The Council

Outside the door, I quickly slipped on my dress and pinned up my hair. I knew I looked a mess, but I had no choice but to move quickly towards the Chambers in Hopes of going unnoticed.

To my dismay, I heard Voices approaching. "Oh GOD! What if I am come across in this state?!" I panicked to myself.

I saw a door a little further down the corridor to my right. Can I make it in Time? I have no choice..

I hurried towards it, grabbing the handle - practically falling in, quickly slamming the door behind me. Bolting it shut, I turn and face an empty drawing room. I Breathe a sigh of Relief.

I walk over to the antique mirror hanging above the fireplace. Oh Goodness! I appear much worse than I had Imagined! Quickly, I reclasp the back of my dress, straighten my hair into an Acceptable manner, and wipe away the splotches of makeup - touching up what I am able with the tips of my fingers.

"There." I say to myself out loud. "No one will even notice!"

I smile to myself.

Smoothing my dress, I unbolt the door and continue towards the Chambers.

"Your Majesty!" It was Jonathan. He bowed his head.

"Good Morning, Jonathan. Is everything quite alright?"

"It is now that I have run into you. The Council! They will be meeting in a few minutes." He strained to catch his Breath.

"Oh? How much Time do I have?"

"Less than fifteen minutes."

"I See.. Well, I must retrieve something from my Chambers and then I will be in Attendance. Thank you, Jonathan. You are dismissed."

"Yes, your Majesty."

A change in plans.. I must move quickly.

Upon arriving to the Chambers, I swiftly Refreshed - Selecting the Appropriate outfit and cleansing my flesh. As I stepped out of the showers, I caught sight of my reflection.. my eyes widened.

A deep red and purpled bite mark colored my neck. Oh dear.. a new change in wardrobe had Better do the trick.

I sorted through my closets, searching for the Perfect dress. Finally a high-collared number appeared.

I slid it over my undergarments and slipped on my heels with five minutes to spare.

Rushing over to the vanity, I ran a brush through my hair - twisting, pinning and securing until it appeared Presentable. A quick line, darkening of the lashes, a pinch of the cheeks, a dab of the lips, and I was ready to face the day.

"Perfect!"

Time to start the day. I sighed. Breakfast will have to wait..

Inside The Council Room, the Meeting had Commenced. I walked in a few Moments late.

The Council Members stood. "Your Majesty.." Branson bowed.

"Branson. Jonathan. Seline. Tomás. James. Seamus. Nathaniel. Dane." I listed each Member by Name, as they bowed their heads Respectively.

I sat at the head of the half-moon table, the Members taking their seat around the rounded edge. Branson to my right, and Jonathan to my left. My seat centered, facing The Council. I began.

"It appears we have a traitor in our Presence."

Silence. I continued, surveying the face of each Member.

"I have been to See the Prophetess. Thank you, Seline."

Seline bowed her head Gracefully, Accepting my Praises.

"Branson. What word do you have regarding the expansion?" I inquired.

"My QUEEN, Tomás is indeed correct regarding Mysterious Activity. No spy has been Found, yet miscellaneous vials and relics have been uncovered. The Guard is gathering everything they are able as we Speak."

"What is your Timeline?"

"48 Hours."

"I Expect a full Report Tomorrow."

"Yes, your Highness."

"Good. Moving Forward." Branson dipped his head.

"Tomás. I would like to Speak with our Scouts."

"Yes, your Majesty. I will Gather the Troops within the hour."

"Take Jonathan with you."

Tomás and Jonathan bowed their heads.

"Is there anything else? Speak now."

Dane Spoke. "Your Majesty. May we Inquire the contents of the vial?"

"Liquidated Honey."

Confused whispers followed.

"Did.. The Alchemist mention any uses.. of this particular Ingredient?" Nathaniel Inquired.

"He did. None of which are pertinent to this Discussion."

Silence.

"If that is all, this Meeting is Adjourned."

I rose and watched as each Member filed out. I had exactly one hour to conduct my own Investigations before news traveled quickly, starting with our Guard.