All thirty plus advisors tell me their names and the sub-committees they’re assigned to as they offer their pleasantries and welcomes. I try my best to commit every name to memory but can only keep track of a few. Aria, who leads the small business programs, is an attractive female who bats her lashes at me after I give her a dimple-revealing smirk. Lionel, a human with blonde hair and a red beard, runs the kitchens. Nathaniel, an extremely tall fae with a face that makes him look like he’s perpetually keeping a secret, is in charge of infrastructure for the kingdom.

When the Captain of the Royal Guard introduces himself, I attempt to flirt with him, not out of any real interest in the straight-laced male, but to see what boundaries may exist there. He’d prove a useful ally in getting closer to the Queen, especially if I could charm him enough to reveal her guard rotation or schedule. He wouldn’t be the first male I’ve wooed in order to get what I want. Despite my best efforts to wink and make suggestive comments, he only responds awkwardly, like he’s unsure what to do with the interest of the Crown Prince of Velmara.

The introduction takes what feels like ages and is not at all what I expected. I assumed the Queen would greet me with veiled threats and tell me to stay out of her way, then show a small bit of power to keep me in line. I certainly didn’t expect I’d have to actually work while I was here.

There are dozens, maybe more, sub-committees, all with special topics and agendas. Many of the advisors make their plea to be my priority in the first weeks. One of them, a mousy and matronly looking female fae named Margery who introduces herself as the Minister of Education for Thayaria, makes an impassioned speech about desiring my expertise in light channeling at the school in Arberly. They have several light channelers who are struggling without teachers. That piques my interest, and I make a mental note to make that one of my priorities.

When the last of the advisors is done introducing themselves, Admon looks at me expectantly. I don’t know what to do, but Silene steps on my foot to urge me to act. I stand, trying to imitate the way I’ve seen my father give speeches to his nobles.