Chapter 942

Chapter 942: ‘It came from a place of care’

Faded smoke pillars rose, Igna puffed, attentive to Serene’s words, “-employing her might send ripples.”

“Since when did my master give a damn, pardon the expression, about other people?”

“Well,” he puffed, “-since, I suppose,” and pressed the cigarette against the balustrade, “-Serene, I’m glad, I appreciate the visit.”

“No problem, majesty,” her very expressive outfits stretched to limits on her leaning against the balustrade, her dress felt as if it would rip, “-call me if you need anything, and I mean, anything.”

“No seducing whilst on the job,” he returned curtly, playing into her jestful break in tension, and soon disappeared into the castle innards. Before long, a familiar doorway stood, the guards held composed smiles and stretched for the handle, pushing the door back. Dyu and Ela rose frantically, ‘-they didn’t expect me to be back so soon,’ a glance observed Ela’s tussled outfit, droplets of sweat, and an uneven rising of the chest pointing to heavy breathing. Dyu had a composed expression, one of confidence and pride – a whiff of bodily odor scurried past – by which a stronger scent of flowers followed. Igna settled and sternly posed, staring at the duo with much intrigue.

“Ela,”

“YES,” her pitch heightened, “-my apologies,” she cleared her throat and subtly glared Dyu. Latter but turned at Igna impatiently.

.....

“Dyu and Ela,” he rephrased, “-I’ve carefully examined the propositions and have reached my conclusion. Ela, from today, starting now, you’ll take the position of Minister of finance. I must warn thee, however, that paperwork pertaining to Phantom and Raven’s internal dealings will remain confidential. Frankly speaking,” the legs crossed, “-I don’t trust you. Ela, the story of betrayal and repentance isn’t one to be easily overlooked. I won’t blame the current turmoil, I’m cynical in nature. Fret not,” he caught onto the sudden drop in energy, “-trust can be earnt. I’m grateful Ela, that you came forth to offer thy services to the throne. That being said, a meeting’s been called,” maids burst into the room, “-they’ll take care of thy appearance,” lust in their eyes, drool on their mouths – the maids forcibly took Ela by her arms and dragged her dejected expression into the fading doorway. *Thud,* a loud stump signaled the silence of Igna and Dyu. Latter felt fingers wrap around his neck, “-Dyu,” said the king,

*Gasp,* ‘-what was that? the pressure dropped the moment he spoke...’

“Tell me,” continued Igna, “-what’s the real reason for today’s visit?”

“Pardon?”

“Don’t play coy,” he narrowed, “-I refuse to believe Ela simply woke up one day and thought, would be nice to help the kingdom.”

“No, NOTHING,” he coughed, “-nothing of the sort. Majesty, Ela wishes to help, I’ve been by her side for years.”

“And?”

“I know she has good intentions,” he firmed, “-I won’t let his majesty badmouth her.”

“Nice,” commented Igna sarcastically, “-the judgment, can you swear its rational and not lost in the confines of the human heart. Is thy vision clouded by the sight of an ex-royal, one abused and in desperate need of attention and a place to call home? Tell me, Dyu, what doth thee wish?” added pressure in the sentence sliced deep, “-her safety or a chance to have your wa-”

“ENOUGH!” *Crash,* he swept a decorative glass off the table.

“Majesty,” guards barged inside with raised rifles, “-are you safe?”

Igna motioned for guns to be lowered, “-nothing’s the matter. Close the door.”

Dyu had his face glaring at the cupboard, ‘-what have I done...’

“Look at me,” thundered a menacing voice, the man of law obeyed, “-into my eyes.”

‘I’ve done it,’ he looked to see an unemotive mien, “-majesty?”

“Good,” said Igna, “-good resolve.”

“Were you testing me?”

“Obviously,” the door opened once more.

“Majesty,” stormed an attendant, “-council room is ready.”

“We’ll be there in a minute,” he turned at Dyu, “-take care of Ela. I won’t guarantee her safety – danger’s not from the outside alone, there are those who wish to defile the kingdom from the inside out. War is a disgusting place,” he whispered, “-best not have her suffer the brunt of the future.” King Igna left on words of warning, Dyu could but watch the man fade.

‘We’re in trouble,’ he dropped onto a nearby couch, shutting his eyes at the ceiling, ‘-I told Ela that getting involved in politics this late in life will be at risk for her life. I’m not exactly in my prime either, what happens if I can’t save her, what happens if an assassin gets the better of my wit and kills her... I’ll be devastated. Oh Ela, my Ela, why wouldn’t you listen to me... am I not sufficient?’

A distant ruckus swept the attention, Igna halted before the council room, “-go on ahead,” he ordered the attendants and parted towards the noise. Blabber amplified the more he walked.

“Get this off me, I’m not exactly-” a splendidly dressed dame waved her arms in a not so ladylike manner – a swarm of maids nibbled, giving the expression of said dame drowning in a sea of black and white silhouettes.

“Ladies,” approached the King, “-I said to dress the minister, not pamper her.”

“Majesty, lady Ela is just so adorable. She’s fickle as a feline, we couldn’t help it,” they swooned, opting for a yellow as a primary color and a few shades of lesser imposing colors, it drew on her Elendorian charm.

“Right, I can’t argue the facts. There’s much work to be done. I promise,” the tone turned suspicious, “-long as the work is satisfactory, I’ll have lady Ela be a guest of our palace’s lovely flowers.”

“MAJESTY,” they cheered, “-thank you.”

He side-stepped, allowing the platoon of equally terrifying retainers’ shuffle, “-majesty...” returned a dead-regard, “-I’m no doll for entertainment.”

“Yes, you are,” he replied, “-such as the nature of thy contract.”

“What contract?”

“To serve the kingdom,” he extended an arm, “-shall we?

“Okay,” she accepted, promenade was slow, Igna meaningfully took a detour, extending the time until arrival.

“Ela, tell me, are you and Dyu dating?”

“No,” she returned, “-I wouldn’t call it dating. We’re intimate if that’s what you asking. As for feelings, well, I don’t understand it myself. I’m not daft, I see how much he cares and how much he’s done. A part of me doesn’t want to let anyone in, I guess I’m afraid of being hurt...”

“Afraid of being hurt,” he said aloud, “-we all have our problems. Pardon my eagerness earlier. The childish demeanor the maids held, the way they giggled and laughed, I was relieved to see them enjoy life and take in their surroundings.”

‘He cares about the retainers,’ she wondered, ‘-amazing... I thought the castle would be stricter and quick to get rid of those unworthy or otherwise useless. Not the case, everyone works at their pace, allowed to make their own decision and pick how they choose to approach.’

“Ela, about your duties,” he interrupted her trail of thoughts, “-I’m sure the diligence will help. Part of me can’t shake the feeling of intrigue, there must be something more, a life of politics at this age, I mean, are you certain?”

“Yes, I am. What will it take?” she pulled her arms and rushed in front, “-tell me, how can I prove my loyalty and will to aid the kingdom?”

“Be outrageous. Marry Dyu?”

“Sorry?”

“I’m only joking, prove to me with your actions. Look around, notice how everyone has a smile on their faces – I don’t much care about how the state looks at the moment. To see them laugh and be at ease, it’s enough, it’s proof that the kingdom is marching towards a better place. I know,” he sighed, “-there are people out there unable to earn, live in abject poverty, and are persecuted. The distinction between the have and the have-nots can’t be made without prejudice and a social class. It’s foolish to think of the world as black and white. Instead of getting rid of poverty, we must strive for a simpler approach, one in the realm of reality, merit. I know very well there are those unable to work – instead of getting rid of poverty, let’s alleviate their worries, a helping hand to those willing to restart their lives. I know,” they walked, “-it’s idealistic to think everyone wants to better themselves, most of the worthless sacks of society wish to sink their lives in drugs and alcohol. Forsaken shall be forgotten, if they don’t want to make an effort, why would the kingdom support them. Therefore,” he narrowed, “-as minister of finance, your responsibility isn’t just stabling our economy, tis to find ways of discovering diamonds in the rough.”

The talk seamlessly transitions into a council room of a few, “-Ministers, from hereon, each essential department will have sub-departments. Centralization will be enacted by which requests for funds and other development projects won’t be subject to a vote, nay, instead move up the hierarchy – most will be addressed by my closest aid, prime Minister éclair. Of course, if thee wish for a direct audience pertaining to policies and whatnot, they ought to be sent a few days in advance. As the kingdom demands, we shall add more ministers to perform specific duties. For now, the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Internal Affairs, led by General Minerva, Lady Ela, and Countess Eira of Elony will have the fate of the Kingdom in thy hands. Ministers, by my name, thee have the authority to create, choose, and fire whoever suits the need of thy departments. Office space will be created in the castle-town – many buildings have been renovated. Any questions?”

“Might I inquire to why the traitorous queen of Elendor is serving in office?” narrowed Eira.

“Her abilities will speak for themselves. Have patience.”

“So, anyone with ability and skill can be made part of the king’s inner council without so much a vote?”

He settled and carefully examined, “-lady Eira, tell me, does the word centralization allude thee?”

“No, but for the sake of argument, I must voice my worries,” she pointed at the general, “-lady Minerva was spoken of as this revolutionary leader in military might and stratagem, she didn’t have the foresight to check the enemy forces and swiftly marched into enemy territory.”

“Enough,” voiced éclair, “-what is done is done.”

“No,” she quipped, “-she personally gave the responsibility to lead the campaign, éclair. I won’t make excuses,” her long lashes fluttered at Igna, “-I hate playing the blame game, I must put into questions thy judgment, brother.” The onlooking crowd of attendees were shocked.

“I get it,” he replied, “-We lost a crucial battle and now face an invasion. Kreston’s asked for help and we’ve yet to respond.”

“Don’t blame the king,” fired Minerva, “-Eira,” she glared, “-or should I say Guardian of Nexsolium. It’s easy to point the finger,” she side-glanced Ela, “-I mean, if we’re talking traitors then,” she smiled, “-should I bring into the fold what I know?”

“Enough,” said Igna.

“Forgive what I said, majesty, slip of the tongue. Lady Eira, please understand we’re not against mere mortals – Ares.”

“The God of War?”

“We’re going against entities of renown, heroes of war. It’s easy to see incompetence outside looking in. Please, come by the offices later tomorrow, I will answer any and all questions.”

“Amusing,” giggled Ela, “-traitorous queen of Elendor,” she smiled, “-the title has a ring. Never mind me, Countess, I may be exiled, but,” her smile kept strong, “-my claim on my kingdom stands. I know waging a war against Elendor is calling for the wrath of the entirety of Wracia, yet, I know my followers will catch wind of certain developments, who knows, we might have help from an unlikely ally.”

“Right,” Igna stood, “-the meeting is officially concluded for today. Don’t forget to check on the offices,” heaviness of the prior arguments wasn’t malicious, it came from a place of care. They understood what the countess meant, and for that, had their heart skip a beat, and thus arrived at the end.

“Sister,” hailed Igna, she turned with a frown, “-we need to talk.”