Interlude: A Royal Breakfast

Golden Palace, City of Verdin, Province of Bern, Kingdom of Drissia

The sun rises over the Capital City of Verdin. The sun greeting its citizens with the joyous news ahead, the sounds of excitement and celebration ringing from the news of victory.

Above it all, a woman sat by in elegance and beauty. The soft breeze blowing through her golden curls, revealing her soft features, a sight that would have left most men enamoured.

She relaxes within the gardens of the Golden Palace, enjoying an assortment of treats and dishes only one of royal status could enjoy.

This woman was Queen Sofia, the first wife of his Highness Siegfried, the mother of the First Prince, a daughter of House Inzen, one of the richest woman in the kingdom and the supreme authority over the golden palace.

She then takes a sip of her tea, her eyes deep in thought as a servant huries in, one dressed in a uniform of black and white as she bowed to the queen before her, "Your Highness, there have been talks at the street."

Sofia raises an eyebrow as she lowered the cup back at the table, her dainty hands uncurling as her golden eyes stares back, "There are always talking on the street, Jean. What makes this one more important?"

Jean bows her head as she spoke, never making eye contact with the woman before her, "Your Highness, the recent victory against the Osterian has spread throughout the city."

"So? A victory is good, right? Let them cheer."

The maid only lowered her head further. "The news that came with it spoke of a brilliant and rising general, one that is extolled by his magic and valor."

Interest fills her eyes as she gives a small smile, leaning back to her chair as she spoke, "I see. That is quite the good news then. Perhaps the man would be of good use, my little sister could us a husband."

She glances at the servant before her, who sweats profusely, whose expression turns unreadable as she remained bowed for an extended period, never once interrupting.

She squints her eyes at the girl, a small anxiety crawling at the back of her head as she asks, "What is it? What has gotten you fearful, Jean?" she asks before once more raising the cup to her lips.

"The man's name was Damien Renzellern, a son of both his Highness Siegfried and that of Lady Elaine." said Jean, in a neutral tone, never once aggravating the woman before her.

"I see," Sofia mutters. Anger burns through her golden eyes as she grips the cup in her hands.

The glass shatters and crumbles beneath her strength, blood spilling along with its contents. Jean stood up immediately, hurrying in her steps to help the woman.

Sofia merely raises her bloody hand against her as she spoke, "Don't! Leave me for now, Jean. Make sure no one else disturbs me."

She glares at the girl. "Is that clear?"

"Yes, your Highness." with that, Jean scurries away, afraid of catching the woman's ire.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Sofia looks at the blood dripping between her fingers, her eyes lighting in a golden hue as the wound stitches itself together, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

The door then opens as a voice spoke, "I see. It seems you've already been informed."

Sofia smiles, her anger leaving her as she looked at the man before her, golden eyes filled with warmth. "Yes, it seems this old lady had been having quick bouts of anger lately."

The young man, wearing a clean cut blond of hair and garments that would cost thousands of gold, walked in with elegance and a smile that left women swoon.

Friedrich Renzellern, the First Prince of Drissia sat before her mother, his eyes filled with warmth as he asks, "Is injuring yourself really worth it?"

She merely sighs in exasperation, a migraine banging against her head. "You know how it is. Your father seems to have decided to once more threaten your position."

A soft chuckle escapes the man's lips, his nonchalant attitude, urging a giggle from his mother, "C'mon now, mother. It matters little what father has designed."

He gestures outside, "Even the city has little to no power on deciding who shall be their monarch."

A proud smile appears on his face. "It's only going to be us who decide."

He leans back, his expression calm and serene as he looks to the sun "And besides, father won't be able to stand without our support."

Sofia nods in acknowledgement. "We are too big of a pillar to crumble. But we shouldn't allow anyone to threaten our position. For if we allow a single one to stand, hundreds more will follow."

The proud expression of Friedrich faded as he asked, "Then what do you propose? Assassinate him? I don't believe a war hero is a man so easily killed."

"Perhaps not from normal means, but I have my connections." She says back as she sipped off of her tea, her smile turned menacing.

He then hums in thought, her mother's suggestion a bit too reckless for his taste. "Then if you would allow me? How about I first see my wayward brother's intentions?"

He chuckles. "After all, we can't just kill every competitor that dares stand. The end of which would make me look like a tyrant, something that would create more problems than it can solve."

Sofia shakes her head, her expression crumpling in distaste over her son's words, "My son, you keep debasing yourself upon their opinions."

She curls her fingers into a fist as her eyes glow a creepy light. "They'll follow you, not because they like you. They'll follow you because they don't have a choice in the matter."

Friedrich then stands back up, feeling the tension in the air and he has no plans to once more listen to her rant. "Well, this has been certainly a delight, mother. Perhaps next time, we could have a more proper breakfast together."

Her anger fades immediately, one replaced by sadness as she pouts at him. "You always seemed so busy. I would have thought you came to join me in my breakfast."

Friedrich then smiles, his heart softening from her expression. "Then I shall stay for a few minutes. After all, business can wait."

"GREAT!"