After the queen left the stage, a silence seemed to descend on the crowd. People shuffled in their feet, as if they expect something more.

Ryla’s face was smooth and unmoved but her mind was a mess.

[This wasn’t on the schedule!]

While, Ryla was not opposed to giving a public speech she was terrible at giving them off the cuff. She needed to prepare to give remarks.

[Shit, He’s walking up already]

Ryla saw the figure of Zacariah walking up the podium. Her brother was a well of self-confidence and arrogance.

Taking the crystal he began to speak.

“To my future people, I have nothing much to say other than the fact that I will win.” Zacariah gave a smile while bowing and walked off the stage.

[Sounds just like him…] The speech was short, if not simple. She knew that Zacariah had upmost confidence in himself and only decided to fill the space as a formality.

Looking at the empty crystal on the podium once again. Ryla was struck by the realization that she would have to speak.

[There’s nothing I can do to get out of this, I have to do it]

She walked up to the crystal and clear her throat.

“To my future people” She said mirroring the words of Zacariah’s speech. She paused for dramatic effect but more so because she had to collect her thoughts.

[What did Gildron say about public speaking again? Keeping a strong front right?]

Ryla quickly decided on her next words and then spoke again.

“I will lead this country to higher heights than it has ever seen. Watch me and see for yourself who deserves to rule”

It was a bold statement, something that was expect of her. While Ryla looked cool on stage her heart was pounding while she gauged the reaction of the crowd. They seemed bored, something that was to expected. After all, neither of the candidates had said anything noteworthy the crowd was already beginning to disperse and she herself walked off the podium. She controlled pace, making a strong exit, making sure nobody saw that she was panicking internally. The extra time on the stage made her cheeks burn in embarrassment.

As she got of the stage she was greet by a familiar face.

“That’s was a boring speech” Gildron said smiling wryly

“Shut it” Ryla retorted.

She wasn’t in the mood for him to tease her. In a way Gildron had become like an annoying grandfather to her.

“Ah, the new girl is going up” Gildron said as he looked to the stage

[New girl… He can’t possibly mean “her” right?]

The girl in question was Fawk’s candidate. She was a mild-mannered girl but lacked the gravitas necessary to give a speech. Ryla looked to the stage in surprise as she saw the girl standing by the crystal.

She heard the girl speak.

“I know I don’t seem like much but I hope you all will be able to accept me. I come from a small village in Atlea, but I would say I am stronger than I look. I’m not a royal-like the others so I’m not very good with the public speaking thing. But, I have hopes dreams and aspirations like any other, I want to create a country where everybody can smile, A country where children can play and not worry about their lives, So please, even if you don’t right now. I’m not noble or regal like the others, but at the very least I hope you understand that I wouldn’t be a bad ruler as well.”

It was a good speech. Far better than Ryla expected. She was pleasantly surprise. What interested her more, was the face on the girl. She had a strong expression, her eyes hardened.

[Ah, I see.]

Ryla’s respect for the girl grew, not only because she realize their goals aligned but also because in the girl’s eyes she saw someone who was stronger than she looked.

“Fawk picked up and interesting one did he?” Gildron said commenting on the speech. His reaction was much more muted but he looked at the girl with interest.

It was proof enough that the girl was worth caring about. Gildron rarely gave anybody attention. He seemed to treat everybody like a nuisance unless it was related to Ryla.

“Mhmm, I guess it was good” Ryla felt a small glimmery burning in her heart.

[Damn you new girl]

The words were average but Ryla heard something in the speech.

[When children can play and not worry about their lives? That’s my dream too] Ryla thought, as she looked at the nervous Fawks.