Well here's the new chapter finally. I hope you enjoy and please tell me what you think :)

Part 4-Crowning the future

"The coronation is the day after tomorrow. Everyone is going mad downstairs, running around like there's a Balverine on the loose. You should be glad you're up here away from it all. I wish I could stay up here. I have to go to another meeting; it's the last one before the coronation."

"Oh it's alright. I think I might start actually reading one of these books instead of staring at them," Bethany joked, pointing towards the shelf stacked full of dusty volumes.

Tracy laughed and then turned serious, an expression Bethany had never seen on her face before.

"When I walked in yesterday, on you and Mr Finn, you seemed to be very close. I know I have joked about him in the past but you must be warned. He is the type to string women along and never become committed, he leaves when things are starting to get serious."

Bethany tried to interrupt but Tracy stopped her.

"I know you're a sensible girl but you needed to be told. He has a very colourful past and I don't want you to get mixed up in his games, okay? Now I'll be off."

She left then, leaving Bethany stunned.

"It's just this day and age. With all the prostitutes around people just assume that when you talk to someone it means you want to roll in the hay with them," She grumbled.

She got up and began to remove the books carefully. Some had faded and the titles couldn't be read while others still shone because they had never been read. Bethany removed one of the novels and sat down at the desk and opened the first page.

Hours passed and pages turned but no joy came to Bethany as she continued to read. She turned over the last page and sighed. The book had not been worth all her time.

"There was barley a story line and Liberty would never have done that even after Brian told her the truth."

She leant her head on her arm and breathed in the smell of roses. Tracy had just brought another set of clothes that she had found and washed them and scrubbed them until they were fit for use. The blouse was a light sky blue and the trousers were a dark creamy brown. They were not of the best condition but Bethany didn't expect them to be.

Sighing again, she stood up and made for the door. Her boredom had grown too much and she just needed to look at something other than extravagant curtains and shelves of books.

The corridor led off to the left and the right. Bethany took the left.

At first the castle did not display itself all that well, the walls were quite bare and the carpets slightly frayed but then she entered into a very large square room that positively screamed out its grandeur. Hundreds of priceless possessions lined the walls. Some glittered with pride at their magnificence while others reflected the light and cast beautiful shimmering shadows over the high walls.

Bethany trod carefully around the room, nervous that she might break one of the expensive pieces. She gazed in awe at the craftsmanship of every individual item. Getting halfway around the room, she stopped and looked up.

On the wall above hung a painting. The brushstrokes used created an image of the wind blowing through the meadow. A lone figure stood in the centre of the painting, her hair flew out in front of her obscuring her face. Her arms were stretched out slightly and they gently brushed the grass blades as she passed them.

The simplicity of the painting made Bethany feel a wave of emotion that included sadness and freedom. She believed that the girl in the picture was lost in her own dream. In the meadow she seemed so at home and yet she also seemed so lost, like she was missing an important part of herself.

"That painting was done by a local craftsman," said Princess Martha, making Bethany jump.

"Sorry I didn't mean..."

"Don't apologise. You may explore as you wish, this castle doesn't get as much attention as it used to. I'm glad you found this room though, it's truly beautiful," Martha murmured.

She stood next to Bethany and also looked up.

"This is my favourite piece of art in the whole castle. My mother bought it for me when we went in to Bowerstone Market once. Logan didn't approve of it because it wasn't made by a person of a higher class but my mother agreed with me that it didn't matter where it came from."

They stood in silence for a while just staring until Martha broke the silence again.

"Come, walk with me. I would much rather talk in a place of comfort where we can sit comfortably."

Bethany followed the Princess out the large room. She passed many rooms full of interesting objects and yet none compared to the first room.

They stopped outside a fancy door with golden hinges and a golden doorknob.

"Mr Finn has told me a lot about you," said the princess, handing over a china cup full of boiling hot tea.

She had lead Bethany into her private office which was a very impressive room. All the furniture was made out of a dark wood that had been polished so well that you could see your reflection in it. All the draw and cupboard handles were made of gold that matched the door.

"He has, your Highness?"

"Please use my real name, I am not the queen yet so I do not wish to be addressed like one."

Bethany was startled by this but continued to listen intently to what she said next.

"Yes he has told me about your whole, in fact, in a large amount of detail. I have also heard you were the one with Major Swift as he passed away."

"I was with him. He left a letter for me and in it he wished you well in your new journey and hopes that you will lead Albion out of these dark times."

Martha nodded and took a sip of tea. She seemed to already know this as though she had read the letter.

"Did he say anything else? About you or the brigade?"

Bethany looked up, totally stunned by those words. She had a suspicion that these questions were a test to see if she would spill the beans about the letter, or they were because she already knew what the letter said and wanted to know Bethany's opinion.

"Umm...yes he mentioned the brigade and how he would have been proud to have me in it."

"Indeed? Well that's interesting. Are you good at fighting?"

Taking a gulp of her tea she thought about her answer.

"When I was young my father taught me a few techniques because we lived on a farm and often got infestations of bugs and things. But thinking in more technical terms I'm a good fighter in the department of surviving because I nearly starved to death while having a bullet embedded in my leg," She replied.

"I see."

The conversation stopped for several long minutes. Both were deep in thought.

Major Swift was right, she is a fighter. But the only problem is I must see proof. There is no way of getting her into the army without her proving herself. And there is also the problem that she doesn't understand any of mine or the Major's hints. When she does, however, understand them I think she will take up the option. Many people will be against having a woman in the army but I will do my best to convince everyone I can.

Bethany finished her tea and placed the mug on Princess Martha's desk.

What do all these questions mean? There is something behind them, a hidden message, but I have no idea what it is. I take it that the army are involved and me but what could it be? Unless they mean me in the army! But, no, that can't be it, can it? No, NO...wait yes that's it. All the hints, all the questions, this is the reason. I am to join the army and fight for my country.

"Are you alright?" Martha asked, interrupting Bethany's thoughts.

"Yes...no...I...umm... All these questions, do they have a reason?"

The time had come for the princess to explain.

"As a matter of fact they do. Ever since the revolution began I noticed women are very keen to fight for what they believe in. There were many joining in on fights and throwing themselves into danger just to ensure a good future for their country. I thought how unfair it was that women aren't allowed to train like men are and join the army's that protect our kingdom. So now I have decided that when I am queen I wish for women to have the choice to fight. I would like to ask if you would be the tester for my plan, and join the Albion army and train to become a soldier?"

There was no rest, no peace anywhere. The day of the coronation had come. Bethany turned this way and that, trying to weave through the crowds in the corridors. All she wanted was to escape from the commotion and relax in her room.

For the past day her thoughts had been focused on a very important matter. Do I or do I not join the Albion army? Bethany had thought of pros and con's for each side and had come to the conclusion that whichever one she chose she had nothing to lose.

She reached the door to her room and jumped inside just before she was trampled by a group of stressed out maids discussing their uniforms. Tracy was among them and passed by giving Bethany a small wink.

They had barely spoken that morning because Tracy's workload had not permitted her any free time. Apparently the panning had taken so much time that there wasn't enough left to carry it out.

Bethany trotted over to the desk and sat in the straight backed chair. She picked up a book and flipped through the pages until she reached a page with the corner folded down. Settling into a more comfortable position, she began to read.

A soft tapping on her door made her look up. Ben Finn entered with his normal smirk firmly in place.

"I see you're keeping out of the way, wise choice," He said.

"I have no reason to be down there and I would only get in the way."

Ben walked over and settled himself down on her bed.

"Anyway, why are you here? No rudeness intended," Bethany inquired.

He looked up and met her gaze. Her eyes were a darker shade of blue than Ben's; they were more like diamonds that glittered in the light. They started to engulf him, suck him under the surface, but he didn't resist.

"Your eyes," he whispered.

"What about them?" Bethany asked.

Ben suddenly blinked and came back to himself. What did I just say? I'm such an idiot!

"I...um...nothing. I came to give you this," he handed over a small square of paper.

She took it and glanced back at Ben's face. He face was slightly pink and his eyes were deliberately not meeting hers.

Why did you do that? Look, you're blushing. Now you must look like a right idiot.

He cleared his throat loudly.

"I've been invited to the Queen's Coronation tomorrow!" Bethany said, disbelief practically leaking from her words.

"Really?"

Even Ben was shocked to hear that. He had thought the message was going to be about her stay and if all the maids were being kind and welcoming.

"Now put this on and I'll do your hair," Tracy gabbled, handing over a bundle of blue material.

Bethany began to remove her clothes. Her body was a lot more bearable to look at now, it looked more normal and her bones didn't stick out anymore. She dropped her clothes on the floor and picked up the dress. After finding the head and shoulder holes, she gently put it on.

The fabric flowed down her body. It rested in all the right places, highlighting her best features. The rich fabric was royal blue.

"It's to match your eyes. And it's royal blue so it sort of fits."

"But where did you get it," Bethany asked, still in awe at the beautiful gown.

"It was my mother's. She left it to me when she died and I thought that you could borrow it and look absolutely fabulous."

Tracy smiled. She guided Bethany into a chair and began to play with her hair.

"I think I'll do it so that it's up at the back with curls coming down at the sides to frame your face. Is that okay, darling?"

Bethany nodded and Tracy set to work.

"Now the party starts in half an hour," she said, her voice muffled because of the hair pins sticking out of her mouth. "But what I was thinking was that you should arrive later and make a massive entrance."

"Umm...okay but I can't promise it being amazing because knowing me I'll get nervous and trip over."

After about ten minutes Tracy stepped back and admired her work. Bethany stood up and gazed at herself in a mirror, not truly believing that it was herself staring back at her.

"So you're Queen which means I can finally get my pay rise," Ben joked.

"Now I'm Queen I can also get you thrown in prison with just a wave to one of my guards over there," replied Martha, gesturing to pair of ominous looking guards that were leaning against the wall.

Ben drank from his glass and looked around the room. Everyone was busy. Most of the guests were gathered on the dance floor, twirling in circles while the others stood in groups talking and laughing. His gaze travelled and focused on the staircase that led to the higher floors in the castle. Towards the top was a beautiful woman in a blue flowing gown. Her hair was twisted elegantly into a knot at the back of her head but odd strands were lose and hung around her pale face. She reached the bottom stair and glided over to where Queen Martha and Ben stood. As she walked past the dancers and other guests, a few stopped their conversations and stared. Women attempted to regain their interest while throwing her disgusted looks. They believed you had to come from a good background and be well-spoken in order to look so fine.

"Bethany, it's wonderful to see you again and especially looking so nice," Martha smiled.

"Thank you. Tracy lent me the dress."

They continued their conversation while Ben just stood next to them. For once he had no words. He was slightly nervous because he didn't want something stupid to slip out again and make the situation awkward, but he also had a mounting desire to ask her to dance.

Unfortunately just as he opened his mouth to ask a man came up behind them. Private Hull greeted them all in turn and then turned to Bethany.

"May I have the first dance?" He asked with surprising confidence.

"Umm, yes...okay," She replied, blushing a light crimson.

Moving to the dance floor they began to waltz around the other partners, weaving in and out so as not to trip over.

Ben followed them with his piercing blue eyes feeling a lump grow in his throat. This alarmed him because he had never experienced such an emotion before. His body tensed when he saw private Hull lean down and give Bethany a peck on the cheek.

What's happening to me? First I say stupid things and blush and now I feel angry at Hull for what he did and sad because it's not me that's doing that. Wow no...NO I don't feel like that. That's just ridiculous! Why should you care if private Hull likes Bethany?

"If you're so bothered why don't you just ask for the next dance?"

Ben whipped around, startled to find Martha watching him.

"Who said I'm bothered? I don't care. They can do what they want. That's just...just... How could you think I'm bothered by...by that?"

Ben hurried off into the crowd still muttering under his breath.

"Oh no reason," Martha laughed, following him.

The Queens first day of her rein had arrived. She had got up and dressed with the help of several maids. With her corset tied securely she headed off to her study. Her quill and ink were ready next to a fresh sheet of paper and she took a seat and began to write.

Bethany,

The day has come to announce my plans of having women in the Albion army. I would like you to be there and have your decision ready. The meeting will begin at around 11 but that is not officially set because Page and Reaver will be going head to head on giving their opinions on Albion's future and them two can argue forever. I hope you make the right choice for you and don't feel pressured to accept because I understand that what I ask of you is a lot.

Yours

Queen Martha.

Bethany received the note from a maid and read. Up to this point she had almost forgotten about the Queen's proposition and now felt totally trapped as she only had three hours to make her decision.

The time flashed by and she soon found herself entering a very big room with hardly anyone inside. Martha sat on her thrown and Ben stood a few metres to her left. A tall bulky man with a large grey moustache stood closer on her right. The only other woman in the room was dark skinned and had an air of great power about her.

"Please come forward," the Queen beckoned her closer. "This is Sir Walter Beck and Page because I don't believe you have met before."

She gestured first to the man and then to the woman before settling back in her chair. They all watched her get comfortable and then Walter asked the question they all seemed dying to ask.

"So what is this meeting about?"

Martha took a deep breath then answered.

"I want to pass a law saying that women can join Albion's army's and train like normal soldiers."

Silence met these words as everyone appeared to be too shocked to speak.