“The task set before you is to claim the alliances of our three greatest allies,” Chief Isla declared, her eyes held aloft. “You will travel to Rila, Mitreis, and Gyeol. I sent out emissaries to each of their capitals. They will be expecting your visit and should welcome you with open arms. Keep a log of your interactions, the allies you make, and the enemies you meet as these will be crucial to your rule.”

Chief Isla looked as if she were about to say more, but she stopped. Her eyes drifted down to Crystal, and for the first time, Crystal saw a hint of worry. “Are you prepared for this, my dear?”

Crystal nodded. She felt a lump in her throat, but she forced it down. “This is my birthright, Mother. I am ready.”

The fourth chief of Velstot smiled, pride unabashed. “Then you are truly my daughter.” Her smile waned for a flash of a moment, so quick Crystal wandered if she had imagined it. Before she had much time to consider it, Chief Isla continued, “There has been a change to the initial plan.”

Violet took a step forward. Crystal avoided turning towards her, but she could feel something was wrong. Chief Isla continued, “The council has decided that you will not have the envoy initially promised.” Crystal felt a sense of dread seep up.

“Instead,” Chief Isla declared, “you will be allowed only a single guard.”

“What the hell?” Violet demanded, stepping further forward. All eyes turned towards her.

“Hold your tongue, girl,” Philemon demanded from his seat.

“I’ll—“ Violet began.

“Calm,” Chief Isla ordered. Violet appeared as if she were about to yell, but she held her tongue. “Now, allow me to explain,” Chief Isla said. “The council has discussed the matter with me, and they have come to the conclusion that this is not simply a ceremony but a test of mettle.” Chief Isla turned to meet eyes with Crystal. “As certain elders have already stated, they do not believe that you are ready to face the challenges that will come with this position.”

Tears of frustration began to grow in Crystal’s eyes, but she tried to hold them back. I’ve done everything they have asked of me. I studied every subject, learned every combat technique, helped every villager. Why is that not enough?

Crystal looked up and saw her mom looking down on her. “This may be unexpected, but you must clear your eyes, dear. I know you were promised more, but this is the reality in which we live. You never know what will happen next. You must adapt to every new situation and conquer it.”

Nodding, Crystal wiped her eyes. “I apologize, Mother. I did not mean to show weakness.”

Again, something flashed across her mother’s eyes, but it was gone before Crystal could react. Chief Isla raised her eyes again and declared, “For your bodyguard, the council has picked out Phineas Trave to accompany you. He will—“

“No,” Violet shouted. Philemon opened his mouth to speak, but Violet yelled, “Shut it, old man. Phineas is a coward.”

“Phineas is a well-trained soldier with an impressive physique,” Claudia, the first dissenting elder spoke up. “His very presence will overwhelm any miscreants who would harm our ‘precious princess.'” Crystal could feel the malice dripping off the final two words.

“You have not seen him on a proper mission,” Violet insisted. “Allow me to accompany Crystal. I promise you I will protect her.”

“You?” the brawny elder asked. “You are weak. You cannot protect the chief’s daughter. Besides, I know what you’ve been doing outside of your proper missions, girl.”

Violet blushed but shot back, “I am not weak. Phineas has never beaten me in a duel.”

“Chivalry is not a sign of weakness,” the brawny elder declared. Gertrude shot him a dirty look. He sighed and opened his mouth but was cut off.

“Trellen, would you like to lose your place on the council?” Chief Isla asked, shooting the brawny elder the look of a tigress. Trellen paled. Chief Isla turned back to Crystal and continued, “The council has decided on a knight they deem worthy. Do you accept their decision, Fourth Chief?”

Violet met Crystal’s eyes, and Crystal saw a pleading there. Turning back to the elders, Crystal found a predominantly disapproving council. She bit her lip. “What is your decision?” Chief Isla asked again.

Crystal gritted her teeth. “I will accept the council’s judgement.”