We will invite them, too.”
“They need to see that true strength lies in the unity of all our people, not just the elite.”
“Make sure they understand this is not just a gesture.”
“Their voices matter as well.”

“Agreed.”
“This wedding will symbolize not just our union, but a new era for Vespera.”
“A time when every voice matters.”

I finished writing the last invitation . My lady-in-waiting entered, carrying a fresh stack of parchment.

“Your Highness, is there anything else you require?”
“Yes.”
“We need to prepare invitations for the people of Vespera.”
“I want their thoughts at the council meeting.”

Her brows lifted in surprise, but a smile of admiration quickly followed.

“A wonderful idea, Your Highness.”
“I will ensure the invitations are crafted beautifully.”
“You are on the right path, Isabella.”
“The council will not know what hit them.”

Hours passed in a blur as we worked together. By the time the candles flickered low, casting soft shadows around the room, the task was done. I sank back into my chair, fatigue creeping into my bones.

“Tomorrow will be challenging.”
“We cannot back down now.”

James moved to sit beside me, our shoulders brushing. The night deepened, I made one final decision.

“I will address the people before the council meeting.”
“They need to see me as their queen—strong, determined, and ready to fight for their future.”

We retired for the night. Tomorrow would mark a new beginning—a chance to claim my place not just as queen in name, but in the hearts of my people.

I awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the tall windows of my chambers. The scent of fresh roses from the arrangements scattered around the room filled the air. For a moment, I lay still, savoring the peace before the day’s challenges set in. The council’s summons loomed large in my mind, reminding me that today was about more than wedding plans—it was about my right to rule.

Turning to James, I found him still asleep, his face calm and untroubled. In these quiet moments, he looked so different from the man who had been by my side through battles and political struggles. Gently, I placed a hand on his arm, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing. We had weathered so much together, and today would be another test.

With a soft sigh, I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb him or the baby. Moving toward the window, I gazed out at the waking city. The streets were beginning to stir as the sun crested the horizon, bathing the stone buildings in a warm glow.

I dressed. My lady-in-waiting bustled in with a tray of food and a neatly folded gown.

“Your Highness,” she said, setting the tray down.
“The invitations have been sent.”
“The guild leaders and prominent citizens will be ready to meet after your speech.”
“Thank you.”

“Everything must be perfect today.”
“I need to show them I am capable of ruling.”
“You will do more than that, Your Highness,” she said with a smile.
“You will show them what a true queen looks like.”

I took a deep breath, sitting down to eat though I had little appetite. My mind was already in the council chambers, rehearsing every word, every gesture. There would be no room for doubt today. I had to prove my strength—not just to the council but to all of Vespera. When I was dressed, James finally stirred, offering me a sleepy smile as he sat up.

“You are up early,” he teased.
“There’s much to be done.”
“We need to be prepared.”

James quickly dressed and joined me, his expression becoming serious. He placed a hand on my shoulder, looking into my eyes.

“You are ready for this.”
“You have always been ready.”

Together, we left the chambers, walking through the palace corridors toward the council chambers. Servants and guards bowed as we passed, their eyes curious. Today’s events would soon be the talk of the palace. We reached the doors of the council room, I paused and turned to James.

“I will handle the meeting, but I need you by my side.”
“Always.”