Sorry for the delay. I have to admit I've had most of this chapter were written for months but I just haven't been able to dedicate the time to get it post worthy. Personally, I am finishing up my degree so bare with me as my free time is limited! As always, thank you to those of you who have favourited, followed, and reviewed!

It's time to break the news! Will the kingdom accept the Kings choice in naming Meliodas as his successor?

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Seven Deadly Sins or its characters. I am simply borrowing them for my pleasure as well as yours.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this worked up before Veronica," Margaret said as she watched her sister pace the perimeter of the study.

"What the hell is taking them so long? It's been almost an hour!" Patience was never Veronicas best quality. She tried to calm herself by sitting on one of the big leather chairs. It was only a few seconds before she stood to pace again. When Veronica got worked up it was hard for her to relax. She envied her sister Margaret for always being able to keep a level head no matter the situation. Sparring with Griamore was Veronicas favourite way to expel her pent up energy. Although he always won, she enjoyed the challenge. Ever since she was seven, Veronica loved swordplay. However, being the second princess of Liones made finding a willing sparring partner difficult. When Griamore was first assigned to be Veronicas protector she begged him to teach her how to fight properly. After months of persistence, Griamore agreed to teach her. Being able to defend and protect herself with a weapon gave Veronica a sense of power and freedom, unlike anything she ever felt before. Now as she waited for her sister Elizabeth and the future King of Liones she felt powerless. Unable to ensure her sister's happiness unsettled Veronica in a way she never thought possible. Since Elizabeth ran away from the Kingdom, Veronica promised herself she would never let anyone or anything cause one of her sisters to leave the palace again. Even though Elizabeth seemed content in her resolve, Veronica wanted nothing more than to her sister truly happy.

"Relax Veronica, Elizabeth promised that she'd present Fathers successor to us. I'm sure they're just getting acquainted with one another." Margaret knew her sister well enough to know that until Elizabeth walked through the door, Veronica would be on edge. She didn't handle stress well. Being the eldest, Margaret was expected to be the strong one for her sisters. When their mother died she was the one to comfort them. Their father kept himself busy to deal with his grief. That left Margaret to comfort her sisters alone. Gilthunder was always her soft place to fall. When she needed him he did his best to be there for her. Even after they were being watched, Margaret knew everything Gilthunder did was for her. She could empathize with the guilt he carried. Knowing that allowed her heart to let him go when he told her he was leaving the kingdom to repent.

Growing up, Margaret and Veronica always had someone other than their sisters to turn to. Since Elizabeth was always with her father or one of her sisters, it didn't seem necessary to assign her a protector. Seeing Elizabeth with Meliodas, Margaret and Veronica saw that in their short time together the two had formed a similar bond that they shared with their protectors. Wanting nothing but their sister's happiness, they hoped that whoever their father chose to be his successor he would be willing to lay down his life for Elizabeth the way their defenders would.

Elizabeth and Meliodas walked down the hall hand and hand. The study was on the other side of the castle, offering Elizabeth and Meliodas a few more precious moments to be alone before breaking the news of their engagement. Elizabeth promised her sister they would be the first to know. She knew they would be overjoyed for her. However, when she thought about breaking the news to the Sins, Elizabeth was a little more than nervous. "Sir Meliodas?"

"There's no need to be so formal when it's just us Elizabeth," Meliodas replied.

"What would you like me to call you then?" Elizabeth could feel her cheeks heat. She couldn't explain why but the thought of having a casual relationship with Meliodas made her blush.

"Meliodas is fine but we can discuss adorable pet names for each other later tonight." Meliodas teased.

Elizabeth giggled. Hearing her laugh was like music to his ears. The past few days had been filled with mixed emotions. Now that his feelings for her were out in the open, Meliodas allowed himself to relax and really enjoy her company. Although his world as he knew it was being turned upside down, his heart warmed to the idea of marrying Elizabeth and accepting any responsibilities that might accompany their union. As long as they were together.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile so brightly," Elizabeth said as she tightened her grip on their intertwined hands. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing in particular. I'm just happy." Meliodas replied without meeting her gaze. "Did you have something else you wanted to say before I interrupted you?"

Elizabeth paused before answering. "Well, I was just thinking. We're going to announce our engagement to my sister, my father is telling his counselors now, and once the city is fully restored father will announce our engagement to the Kingdom correct?"

"That's what Baltra told me this morning," Meliodas replied. "Why is there a problem?"

"Well… Shouldn't we share the news with Hawk and the others?"

"Actually, Hawk and Bane already know so it's only a matter of time before everyone's caught up."

"What! But shouldn't they hear it from us?"

"We can head over to the Boar Hat after we tell your sisters if you want to tell them yourself?" Although that is what Elizabeth wanted she couldn't shake her nerves.

"Or not." Meliodas quickly added after seeing her face drop. "Whatever you want to do we'll do."

"Its just… I don't want everyone to hate me! You said before I came along you were trying to get the Seven Deadly Sins back together and now that you almost have everyone together again I'm going to be taking you away! You won't be able to live at the Boar Hat since I'm sure Father will want you to move into the palace and…" Elizabeth's rant was cut short by Meliodas dragging her down into a swooping kiss. His kiss was tender but passionate and left her breathless.

Meliodas was first to break the kiss only to rest his forehead atop of hers. "Stop." Although his voice was soft his tone was firm. "You have done nothing to make anyone hate you. Instead, you have made their Captain undeservingly happy. So don't entertain the thought another minute." Meliodas helped Elizabeth back on her feet and they resumed walking towards the study. Elizabeth was still slightly light headed from his kiss but Meliodas held one arm securely around her waist guiding her forward.

King Baltra hated large council meetings. He enjoyed talking to most of the members in small gatherings and only a few one on one. However, when they all got together in a room, things often got ugly quickly. The fifteen clergymen and the fifteen nobles that made up his counsel were all seated at the long rectangular desk in the council room yelling over one another to try and get their sentiments heard.

"What do you mean you already chose your successor? I thought we agreed in our last meeting we would hold a tournament and the winner would marry one of your daughters?" Shouted Sir Randy.

"It would take too long to arrange such an event and the people need assurance now." Sir Randy was always one of the Kings least favourites. His reputation as a drunk and womanizer was well known among the members of high court however his family name got him out of most of his stannous encounters.

"I agree with King Baltra. The people need to know the kingdom is in good hands. Most of the kingdom now view the Seven Deadly Sins as heroes. It's wise to name their Captain the next King of Liones." Bishop Francis was the eldest member of the clergy and the Kings most trusted advisor.

"Although the Sins did prove themselves, they were labelled criminals for a decade. I'm sure there will be many who are not pleased with this decision. I do not think it's wise to announce this decision to the people yet. If Sir Meliodas is your choice, we need to work on his image before we share the news to the people." Sir Monty was one of the wealthiest nobles at the table. He owned monopolies in most of Liones trading goods and always knew the best business moves for the kingdom.

"Once a criminal always a criminal in the eyes of the people!" Shouted Sir Cordon. "Nothing we say or do will ever make a member of the Seven Deadly Sins worthy of the Crown of Liones. I agree with our original plan to hold a tournament. That is what the people would expect!"

"I think you might be on to something Sir Cordon." Brother Raft was one of the youngest members of the counsel. "We could still hold the tournament and with Sir Meliodas' strength no one would be able to beat him!"

"That is enough." Interrupted Baltra. "I was never keen on the idea of a tournament and now there is no need for one. I did not hold this meeting to debate the matter. We decided to hold a tournament before we had a suitable candidate and before Hendrickson manipulated this kingdom to believe I was on my death bed. I understand Hendrickson sent most of you out on missions and the news of my supposed illness took time to reach most of you. However, that is in the past. Today I announce to you that Sir Meliodas, Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins has accepted my offer. The particulars on how we share this news with the kingdom is the topic for debate in this meeting. Anyone who disagrees with my decision can hand in their resignation to this counsel effective immediately and may excuse themselves from this table." Baltra paused so glare at each of the men sitting before him. Half seemed shocked by the Kings firmness while the others avoided the Kings gaze. Only Bishop Francis met the Kings gaze with a short smile and a nod of encouragement. After a few minutes of silence, Baltra continued. "Since none of you have left the room I take it we may resume today's meeting to discuss how we will present Sir Meliodas as the future King of Liones."

AN

First, I want to start off by saying I struggled with this chapter a lot and rewrote it many times before I came up with this. When I wrote the last chapter I was about to start exams and I really wanted to publish the next chapter before I got very busy. While I am happy with how it turned out I found it hard to pick up where I left off. This chapter was not the most suspenseful chapter but I wanted to lay the groundwork for the coming chapters. I felt like I needed a chapter with more character development then plot and after going in many directions I am very happy with the way this chapter turned out.

Second, this final semester is proving to be more challenging than I anticipated so bare with me as updates will be slower than I would like. I do take a lot of time with my chapters and I really love this story!

Third, a very special thank you to LightTheFlame who has created a cover for The Title! It turned out wonderfully and I appreciate the time you took to work on this for me!