The Sapphire Prince - Chapter 13

Azure’s POV

“So they’ve planned to settle this with the imperial council. I thought mother wouldn’t be so harsh as to impose the whole empire’s judgement on mere nobles, a monarch’s pride wouldn’t go such lengths to see a foe fail.” I bit my lip. I treaded slowly. Moving back and forth as I read the document.

My brain denied me panic as I knew it would happen. Lance reassessed his thoughts hiding his face behind his slim long fingers. He was disdained, snared and lost without his lucidity. He was being “that” again. Though why panic? Still very passionate of my name even in his adolescent…how admirable and yet so curious.

“Lance, your emotions are not granting you intelligence. Calm down.” I said as I settled beside him.

“I can’t, your majesty. I would like to do so as it would give you serenity but when I can’t make out why you’re tied into this mess, I can’t but help hypothesize unnecessary images.” He sighed. It was a heavy sigh, perhaps some steam went off along with that cold breath.

“Lance, I was given an audience with the imperial council from time to time. This isn’t new, and as I’ve said…I may be used as the council’s benefactor. Perhaps a last line currency,” Lance pressed his back on the sofa, he stretched his arms then he scratched his scalp.

“Don’t think much of it…You were not worried when the council met with the Cynthias long ago…Much difference I know but this is merely an antique of what the castle has to offer.” I added.

Silence. A welcoming silence. The soundless seams aroused the warmth felt in the moment. It brings back memories, sweet warm memories such as the the faded autumn fragrance carried by the northern gales. It speaks of romance but I denied the element of such. I spoke rationality wherever I may step, but it seems the amber sunlight distracted…maybe realigned my thoughts anew.

“Perhaps some nice apple will help you cheer up.” I stood up. There was a fair fruit basket on my desk. Supposed reservoirs from when I ought to skip my breakfast.

“Brings back old times doesn’t it?” He says.

“We aren’t even that old yet.” I answered.

“It may seem like a few weeks ago that we were skipping down the adamant river where you nearly drowned. Such carelessness, you even cried to the bone back then.” Lance laughed loudly.

“Oh man! You were crying about a fish which accidentally fell onto horse shit! AHAHAHAHA!” How obnoxious.

I ignored him and focused on the documents. He followed me started to creep quickly with the papers. Just like that, we were back at put usual state. I was scanning the introductions while he tried to correct some of his words and before we knew it, we had going through the papers.

“Yesterday, the council said that I was attending on your behalf and the session will continue later. You are sure to participate correct?” Lance asked.

“Yes, I have a few words to speak with the council as well. As the member of the imperial family, I’m servicing the council as a host rather than an attendee, and all hosts have a moment to speak their notions as passed by the head of the table.” I replied.

“I presume you weren’t given a time to speak because you were a subordinate of mine. If you were to press my authority to the edge, you would’ve gotten a chance to state an impactful notion.” I added.

A knock suddenly came. An unannounced visitor or perhaps a servant came by or maybe it’s one of father’s courtiers…

I looked at Lance.

“That would be Lady Mejava, your majesty. The wife of the current Marshall…” Lance replied.

I see. The very potent strategist from foreign borders. Recalling the summary, she was ought to deliver a note for the Queen. Given the specific instructions, it would take the lady half a day to reach the Queen’s castle and might I mention that the grounds and the slopes of the route were all muddy due to the storm a few days ago.

Maybe she didn’t left yet or perhaps-

“Young Azure, so as they say that the prince is as magnificent as ever.” She said, curtsying lowly as her heels would take. Her presence always seemed to get the best of me. I dropped my guard even lower as I approached the diplomat.

“You were taking too long in silence so I decided to open the door.” Lance shrugged.

“The young ember is as polite as well.”

Her attire begs me to dazzle. Though simple and very old-fashioned, Lady Mejava seems joyous in her attire, more than anything, her smile was as contagious.

“I came by to give you this on behalf of the military. A letter from the Queen, a reply for the imperials’ plea granting them a short audience regards the conflict.” She showed me a thick envelope.

“As you can see, the empress and the emperor’s offices are far from my workshop. My deepest apologies if I was a nuisance and I want to also inform you that I will not be attending the meeting on behalf of the military.” Lady Mejava lowered her head but she kept her grace and the simple gracious smile kept denying her sorry approach.

“May I ask? Lady Mejava how is you get to the Queen’s castle with haste?”

“I’m a warrior and a lady, a warrior’s nature is to efficiently adapt to any ground toggles. But I did had some difficulties along the way as I ventured at late dawn.” She replied.

Late dawn? So she did not announce to Aunt that she was coming. Knowing her background, she wouldn’t mind Lady Mejava’s company at all…

“There is not an emergency about the military right? if so, why not attend the meeting?” I asked.

“Its nothing of the sorts young monarch. I just happen to have a very pressing matter exclusively for my kit and expertise. To enlighten you further, someone has already volunteered to attend in my stead.” She answered.

“Ahhh yes…that sweet garden. Young ember, I mentioned her to you yesterday. Mayhaps that you will meet today of all days. I do beg your pardon once again your grace…” She added.

“It’s no trouble. If this mysterious figure is whom you trusts then I’m sure she can carry the same weight as you can, Lady Mejava”

A mysterious fellow…that might be untrustworthy. But it is a military personnel and one subordinate of Lady Mejava. I don’t want the issue to press more of the military faction an all this information must stay distant from the public eye…

“Have a good day, Lady Mejava.” Said Lance.

“Indeed I shall.” She replied, leaving.

After she met, I didn’t manage to obtain my adventurous thoughts and quickly took a peek at the letter…at least, I was suppose to.

“We will acknowledge that this piece of paper must be read first by the supreme monarch. Above all else Lady Mejava trusted us to present it dearly.” I leaned over and jumped to get the letter but because of Lance’s height, I got tired and decided to give up.

“It seems that the formal one decided on when to act playfully.” He joked placing the letter inside his pocket.

“How ironic coming from you. The Queen must’ve agreed to the proposal if Lady Mejava delivered it. Even I could see that those three women had very close pasts revolving around diplomacy…” I said.

When Miranda was crowned empress, Madelina, her sister was crowned Queen of the capital city. Miranda being the supreme monarch meant change on the imperial regime as she forged an alliance with Sancritus, a continent etched with religious attires with no monarchy but a pope to follow.

Her diplomatic prowess enabled the kingdoms to efficiently trade with foreign markets and even doubled the fortune of the imperial treasury. Agriculture prospered and even beggars had the chance to gain a noble title, she is the powerhouse of the kingdom’s wealth and still the iron grip of that land’s order.

“Yes, we all know of your mother’s great campaign. Madelina stayed dormant during the empress’ reign but how was lady Mejava interconnected with them again?” Lance yawned…

“Quite impressive, but I’ve heard that was long ago. Perhaps maybe half a century or so. Quite amazing how she never aged…” Lance said.

“The race living under Drearhiel has unique body compositions. I don’t know much about them but I did heard from one of my teachers that they physically age very slowly.” I laid my back on my office chair then continue to ȧssess why I can remember of he biography.

“And then what happened?” Lance asked.

Before I could answer, the mid-afternoon bell rang. It’s probably the best time to get ready. I held off my words and shrugged at Lance, though disappointed, he followed.

“Be ready, your majesty.” He said.

“I am.”