"Your Grace? Snow White?" Snow White shook her head, clearing away the day dreams.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" She saw most of her lords shake their heads and glance at one another with weary faces. She could see the doubts and worries about her abilities to rule a kingdom playing out across their faces, warring with the knowledge that she was their true king's sole heir. Snow White looked to her left where Duke Hammond sat.

"We were speaking of the lords who have yet to send word to the castle of their loyalties and what we should do about such … loose ends." The Duke explained.

"I see …" she looked about the room for a moment before the Duke spoke up once again.

"Perhaps we should adjourn this court for the time being. We have already dealt with the most pressing matters. The rest will hold until the morrow. With your leave, Your Majesty." Duke Hammond bowed to her, but the act was mere formality for many knew that the Duke was Snow White's key advisor. What he suggested as the 'best course of action', Snow White more often than not took his word as golden truth.

"Of course, Duke Hammond, til the morrow." She raised her chin and watched her sworn liege lords file out of the archway and into the hall beyond. Guards were stationed on either side of the door, but once the last lord had exited Snow White waved a hand to tell the guards to leave as well. They closed the doors behind them on their way out.

With the heavy doors shut, Snow White let her chin drop and her shoulders sag. The weight of her crown feeling all the heavier.