The morning was long with each noble including myself addressing the citizens of Μαγεία with the situation of each noble competing in a series of challenges, the first would take place in the next 24 hours. Vepaisa still disagreed fully with the whole idea of allowing mortals to choose the fate of the empire, however, she eased with the idea as Dryadalis was contempt with it.
I already had my challenge in mind and since my challenge was last I rarely concerned myself with the others, especially since we agreed we were not to choose an obstacle that would benefit our specific features. We would only do challenges that would affect the Imperium, that way it was fair.

Until then I mostly strayed towards the room within the castle that held all of the King's previous work, he was a brilliant inventor who created things since his youth with only the hope of bringing a peaceful future.

It was such a shame to know that all the unfinished creations behind the door would never be finished, my fingers jolted as I touched the door handle.

With a firm twist and soft push, the door creaked slightly revealing a room filled with mechanical contraptions of every sort. I could feel myself glow as I traced my finger across the smooth metals, there was a new astonishment with every continued glance.

"Rather amazing isn't it?"

My attention snapped to the elf speaking, his intense eyes never leaving my own as he came up towards me. He seemed to smile down at my posture, it was only faint so much so that it was as fleeting as a breeze.

"The King was so formidable, his talents were a rarity of course and he truly was suited for the throne."
"Out with it Dryadalis, What are you here for?"

His face didn't even change in the slightest as he walked closer, his bright canary hair almost dancing with starlight as he stepped into the light. Yet I didn't sense any danger from him so I made no move towards the door,

"Regina, how are you feeling?"

A wave rippled through my body as it was the first time someone had asked about my feelings, I wanted to answer so badly. I wanted to confess how puzzled I was, how controlled my destiny seemed and how I felt like I had no say in any actions that I did, that I could barely trust my actions at this moment. My mind seemed to torment me, it questioned my being.

'Can you say that? To him? What if he tells the others?' 'You can't say something like that, you're a noble aren't you?'

Dryadalis seemed to connect with my sense of insecurity and placed his hand on my shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze, within his eyes, I could see a real emotion of care.

"The King's death has shaken us all but you were closest with him, even though you weren't related by blood he always spoke of how you were like a niece to him. It's the only reason Vepaisa is threatened by you because you are the favoured for the Coronam."

"I have no reason to try and steal the throne by force, The King wouldn't have wanted that, he was fair..."

The corner of his lip curled as his hand moved to my head and gave a gentle pat,

"You're right, He was fair and justified even when he had to make the hardest of choices he was always equal. You remind me of him, I hope you stay that way."

As he walked out of the room, I leaned against a shelf easing my shoulders as I fought to keep myself from brimming with tears, I would not let such words taint me. A gentle thump took my attention as I had accidentally knocked a book off the shelf causing me to lean down and pick it up, the dark-chocolate cover seemed almost ominous.
I knew I really should've put the book back on the shelf, but honestly who would pass up the opportunity to possibly see the King's secret plans of new machines.

But I stumbled upon more than just plans...