Bridging Worlds: Book 1 Celestoria's Time

-Conference Room in Celestoria Palace-

In the opulent confines of the Celestoria Palace's conference room, Queen Melisandre took her seat at the head of a grand table, encircled by the council members. A palpable tension permeated the air as the destiny of the kingdom teetered on the edge of uncertainty.

Queen Melisandre, her regal presence undiminished despite the heavy burden she bore, addressed the assembly. "My esteemed council, I appreciate your presence here today. As we mourn the loss of King Altair, we must address the crucial matter of his successor. Prince Oberon and Prince Draken are indeed worthy candidates, but I fear they are not yet ready to bear the weight of the crown."

Lord Aric, a staunch supporter of Queen Melisandre, lent his voice to her cause. "I agree with our regent. The transition to the throne is a delicate affair, and we must prioritize the stability and prosperity of Celestoria over hasty decisions."

Yet, Lord Caelum, an advocate for Princes Oberon and Draken, voiced a differing opinion. "With all due respect, Queen Melisandre, the kingdom cannot afford a prolonged period without a ruler. We need a strong leader to guide us through these uncertain times, and both princes have been groomed for this responsibility."

Queen Melisandre, maintaining her composure, calmly responded, "I understand the urgency, but we mustn’t let fear dictate our choices. There is an alternative, a candidate who, despite not conforming to tradition, may be the best choice for Celestoria."

The ever-curious Lord Theron inquired, "And who might that be, Your Majesty?"

A smile played on the queen's lips as she revealed her proposition. "My niece, Princess Freia. I have had the privilege of raising her since she was a child, and she has grown into a woman of great knowledge, compassion, and strength. Freia possesses the wisdom and kindness needed for a ruler, and she has been groomed under my guidance."

Council members, like Lord Cedric, expressed surprise at the unconventional suggestion. "A princess as the heir? Traditionally, it has always been a male successor."

Queen Melisandre stood firm, "Tradition is not infallible. We must adapt to the changing needs of our kingdom. Princess Freia has demonstrated a deep understanding of our people’s needs, and she has the potential to lead with grace and strength."

Skepticism arose among some council members, with Lord Theron expressing concerns about such a radical shift. Queen Melisandre asserted, "Desperate times call for bold measures. The well-being of Celestoria should be our utmost priority. If the council deems it necessary, we can work together to implement these changes for the greater good."

Not all were convinced, and Lord Regulus resisted the idea, stating, "But females have never ruled in our history. It goes against everything we stand for."

Queen Melisandre reminded them, "Our duty is to the people, not tradition. If Princess Freia can lead with strength and wisdom, does her gender truly matter?"

The room erupted into murmurs, signaling the deep divide among the council members. The debate intensified, with conflicting opinions echoing off the adorned walls.

In the midst of the heated discussion, a sudden announcement disrupted the proceedings. A eunuch revealed the unexpected presence of Consort Rosenda, the concubine of the late King Altair and mother of the princes. The room fell into a hushed silence as Consort Rosenda entered, her gaze fixed on Queen Melisandre, setting the stage for a clash of opposing forces.