The Win

One of the council members rises from his seat. "The council would like to know if you're comfortable and ready to begin the test, your highness." He inquires in a gentle voice.

Princess Lyna glances at me before nodding her head. 

"Sir Reynolds will begin with the first question." The councilman says and settles back in his sit.

Another rises and my anxiety tightens it's hold on my mind. I take deep breaths to overcome the apprehension as he posses the first question.

"If you marry our kings and this kingdom happens to go to war with your father's kingdom, where would your loyalties lie, your highness?" He questions. 

I didn't expect the questions to be so difficult. I take my time to reflect while Princess Lyna pretends to write her answer on the parchment. 

Apparently the beloved princess isn't capable of writing a comprehensible answer, probably because she isn't even trying. 

I stare at the paper as if reading from it as I personally answer the question.

"If it were within my power I would do everything to prevent such a scenario. But if war is still unavoidable my loyalty would be where my husbands children are, for that is my immediate family and their kingdom is my kingdom." I say. 

Several council members nod in approval, seeming quite impressed by the answer. Princess Lyna proudly smiles as she observes the delighted faces of the angel kings. 

Whatever she has written on the parchment is unreadable, we are lucky no one is close to us enough to see. 

A third member of the council stands to deliver the second question. My body tenses once more. 

"Your highness, if you're the reigning queen of this kingdom in the absence of the kings and it happens that you get incapacitated probably by illness or other misfortune, who would you pick to govern in your absence?" He asks. 

Once again Princess Lyna pretends to write her answer on the parchment and I pretend to read my response from it. 

"My son or daughter." I answer. 

"Wouldn't that be nepotism?" The man questions. 

"There is no other place where loyalty and good motives lie more than in a family, sir. It's also highly unlikely for me to go wrong regarding the character of my son or daughter. That's the safest way to ensure that the kingdom does not fall in the hands of an oppressor." I respond. 

The entire council applauds, seemingly very impressed by the response. Princess Lyna's triumphant smile broadens and she confidently flips her hair.

I ignore her actions as another member of the council rises and I prepare my mind to solve yet another puzzle. 

"Should your only son or daughter, the only heir to the throne, commit a crime that is punishable by death according to our laws, what course of action would be befitting such a circumstance?" She questions. 

Princess Lyna makes a scribble on the parchment while I think of the perfect answer.

"The law is the protector of every member of a kingdom. It is not for the protection of the ruling class. There is more danger when those in power break the break it than when commoners do the same. I and my children shall be bound by the same laws that binds everyone else, no privileges." I state. 

Once again my response is met with nods of approval. Princess Lyna appears so thrilled that I fear she might soon forget to remain mute. 

The same member of the council remains on his feet and poses another question. 

"Tell me, what is the best quality of a successful kingdom?" 

Princess Lyna quickly writes on the parchment while I watch. Wealth and grace? She really never bothers to think. 

"A kingdom with rulers that have the best interests in their hearts for their subjects is a successful kingdom." I answer the councilman. 

"But we call all mighty kingdoms successful?" He argues. 

"None of the past oppressive mighty kingdoms ever lasted. They eventually fell from infighting fueled by discontent." I point. 

Their is a deafening applause from everyone in the room except angel Conrad. His eyes narrow with suspicion as he gazes at me intently.

"I did not see the princess write that, I assume you answered it yourself." He says in a cold voice. My heart literally slips a beat.

"I consulted her on the main question, your majesty. The one I answered was an extension." I manage to defend without betraying my fear.

"I wish to remind you that you're not the candidate in this test. So only read the answers that the princess writes." Lady Doria sternly reprimands. 

Both I and princess Lyna shudder from the unexpected censure. Things would have gone terribly wrong if I had read to them any of Princess Lyna's answers, some which are incomprehensible. We must carry on with the pretense. 

"Mr. William will ask the final question of this test, then it shall be decided if her highness Princess Lyna is the virtuous woman that our kings have been seeking." Lady Doria announces and I sigh with relief. 

Just one more question. One more good answer and this nightmare will be over. 

The oldest of the councilmen rises and all eyes turn to him, curious to find out the last question. 

"Your highness, why do you wish to become the queen of this kingdom?" He utters. 

Princess Lyna begins writing down her answer. But the lengthy writing is incomprehensible as expected. I keep my eyes on the paper as I give out my own answer nevertheless. 

"Other than the love I have always had for your great kings, I wish to breaks the barriers that exist between our two kingdoms. Barriers that has kept our people from sharing, trading and embracing each other. I believe that my marriage with the angel kings will change the way our people regard each other, like strangers." I answer, a part of me hating the fact that I had to speak so highly of the arrogant monsters that so rudely rejected me. 

But my response is rewarded with impressed smiles and whispers of praise. For the Princess of course. She is the one that takes all the credit for my prompt thinking. 

"At least you did not fail me. We shall be sending my father a letter to inform him of my success." Princess Lyna whispers to me, her happiness making her eyes sparkle. 

The kings and the council rise from their seats. "We are awed by your wisdom, princess. You have proved to be the most virtuous woman of all. This council chooses you to be the bride of our kings and the future queen of this kingdom. Congratulations." Lady Doria informs, sounding quite happy with her success. 

It was her job to ensure that the council picks the most virtuous royal woman for her rich and powerful cousins to marry. She believes that she did her job exceptionally well.

Princess Lyna bows her head slightly. "I . . . am most delighted." She stutters in exhilaration. 

I should remind her that she should keep pretending that her throat hurts, but I know she is too elated to care about my thoughts right now.

I step back as the group of councilmembers crumble around her, muttering words of praise. The angel kings approach and everyone else step aside.