She kept an expressionless facade, raising a brow at the king. "A woman is just as capable as a man in many things." She raised her brow slightly and glanced at Lili. "Your kingdom can learn, just as mine did. My kingdom is prospering, and my kingdom has known peace. And last I recalled, it was your kingdom reaching out to us. My brothers are all married or off on some adventure so I am here to help your kingdom prosper. I can leave if need be, but know that I've grown rather attached to Lili, so I might just bring her to my kingdom and wed her anyways." She says firmly, no room for further argument.
(ap lit exam has destroyed my entire week lol) Lili looked over at Ana in awe. Almost forgetting that her father was right there. The king froze for a moment. Knowing that she was right. Lili sent him a quick warning look. Praying that he chooses his next words carefully. She wouldn't hesitate to go with Ana but she also didn't want to leave her kingdom without a future ruler. "Very well then. We'll bring this up with the council and you two can bring up your arguments. Princess Anastasia, you may speak about your kingdom and how they have… handled these kinds of situations before. Now, why don't we eat?" Lili let out a breath. It could have been better but it also could have been so much worse.
(Oof, felt that. You good?) Ana kept a cool expression the entire time she was talking with the king. She was gentle when she wanted to be, but growing up with multiple brothers and knew many things about her kingdom and others, made her a powerful adversary that one normally wouldn't mess with. She made it very clear that no one was going to get in her way. Her eyes narrowed at the kings words, but she let it go for now. "Thank you for the meal." She gently squeezed Lili's hand reassuringly before setting off to eat after the king had eaten. She ate quietly and elegantly. She hummed and looked over at Lili and then the king. She was ready to get to business. She was here for a reason after all.
(yah I'm good) Lili's shoulders relaxed slightly when she felt Ana squeeze her hand. They ate there food in silence. The king making no effort to start a conversation. Shen he finished her waved for a servant to clean up and then turned to Lili. "Lili stay behind for a moment while a servant accompanies Anastasia to her room to get ready. If you don't have any questions we'll see you in a bit in the Council room Princess." Lili tried not to physically tense up as she nodded.
Ana finished after a little while and glanced at the king. "I can handle myself, thank you your highness." She stood slowly and dusted off her dress. "I will be at the council room shortly." She glanced at Lili and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before bowing and moving to her room. She moved to her room and inhaled softly. This kingdom was definitely going to be a work in progress but that would be fine. She got dressed and ready to go.
About 20 minutes later Lili appeared at Ana's door. Knocking softly. She looked okay if not a bit jittery. If you looked a little closer tho you'd see that her makeup was smudged a bit on her eyes. After Ana left her and her father had a talk. One that Lili left crying but she made sure any signs were gone. She used the excuse of walking Ana down to get away.
No one could fool Ana when it came to crying. She had siblings after all. She allowed Lili inside, shutting the door gently behind her before wrapping Lili into a hug. "Your eyes are puffy, Lili." She murmured gently, running her hand through Lili's hair. She pressed a soft kiss to Lili's forehead, her eyes softening a little bit as she held the smaller girl. "What did your father do." She muttered.
Lili looked down mentally swearing. She thought she had calmed down enough it wouldn't be noticeable. "God nothing I'm just too emotional. I shouldn't let what he says get to me," Her voice was low. Leaning into Lili's touch. "He's just so stupid and bitter." She it her lip slightly shaking her head. "We need to go soon."
Ana glanced over her and gently cupped her cheek. "There is nothing wrong with being emotional, emotions are what keep us human. As long as we learn how to harness our emotions and trust our intuition, we will always managed to forge a path forward, Lili." She mutters gently. "Your father may be bitter and as you put it stupid, so let him. The bitterness will get him nowhere. You have already decided to move forward, and I will be by your side." She assures quietly.
Lili nodded leaning into the touch. Taking a deep breath. "You're right. Thank you. I'm going to go use your restroom and then we can go okay?" Her hand went up over Ana's for a moment before stepping back. She went to the restroom and came back a moment later looking a bit better. She was not going to let anyone on the council see her upset.
She smiled softly and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. "It's going to be alright." She assured quietly. "It's alright." She murmured quietly, and smiled. She waited as Lili cleaned herself up before moving to her side again. "We'll get through this together. Know that I am on your side." She assured quietly and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Let's get going then." She gently guides Lili out of her room and down the halls. She had already pretty much remembered the hallways now.
Lili put on a smile and nodded. Taking a deep breath as they made it closer to the meeting room. Once inside they were faced with a dozen old men. They weren't late but they were defiantly the last to arrive. The chatter in the room died down as everyone stared. The king stood up and cleared his through. "Council this is princess Anastasia Morozov. The youngest of the Morozov's. Why don't you two take a seat?" He gestured to two empty chairs close to himself at this long table.
Ana squeezed her hand reassuringly. It'll be okay, she silently promised. Things would work out. She glanced around the room with her usual cold expression, her chin held high and her eyes daring anyone to question her. She bowed her head faintly at the introduction, just enough to be polite, but harsh enough that no one would dare speak out against her. She guides Lili to the seat closest to her father, pressing a gentle kiss to Lili's hand before pulling out the chair for her. She was not afraid of the council. They had nothing over her head.
