Claimed By The Tyrant King

The following morning, the council chamber was already occupied by ministers, advisers and members of both delegations by the time Rosalind entered alongside Marek and Nathan.

Sunlight filtered through the tall windows and stretched across the polished floor while servants moved quietly around the edges of the room, placing documents and fresh ink before retreating to their positions.

Rosalind took her seat without drawing attention to herself, although she could already feel Rowan’s presence from the head of the table.

When she finally looked up, their eyes met briefly before both of them returned their attention to the gathering.

Nothing about either of them suggested that they had spent part of the previous night alone in the garden, and yet Rosalind was painfully aware of him.

Once everyone had settled, Rowan began calmly "Thank you all for attending,"

"This discussion will focus on the reopening and management of trade routes between Eryndor and Merovia. We have all reviewed the preliminary draft, therefore we will proceed directly to the unresolved points."

Several ministers nodded and the discussion soon began.

One of Eryndor’s senior ministers unfolded a document and adjusted his spectacles before speaking. "The routes crossing the eastern corridor have historically been vulnerable to attacks from bandits and smugglers. Since Eryndor possesses the stronger military presence in that region, we propose that all merchant inspections along those routes be conducted under Eryndorian supervision."

Immediately, murmurs spread around the table.

A Merovian adviser shook his head. "That places too much authority in one kingdom’s hands."

"It places authority where security already exists," the minister countered with a pointed look.

Nathan folded his arms while Marek leaned slightly forward, his gaze fixed on the document still open before them as though weighing every word carefully.

"As crown prince of Merovia," he began steadily, "I agree that security along the eastern corridor must remain strong, however, granting full inspection authority to one kingdom creates an imbalance that cannot be ignored, because once authority is concentrated, it is rarely returned without dispute."

His tone remained firm enough to settle the murmurs that followed his words. "We are not opposing Eryndor’s role in safeguarding the routes, we are simply stating that oversight must remain mutual if this alliance is to hold beyond paper."

Nathan then adjusted his posture slightly, waiting until Marek finished before speaking, his voice calmer. "From a strategic standpoint," he added, glancing briefly across the table, "shared inspection also reduces the risk of misinterpretation between merchants and guards from either kingdom, since when only one authority governs enforcement, every disagreement becomes a matter of blame rather than resolution."

He paused briefly, then continued in a lower tone, "And given the history between our kingdoms, perception matters almost as much as structure."

The discussion continued for several minutes as different opinions were exchanged, yet no agreement was reached.

Eventually Rowan glanced toward Rosalind. "Princess," he said. "What is your view?"

Several heads turned toward her at once.

Rosalind sat straighter, surprised only for a moment before she gathered her thoughts.

"I believe shared oversight would be more beneficial," she said calmly. "Trade between kingdoms depends upon trust, and trust becomes difficult when one side holds complete authority over the other."

The minister who had proposed the clause frowned. "With respect, your Highness," he began, "matters of trade administration are significantly more complex than they appear."

The room became quiet.

Rosalind could already hear the condescension beneath his words.

But the man continued anyway. "These discussions involve commerce, governance and security. They are not just any matters, therefore, such concerns should be left to individuals with greater experience."

The implication settled heavily across the chamber.

Marek’s expression darkened immediately. How dare the man speak to his sister like that?

Nathan’s eyes narrowed at the minister.

But the minister either failed to notice or chose to ignore it.

Meanwhile Rowan’s face became noticeably stern. "Minister Jared, I asked for her opinion..." His voice faded for a moment before returning colder. "Are you implying I do not know what I am doing?"

"That wasn’t what I meant... Your majesty" The minister shook his head.

Rowan’s gaze sharpened at him but before he could say more, Rosalind lifted her gaze to meet his. "Your Majesty," she said calmly.

His attention shifted to her.

"Allow me." Rosalind stated.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Rowan gave a small nod while the chamber grew even quieter.

Rosalind folded her hands neatly together before addressing the minister. "You are correct," she said. "Trade administration is complex."

The minister appeared pleased by her response.

However she continued. "Which is precisely why balance is necessary."

His expression changed slightly.

"If Eryndor controls all inspections, then Merovia becomes dependent upon Eryndorian judgment. That dependence may appear convenient today, although over time it creates distrust because one kingdom possesses authority while the other simply accepts its decisions."

Several people exchanged glances.

Meanwhile, Rosalind continued without hesitation. "An alliance should strengthen both kingdoms equally. If one side controls every inspection, every approval and every restriction, then eventually the arrangement stops feeling like cooperation and begins feeling like supervision."

The minister opened his mouth in an attempt to protest.

She continued before he could interrupt. "And if resentment develops, trade weakens. When trade weakens, trust weakens alongside it. Therefore shared oversight is not merely fair. It is practical."

Silence followed, just as the minister looked visibly uncomfortable.

A few members of the council nodded thoughtfully and even some of the Eryndorian advisers appeared to agree.

Nathan lowered his head slightly to hide a faint smile while Marek looked openly satisfied.

At the head of the table, Rowan looked pleased and his gaze never left Rosalind.

She had answered without anger, without hesitation and without needing anyone to defend her.

Rowan then cleared his throat. "The princess makes a reasonable point."

Several voices agreed.

The discussion resumed and this time the atmosphere shifted. Instead of debating whether Rosalind belonged in the conversation, people began responding directly to her suggestions.

For the next hour they reviewed routes, tariffs and inspection procedures. Some clauses were amended while others were postponed for later review, although by the time the session neared its end, considerable progress had already been made.

When Rowan eventually closed the meeting, people began gathering their documents and preparing to leave.

Rosalind reached for her papers when one of the advisers paused beside her.

"Your contribution was valuable today, your Highness."

"Thank you," she replied politely.

The man inclined his head before moving away.

Marek approached almost immediately afterward. "You handled that better than I would’ve."

Rosalind laughed softly. "I doubt that."

"I assure you, I would’ve said something far less diplomatic." Marek said. He had been ready to punch the minister in his face had the king not interrupted.

That earned another smile from her.

Meanwhile across the chamber, Rowan watched the exchange while speaking to one of his advisers. Although his attention appeared elsewhere, he noticed the confidence in Rosalind’s posture and the ease with which she carried herself.

She had changed.

And also grown stronger.

As people gradually filtered out of the chamber, Rosalind gathered the last of her documents and turned toward the exit. Just before she left, her gaze lifted briefly.

Across the room, Rowan was already looking at her.

Neither of them spoke, yet their eyes carried everything they could not say aloud.

Then Rosalind turned and walked away while Rowan remained where he was, watching until she disappeared beyond the chamber doors.