The next few weeks, Adonis and I overlooked the knight’s training as well as recruiting young people to join the knight training. I even helped the ladies who joined and teached them basic combat and self-defense with Kather, a former knight. I think she was another childhood friend from my past life. And she was the bigger sister of Arye, so I guess they both have natural, excellent sword skills. If she had kids, they might have become a hero listed in history books.

There was about one more week until the noble’s coming-of-age ball and the Capital was charged with tension and excitement. Since around 2 weeks ago, the clothing shops and jewelry shops were packed with people for new fittings. My dress was still being prepared, made by a team of designers--- to make a new fashion trend. And yes, it’s a dress because I also want to wear a dress for at least once a two year since I only wear suits or just casual light stuff. Well, suits when I’m out on the battlefield but when it’s nothing major like staying inside the palace then it’s the light clothes.

“The council meeting will start soon, Your Majesty.” Adonis’s voice brought me back to the present. I set down my pen and organized the documents I had to give them.

“You need help?” he asked.

“‘Tis fine.” I answered.

I thought it was quite remarkable how close we became. The first few days I felt quite alarmed by his presence but he helped me from time to time and in a few weeks we actually became friends. Maybe we became closer than Sara and I. On the downside, Aeson and my relationship became quite…. Distanced. The first day we ate together, but we rarely spoke. And then afterwards we just didn’t have the time to schedule our eating together. Thus we ate separately. I suppose I’ll have the chance to talk to him at the debutante ball. I looked out at the sky from the window. It was a ‘clear’ sunny sky with big strong looking opal coloured clouds, Cumulus clouds I think. It’s going to rain soon.

“The meeting.” Adonis urged.

“Yes yes.” I walked past Adonis and went to the meeting room.

I sat down at the head of the table, although I only listened and summarized and made the final decisions. Aeson arrived, basically the MC of the entire thing, talking with another guy. Normally we’ll discuss trading and the latest news but today we didn’t have such time since everybody will be busy for the coming-of-age-ball. We’ll only answer questions and hopefully finish the meeting with no other problems.

“Let the meeting begin.” I said.

“Your Highness, when is the First Prince going to come back?” asked Duke Choud.

“We aren’t quite sure. Maybe after 2 months or so.” answered Aeson.

As the question moved around the table, I realized that Duchess Lune hadn't arrived yet. Whoops. How can I start the meeting, forgetting the most powerful figure?

“May we have the schedule of the ball please?” asked Viscountess Kai. I liked her since she wasn’t afraid of stepping up onto any difficult challenges--- even if it means risking her title. I heard she adopts children and doesn’t have a husband. Go figure.

Aeson handed them the schedule. While they read the schedule I pulled Aeson’s sleeve.

“Where is Duchess Lune? Isn’t she late?”

“I’ve been wondering that too.”

“Your Highness,” asked Baron Zuki. “How will we do the coronation? Is there anything we can help with?”

Aeson and I locked eyes for a second. It wasn’t like we were telepathing or anything though.

“We will let you know. We will uh, send letters informing you about it.” I said.

“Ok, understood.”

The nobles went back to reading the schedule, finding any faults.

Adonis slowly approached me from behind.

“Young duke is here,” he whispered.

“Any questions?” I asked. Aeson shot me a ‘Whats wrong?’ look. It was still too early to finish the meeting.

The nobles exchanged uneasy glances with each other. Not daring to wait for their answer I excused myself.

“Where is he?” I asked.

“In the lounge room with a cup of chamomile tea.” Adonis answered.