The Sapphire Prince - Chapter 22

Azure’s POV

“Are you sure it’s ok for other personnel to hear this?” Lance asked referring to Lady Mejava’s children.

“They won’t be a problem. My little pretties don’t spread the word quite often unless necessary. In fact never at all.” Lady Mejava replied.

Lance was half satisfied with that answer. I could see him fidget with his nails. His anxiety overtime have grown to be more obvious. With so many things going on simultaneously, it was to be expected that either mentalities or sociology would remain the same. Granting that the turmoil right now wouldn’t dissolve as easy.

“To summarize the things happened, let’s start with the emperor’s choice. Which is to execute his first campaign involving a military state rotation. Your majesty, What do you think of this?” She asks.

“The state rotation is a great start. Father’s purpose is to diminish held power from the nobilities.”

“This campaign would very much benefit the monarchy, but it would also delay peace as the nature of this plan is to expect that the other side will surrender and well…” I glanced to the side before starting to picture the former Sir Cacious in his heyday.

He surrendered almost to no one. I believe that Father and him quite have a history so to speak and in their beliefs, one’s pride should topple the other as men of power, all they could ever think about was to bend existing problems using all the resources their dignity could carry.

“…And there,” She whispered listing her quill before beaming again.

“And about the empress’ plan-” I raised my hand for her to stop.

“I’d want to hear your opinion first on my father’s propaganda before we go to mother’s topic.” I said lowering my arm.

Lady Mejava for some reason, relaxed at the sight. As one of the military bodies, shouldn’t she be atleast more concerned than this? Though I’d presume her position is not as strong as the marshall…She beamed at me, removing her indie white gloves before turning to the side to face an open window.

“To be honest, your majesty. I recognize the same young spirit in his eyes to which he calls it “bloodlust” But I know him for the child he is. His propaganda resembles that of a child with new toys. He doesn’t know what he’s doing and despite that, he hides it so marvelously.” She explained.

Child? He’s referring to my father as a child?

“His plan is intelligent but I agree with your part. The typical cycle of diplomatic depression starts with a conflict, ending after years as byproduct of neither surrender. I believe even in Whereana’s power and Rochileu’s luxury…” Lady Mejava then started to reminisce as seen in the glow of her emerald eyes blending with warmth as her lips favored her a smile.

“I would like to see that these people live long not experiencing the same sequence of chaos Including you, your grace.” She said.

The young Hallvadurs stopped for moment. The stir paused and the girl’s warmth broke down to pieces exchanging for a gloomy ambience.

“You’re very smart in Whereanean history. I’m sure you’ve taken note about several wars and their lengths, the gradual turmoil between two parties and the breakage of citizen lifestyle…” Lady Mejava stayed silent for a moment before she laid back taking a long sigh.

“Now don’t be sad. The gloom of yesterday won’t be inherited by the present. I do apologize if I spoke way out of my professional grounds and saddened the ambience.” She said brushing off her gloves to the near edge of her desk.

A moment of silence before Lance. As expected, he knew how to release a bit of tension from the atmosphere.

“Uhmm…Why do you call the emperor a child?” He asked to which I was also curious of.

“It was a figure of speech.” She replied.

“Now about the empress’ plan. I’m quite curious.” Lance sat excitedly like a puppy waiting for a treat.

“Yes of course. The empress proposed that the young Azure would promise himself to one of the Cynthias. It’s an easy settlement, if of course the prince would comply.” Lady Mejava then started to take notes even without looking at the paper.

Lance’s excitement faded.

“When was this discussed?” He asked.

“Now they have some bent idea of political immunity. It isn’t exactly the common diplomatic protection we see up to date. As the Cynthias’ ancestors have requested that they would not be charged of anything from the hand of the crown including all monarchies in the imperial state regardless of anything.” She explained.

“…And the first imperial monarch approved of such without thinking of the consequences. Of course, the first monarch was a warlord rather than a politician. He was confused if anything clueless about what power he had given to the Cynthias.” Lady Mejava then looked the me, she bent down once again. Laying her head on laced knuckles before continuing.

“Saying that, her majesty wishes for the young Azure to engage one of the Cynthias in the hopes of reconciliation. Of course with the argument, fixed marriage would be very very unlikely.” Lance paused in crossing his arms stating his dominance in the argument.

“So the empress wishes for Azure to court the one of the Cynthias? And how would that be possible if Cacious’ eyes are fixed overseeing his clan’s progress?” He asked.

“The empress have forbid me to express further than the surface. That’s all there is to it by words.” Lady Mejava then hid her notebook in a drawer.

Lance was unsatisfied, he became gloomy a bit furious even. Frankly, he was even more stressed than I am for some reason. What’s wrong with him?

“From what I could see in the empress’ side is that she wants to go with the most humble solution. But my opinion won’t matter as much as yours your majesty. This settlement is raw material, so the empress’ progress won’t be as thorough now as it will be after a few more days.” Lady Mejava explained.

“Why do you need this again?” Lance asked.

“Need what?”

“I have my reasons. This discussion isn’t between any political matters per say.” She answered.

“So you’re entertaining your personal means and I might speak jerkish, but you do realize that he still the imperial monarch. Reserve no information as you are too serving the crown.” Lance stated unaware of the disrespect he was spouting.

“Lance…Back off.” I followed. With that, Lance silenced himself but the room tensed heavily.

“I cannot disclose much, I may act suspicious but truly I mean no harm. I’m serving my purpose and that’s why we’re here today. You would find me as a military head behaving by the standards of specific ideals.” She answered.

I won’t ask for anything further. Truly my opinions won’t matter, so Lance’s short snap didn’t mean anything. Lady Mejava could freely do anything with he words I gave, the last I would expect her to do is to serve it on the enemy table.

“Oh goodness the afternoon bell. Your majesty, young Lance. If you’ll excuse me.” Lady Mejava stood up by the sound of the afternoon bell. She along with her children followed.

“Where are all of you going?” I asked.

“Well, usually by the spring of the bell. We’d be put and about the marketplace looking for ingredients. Though it’s been long since I’ve tasted my husband’s cooking, I believe I can try to replicate his dishes.” Lady Mejava beamed making her way to the door.

“Doesn’t your mansion have servants who do that for you?”

“Last time we hired a servant, he developed insomnia and lost his mind inside the house. We had to pay his medical bills, and through the Vander Asylum. He won’t be the same again though.” Sir Calcifleur added.

“Oh and your majesty. I’d humbly ask for your favor as to write me a letter of criticizing your mother’s proposal. I’d make sure to read it immediately.” She said as she curtsied.

I nodded and smiled at her. She waved goodbye and without any more formalities, they left Lance and I in the silence of heir office laboratory. Now that we’re alone…

“Was your anger really necessary. You don’t quite trust her do you?” I asked moving closer to Lance.

“I do trust her. She’s been very friendly towards us but when it comes to you-I mean…when it comes to us?” Lance flushed in red as his face subsided, hiding his cheeks acting so curiously.

“Whatever it is, you need to improve it. I can’t have you speaking on my behalf next time we meet another household head. Now we better head off, I need to sleep before tonight.” I said standing up before fixing my chair. My eyes looked at Lance who was thinking deeply after choking.

I stroked his scalp before scratching it gently. The warm light decorated by flying dust had us Tangled in the moment. The silence, and the sound of faint metal swinging, Lady Mejava’s room was better in solitude rather than mine.

The grandfather clock integrated with the bookshelf just ticked while the mysterious bird noises continued wherever it’s coming from.

“Remember to dress lightly tonight. We’ll be there for a while.” I said walking to the door.

He then raised my chin, moving his own face closer where I could feel his breath more than the sweat falling down my spine. I gulped for a moment before he mȯȧnėd, I held back my yawn in response before his mouth could open another time, I spoke the foreword.

“Lance I don’t need your comfort right now. It’s easy for your hand to make me feel calm but I just want to take a break and sleep for later.” I said turning back to the opening leaving Lance rejected amidst the air. I walked out knowing Lance didn’t follow me. Honestly…that guy.

“Your grace….”