21

“Your highness” the Lords of the council bowed their heads in greeting as soon as I entered the throne room. Some of them watched me as I walked at the center while others tried their best not to show me how much they distaste me. Its not some secret though, everyone knows the council doesn’t support me. Well, some of them anyways.

Prime minister Orlins bowed as I approached my place in the throne room, which was at the left side of my fathers sit. I smiled to him and to the rest of the council, as fakely as I could manage too. We at least know how to act civil when required too. Plus, we have bigger issues to tackle today so I will need every ounce of patience today.

“All bow in his highness presence” one of the royal secretaries announces as my father heavy footsteps echoed throughout the room.

The council, all bowed except for me, I’m not obliged to do the same as the common subject but as a sign of respect to his highness, my father, I would still bow my head as soon as my fathers gets to his throne.

My father sat on his chair and as soon as I did the same with mine, the rest of the council members followed. We were joined by servants, and the royal secretaries to take down notes and to make sure that everything that happens inside the throne room is recorded. Not for the sake of gossip of course, but for the sake of the scholars and future generation. Every decision made and tackled inside the throne room are recorded and stored to the royal library, anyone who wishes to see and read those files has to come and request for a special pass, otherwise no one else is allowed to review those files.

As the servants served the lord the food and drinks, dad kept watching me and so I awkwardly looked at and raised my eyebrow asking what his deal. He made a gesture for me to lean forward so he could talk tell me what exactly is on his mind. The Lords are of course busy discussing something on their own while the servant kept on placing food on their respective tables.

“Last nights events, did you have anything to do with it?” Dad whispered. And so the interrogation begins.

“I had nothing to do with anything other than going to an art exhibit. Princess Amber and Lady Isabelle is my witness” I paused before showing my father my wicked smile “Oh and also the whole Kingdom since there was a lot of reporters last night so there is a high chance that my face are in every front page of any tabloid in the kingdom” What could I say? I am just that important that even if I don’t do anything, I’d still make it to front page. Just another perk of being handsome and royalty.

“Great, that will make them shut up. Make sure to act nicely once you counter their attacks” Dad whispered before allowing me to return my attention back to the people around us.

As the maids left us and waits outside, the guards also went to their posts. My dad then stands up, he takes his glass of wine, an indication for all of us to follow.

“As we convene and discuss the welfare of out beloved Estrella, may we all remember the sanctity of the four walls of this place that protects us. Lets keep that’s protection within us and respect each one. Nothing can be resolve without proper communication therefore gentlemen, Lords of Estrella. Let us enjoy the tranquility of the hall and discuss matter with proper communication. With that said, let us all raise glasses to offer a toast to our dear gods and Estrella. May we keep peace inside and outside the kingdom. To Estrella!” My father raised his glass up. So did everyone.

“To Estrella!” Every Lord followed and so did I. Then we all drank from our wines then his highness sat first so we could all follow and start the discussion.

Now on a normal basis, this meeting would often start with issues that are threatening to the throne all the way to issues that are less likely to even put the throne into so much trouble. Each Lords is given equal chance to speak their districts or sectors problems and each would also be given a chance to speak their minds about the matter until a certain decision comes up and then the King would have to decide the matter.

“The vigilantes are back again your highness. They somehow arrested the drug traffickers we’ve been looking for the past months Plus we were able to recover fifty-two packages of cocaine and thirty-six packages of DMT’s from the guys they tied down at the city center. Though we can again impose media silence but we can’t stop others from posting this heroic happening” Lord Sanchos opened without thinking twice. He is someone close to the Prime minister so I am positive that he has other agenda on the matter.

“So are you suggesting that I just let them?” His highness asked Lord Sanchos “Or just like the last time we convened, am I again to place my trust on you like the last time this happened?” His highness asked Lord Sanchos which made the poor Lord look down. “The last time we discussed the things about the vigilantes, I clearly remember you promising that you’ll catch them before they could do another stunt. You even assured me that you already have a lead and that I should just trust you.”

“But your highness I didn’t..”

“Didn’t what? Expect another attack?”

“With all due respect your highness, but I still suspect that the people acting vigilantes are also the same people we thought dead.” We heard a few utters of agreement and nods from the other Lords. Though just like two poles against each other, half of the council shakes their head at how the prime minister even dared bring up something that’s been forgotten by many. “I didn’t want to open old wounds but I have reasons to believe that my allegations are of with proofs”

“Proof you say?” My dad looks at me for a second before turning his attention back to the prime minister.

“Their actions your majesty. They have this pattern that looks exactly like the team our late crownprince Mark gathered. Though we don’t exactly have the records to prove but I have a source and I trust my source your highness” I forced myself to keep my mouth from making a comment and instead, I tried making myself distracted with how the other Lords reacted. We’re not stupid and we know that the prime minister has his people all over the kingdom. He has eyes everywhere and moles in every sector. If he wants to know something he’ll do everything just to make sure that he gets it. This is why I’m curious if one of the Lords would have the guts to point it out. But to my dismay, they just all kept listening and interested to what he would say.

As for what he is claiming, he’s bluffing. He just wants to redirect the councils attention and question to me. Why? Because they still think I’m doing all of this for my brother. They think that I’m out for revenge and so I’ll use any means necessary. Which by the way a little crazy but not entirely wrong. Yes its my work, but its not just a revenge for my brother. Its for every red owls that died and never talked about, its for every royal subjects that’s tormented and out into prison just to cover up the nobles mistakes. Its for my family that’s been blinded and blamed for things they couldn’t handle. I wanted to show the world that this is the truth behind every problems this kingdom ever had. Problems that are kept hidden and blamed to people who didn’t even do anything.

I didn’t start my own experts just so I could break havoc, I made my people so the mistakes of yesterday would at least be dealt with. I made a mistake once, I won’t do it again.

Prime minister Orlins attacked me first. I’ll just wait for someone else to take the bait and that’s when I’ll attack back.

“Is this source of yours one of your moles Prime minister, just like the one you have at sixth and the rest of the districts”

My eyes grew wide as soon as those word were released inside the room. I slowly raised my head to see who dared speak of something never spoken by many, because whoever it was, his my new favorite Lord.

“That’s a huge claim Lord Brusillos, you are aware that this kind of accusation can lead you to deeper problems if proven wrong” My father speaks after a moment of deafening silence between the whole council.

“But I am positive with my claims your highness.” Lord Brusillos stood up and looked at Prime minister Orlins like he is willing to do everything for the sake of his claims. “As you should know your highness, I’ve been dealing with a lot of accounts over the years, I maybe old but I do know when some accounts are important and not. Now I know that the Prime minister has the power to get this information, with his ranks and power but, he still has to go through the right process. But I kept noticing how he would skip those process and obtain important information without my knowledge.” He walks around the room before continuing with his claims “Then I noticed how my records would connect to someone else, knowing that I could no longer trust the people I’m working it, I planted a bait on one of the records and see who among my workers would dare and ask me about it.”

I try and hide my smile but all I could do was bite my lip and lower my head. I never thought another Lord would dare go up against the Prime minister. Especially someone from the side that supports my brother but totally against me. I applaud his bravery but I don’t think he chose the right time to go up against the prime minister

“and did someone asked you about it?” his highness curiously asked while minister Orlins tried his best to hide the fact that his furious with what Lord Brucillos is talking about.

“Someone did and now he is locked up to where he belongs. Of course we interrogated him just like how our laws go and after a few turn. He finally admitted who he works to. And to my surprise he clearly said it was you minister Orlins” Lord Brucillos then moves in front of the prime minister like he’s challenging him to deny everything that just been said inside this place. “He has people all over the kingdom, listening and reporting to him each time something big happens. I believe that even our crownprince had already found out something. Haven’t you your highness?” Now all the Lords are looking at me including my father who was anticipating whether I’ll answer the question or not. We both know I knew something and that he even permitted me to do something about it but now they all want me to speak, I could pretty much hear my fathers voice to just deny everything. This is not the right time as well. If everything blows over, we might just end up handing minister orlins the power we all hope to protect with out lives.

“I don’t think this is the right way for you to address your concerns with the Prime minister and the Crownprince Lord Brucillos.” One of the Lords from the Prime ministers speaks out which then earned multiple complaints from the other Lords. All from the ministers side of course. Though their obvious counter is for the sake of the minister, I am also gaining something from it.

“How sure are you that the person you caught told you the truth? For all I care, someone just told him to sprout nonsense and put me in this ridiculous situation!” minister Orlins then snaps. He gave Lord Brucillos a dangerous look. Something that you don’t usually see around him. His a clever person and he won’t just simply show his emotion to anyone that’s equally dangerous as him.

I took a quick glance at Lord Aries, wondering if he has any idea of what Lord Brucillos is up to. Does he have a plan? Or is he just attacking without proper preparation? Because if that’s the case, then he’s making a big mistake.

“Oh I’m quite sure with my intel Minister Orlins. In my many years of serving the people and the crown, I’ve been nothing but loyal and patient” Lord Brucillos madly said. Then he faced my father with eyes that are filled with rage. In the past years that I’ve been around Lor Brucillos, this is the first time I’m witnessing him acting this mad. He supported my brother the best way he could and I never once witness him complaining about anything. So watching him doing all of this in front of everyone is definitely new.

“Excuse my outrage your highness but I could no longer be silent. We’ve been blinded by the lies of minister Orlins. He planted his people to different places so he could always be one step ahead of everyone. The guy we caught admitted that he received money just by telling minister Orlins the things thats being sent from and out of the Kingdom. He receives more than the kingdom and would still have the audacity to ask more from the people. I implore you, your highness. Please hear my plead and investigate the ministers accounts, see that his actions be put into light and that he be punished for all his crimes”

The air inside the room was heavy, every Lord present this morning are all looking at Lord Brucillos. He looks at my father with hopes and resolution but this is a difficult situation not just for him but also for my father. He can’t just order the royal guards to arrest and imprison someone whose been leading them. Also an allegation with the Prime minister could a cause a domino effect of failures and shifts within the kingdom.

I looked at my father and saw sweat coming down his head, he has this look of determination but at the same time he looks like he wanted to reach out for Lord Brucillos. This are the moments where being a king gets tricky, though the Lord may have the power and ranks that are wanted by many, they are still subjects of this Kingdom, therefore someone my dad swore to protect.

As for minister Orlins, he was clenching both of his hands and gritting his teeth while looking at Lord Brucillos.

I waited for someone to speak up and say something that could alleviate the situation, but no one dared to stand up. They are all waiting for my father to make his decision with the matter.

“These allegations are not something I could easily make a decision without proper investigation. I am in rage and concern, you two are one of my people, therefore I see you all as someone I want to protect. But if the things said in here are true then I must do my part as your King and as someone who wants nothing more but peace for our kingdom” his highness looked at both Lords while his hand fidget at the arm rest of his chair. “Royal secretaries, write my decree”

All of our eyes grew wide, surprised that my father would pass something at this moment.

“As of today, the Prime Minister and Lord Brucillos will have to excuse themselves as the council convene and talk about the issues presented by Lord Brucillos. They’d be both placed under my protection until further evidence rises up. Under no circumstance are they allowed to have any visitors that could potentially harm and influence their minds. General Gustaviano will be the one assigned of their security and everything that happens in their day to day lives. As long as this claims won’t be put into light, both Lords will have to stay and follow my decree. I shall not accept any form of resistance. I’ll personally task someone I trust to investigate” my dad raised his hand so someone from the royal guards could come “meanwhile, both Lords are excused to todays meeting. Guards, lead both Lord Brucillos and Orlins to our guest villas, make sure they are accommodated according to their likes.” His highness ordered and the guards bowed in recognition.

I looked at Lord Brucillos wondering how he is taking this turn of event. I never expected my father would come up with this sort of resolution. This is a tough dilemma to deal with and no matter what he says, both side will never be satisfied. But as I kept looking at Lord Brucillos, he looked happy. Like he got what he wants. Whilst minister Orlins looked like he was about to break the façade his been putting on for decades. If looks could kill, both my father and lord Brucillos would be dead by now. He was dangerously shooting daggers to Lord Brucillos while also giving silent orders to the other lords that are looking at him.

I know he won’t just let this pass, he is definitely up to something.

The guard were reluctant but they were able to collect both Lords from their places and led then to the villas assigned to them. The room was silent and I’m still in daze with what just happened. It’s a miracle the Lords haven’t started begging for my fathers mercy. I kept my opinions to myself while I looked at Lord Aries as he massages his head, obviously, surprised as me with the Kings decision.

I then turned around to see what my father is doing, he was tapping his finger on the table while he keeps controlling his anger from showing.

“Your highness…?” One of the royal secretaries could out. She bowed at my fathers side waiting for his highness signal.

“Speak”

“We’ve reached the general and told him of the situation. He is now on his way to arrange everything.” She reported before stepping back.

“Thank you. You can return to your table now” dad nods while the whole room is still silent. I wanted to say something but at this point, any word that comes out of me might just be useful for the prime ministers people.

“Now that, that’s taken care of. We can now move on to our another agenda for the day.” Dad signed while waiting for the Lords to speak up. But no one did. “So no more problems I need to deal with? Not from other districts?” Dad repeated but still no one said anything. “Then I guess it’s the right time to talk about the choosing ceremony you people had been pushing for the last few weeks..”

I thought I heard wrong but when I lookee at dad, he was already taking the files that had my mothers royal seal. That folder probably contains the ladies my mother chose for the ceremony. I am no longer sure what kind of a face I’m showing but I am certain that I am curious who my mother chose.

“The inner court has decided and this are the ladies, lucky enough to join the ceremony” Dad raised the folder then he looks at me “For the prince’s own good, this list should be kept confidential until the day of the ceremony. As the father of our current crownprincess, I’ll be tasking Lord Sybulus at making sure that the ladies involved would receive their invitation and proper protection until they enter the palace.”

One of the secretaries took the folder out of my dads hand and brought it to Lord Sybulus.

“Thank you for trusting me your highness, I’ll make sure that every lady will arrive safely within the walls of our kingdom. I’ll treat them as if I’m protecting the future of our kingdom” Lord Sybulus humbly accepted and bowed to show his sincerity.

I tried putting on a poker face but everyone in them room should probably sense that I’m not entirely up with the event. But what could I exactly do, this is one of the things that’s bound to happen in my position anyways.