Husband With Benefits
Chapter 220: An Uncle

Chapter 220: An Uncle

"Princess Eleanora is arriving."

As the herald made this announcement, a room full of old men leaned forward, looking to see the girl they had been waiting for.

Eleanora walked into the room hesitantly and glanced at the new faces around her. It seemed that the time she had been given as a reprieve after her accident was now at an end. She looked at the Queen sitting at the table and smiled, only to receive a cold look.

It was only her uncle who stood up and smiled," Eleanora, please come on in. I understand watching us all staring at you is a little disconcerting but don’t worry."

She smiled at the man gratefully. Alexander Sterling was truly a wonderful man and she could understand why he was considered a diplomat. He was really good at making people comfortable. She’d met him soon after her accident and if not for him, she would have been at a loss in adjusting to the Sterling family.

It probably helped that little Dora looked a lot like her father...She smiled nervously at the man as he guided her to an empty seat, his reassuring smile a stark contrast to the stern expression of the so-called ministers.

An elderly man with a long white beard cleared his throat and addressed Eleanora, "Princess, we have gathered here today to discuss a matter of great importance. We understand that your health has taken a hit but we cannot delay the matter too long. It has been almost two years since the King passed away and no one has yet ascended to his rightful place. This is giving others a chance to spread rumours and unrest."

Another man with a bald head and pot belly chimed in, "We believe, Princess, that the rightful heir to the throne should be determined through a fair and just process," With his eyes fixed on her, he continued, "There are those among us who believe that you should contest for the throne."

Eleanora’s brows furrowed in confusion. "Contest? But I thought my cousin—"

The older interrupted, "Your cousin’s claim is not without dispute. Some members of the council believe that a fair competition would be the best way to ensure a just ruler ascends the throne."

Confused, Eleanora turned to her uncle. As far as she was aware, Evangeline was the rightful heir... Her uncle leaned close to her and," You are my older brother’s daughter. He was the crown prince and before me in line to the throne. In that sense, you gain seniority over Evangeline even though she is older. So, you are the first in line."

"But I don’t even remember who I am forget about taking on the responsibility of an entire country. And Dora has told me a lot about Evangeline’s achievements..."

Alexander Sterling looked at his niece carefully, trying to judge if she was only pretending to be against the idea or if she was serious and really disinterested in the throne. However, he only saw the honesty in her eyes.

Another lady minister with a slightly forwning face added, "We understand that this is a lot to take in. However, your presence here is crucial in deciding the fate of the Estania."

"This is preposterous! Evangeline has already done so much for the country and now you want to hand this country’s future to someone who has grown outside the country?" Queen Rosalind.

Alexander cleared his throat, trying to gesture to his mother to calm down, but before the queen could say more, Eleanora nodded," I think Queen Rosalind is correct. My cousin really has worked hard and earned the love and trust of the people of Estania. If I try to take her place, it would not be fair to her..."

"Princess Evangeline has done well over the years but she was given the opportunity to and training to do so. On the other hand, we would also like to offer you the same opportunities. It is only fair to Estania that both the princesses be given equal opportunities."

Eleanora opened her mouth, ready to protest when Alexandar Sterling caught her hand under the table to stop her. She looked at her uncle in confusion but did not speak a word. However, she did not need to.

The ministers were already shouting at each other," Princess Evangeline is also being wronged in this."

"This is preposterous. No one is saying that she shouldn’t. We are just saying that Princess Eleanora also deserves a chance."

"But there is no need. Evangeline is already perfect. Why do you want to challenge that?"

As Eleanora looked at the room which had erupted into a heated discussion, she could not help but look around in confusion. These people invited her here to join in the discussion but were not shouting at each other like monkeys. Did they even look like respectable ministers? She almost expected them to start scratching at each other at any moment.

While everyone was busy shouting, Alexander Sterling whispered to her, "Eleanora, for now, tell them you are open to their suggestions but since you have been sick, you need time to familiarize with the kingdom before you can even consider becoming their leader. Convince them to give you some time..."

"But..." Eleanora protested but before she could say more, her uncle had already leaned away from her and banged a gavel on the table calling for silence.

With a frown, Eleanora stood up and spoke quietly," I understand all that you have said and thank you all for your trust in me and your consideration. May I suggest a compromise? Like you all know, Evangeline has been trained for this and understands the responsibilities and duties that come with the throne. But I am unaware of them. So before I even consider contesting for the throne, I ask you that you give me some more time to understand this?"

The queen snorted and snidely spoke, "You really are like your mother. She too could not resist and offer for power or money."

Eleanora frowned while her uncle sent a hard glance his mother’s way.

"Princess Eleanora, we understand this, but we cannot leave the throne empty endlessly..."

Eleanora nodded and proposed, " But my uncle has been acting as the Prime Minister for some time and I don’t think the country has suffered that much. He is much more experienced than me or my cousin. So, he can just act as the Regent for the time being..."

As Eleanora sat down, Alexander Sterling looked at his niece with surprise and a hint of respect. He had not expected her to be so clear-headed about this...However, even as he understood this, he knew that the few people who were trying to gain their own motives, would not be happy about this..."

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