Chapter 8 Wise Counsel

• Maerilee
• Not an hour later, I watch as the council members file into the chamber, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air. I take my place beside my mother as she stands at the head of the long table. Father is seated next to her, his expression nearly unreadable to others, though I can still see the faint humor in his eyes.
• My gaze sweeps over the gathered advisors, familiar faces who have been part of the council for as long as I can remember. Then, a man I don’t recognize catches my eye. He’s tall, his presence quietly commanding, though he doesn’t seem to be trying to draw attention to himself. His hair is dark, falling just past his shoulders, and even from this distance, there’s something unsettling about his eyes. Who is he?
• Before I can ask, my mother speaks.
• “Before we begin,” she addresses them, her calm voice commanding the assembly. “We have a new member of the council I’d like to introduce.”
• I sit up straighter, curiosity piqued. I glance at the unfamiliar man again, and this time, his gaze locks with mine. There’s a brief flicker of something that passes between us. It’s hard to describe. A pull, a faint sense of recognition, though I’m certain I’ve never met him before. I feel intrigued, but not in the way my mother has always described I should feel when I find my One. It’s different. Subtle. Yet, it’s there.
• “This is Permiton,” my mother continues, gesturing toward the man. “He hails from Ambrosia but has decided to defect to Altinna. He brings with him valuable knowledge and insight.”
• Defected from Ambrosia? That alone is enough to raise my interest. Prince Direken is from Ambrosia, and their people are notoriously loyal. What could have made him leave?
• Mother’s next words really catch me off guard.
• “He is also a seer,” she says, her tone steady, though I catch the faintest hint of caution beneath it.
• A seer. My eyes widen slightly as I take that in. Seers are rare, even among the fae, and they hold a power that can change the course of kingdoms. I study Permiton more closely now, my mind racing with questions.
• I glance at Eirliwyn, one of our longest-serving advisors, standing on the opposite side of the table. He’s always been calm and unflappable, but now, for the first time, I think I see him flinch. It’s quick, barely noticeable, but it’s there. Why? Eirliwyn has always been one of my mother’s most trusted confidantes. He’s never been one to react openly, especially not in council.
• I brush it off. There are bigger things to focus on.
• My gaze shifts back to Permiton, and again, our eyes meet. That strange sensation flares up between us again. It’s a spark of curiosity, something I can’t explain but can’t ignore either. I’m frustrated that the universe keeps teasing me with half-answers. Why can’t things just be clear?
• * * *
• Permiton
• The moment I step into the throne room, my heart nearly stops. There, seated next to Queen Kimalissa and King Fratino, is the woman who has haunted my dreams for months, though I could never quite see her face clearly until now.
• Maerilee.
• I’m struck dumb for a moment, barely managing to hold my composure. The sudden realization that she, the princess of Altinna, is the woman my dreams have circled around for so long has me reeling. I can feel the weight of her gaze sweeping across the room, and for a moment, our eyes lock. There’s something in our shared look that makes me shiver. It’s subtle, almost imperceptible, but it’s enough to confirm what I’ve suspected.
• I am not ready for this.
• As is always the case with my visions and dreams, I don’t understand what it all means yet. They are often jumbled, flashes of future possibilities that only make sense when the events are right in front of me. The universe rarely gives me clear, unambiguous answers. Still, the fact that she’s been in my dreams at all must mean something important. Something big. But until I puzzle it out, I can’t say a word to her about it.
• I take a deep breath, trying to regain my focus. This is not the time to get lost in my own thoughts, not in front of the council. I have a role to play, and I cannot afford to let anyone, even the woman of my dreams, distract me from it.
• Queen Kimalissa is speaking, addressing the council about the dangers posed by the visiting dignitaries and nobles, the potential alliances we need to form, and the threats we must be wary of. I listen carefully, my mind racing as I try to keep up with the flow of the conversation. The council is tense, everyone on edge.
• I glance at Maerilee again, trying to gauge her reactions. She looks calm, though there’s a fire behind her eyes. It’s clear she has deep respect for her mother, and a love for her kingdom. I feel an overwhelming urge to protect her. From what, I’m not entirely sure yet.
• When the opportunity arises, I clear my throat and speak, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
• “Perhaps,” I begin, carefully choosing my words, “it would be wise to focus on the well-being of Altinna, rather than entangling ourselves too deeply in the politics of other kingdoms. We must be cautious of those who seek to involve us in their affairs, for they often do so for their own gain, not ours.”
• The throne room falls silent. Every eye in the room turns toward me, and for a brief moment, I wonder if I’ve overstepped. Queen Kimalissa’s expression is unreadable, though her gaze feels sharper than before. I chance a glance at Maerilee, and she is glaring at me, her eyes narrowing in a way that makes my stomach twist.
• I hold my breath, waiting for the queen’s response.
• After what feels like an eternity, Queen Kimalissa nods slowly.
• “Permiton speaks wisely,” she says, her voice calm and measured. “Altinna has always been at risk from those who seek to manipulate us for their own ends. We must be vigilant, and we must prioritize our own survival before all else.”
• The room relaxes somewhat as murmurs of agreement ripple through the council. Yet Maerilee is still glaring at me as though I’ve insulted her personally. My mind races, trying to figure out what I said that was so wrong.
• It takes me a moment to realize it. Of course. I’ve just told her to stay out of other kingdoms’ politics, yet it’s her duty to her kingdom to find her One, someone who likely hails from another kingdom.
• Damn it.
• I want to kick myself for not thinking it through before opening my mouth. I insulted her. And the last thing I wanted to do was alienate the one person in this room I need to understand most.
• The meeting continues, but I’m barely paying attention. All I can think about is how to fix this. I watch her, wondering how I can apologize, how I can explain myself without making things worse. But the moment the meeting adjourns, she’s on her feet and heading for the door.
• “Princess Maerilee, may I have a word?” I call after her, my voice catching in my throat as I hurry to catch up with her. I hate how clumsy my words sound, but I can’t let her leave like this.
• She turns to look at me, her expression harsh.
• “Permiton, was it?” she asks, her voice cool and distant. Gone is the warmth I saw in her eyes earlier, replaced by a wall I’m not sure how to break through.
• “Yes,” I stutter stupidly. “I-I didn’t mean to offend you,” I say, my words coming out in a rush. “I just—what I said in there—it wasn’t meant as a criticism of you. I was only trying to… I thought—”
• She holds up a hand, cutting me off.
• “It’s fine, Permiton,” she answers curtly.
• But I can tell it isn’t. Her tone is too dismissive, too final. She’s brushing me off, and I don’t blame her. I probably sound like an idiot, stumbling over my words like this. Why is it so hard to talk to her?
• “Please, just listen,” I say, more desperate now. “I didn’t mean to suggest that what you’re doing isn’t important. I know you’re doing everything you can for Altinna. I just… I’ve seen things. In my visions. Things that make me think we need to be careful, that’s all. I didn’t mean to undermine you.”
• For a moment, I think I see something soften in her eyes, but it’s gone just as quickly.
• “I appreciate your concern, Permiton,” she says, her voice still cool but less harsh now. “You do your duties for the kingdom, and I’ll do mine.”
• With that, she turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, feeling like a complete fool.
• I watch her go, frustration and regret churning in my gut. I meant well. I always mean well. But somehow, I’ve managed to make things worse between us. And now, I’m left with more questions than answers.
• Who is Maerilee, really? And why can’t I shake the feeling that my dreams about her are only just beginning?