Return to the Northern High Council

It was a cold winter's morning when Serena and Ivar returned to the Northern High Council, having been summoned by the Councilors. Everywhere outside, the streets were covered in fresh fallen snow, as groups of men worked with shovels to clear it from the city's roads. Serena sat in the carriage, looking out at the open window and breathing in the icy air, while beside her, Ivar sat, tense and aloof.

Inside the Council's grand foyer, they moved quickly to the hall, ignoring the furtive looks and whispered conversations. The main chamber was much the same as before, but this time Rathgar followed them to the front, standing just behind Serena, his hand resting lightly on his sword.

Serena couldn't help but notice that only four Councilors were present today, Lavinia's seat, was glaringly empty. Her eyes met Mikhail's and she gave a slight nod, to acknowledge that she had not forgotten his kindness from last night.

"Queen Serena, how lovely to see you again", Lucinda greeted her with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up with genuine pleasure.

"The feeling is mutual, Lady Lucinda", Serena smiled back.

"You summoned us", Ivar said, without further preamble.

"Yes, it would seem that the matter of Lady Lavinia has resolved itself. She met with a rather unfortunate accident late last night, leaving us in need of a human Councilor", Seamus' voice held its usual dulcet tones, nothing to indicate that he spoke anything other than the truth.

"Tragic", Ivar snickered, glancing at Mikhail with a knowing look in his eyes.

Ivar had already learned of Lavinia's fate from Rathgar, early that morning, but he saw no reason to make it known. He had anticipated that they might attempt to blame him for it but that didn't seem to be the case. He was almost certain that they were responsible for whatever tragic end had befallen Lavinia, and it was their mess to clean.

Beside him, Serena had gone rigid with shock, unable to believe that the woman, who had hated her so passionately, was now dead. She understood that Lavinia had harbored feelings for Ivar but she could hardly blame her, and she, most certainly, would not have wished her dead. With Lavinia's sudden demise, Serena wondered who would replace her as Councilor.

"That's terrible news, I'm so sorry to hear that", Serena said softly, looking at each of the remaining four Councilors in turn.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, but such risks are not uncommon for those in our position", Seamus replied, with a gentle smile.

Serena nodded sadly, thinking that being a Councilor, must be a far more important role than she had thought, though she still wasn't sure exactly what it was that they did. If truth be told, she was not alone, as much of the general population outside of the citadel, did not know either.

"On a lighter note, Her Majesty's coronation is almost upon us and it would be prudent to begin preparations as soon as possible", Markus said brightly, attempting to lighten the gloomy atmosphere, hanging in the chamber.

Serena looked quickly at Ivar before, lowering her eyes, to hide her surprise. Ivar had neglected to inform her of her coronation, or that it was still required, she already wore the crown after all. But then, all kings and queens had coronations, so he must have assumed that she would know this and so, had not spoken of it to her. Nonetheless, she would speak with him about it once they returned to the Royal Palace, she thought to herself, turning her attention back to the exchange between Ivar and the Councilors.

"It is not for another month, I'm sure we have ample time", Ivar's voice seemed suddenly cool towards the werewolf.

"There is much to be done in this time, we need to begin preparing now", Lucinda insisted.

"I am more than capable of preparing my Queen for her coronation", Ivar countered with his jaw set in a firm line.

"Preparations for the Queen's coronation must be performed within the citadel, it is tradition", Seamus' tone did not change but a hint of authority had crept into his voice.

"Would it not be more beneficial for the Queen to undertake the preparations within the safety and comfort of her own home?", Ivar's voice had now turned ice cold.

"We can offer safety, comfort and much more, right here, within the walls of the citadel", Seamus argued.

"And I would be more than happy to assist Her Majesty", Lucinda rejoined, making eye contact with Ivar.

Ivar glared back at the witch, leaving her under no illusions as to how he felt about her decision to side with Seamus. He knew only too well the dangers of remaining outside of the Shadowlands with Serena, and the Lycan attack only proved it.

"And what of the Lycans who attacked us on the journey here?", Ivar turned his gaze on Markus, intently searching his face.

"Rogues, they've already been rounded up and imprisoned in the dungeons, awaiting interrogation", Markus smoothly replied.

"Rathgar and I would speak with them", Ivar's voice was clear that he was not requesting Markus' approval.

"Hardly necessary, I will perform the interrogation myself", Markus disagreed, shaking his head.

"I insist", Ivar replied.

Markus was about to open his mouth again, when Seamus interrupted, "I see no harm"

Ivar carefully studied the werewolf but he only grinned and shrugged indifferently, casually meeting Ivar's stare.

"I hope you still remember the way"

"Unfortunately", Ivar responded, with a sardonic smile.

An awkward silence fell in the chamber, as Ivar and Markus stared at each other, neither of them willing to concede by looking away. Serena's eyes flitted back and forth between the two men, as she anxiously tugged at the folds of her dress. Sensing movement, she stole a look behind her and seeing Rathgar's hand tightly gripping his sword, she felt her heart plummet to her stomach. She could feel the tension building between Markus and Ivar and wracked her mind, searching for a way to diffuse the situation. Thankfully, it was Lucinda, who managed to distract the two men and avert a potential disaster.

"So it's settled then, you shall remain here until the coronation?", Lucinda asked cheerfully, her eyes twinkling brightly.

"My wife wishes to return home to the Shadowlands", Ivar answered, annoyed at the witch's persistence.

"Queen Serena will remain here within the citadel. No harm will come to her", Mikhail's softly spoken command, left no room for discussion and once again, the chamber was plunged into a deafening silence.

Having said his piece, Mikhail carefully arranged his robes and gracefully rising to his feet, exited the chamber through a hidden door behind the chairs. The sound of the closing door echoed loudly through the quiet chamber, startling each of them from their thoughts.

"Her Majesty will begin her preparations for her coronation with Lady Lucinda, tomorrow morning . I see no point in further delay", Seamus spoke brusquely, indicating that the meeting was over.

Seamus and Markus left the chamber together, through the same door as Mikhail, while Lucinda remained behind.

"Allow me to escort you outside", she said, coming to stand between Serena and Ivar.

"If you insist", Ivar glowered at her.

"Oh come now, it's not that bad. You hardly visit anymore", she playfully chided him.

They walked down the aisle together, Lucinda between the King and Queen, while Rathgar walked, respectfully, behind them.

"I have my reasons", Ivar said quietly, his brow creased in thought.

"She is gone now, Ivar, it is done"

Serena looked at her in surprise, no one except Rathgar had ever called him by his name, and she wondered at their relationship for her to be so informal with him.

"We have known each other for a long time, Queen Serena, I am indebted to him", Lucinda explained, as if she had seen Serena's thoughts.

"I apologize, I did not mean to offend you", Serena apologized, feeling sheepish.

"You haven't, please rest assured that I see Ivar only as an older brother and nothing more", she smiled reassuringly.

Ivar snorted dismissively beside her, but said nothing, he seemed embarrassed by her admission and wanted to change the subject.

"We will expect you at the Royal Palace tomorrow morning, Lucinda"

"I will look forward to it", she said, as they approached the front doors, "I will leave you here, Seamus is waiting for me in the inner sanctum"

"Thank you for your time, I look forward to our meeting tomorrow morning", Serena smiled, as Lucinda briefly touched her arm, before walking back through the foyer.

Taking Ivar's arm, they walked through the entrance and down the steps, to where the carriage was waiting. Behind them, Rathgar swiftly mounted his horse, taking up his usual position beside the carriage.

From high up above them, two figures stood watching, concealed by a particularly elaborately carved gargoyle, protruding from the eaves. They were silent and unmoving, their eyes fixed on the retreating carriage, until it disappeared from sight.

"He knows", Seamus said, with certainty.

"More precisely, he knows we know" came Mikhail's reply.