The Sapphire Prince - Chapter 9

The majesties gathered at one table. Two supreme monarchs were present, all in awe with a bitter taste upon the wind. The emperor and the empress stared numbly at each other waiting for the last invited officer to sit down.

“Formalities due are required for this meeting. So before we commence. Let us acknowledge the supreme monarchs for their presence and efforts belonging to the crown.” Said Sir Hugo proudly.

Both the supreme leaders wanted to spare introductions. Wasting time over recognition where all their faces and ċȧrėss have already been known. Where every individual sings of their achievements and curse at their failure. Wasted seconds, their mind registered.

“Miranda Castille De Bleu Catharia. Empress, and the current successor of the traditional and original dynasty of the empire.”

Ah yes, the dynasties. Miranda Castille was a very omnipotent monarch who hated warfares and gallantly pursued a passion for weaving, literature, and music.

Wherein his husband, Claudius, balanced the system with his iron grip over the military regime. Though the two shared different aspects revolving around the country, the two get along well knowing one wouldn’t go without the other.

“Spare me my side and get on with it. We know who I am and wasn’t it a very obvious call when we step into this meeting.” The emperor gave a half shrug, nearly yawning as he crossed his legs.

“We shall proceed with the formalities. If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep some things unchanged while we are in my specific palace.” The empress said smiling.

“Don’t we need to hurry with this?” The emperor ġrȯȧnėd.

“Follow my rules oh fair little cloud. Though I would also love to scrimp out time, I’d like it where everything goes out the way everything is intended. You understand correct?” The empress pushed a faintly aggressive touch upon the emperor’s shoulder.

She whispered while Sir Hugo stood, nearly suffocating himself from what he thought could be an embarrassment.

After the fair share of formal conduct, they proceed to the actual hearing. Where all is discussed and questioned, cursed, or acknowledged.

The table was very messy, the monarchy itself was in chaos. Let us consider that if the Noble’s happen to be successful in rebellion, the sovereignty would be as well shattered.

“We are about to discuss the opposing force of our local noble houses including House Cynthia, House Derland so ranging until the House Bourbeux.”

“As we all know from the documents passed and presented to our supreme leaders. They will take consideration of retreat if the monarchs and the nobles siding with us accept their requests and proposals whatever this may be.” Sir Hugo explained.

“Due to the imbalance amidst the nobilities, political unrest and civil war might be possible, though mild and currently restrained, the supreme monarchs decided not to tax Rochileu, proceeding to help the second family of the Bleu Dynasty.” He added.

The Bleu Dynasty revolves around both the royal family of Rochileu and the imperials. Drawn apart in history, but the two monarchical alliances share blood the same akin to siblings. The second family, referring to the Queen who is the sister of the current empress successor.

“Many young noble houses were stripped of their riches. Our noble houses encountered loss of servants and their territory was apprehended by the docs of the rebellious nobilities.

“Where our leaders offer guards as security for the noble houses, they too sided with their local residences.”

“So we only not see the nobilities breaching our government but we also have the uprise of a possible military bases rebellion. We have drawn lines as to not interfere much with the current situation, though the empress begged to differ and the emperor agreed.”

The tired sir Hugo summarized the case. He sat down after. Right beside his majesty. Aloof, the emperor was thinking, and the empress just stared at the press strongly as if she was speculating a threat.

“The supreme monarchs are ready for open suggestion or questions that may fill the agenda to be presented to our Queen.” Said sir Hugo.

“We are the imperial force, and are we being asked to make amends with our nobilities? It is by our efforts that made them powerful, we aren’t as shallow to just submit to those who we have made.” Said the courtier.

“As much as we could hope. I don’t think violence will be the best answer. Pride is important to our monarchs but I propose we settle this matter peacefully and hear what they have to say.” Said another.

“The Queen of Rochileu holds a quarter of our the imperial military. In the dissolution of the military, now only half of that quarter are siding with the queen. We could only expect more guards rampaging another batch of families the moment they’ll strike.”

“And who knows if they’ll retort to torture and violence, may as well murder.” Replied one officer.

“And our monarchs. What do they have to say?” Asked Lance. Boldly holding his courage realizing how heavy this was for his throat to brazenly open.

“Reestablishing an alliance may as well be beneficial for us. We are nearing the first snow and I would love to see things done without any resistance from their forces. Due time, we would neglect this matter and focus much feeding our people rather than some bickering.” Said the Empress.

“I would not like to have a civil war start amidst the winter nor do I favor the queen. Still, I value the arts of royalty and bend those who expect shallow limits. The empress explained

“I’d consider it finished if it was me, sadly the queen and I share conflicts which makes me the worse spokesperson for the job.” She added.

The emperor sighed he stroked the documents on his table then he spoke in a very rested, lazy, grungy voice.

“Like the empress, In the hopes of resolve, I would not want to relax up until the final stroke of security has been breached. Let us settle this peacefully and quickly before anything cracks more under time.” He said.

“Why not let us make a poll. For those who are in favor of peace and those who prefer war. That may as well sound fair.” Said the Empress.

“As you wish your grace.” sir Hugo took a heavy weight of blank pages, giving it to each corner.

“On those papers, lay your concerns and draw your objections. After so, we will accumulate the needed formulations, arriving at an agreement which we can then offer to the Queen of Rochileu.” She explained.

While the papers were being spread the majesty continued her talk.

“The monarchical faction will have a gathering of their own, joining both the imperial and local court for a brief meeting about the same topic. Before such even happens, I’ll inform the Queen beforehand under my husband’s name to avoid it being ignored.”

“By then we could serve a conclusion which benefits us better than the nobilities.” She added writing herself.

As the two corners started to write rigidly. Lance was nervous. Despite being a very competent courtier, he was no younger than the prince.

Registering the country’s struggle hangs in the choice of his vote. And his majesty, he thought about being here not the prince gave a very heavy influence to his choice. He gave himself much credit…

“Sir Hugo, who is that boy. The Amber blonde boy?” The empress asked.

“Lancer Bastion your majesty. The first Prince’s sole courtier and advisor.” He replied staring at the panicked youngster.

“I see…”

“Your majesty, might be rude of me to ask but perhaps, the prince was needed more for this rather than his courtier? I do consider his talents but why not have them both present at the meeting.” Sir Hugo asked.

“Azure had a very difficult meeting with the Count. It will serve him much more benefit to rest early than have a serial mental attack. Though perhaps there is that last sense of moral in him, both of us can consider that his adviser can suffice temporarily for his roles.” The emperor replied.

“When I was young my father hadn’t given me such sympathy.” Followed the empress.

“Azure is a new monarch with a genius matching his generation of the crown. No King is possible without change and lost spirits. Don’t mean it as an insult when I tell you that having to govern such a land gives me a huge whip on the back.” The emperor said finishing his document.

“We’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t expect much from him nor his brothers. You may have given me healthy sons but your side reigns their genes with a stubborn, prideful nature…” She answers.

“It feels very ironic coming from the likes of you.”