Chapter Four: The Grand Council
A/N: A Happy Holidays to all! I hope you enjoy the next installment the manner of which this story is going to be released is in segments so if there is a big gap of time between it will be because of the number of chapters being released at the next round this round it's only 2.
O_o
At the conclusion of the ball, Elena had informed the members of her council that she wanted to have a meeting first thing in the morning. That it was of great importance, they all agreed and went their separate ways.
The morning came, and as the final two: Esteban and Naomi, walked into the meeting room. Esteban yawned as he sat down. "Did Elena mention to anyone why we had to meet so early? I would have enjoyed sleeping in after the party."
"No, but if she needs our council then it's our duty." Francisco said.
"Besides it's should be a beautiful day, no use sleeping it away."Luisa added with her warm smile. Esteban only responded with another loud yawn. Then Elena walked in. Naomi's eyes widened at the tired look on her friend's face she hasn't slept was her only thought.
"Good morning everyone. I called this meeting because something rather monumental was brought to my attention last night."
"Mija, please sit. You look exhausted." Luisa said, worry was deep in her voice.
"No, abula. I'm fine. Besides I feel this conversation requires me to address you, not as your leader, but as someone who has come to our council seeking your advice." The group gave her their full attention. "First I wish to ask about my future. What is my fate, regarding a partner to my reign?" The adults of the council looked at one another, concern was evident.
"Well, Elena its considered the last responsibility of the grand council to choose the person you are to wed." Francisco said
"We will weigh any and all offers for your hand and make the appropriate choice." Esteban concluded. Elena nodded in understanding
"Elena, dear. We have talk this through, though and have decided you will have just as much of a hand in choosing him as we do." Luisa added and looked over at the obviously slighted Naomi. "Please don't be upset, Naomi. The conversation was not done as a grand council, but as family to Elena. We always wanted to include you in this discussion when it came up." Naomi didn't particularly feel comforted by the elder woman's comment, but she guessed she couldn't be too upset, they were her family.
"Does he have to be royal?" Elena asked. Again the adults looked at one another
"It is the proper way." Esteban said with affirmation.
"Let me ask again. Seeing as I will be The Queen Regent, is the requirement of the man who stands beside me to be of Nobel birth?" The question was more of statement, like she wanted them to answer the question in a certain way.
"As Esteban said it is the way it is done. However, if there is someone you had in mind, we can always consider him as a viable option." Francisco said as her grandmother nodded in agreement
"Seriously? You are going to allow her to throw away centuries of tradition!" Esteban exclaimed.
"Esteban, be reasonable. Elena has been through a great deal, as has all of Avalor. If we want to appear warm and loving to our citizens, this would be a great way to do that. Allowing the princess to choose her own king would show them all that love is greater than duty." Luisa said with much authority. Esteban let out an exasperated sigh. "Mija, who is he?"
"It's not just one person." Elena said softly. The whole group looked confused. "I have recently found out that I have two admirers and upon reflection I realized that I couldn't choose between them, because I haven't truly given them a chance." She paused "I would like to ask the grand council, to allow me to pursue both of admirers with the gain to choose the best suited for my husband." The whole group exclaimed loudly.
"What?"
"You can't be serious?"
"Oh dear."
"Huh?"
"I know it's not a proper way to handle this. But if my happiness is key, then I need to give them both a chance. I know my future husband is one of them. But I want to make an educated choice. So that there will never be any doubt."
"If this is what you want, I cannot see the harm." Luisa said after a long strained silence.
"And who are these possible suitors?" Esteban asked with an air hautiness
"I will tell you and then let you all discuss. This is what I wish to happen in regards to my future. So I hope you can take that into account." Elena straighten her stance " Mateo De Alma and Gabriel Nuñez."
O_o
After the princess left the room. The adults stood and started murmuring amongst themselves regarding the choices. Naomi sat there confused, that her friend would do this. It's one thing to think about it, but to act on it was completely different. Esteban was being the loudest.
"We can't seriously be considering letting her do this?!"
"I don't see a problem." Francisco said.
"Neither do I. If she wants to find love and compatibility, then who are we to stop her." Luisa said with a smile
"She should allow the council to choose for her. Not let her go gallivanting around with both of them." Esteban said curtly. Naomi whom had been silent through all their arguing. Finally stood up.
"Have you ever seen Elena gallivant? No. This whole situation is kind of my fault." Naomi looked down
"What do you mean, dear?"
"I happened to overhear the two of them talking about her. They indicated that they had some pretty serious feelings for her. My intent in telling her was to ward her off some of her overly affectionate gestures. I had no idea it would lead her to this line of thinking."
"Naomi none of us could have imagined this as her reaction." Luisa said comforting the young woman.
"What's done is done." Francisco said finitely
"I think we should just make the decision for her. As is our responsibility."
"Esteban, we are ALL aware of your decision here. But I can guarantee we wouldn't be able to agree on one or the other." Naomi snapped back.
"I agree. And Elena's happiness is paramount here and I want my granddaughter to be happy. So I say we allow this." Francisco straighten his posture asserting his authority.
"I, second." Luisa said confidently as she embraced her husband's arm.
"I'm in agreement as well." Naomi proudly stated. After a long moment of him stewing, Esteban grumbled loudly.
"Fine. I find this whole thing ridiculous. But since I am out numbered, do what ever she bids." He sits down on his chair in a huff.
"I'll go get Elena and tell her we've come to a decision." Naomi said
"Ok, sweetheart." Luisa said as Naomi walked to the door and stepped out into the hall. Where she saw her friend pacing.
"Elena?"
"Oh, Naomi." She looked relieved and nervous at the same time.
"We've come to a decision. But before we go in. When I told you everything, this wasn't the outcome I was expecting."
"I know. But I spent almost the whole night thinking about them and their feelings. At first I tried to decide one over the other. But just couldn't choose. Then I thought about neither and that didn't sit well with me either. I think this came about because I've never actually gone out with anyone, that's where the idea of dating both came from. I want to experience the journey as much as find the right one."
"I suppose I understand. But I feel like this wouldn't be happening if I didn't open my big mouth." Elena put a comforting hand on her friend's arm.
"No, I'm grateful. I would have probably just accepted my fate with whom ever the council choose. But now, I get find real honest love. So thank you for intervening, Naomi." Elena then hugged her friend and the pair walked back in. Naomi walked around the large table and sat in her seat. Francisco stood up.
"We have debated and have come to decision." No one missed the obvious huff coming from Esteban, he ignored the outburst and continued. "We are going to allow you to court both men and before your coming of age Birthday you will need to decide."
"That's very fair. I appreciate your cooperation. Seriously."
"Mija, we are going to call on them now and have a little chat. So you can go on with your day. Maybe go catch some sleep." Elena nodded and walked out of the room.