Elizabeth Pamu's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Elizabeth Pamu adjusted her glasses and squared her shoulders before the council chamber doors. She needed the royal advisors to take her seriously. Last month, they'd laughed when she warned them about the sugar shortage threatening Gummy Bear Cove. Today, she would make them listen. The doors swung open to reveal the capital building where advisors gathered each morning. Pastel walls curved upward in cheerful arcs, decorated with bow patterns and circular designs. Elizabeth clutched her folder of evidence. Inside were charts tracking sugar supplies, letters from merchants, and calculations proving her predictions correct. The advisors sat at a long table, already reviewing other matters. She approached the table and spread out her documents. Three advisors glanced up with tired eyes. Elizabeth pointed to her charts and explained how the shortage had begun exactly as she'd warned. The head advisor yawned. She pulled out receipts from the town market showing doubled candy prices. Another advisor shuffled papers. Her voice grew louder as she described families struggling to afford basic sweets. The head advisor finally raised a hand to stop her. He admitted they'd received reports confirming the shortage. Elizabeth's chest tightened with hope. But then he waved her away, saying they'd handle it from here. She gathered her papers slowly, her jaw set firm. They'd heard her this time, even if they wouldn't admit she'd been right. It was a start, and she'd be back with her next warning until they learned to listen the first time.