The Dragon King's Heart

The nobles grew restless, conversing amongst themselves. Some looked calm and collected, almost as if they already knew it was bound to happen. As per Kinshearth traditions, should a contender of the crown appear, it would be up to those in attendance to vote on who should be crowned. 

"Your Highness, are you sure?" Margaret asked when they moved to the side of the throne room for a short discussion. 

Kol and Florin joined them too. All of them were well aware of what the upcoming events meant. It was uncertain if Laina would be able to get the majority of votes. 

"Your Highness, perhaps we should regroup and strategize," Florin suggested. 

Laina shook her head,"There's no time for that."

"But Your Highness," Florin was insistent, "On the account that you've only recently survived a poisoning attempt at Suun Hall-"

Margaret grabbed Laina by the arm in shock as she looked into her eyes, "Poisoning attempt? When, why... why didn't you tell me?"

Laina bit her lip as she held onto Margaret's arm, "What's important, is that I survived it thanks to your pill. We can discuss that after this is done."

There were a thousand different thoughts moving through Laina's mind. A surge of adrenaline was flowing through her veins as countless scenarios of what was to happen played in her mind. 

All hope was not lost. 

"I am bound to lose." 

It hurt for those words to leave her lips. But she knew that from the start. Despite all the effort, she had put into strengthening Kinshearth, those were never acknowledged. Her constant defiance against Kinshearth traditions simply rubbed everyone the wrong way. 

To some she was bold. A worthy leader who would change the Kingdom of Kinshearth for the better. But to most, she was simply a defiant princess. 

All of them looked at her in shock. They knew it, but none of them dared to say it to her face. But the truth was never hidden from Laina, to begin with.

Laina looked over to Dante. He was looking at her nervously too. He wanted to come over to see how he could help, but Laina had kindly rejected his offer earlier. The nobility saw him and Victoria as outsiders. 

Not only do they not get a vote, but their assistance would also be viewed negatively. But Laina gave him a reassuring smile. She had everything under control. 

"Whatever happens from this point forward, I only want one thing from each of you," Laina said solemnly, "Can you promise me?"

Florin, Kol, and Margaret looked at one another for a moment. Then, they looked back at Laina. They collectively nodded in agreement. 

"I just need you all to trust me," Laina declared as she placed her hand over her heart, "That is all I need."

Margaret was the first, "As your personal advisor, and friend; I will put my faith in you."

Kol followed. 

"You will always have my trust."

Florin, though a little hesitant, still agreed, "You have mine as well."

A bell rang throughout the throne room, signaling the end of the voting process. Laina straightened her back as she smiled. 

"Thank you, all of you." she thanked them before heading back to stand before the podium. 

Lord Ethan was previously conversing with some of the nobility in attendance. He paid Laina no mind. His victory was in his hand. She could clearly see his smug grin under the facade of calmness. Laina clenched her jaw. 

She knew her defeat was inevitable, but she did not want everything to go his way either. 

"That would be too perfect for him," Laina muttered to herself. 

So she concocted the perfect plan. 

Laina will give them a show they will never forget. 

The ceremonial minister called for everyone's attention. All the nobles returned to their seats as the throne room fell silent. For fairness, the votes were read out one by one. 

Laina and Ethan stood before everyone, as each and every vote are readout. One after the other, each slip of paper was removed from the box and the name written on it was announced. 

"Laina."

"Ethan."

"Ethan."

"Ethan."

Laina was surprised to hear there were still nobles willing to support her. It was comforting to know some of her efforts were acknowledged. But with each counted vote, it became clearer and clearer. 

Ethan had the support of the nobility. With the final vote accounted for, it was clear. Lord Ethan was the winner. Dante and Victoria watched on in shock.  They were angered by the results. 

"Have they gone mad? Do they not know what Laina had done for them?" Queen Victoria raged as she clenched her fists. 

Dante was stunned by what was happening too. But he knew Laina had something up her sleeve. He leaned over to Queen Victoria and asked that she kept her composure. The Werewolf Queen looked as if she was ready to pounce. 

"How are you not angry about this?" she asked him in shock. 

"I know her well. I dare say I know her better than I know myself," Dante said as he glanced over to Laina for a moment, "I have a feeling she already anticipated this. Let's just see what happens next. If she needs our support, she will call for us."

Laina looked on at the crowd gathered before her. It was clear that Lord Ethan's supporters were delighted with the outcome. 

"What's the meaning of this?" Laina yelled in anger. Her eyes were filled with fury. 

The throne room immediately grew silent. Lord Ethan could hardly contain his excitement. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment Laina snapped. 

"I am taking what's rightfully mine," Ethan declared. 

"Rightfully yours?" Laina spat back, "Are you sure about that?"

Ethan chuckled, "Oh I'm quite certain."

He could see it in Laina's eyes. She was at her breaking point. Everything she had prepared for today and all the work she had put in unraveled in a matter of seconds. 

Laina gritted her teeth, "I put my heart and soul into Kinshearth. To keep it running... for the sake of the people..."

Ethan smiled as he clapped for her. 

"And for that, I thank you on behalf of the people of our great Kingdom," he said to her, "But your work here is done, Laina. It's time for a King to rule."