Chapter 14
Silas was thrashing against the two guards holding him down in a chair as James and Sofia came into the dining hall
'YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE DOING! I WILL MAKE YOU ALL REGRET DISRESPECTING ME!' Silas yelled angrily trying to escape to no avail
The guards just shook their heads at each other not loosening their grip
'Let him up' James spoke gently
The guards looked at him quizzically but did as they were told
'I'm not sure why you two have decided to help me but I doubt the rest of the kingdom will agree with the decision' he took a deep breath and squeezed Sofia's hand 'For the
time being I would like you to take Silas to my chambers, I need to speak with the Fairies as well as the village elders immediately'
'Yes you're majesty' both guards spoke and Silas just shot James a hateful look as he was forced out of the room
'What is your plan?' Sofia asked facing him
'I haven't got that far yet' James admitted rubbing his head as it started to ache
He had no idea what to expect from the audience he had requested but he did know one thing. It wasn't going to be good but he was ready to be put on trial with the most
influential people in his kingdom.
As the day progressed James tried to regain his confidence around the castle. Sofia helped him into his royal dress but he felt wrong somehow when she placed his father's
crown on his head. A few of the servants left when they saw he was back which he figured would happen, others were a bit more verbal and had to be escorted off the
grounds. Baileywick, James knew, was hiding from him apparently not wanting to have to face up to his betrayal. James didn't blame him for turning his back on him but he
thought Baileywick could have at least spoken to him or yelled at him like the others had.
'You're Majesty, the headmistresses and elders are in the library' A servant man who had stayed behind told him
'Wish me luck, Sof' James sighed as she fixed his collar for the twentieth time
'I hope you get the answers you are looking for. You don't need luck, just be the charming man I fell in love with' Sofia giggled and kissed him
James smiled briefly and reluctantly began walking with the man whom James scolded himself for not knowing his name. When they arrived at the heavy library doors the
man opened them for him and bowed
'Excuse me, sir, may I ask your name?' James asked before entering the brightly lit room
'Martin, sire' He answered hesitantly obviously not trying to look too shocked
'Thank you, Martin. I shall be seeing you soon'
'Yes, sire'
No one was used to James actually treating them like people and he knew if he was to stay the ruler of this kingdom he would have to prove to them that he was making an
effort.
James heard whispers as he approached the group of people who despised him most in the world but as they noticed him they all fell silent
'James, seeing you in that outfit almost makes me think you were a king' Sven, Head chairman of the elders, snickered
'Now now, Sven lets try to keep this civil' the green fairy, Fauna, said shooting him a humored/stern look. James's heart sank
'Thank you all for agreeing to meet with me' James began
'Meeting with you?' Sven said, his voice was laced with malice and he almost burst out laughing 'Son, I cant speak for my friends here but I just wanted to see for myself that
someone actually fell in love with you' he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms sarcastically 'It's hard to believe that you have changed at all, but it is apparent the spell
has been lifted since you're not writhing in pain'
James smiled not letting the fact his words cut him like a knife engulfed in hell fire show 'Yes, It's true that I found someone to break my spell. We are engaged to be married
in fact. What I need from all of you is your respect, I am not your 'Son' I am your king, at least until I willingly stand down. I need to know that my decision to remain King of
Enchancia will not be met with death threats and further Assassination attempts. I believe that I have more than paid for my mistakes and wrong doings. I understand that I
need to treat the villagers better and stop blaming everyone for my father's death. My fiancé Sofia will not only ensure just that but with her as your Queen I know we can
build Enchancia back up to where my father left it'
The room fell silent for the second time since James had entered it. The fairies and the elders exchanged meaningful glances back and forth until finally Sven cleared his throat
'And if we don't believe in you or give you our blessing? Then what?'
'Then I stand down. Sofia and I will hunt down her mother and the rest of the resistance, get married and grow our family on the coast somewhere. You won't see us again'
James stated staring Sven straight in the eye
'You would be willing to give up the throne just like that? No fight, no argument, you'll just pick up and leave your crown, your birthright, behind?' another elder spoke up
bewildered
'I would do anything to ensure Sofia's, as well as our future children's, safety. I would rather lose my throne and my crown than lose her'