I would like to meet her first before I can't even think about accepting her as my Bride(no immediate negative or positive opinion gained)

"Well, luckily for you I have already thought of such a thing. The dear Princess Cecilia Will be arriving in a week, where you will meet and discuss things further while I’m away. Until then, I suggest you continue to work hard and not do anything that will anger or surprise the princess, for your sake and mine.”

“While you’re away?”

“Yes, the king did ask for an army and with me as it’s head, he wanted someone he knew and trust to be leading it." He said, getting up from his seat, walk to the wall behind him and take a beautifully crafted sword from a hook on it before doing a few light swings with it. “Until my return I name you, acting-lord of Meadowbrook."

You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding as Father sheathed the sword and turned to leave, leaving the room with a wave.

Acting-lord? Essentially meaning you have full rains of the Duchy until your fathers return.Well, that's something you'll have to think about, and quickly.

You were so preoccupied that you didn’t even hear Skadi storming out of the room, probably still in rage about something.

But you weren’t worried about that.

No you were focused on fact that you have finally been given the power you needed to make the changes you wanna make. You have your chance now, your first real chance. Soon you'll have a say in the political scene of the land of your birth. Things you've only ever seen from a distance. You're excited.

And when your father returns home from war and sees the Duchy thriving and the people happy, maybe, just maybe he’ll have an early retirement and handed the title of actual Duchy ruler. If not then at lest an acknowledgement that your way is the best and that you deserve more than your share of power for all of your hard work.

A Great big smile then appeared upon your face as thought about this new future.

Soon, ooh very soon, your name will be known across the realm. You'll make a name for yourself and your hard work will be rewarded. You'll make those you call friends and foes alike fear you.

But before that, preparation. Every good steward does preparation and you are no exception. You head to the room, grappling your already prepared plans as you were ready to begin your Ultimate dream!