Kingdom of Betrayal

I'm sitting on the throne in the throne room with my heart pondering to the point where I can actually hear it, but there's only one thought in my head right now.

This throne is so uncomfortable.

How did Romero spend hours sitting on here without batting an eye? If he can do it, surely can I even though there's a part of me that's doubt it. I give the guard at the doors a nod and he opens the doors to the throne room and I dig my nails into my hands, forcing myself not to panic when I see all the people. My eyes dart to Hayden and he gives me a nod of reassurance and I find myself relaxing a tad bit before clearing my throat "Who's first?"

An old man steps forward and I immediately feel bad knowing he walked all the way from town up to castle for this. "Your Grace, I would like to discuss matters concerning the livestock"

I nod "I'm listening"

"Well there aren't many in town and it has left many people hungry" he says and some people murmur their agreement "I assume you already have a plan in order to handle it before we're left in poverty?"

Everyone looks expectantly at me and I take a deep breath.

How did I not know this?

I tap my nails on my thigh as a million thoughts run through my head before saying "I'll have it sorted by the end of the day"

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say because everyone either scoffs or sends glares my way. The old man bows respectfully, even though I can see his glare "My queen"

He steps back into the crowd and a young woman steps forward next, she doesn't waste any time in jumping to her issue "The lives of the woman who works in the brothel are in danger, because not only does men pay them less than the agreed amount but also threaten them about it" I open my mouth but she cuts me off "This is not the first time I've raised these concerns nor am I the first woman to come forward about it"

I've really isolated myself in this castle these past ten years that I know nothing of what's happening outside of the castle walls.

"I'll discuss it with my council to find a solution"

She scoffs "That's what your husband has been saying for months"

Oh, low blow.

"Well I'm not my husband. And I said I'll find a solution for you. And I will." I glance around "I'll find a solution for everyone. Mark my words"

They don't seem convinced, but that's okay. I'll just have to show them.