“I’ve been going to school with most of these people for...years, but okay,” Amelia said, laughing a bit as she followed her brother.

“Don’t be harsh on the boy, he’s pretty innocent,” Sofka said.

Ryker huffed a laugh, smiling incredulously as his brows furrowed. “You’re kidding right?”

A myriad of images and memories of the red headed princess dashed through Ryker's mind. A young child at this point, covering her mouth as she tried not to double over laughing, her long, red hair spilling over her shoulder. "You dummy, haven't you ever ice skated before?" her young voice echoed in his mind. A few years later, and a few years older, she had matured into a fine young lady at this point, her features more pronounced, though she seemed more sad, he thought. She was reserved, her eyes mostly trained on the ground, though at this point he'd become a guard so he didn't interact much with her. That was the last time he'd seen her, though he'd seen her birthday announcement recently. 18, and a beautiful young woman. Bright red hair, uncharacteristic of her family, that hung in loose curls over her shoulders, pale skin pierced with bright blue eyes that betrayed a wicked intelligence hidden behind her demure and innocent princess act. "Her name's Amelia," he said. "She's the princess of Elodus, she turns eighteen today."

Percival's face betrayed no emotion as he saw the thoughts of Ryker, but he did find himself immediately interested in the princess as the images and intimate memories entered his own mind. Feelings to sort out later, figure out what was his and not Ryker's, he supposed. "I see. What's her position among the family? Treated well I hope?"

Zephyra smiled and said "All right then" opening the door so Aliester could work. Zephyra went to the throne room to take charge in case something important came up.

Aliester stated "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sofka."

Eric nodded "I know," he lightly teased "I also know you two are close"

“I’m sorry, Uh, can I ask what the concern with the princess is?” Ryker asked.

“Hello, sir,” Sofka replied, bowing her head.

Amelia frowned and stopped short. “Stop it,” she said quietly. “I don’t like this. Will and I have been friends for years and years, but suddenly, now that I’m eighteen, everyone thinks we’d be perfect together? Why now and all of a sudden? What’s changed? Nothing has. This is ridiculous. I don’t want people to play matchmaker for me.”

"Pendragon's last words to me were..." He took a deep breath, making sure he stayed completely composed as he spoke. About a princess in the castle that resembled his wife, whom he had not seen in years." Percival relayed to Ryker with deadly seriousness. "If she is treated well among the castle's residents and held as a princess, then my primary assumption is that she has had her mind tampered with in some way. As for her mother," Percival looked to Galahad, who met his gaze with an equally steely one. "Considering Richard is not known to have remarried after his original wife's death, one can assume Regina has either spent years in a cell within the castle, or is more likely dead to reduce the odds of the mental alterations being undone by a mental shock."

Galahad's grip on the pommel of his sword tightened as he listened. "They'll all burn for this." He stated, his anger not surfacing in his voice yet. "Such an inhumane action deserves a fate worse than death, and he'll get it. His whole lying family will get it."

"Do not forget Kira is among them, Galahad." Percival pointed out.

"A traitor, a corpse." He replied with a sneer. "Her father is dead and she shares a dinner table with the tyrant that murdered him. By Elodesian law such an act is condemned by death already, let us get this job done so we may hurry to their executions."

Eric sighed as Kara sighed at him "You don't ship people who don't want to be shipped. Let your sister find her own love even you think it. Shame on you"

Aliester stated "I will simply cut to the chase. Margret is retiring from the Council. My wife and I debated ourselves if we wanted to just let it be or find someone else to fit the roll. When we heard of you we investigated more about your background and we are sutably impressed. We believe that you would make an excellent, not just replacement, but member of the The Council.

While I'm sure you are aware of what that entails, I will elaborate because I felt it would be rude not to. As a member of the Council, your main job is to offer advice on major royal choices. Also meeting once month for a review, and suggestions on how we can improve Hollow for the future. Sometimes, I will admit, there will be emergency meetings that you can not miss. This is when great security risk is at stake.

As a member of the council, you will be counted among Hollow's nobility along with our Counts and Countesses. Obviously you will have slightly more power, and will have a home built to your tastes on Dark Willow Road unless you do not desire so. I will make the suggestion that you do for your convience since Dark Willow Road is the main road to the Castle."

Aliester stated "However, I will not force you to accept the offer, but if you do please do not hesitate to ask me or Queen Zephyra any questions"

(For an older brother, Eric is not being very protective lol)

“That’ll do,” Ryker said. “We probably shouldn’t talk so blatantly in the open.”

“I don’t suppose you can find some way to get me out of my own party,” Amelia said quietly as she stepped up beside Will.

Will, currently amidst a convo with a few other young noble men and women, turned as Amelia appeared. She seemed a bit taken aback as she took in him with the others but cleared her throat upon noticing Will hadn’t heard what she said. “Hello, Princess.” He said. A chorus of happy birthdays came from the others and Will noted as Amelia’s fake smile fell into place.

“I’m unsure I’ll have much need for a home,” Sofka said.

(No y'all'ing, $350 fine)
"Do you have anywhere in mind?" Percival asked, observing Ryker's mind again to make sure there was no malicious undertones or lies.

Aliester stated "We usually hire the top construction companies to build your home. We do tend to dip a little in the Royal Treasury for paying admittedly. However, this never results in higher taxes for our people. That's immoral."

Kira caught up and said "Hello there Princess"

“Are you looking to establish a new loyal town here, then?” Ryker asked.

“It feels immoral to get a mansion just for being a council member, if I’m being honest,” Sofka said. “I’d rather the funds be put back towards the citizens. I am quite happy in the Red Sands.”

The nobles, Will, and Amelia turned to look at Kota who had interrupted mid conversation. Amelia took a long breath, though kept her smile in place. “Kira, you remember some of my classmates,” Amelia said, gesturing to the others. Fury was burning bright in her eyes at this point. The other greeted and introduced themselves respectively.

“Hello, Lady Kira,” Will stated, bowing his head in greetings.