The Crown's Entrapment

Another day came, and Xenia started her day off as the new Queen of Cordon in the same way that she spent her mornings in her new realm. First, she had her usual breakfast routine with her in-laws, then Darius had her get involved with the court meetings by his side. Through it all, Xenia was more than grateful to oblige, and she was honestly excited about her eventual influence on their kingdom's daily upkeep.

Currently, she sat on the throne next to him. Of course, it was all new to her since she wasn't used to involving herself in political affairs back in the Kingdom of Ebodia… But then, she was more than willing to learn for the sake of being a more effective ruler. For now, she was present to observe, but eventually, she would voice out all of her thoughts once she had a firmer grasp on the topics at hand. Of course, she would have a separate discussion with Darius about things first through their mind link before injecting herself into the politicking.

Honestly, the telepathic communication they could do through their Bond was very useful.

[For now, I'll just observe some more, my love. I still need to study and learn more about Cordon's laws before I can participate,] Xenia said to Darius through their link. [Really, there's so much more that I need to learn before I can be effective, so please spare me from asking for my opinion too much. I don't want to give out something shallow.]

[Alright, I'll personally give you private lessons later regarding things, so don't worry…] Darius mischievously stated.

Ah, she could already feel how playful he was through his emotions alone. Xenia fought the urge to roll her eyes at her husband's words. She just knew that he wouldn't purely give her professional lessons about political affairs.

Darius inwardly chuckled at her thoughts. [Well, it would be boring if we don't add some icebreakers here and there, my love.]

Xenia's face reddened while her husband chuckled through their mindlink. On the outside, she maintained her composure as she simply listened to the discussions being had around her, but inwardly, she scolded Darius to stop teasing her.

"Regarding the matter pertaining to the northwest territories. I do believe it would be best if we sent the Queen there instead to handle it," one of the Elders suggested.

Darius creased his forehead. "Tell me more about it…"

"Well, we all know that those territories are currently facing difficulties because of Nasser's previous dealings," the Elder elaborated. "I believe that by letting them see their new Queen, it would give them great hope and cheer despite the turbulence that they're facing…"

"But, we're not done clearing those areas out yet," Darius hesitatingly pointed out. "It can still be quite dangerous to send someone of such importance there."

[I want to do it!] Xenia suddenly said through their mindlink.

Surprised, Darius turned to her and vocally asked, "What do you think about it, my Queen?"

Xenia inwardly shrugged at the attention. It looked like Darius would be unstoppable now with his constant public displays of affection. Not that she didn't like it though. In fact, she was wondering when would be the time for her to go over her internal squeals with how easily her husband could make her heart flutter with such small things of affection he would say or do for her.

"I'll do it," she nodded. "I think that what Elder Emre suggested could be a good thing… They need assurance after everything that they've experienced under Nasser."

She then took a small breath before she continued, "They're all currently living in fear… They fear that they wouldn't be accepted back into the kingdom, and instead will be treated like second-rate citizens. By going there myself, I can give them the assurance and comfort they need from the Crown. And don't worry, I'll take extra steps to ensure my safety."

It seemed to just be the right thing to do. Those packs in the northwest of the kingdom were in total chaos ever since Nasser died. They've been under his control for far too long. And with their leader gone, they didn't know what else to do with their newfound freedom. And while some might think of purging them to ensure that loyalty to the Crown was established, Xenia thought otherwise.

In her opinion, it would be best for the Crown to give these territories the benefit of the doubt and let them show their loyalty without Nasser breathing down their necks. After all, from what she could recall, some of them didn't have a choice except to follow Nasser's rule since most of their families were put in danger by the man.

Then again, knowing that, it would also be true that things might not go in the way that she'd want it to go. Danger still lurked in places where the people were loyal to Nasser, and some might even want vengeance for the losses they've had from what they perceived to be the enemy…

From their point of view, the Crown was responsible for all of the lives lost following Nasser's death. Such casualties were unavoidable in cleaning out Nasser's mess, but some might just not see it that way.

[Are you sure about this, my love?] Darius asked through the link, his worry apparent through the tone of his thoughts. [Will you be safe?]

[It'll be good for the realm, I think,] Xenia replied, her thoughts pensive as she gave him the gist of her ideas. [If you think otherwise, then feel free to give me your thoughts.]

A small pause settled as the Elders waited for the royals to speak. After a few moments, Darius spoke.

"Very well. I'll let my Queen handle such matters," he authoritatively declared. "She will ensure their cooperation from now onto the coming future. I have full faith in her abilities."

Xenia beamed as she quickly gave him her thoughts about his approval. [I'm glad you can trust me on this, Darius.]

[You're capable of many things, my love,] Darius sweetly cooed. [I'm more than confident that you can achieve what you want to accomplish in the northeast territories.]

And with that, the meeting went on to discuss more things regarding the kingdom. All the while, Xenia listened, learning as much as she could for her inevitable part in helping her beloved run their realm.