1. We Need A King

Bellatrix has ruled her Kingdom for four years without the need for a man so when her people claim they need a King, she finds it confusing.

She was seated at the head of the table waiting for someone to speak up.

Lucas, her advisor finally speaks up, "My Queen, if I may," he turns to her and nods for him to continue, "The people have decided they don't want to be ruled by a....woman anymore."

"And why is that? I believe I have done a better job than a lot of Kings out there. Why do they need one now?"

Lucas could see that Bellatrix was trying to be as calm as possible but it wasn't working. For a lady, Bellatrix had quite a bad temper even a vein would bulge out of her head and neck when her temper was at its peak and that's where it is now. "You see, a Kingdom is ruled by a King but not a Queen."

"Then this will become a Queendom."

"Don't take such drastic decisions on your own, Your royal highness."

"They're not drastic if I had a minute of thought, are they now?" she says, a proud look on her face.

"Your job is to get this Kingdom a King."

"I have ruled for four years now. Fought to keep you safe. Kept you fed. Gave you the freedom you wanted!"

She says getting out of her seat and slamming It into the table.

"You see, this is why you can't be a good leader! Your Temper is-" Bellatrix glares at Lucas and he immediately shuts up.

"You all just hate the fact that a woman is ruling over all you men. I won't be giving away my crown but if you don't want a woman for a leader, then you'll just have to look at me as a man from now on. If any more matters of discussion arise, we will discuss them tomorrow. And as for the debate you raised, all your points sounded rather....foolish. You can return when you have rather stronger points."

She got up and left the room heading straight to her study.

"Your Highness, how did the meeting go?" Victor, her Knight asks.

"I walked out. It was rather annoying. I don't know why the people don't want a woman for a ruler. After everything I've done."

"That's just how it is."

"Do you too perhaps don't want a Queen for a ruler?"

"Do you want me to be sincere and polite or straightforward and realistic?"

"Could I have both?" she says giving him a little pout.

Bellatrix had not changed at all. He still remembered her ink-black hair which now gracefully fell to her just above her bottom. Beautiful amber eyes with a tint of gold and full lips. Bellatrix had grown to become a beautiful lady. Surely she could have any man she wanted but she doesn't want a man.

"Okay, which do you want to hear first?"

"Sincere and polite."

"Bellatrix, you have always been a hardworking girl. I know cause I've watched you grow into the woman you are now. So it's only natural I know what you're capable of and what you can't do."

"Are you saying I can't be a good Queen, Victor?"

Victor gives her a smile before shaking his head, "I know you are capable of being a great leader but as a leader, you too must listen to your people if you want them to listen to you."

Bellatrix rubs her temples getting a headache from all the confusion. She fixes her posture ready to get the harsh truth.

"Straight forward and realistic?"

"You do know that your father wanted you to get married and find the Kingdom a king."

She nods looking at the wall behind him.

"Then why aren't you getting married?"

"I don't know." No, she did know exactly why but she didn't want to admit it.

"The crown will one day need an heir, then?"

"One shall be appointed."

"Tsk, tsk. You need to give birth to the heir. And for that, you need a man. You can't conceive without the help of a man."

Her cheeks burn as she thinks of what Victor just said. She had never thought of getting close to a man in that way. She had never even kissed a man. The farthest she had gone with a man was...talk. And now, here they are talking about marriage, conceiving, children and heirs.

"Bellatrix?"

"I'm listening."

"Should I tell you why you refuse to get married?"

She nods expecting him not to know.

"It's because you are afraid," she looks up at him surprised, "I know I am right. You are afraid your kingdom won't be ruled right, that he might just end up the wrong ruler. You are afraid he might use you and abandon you with nothing seeing most Kings are greedy for power and money, women and sex. You are afraid to let your father down and watch his Kingdom fall so you avoid the topic. Get mad whenever the topic arises."

She looks up at him her eyes tearing up. Yes, she was right. She was afraid, a coward and she used anger to hide it.

She got up from her seat and ran wrapping her arms around him. She hesitated for a moment before hugging her back.

"You're right. So very right. I am scared. I am a coward and I'm sure father would be disappointed."

"You are scared, Bellatrix but never accept the title of a coward. You are a brave queen. You just have to remember what your father always said. And that is-"

"You just have to face the fears within you sometimes. Stand your ground and never be moved."

"That's right," he says pulling her away from him, "You just have to face your fears. Your father believed in you and so do I. You just have to believe in yourself. "The suitors shall be here tomorrow. Shall you be willing to meet them?"

She nods and heads for the door still thinking about what Victor said.

'It's only human to be afraid, and I'm just human. I will do what's best for my people..... even if it'll cost me dearly.