Note: I won't be posting next week, because I have too many tests and already have issues studying. Sorry for the delay! (p.s. the taste tester is a reference to Poison Study.)

"So we're in agreement," Elsa looked around the table. "We'll lower the tax on bread 0.02 percent and raise the tax on fine cloths 0.1 percent." Seeing only nods she made a small note on a piece of paper. "What do you want to address next."

"I'd like to discuss the drought in Seekren," Samuel leaned forward. "It's been going on for over twenty four months without any appearance of giving up. People are looking to the crown for aid; what do you plan to do?"

Elsa hand drifted towards her bag and the small leather clad journal inside it. She would not let her decisions be motivated by an uncle she had never known. "Have we contacted the mayor? What does he want us to do?"

A small advisor at the other end of the table spoke up, "He believes that the solution may be unconventional."

"In what way?"

"I'm afraid he doesn't say. Apparently his plan is too sensitive to be written."

"How does he expect us to help him when he won't tell us his plan?"

"I believe he plans to come here after your sister's wedding to discuss it in person."

An older advisor, Smith, slammed his hand on the table. "That's idiotic. If he comes here in the middle of a drought people will panic. The people are already scared enough without the major up and abandoning him."

"I have an idea." Samuel said. "Why doesn't the Queen go? It would allow her enact his plan instantly if she found it suitable. If not it would still give Seekren the comfort that the crown is doing everything in its power to help."

He'd suggested it not her; she was going to help people, not look search for lost family. "I think that's an excellent idea, thank you Samuel. A week after the wedding should be enough time to return the castle to normal and pack everything I need."

"Excuse me your majesty?" Her newest advisor has stuck his hand in the air and was looking at her expectantly.

"Yes Talmy?"

"Are you sure it's safe? There was an attack not a week ago."

Elsa arm twinged. "I'm fine. We don't know it was an assassination attempt. It could have just been a guard with really bad aim who's too afraid to few up to his mistake."

"Whether it was a guard or an assassin," Smith interrupted. "You were almost killed. Clearly our protection is not sufficient."

"I can take care of myself."

"Clearly."

Samuel's sarcasm was never helpful.

"This was a freak accident it won't happen again."

"But just in case," Talmy interrupted. "I've contacted the head guard about forming a unit dedicated to being your bodyguards."

Samuels coughed, "who would be in this unit?"

"He mentioned a girl named Erika, but other than that he has confidence in all his guards."

"I'd recommend a guard named Sanderson. I've met him a few times; he's a bright lad and so patriotic."

"I'll be sure to inform the head guard."

Elsa suppressed a groan, "I really can protect myself your majesty."

"Whether you like it or not" Samuel said, "You die and there will be chaos. You're sister might make a good queen, but the people have gotten used to seeing you. If anything happens to you, it'll take years to build up the public relations and trust you have built."

Elsa's cheeks heated. "I suppose I can put up with a few guards."

…

"I swear I didn't do anything."

"Jack." Stick interrupted.

"I don't care if you think I stole those six tarts. That cook is a liar who has it out for me. Besides I have five other witnesses who can vouch for me at the time to tarts disappeared."

"Jack this isn't about the tarts, though we will be coming back to that."

"Yeah Jack," Sanderson laughed. "Do you really think Erika would be in here with us if we were getting in trouble?"

Erika gave a modest shrug, but her lips flitted into a half smile.

Kai raised his hands, "it wasn't me either. I haven't stolen anything within the past month."

"None of you are here about the tarts."

"Well," Jack prodded. "Why are we here?"

"If you'd let me talk in the beginning I could have already explained." Stick pulled out a piece of paper. "One of the queen's council has asked me to start a private group to stand guard over the queen at all times to ensure that the, um, incident doesn't repeat itself."

"Why us?" Jack asked.

"Erika and Sanderson were both recommended and since you lot are already a team, you'll be more efficient."

"It's excellent to know I'm part of a package deal. You know I really think I deserve-"

"What will we do?" Erika interrupted.

"At least two of you will stand guard over the queen at all times, yes Jack even when she's sleeping. If she's in a high risk area-outside or at a ball-at last three people should accompany her. If she wants privacy simply stand at all exits and make sure no one can get in or out. I'll leave it to you to arrange the schedules."

"Great! I'll guard her dealing meal times. I can taste test the foods-I've heard poisons are becoming popular."

"Erika will be in charge. She'll arrange the schedule."

"I still volunteer to taste test the food."

"Actually," Erika said promptly. "The castle has a proper food taster one who knows how to identify poisons. If the queen's food was sabotaged he'd be able to evaluate the texture, taste and smell to tell you the poison in the seconds before you die."

"How do I get that job?"

"Trust me," Erika shook her head. "You don't want that job."

"Do you have any more questions relating to the job? No? You start in two days. You're dismissed."

Erika, Sanderson and Kai filed out but Jack remained. He waited until the door had swung closed to speak again. "Are you sure you've made a good choice sir? I understand Erika and Sanderson, but well Kai just got out of jail. Not to mention he's constantly talking about how flawed the monarchy is. Are you sure he'll be loyal?"

"He may distrust royalty in general, but he knows the queen. He'd much rather she sit on the throne than anyone else. Besides that he owes her for getting him out of jail; he's not going to forget that. But that's not what you came here to ask."

"I don't think I should be on the squad. I couldn't stop an arrow the first time and if it happens again-"

"You'll be prepared. I know you enough to believe you'll do everything in your power to ensure there is no second time. Now if you really want to be dismissed from her personal guard that's fine, but look me in the eye and tell me you believe her life she be placed in someone else's hands."

Jack looked in the man's piercing eyes and saw the ice princess clutching her bleeding arm. "I-" Now she smiled as he finished wrapping her arm in the bandage. "I'll stay on the team."

What else could he say? He was her guardian.