Duncan, my bodyguard, was stationed by the door, where he stood during al the meetings. He folowed me everywhere, like a shadow, and though he was clumsy and smal, he was smarter than people gave him credit for. I’d grown to respect and appreciate his presence the last few months, even if he couldn’t completely take the place of my last guard, Finn Holmes.

Aurora Kroner sat at the head of the table, next to her was Tove, my fiancé. He was usualy the only one on my side, and I was grateful to have him here. I don’t know how I would manage ruling if I felt completely alone.

Also in attendance were Marksinna Laurent, a woman I didn’t particularly trust, but she was one of the most influential people in Förening; Markis Bain, who was in charge of changeling placement; Markis Court, the treasurer for the palace; and Thomas Holmes, the head guard in charge of al the security and trackers.

A few other high-ranking officials sat around the table, al of their expressions solemn. The situation for the Tryle was growing increasingly dire, and I was proposing change. They didn’t want me to change anything – they wanted me to support the system they’d had for centuries, but that system wasn’t working anymore. Our society was crumbling, and they refused to see the roles they played in it.

“With al due respect, Princess,” Aurora began, her voice so sweet, I could barely hear the venom underneath, “we have bigger issues at hand. The Vittra are only getting stronger, and with the embargo about to end-”

“The embargo,” Marksinna Laurent snorted, cutting her off.

“Like that’s done us any good.”

“The embargo isn’t over yet,” I said, standing up straighter.

“Our trackers are out taking care of the problems now, which is why I think it’s so important that we have something in place for them when they return.”

“We can worry about that when they return,” the Chancelor said. “Let’s deal with saving our asses right now.”

“I’m not asking to redistribute the wealth or cal for abolishing the monarchy,” I said. “I am simply saying that the trackers are out there risking their lives to save us, to protect our changelings, and they deserve a real house to come back to. We should be setting aside money now so that when this is over, we can begin building them real homes.”

“As noble as that is, Princess, we should be saving the money for the Vittra,” Markis Bain said.

“We can’t pay the Vittra off,” Tove interjected. “This isn’t about money. This is about power. We al know what they want, and a few thousand – or even a few million – dolars won’t matter to them. The Vittra King wil refuse it.”