Chapter 43. Regency

A hundred voice gather within the halls of parliament, the men and women speak in a hushed whisper for the current predicament.

"The Caedebrad lands cannot be left unattended." The voice captures rooms attention, George Forrester stood and continued, "The Election of representatives is the best ways to preserve stability."

"Quite a way to say it, Sir George," Elise stood against him, "The Caedebrad lands have been managed by the Caedebrad Family before this nation's foundation."

Elise gestures her dismissal "Taking rightful noble lands is unheard of." Elise answer with anger, "Especially lands of an ancient family like the Cadebrad."

She angrily pointed at him, "Your opinion of electing representatives for these lands, and declaring them part of the royal demesne" She slams her clenched fist on the railings, "Will set an unprecedented breach of noble rights."

George Forrester nods in acknowledgement, "I can understand where you are coming from," He glances at her with irritation, "How will you then deal with the current predicament."

Georg earnestly continued looking Elise eye to eye "We cannot leave Caehal unattended, the amount of trade and products going through the city and its affiliates isn't something twe can leave to anyone."

George continued, "Especially with the agreement with Germania, Caehal is now a more important trade centre than ever."

Elise breathes deeply and calmly spoke, "Then we shall form a regency council, a council formed from trusted nobles and advisors of Queen Annabelle."

George looks at her with a confused expression, "Which is?" He crosses his arm over his chest, "Her Highness, doesn't have any trusted nobles, most of her social circle are that of common heritage."

He raises his finger to show a point "If we do create one, we will be unable to ensure its proper management." George continued with a glare to the men and women behind her.

George scoffs "Especially with the wealth coming from Germania, opportunism and greed will be tempting, especially for nobles." His eyes filled with disdain, his bad experiences with nobles showing itself.

The statement incites outrage from Elise and her compatriots. "That is preposterous," Elise points at him "What makes you even think your elected representative, will be filled with virtue." Stating the time's representatives has been found guilty of corruption.

George recoils from the accusation along with his fellow representatives. The debate has then turned into an argument, as both factions threw accusations of corruption and inquisition of virtue.

King Arin stood up and shouted, "ENOUGH," The shout silences the room as both faction glare at each other. He glares down to members of parliament reminding them of his presence.

"This is not the place for childish taunts, we are determining the future of Caedebrad lands." The words elicit discomfort as both faction leader lowers their head in shame.

He continued sternly, "And in turn the future of the nation, we cannot allow our petty feelings clouding our judgement."

He raises his arm, "It is now where we must be united, during a time where an attempted assasinatoiin of the royal has occurred within the capital."

The nodding heads indicates a silent agreement, and the ensuing silence a time for rumination for a solution.

Arin searches for a solution until realization reaches him. He looks to both of his Father in-laws. "Lord John and Lord Alex, what are your opinions on this?"

John Agrod coughs and stood but before he could speak Alex Sored excitedly interrupted him, "Why not let the kid do it!"

The surrounding reactions ranged from outrage and confusion. While John looks at Alex with a flat stare, while Alex looks back with a carefree smile.

John coughs once more, capturing Arin's attention, and spoke in a flat tone "I believe Alex meant giving responsibilities to young Charles."

Elise stood against him and spoke with conviction, "Lord Agrod, I cannot allow a child who just lost his mother to assume a position of power."

She continues to look at him and spoke, "The recent tragedy was more than enough of a strain for a young boy,"

She gestures to herself, expressing her sympathy to the young prince while staring at John "I cannot allow you to weigh him down with more responsibilities."

John Agrod looks back undisturbed, "That sounds even more of a reason," He taps his finger on the railings, "A young man such as him, would need an outlet for his grief."

Alex interrupts John once more, He clapped his hands in agreement. "What better way is there than taking care of his mother's family?"

Alex tilts his head through the railing to look at Elise. "And I'm sure you would be a great advisor in his day to day management of his lands." The hopeful smile from Alex eliciting a nervous chuckle from Elise.

John Agrod coughs once again, now glaring in annoyance "Yes, as Alex Sored says," He looks to Arin "We hope to make Charles Sieg as the head of Caedebrad lands."

John stares through the bickering factions before they could angrily reply. "But we wish to create a council of advisors in helping the young boy manage his lands."

Alex then speaks loudly, "Then again, maybe little Ann is gonna wake up from her sleep." Alex shrugs his shoulder "Then all of this is null and void."

Arin nods in consideration, he looks to parliament to gauge their varying reactions. While Elise seems to be satisfied, some members look to be seething, a fact which he takes note of, especially Lord Evrin

While George Forrester has already seated, talking with his peers to which man is best to send in taking care of the young prince.

Arin remains in silent rumination as Parliament waited with bated breath on his decision.

Arin's thoughts though were interrupted by a shout, he looks to it to see Alex speaking softly "Why not just let the young man decide."

Alex calmly continued as he sat back down, "After all, we can't possibly impose on the boy such responsibilities without him even being aware."

Arin, John, George and Elise nods in agreement. King Arin spoke, "I see, then I shall inform Parliament of his decision."

Arin spoke once more, "Now unto other matters," John stood after and started speaking. "We demand an increase in the naval budget."

A low groan simmers below as parliament moves on to other matters.