"In three weeks when my family returns home, a small party and I will be traveling to Nivetara. We are renewing our treaty and discussing business plans. If you agree to it, then there is room on my ship for a group of Dragons and a few knights to travel with me," King Syrus explained looking around the room. "Once in Nivetara it will be up to those you send to find La Fray. I do not have enough men to offer my services, but I have room to transport them," he said.

The room fell silent as we processed the plan laid in front of us. Three weeks was not much time to prepare, but it was our best shot.

"We need to clear up the coronation mess as well. This would give us a way to approach King Tathrow and show that we wanted him at the coronation. As it seems that they think we purposefully did not invite them," Sir Donwhick, one of King Philip's advisors, said. "We can send Lady Vanessa as she is skilled in cultural knowledge," he added.

"No," I said, earning the attention of those in the room. "I agree that we need to send a group with King Syrus. They will not only clear up the miscommunication, but also to stop La Fray. I also agree that Lady Vanessa is very skilled in her area. However, it is not she who will be going," I said, holding up my hand as the murmurs started up. "My brothers and I will go with a group of knights," I said.

The volume of the room rose quickly. Only quieted by King Philip standing up and calling for silence. "Samantha, I know that you want to see this mess cleared up. However, as queen there are certain tasks that others are suited for. We need you here in Auroja. We need to know you are safe, we just found you," he said.

Shaking my head I looked around the room. "I know that many of you do not think I am qualified to make these choices. I'm young, uneducated in ruling. However, as you have said we need to end this. This is not just a mess that can be swept away. La Fray has killed too many people. He has taken my family from me, before I had a chance to know them. He took the family that raised me. He took Orion, who became my father when I needed a family," I said standing up. "I may be queen, but I am also a Dragon," I said turning to King Syrus. "You said yourself send a few Dragons. I am one."

"Yes, you are a Dragon. However, you are also a child," Sir Gregory said.

My body shuddered as I tried to remain calm. "A child who survived an invasion at the age of one. A child who saw her entire village destroyed, then went back to bury her people. A child who not only became the first Dragon apprentice in years, but did it as a girl. A child who helped protect this very castle when it was left defenseless. A child who became queen and is not going to let her people be hurt by La Fray any longer," I said. Taking a deep breath I sat back down. "I understand your worries. I know that I am young. I also know that I have been raised for such a time as this. When we go to Nivetara, I will not be on my own. I will have my brothers with me, all of whom are Dragons. I will have the best knights handpicked for this trip," I said, pausing to let my words sink in.

"Your queen is right," King Syrus said. All heads quickly snapped to look at him. "She may be a child, but she is braver than most men I know. None of you in this room can say you have overcome what she has. She has a heart for her people and that's what this task requires. Think about the message it will send to Nivetara; that the queen herself traveled across the ocean to apologize for the invitation never arriving, to show no harm will come between your two nations because of what the mercenaries did," he said.

King Philip cleared his throat. "I believe we have enough to think about for now. If you are alright with it I say we adjourn until tomorrow morning," he said, looking at me. I gave a slight nod. "Good, then we will end for today. Gentleman as always the topics discussed here, stay here. We will see you after breakfast to make decisions," he said. He waited until everyone, but his brother and I had left. "You did well Sam," he said.

Sighing, I let myself fall back into my chair. "I wanted to cry," I said honestly.

King Syrus chuckled. "Sometimes ruling can be like that. You have a problem in front of you and you see the solution, but convincing those around can be the hardest part. I believe that you are right, you do need to come. There is still a lot to discuss, but I think we are on the right path to bringing peace back to your kingdom," he said standing up. With a bow he made his exit.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see King Philip standing above me. "We'll get through this together. You, and all of Auroja will come out stronger," he said smiling down at me. "Now, why don't you head back to the compound. You don't need to be caught in any more discussions today. Talk to Erik about what we discuss and bring him tomorrow," he said.

Nodding, I stood up. "Thank you for standing beside me," I said.

"Always," he replied, giving me one more smile before we said our goodbyes.

Walking out of the council chamber I wasn't paying attention when I ran into someone. Looking up I saw Nikolai smiling down at me. His face quickly changed to concern when he saw my face. "Sam, what happened?" he asked.

Sighing I leaned into him. "Sometimes ruling sucks," I said. After a moment I stood up. "I just got done with a meeting with my council. We have a plan to go after La Fray, but it's not an easy one. Just lots of arguments and unsureness," I said.

"Want to talk about it?" he asked.

"I wish I could. I need an ear to vent. However, if I don't get back to the compound soon Erik will have my head," I said.

Nikolai chuckled. "I ran into Isabella and Morgan and heard about your night last night. I'm glad you found Morgan, but hate that you are in trouble. It was already hard enough getting time with you," he said.

"Want to walk Morgan and I back to the compound so we have more time?" I asked.

He nodded, slipping his hand into mine. "I would love that. I was actually tasked with informing you that Morgan had to head home. Isabella and one of the guards escorted her home so I guess that just leaves you and me," he explained.

"I'm okay with that," I said as we walked out of the castle.

"Wait! You are going to Nivetara? You are going after La Fray? You can't!" Nikolai said after I explained what the plan was.

"Nik, I have to. I have to see this come to an end," I sighed, not wanting to get into this again.

He shook his head. "Sam, it's too dangerous. Do you not remember what happened last time you faced La Fray?" he asked.

"Of course I do! Do you mean when he killed my biological parents? Or the time he sent his men to kill me and my village? Or the time La Fray sent small attacks throughout the kingdom drawing out and killing knights and Dragons? Or the time he almost killed Nate? Or Isabella or me? Or the time he sent Eliakim to kill me? Or how about my coronation where his hired men injured my people and killed Orion?" I said spinning on him. "Which time do you want me to remember? Which time do you want me to say this is someone else's battle?" I questioned, tears stinging my eyes.

"That's not what I'm saying! I get that La Fray wants you dead so he can have power. I understand you have lost so many people. However, there are people that can go in your place! People that have been trained for this," he argued.

Shaking my head, I swallowed the lump in my throat. "You don't get it Nikolai! You have never had your life and your peoples lives put in danger. You have lived as a prince your entire life yet faced no threat," I said holding up my hand when he tried to talk. "And I have been trained. My father was training me to rule since I was young. I have been trained as a Dragon for three years. I will not put anyone else's life at risk if I am not willing to risk my own."

"Sam, like you said you have only had three years of Dragon training. La Fray has been killing for longer than you've been alive. You almost died! You were lucky to get away when you faced him. Stop saying this is all your fault. La Fray would go against anyone to get power. There are other ways to stop him then recklessly running into the fire. Don't be stupid!" he said. His eyes widened when he realized what he just said. "Sam, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that," he said trying to grab my hand.

"You may not have meant to say it, but it's what you're thinking. I'm sorry if this doesn't fit your perfect idea," I whispered. Looking up I realized we were at the compound. "I have to go report to Erik. Good night, Nikolai," I said emotionless. I ignored his pleas and walked into the compound.

"Sam!" Alakay called, jogging over when he spotted me. "James said that he'd beat me in an arm wrestling contest. Wanna make a bet?" he asked. His face dropped when he saw mine. "Who hurt you?" he asked.

Trying to give him a smile I shook my head. "No one hurt me," I said.

"Now you're lying to me," he said, crossing his arms.

"I'm sorry Alakay. It was just a rough meeting. I have to go check in with Erik," I said, walking past him and into Erik's office. "I'm here," I stated.

Erik looked up, his smile disappearing quickly. He stood up and walked over to me. "Sam, what happened?" he asked.

"King Syrus offered to escort a group of Dragons and knights to Nivetara when he goes in three weeks. It will be our chance to smooth things over with Nivetara and get La Fray. Not everyone agreed," I said.

He shook his head. "That's not what I'm talking about right now, Sam. You are upset from more than just the meeting," he said, placing a hand under my chin and bringing my head up. "What happened?" he asked again with a softer edge.

Biting my bottom lip I tried to keep the frustration and tears away. "Hardly anyone thinks I have what it takes to bring La Fray down. They think I'm just a child... and Nikolai was one of them," I said the tears pushing their way through.

"I'm sure Nikolai was just worried about your safety," Erik said, pulling me into a hug.

"He called me stupid, said that I didn't have the training and was just being wreckless," I whispered my fist balling around Erik's shirt.

"Oh Sam," Erik said, rubbing my back. "Chloe is in the living area, go talk to her," he said.

While still in his embrace I nodded my head. "Thank you," I said as he released me, but kept one hand on my shoulder.

"Just for the record, Sam, I know you have what it takes," he said, releasing my shoulder and sending me for the comfort my sister would give.

Chloe looked up as I entered.

"Where do I put my crown? I'm done," I said falling into her arms.