Pleasing The Queen — Selina Coffey

With Ellieth married to Savin, the Elven prince, Alina is now in line to inherit the throne. She doesn't give it much thought...until a tragic accident takes both of her parents and forces her to ascend the throne at the age of eighteen. Now Alina is relying on old school lessons she always hated as she struggles to keep the merchants and nobles happy, and ensure the prosperity of the human kingdom. But although Alina displays a natural talent for politics, she is still grieving her parents and she is desperately lonely. The nobles jostle for position endlessly, Ellieth's visit home will soon end, and when Alina sees her sister's marital bliss, she is reminded that she has no one to rely upon. When her advisors start hassling her about marrying, Alina is only too happy to consider their suggestions. Unfortunately, they only have one candidate, and it's a man she despises - and as Alina tries to consider other men for her consort, her advisors become increasingly threatening. Soon, Alina wonders whether her advisors have the best interests of her country at heart...and whether the death of her parents was even an accident. Author's Note: This is a 10,000 word short story. Story contains mature language and themes, intended for adults only