Deliberation

[Alessandra]

The halls of the palace felt silent and lifeless. The lively paintings that dot the walls now feel stripped of their vibrance. As my footsteps echoed across the corridor, my thoughts began swirling around, sowing confusion and discord in my mind.

The incident had stirred up quite a lot of fear amongst the palace staff. Thankfully, the palace was closed to the public, so news of the incident hasn't spread outside the Obsidian Walls. However, the Imperial Council was not pleased and called for an emergency meeting.

It took me more than twenty minutes to reach the Council room, given that it was situated near the zenith of the palace's singular tower. I approached the door to the chamber and took in its ornate details. Carved onto the Saschnoff door were the crests of the twelve Great Houses of Levelia. Floral motifs and scenes from the Creysalvem were etched onto the wood, creating a border around the emblems.

I took a deep breath before I opened the door and crossed the threshold. I was immediately greeted by a cacophony of voices echoing across the chamber. The council room had once been an observation deck but was converted into its present incarnation during the reign of Emperor Derovnio. It still retained its singular, massive window; but was renovated in the Orkovelian style giving it the same extravagant look as the rest of the palace. A semi-circular table took up most of the space. Thirteen chairs were similarly set around the table.

All of that, however, was overshadowed by the bickering mess the Imperial Council had been reduced to.

"What if word reaches the media outlets? How will they view the Imperial family?" Lady Kravyotra of House Alfnovae questioned.

"That will certainly not happen," Answered Lord Agmonosch of House Levbotter.

"The Imperis Bordrois have already spoken to the staff who witnessed the event," Added Lady Kreykaschka of House Levensyek; and High Menyott of the Divine Sacrifice (who was filling in her husband's role in the council).

"How certain are you that these civilians won't go running their tongues once they step out of the Obsidian Wall?" Lord Gorgoscht of House Levbronem asked.

"Because I was there when the Bordrois spoke with them," I answered.

Realizing I had been there the entire time, the councilors rose and bowed.

"Be seated," I ordered.

The room stilled as I made my way to the head of the table. As I sat down, I gazed at the councilors assembled. Ten of the twelve council members had arrived; the two absentees had been sent to Cragholven before my trip there. However, with all the shenanigans Dayos pulled during his mission, both parties had to lay low.

"So, why was a special meeting called?" I asked.

"The recent events on Cragholven, and now, here on Luminaris Prime - has some of us concerned," Lord Diwmit of House Gombuv voiced.

"And those issues have been resolved," I answered.

"IT," Lord Agmonosch interrupted, "These issues... Must be tackled!"

"I have spoken with Prince Dayos and our two envoys in Cragholven regarding our issue with Crussavia. As for the other matter, as you have all discussed, the Bordrois will handle the situation," I replied.

"With all due respect, your Imperial Highness, it is simply not enough that the Bordrois handle this matter," Lady Kreykaschka spoke.

"What would you suggest I do?" I asked, "Little to no news has reached the citizens outside the palace walls. What else would you have me do? Implement an information quarantine in the district of Purvanesch?"

"No, your Imperial Highness. However, we must question the child as soon as possible," She answered.

"I am aware of that, but who will handle the questioning? I promised her that I would do so. If someone else were to ask her, then she would have another reason not to trust us," I argued.

"That is why we must question her twice," Kreykaschka suggested.

"Wouldn't that tire the poor girl?" Lord Obed of House Leventilf, and Senator of Puritia, said.

"Do you have any suggestions then, Lord Obed?" Lady Kreykaschka turned to him.

"Well, if you plan on interrogating the girl, might I suggest you do it a couple of days after the Empress?" the Senator answered.

"That was my intention, senator," the High Menyott argued.

"Your intentions ought to be clear, your Eminence. Otherwise, we would've drained the poor girl of all her energy."

"If that is all, then this meeting is adjourned," I announced.

"Your Grace, I have something to say!" cried Lady Meerina of House Lasvertift - and a commander in the Imperial Navy.

"Then speak, Lady Meerina," I said.

"The issue regarding the safety of imperial secrets," She said.

Whispers erupted from around the table. I stared blankly at her, not fully comprehending what she had said.

"Could you repeat that?" I asked.

"Crusavian intelligence has already infiltrated data banks in Lonbenum and Lumin Jewol," She declared.

"Impossible! Our firewalls and encryptions are impregnable," shouted Prince Koriosch of House Luminoffstra.

"Yes, but our spies have found traces of insider trading between officials on Lumin Jewol and Lumin Felb with their counterparts in Crusavia," said Meerina.

"Lumin Felb is light years away from any Crusavian planet. How could they have reached any of the officials there?" I asked.

"We've uncovered the interference of third parties from the remnants of the Muthratan Dominion and, shockingly, the Zendenetrev Directorate," She announced.

"But the Zendev have isolated themselves for millennia. Why would they interfere now?" Lord Gorgoscht asked.

"This is completely unacceptable!" Lord Diwmit angrily spoke.

"We must issue a protest in the Galactic Union. This is a breach of our sovereignty!" Senator Obed fumed.

"Order!" I demanded.

Silence enveloped the council room. Fear, anxiety, and anger wrapped around the councilors' faces.

"For now, we must investigate these breaches in our internal security. Rest assured: this issue will be prioritized and discussed among the generals of the Imperis Battavyesch. I will ascertain this issue with the Imperial Intelligence Bureau regarding this breach and personally question the Secretary of Intelligence and his subordinates on this matter," I announced.

With all the councilors seemingly satisfied with my response: I cleared my throat and rose from my seat.

"This meeting is adjourned," I declared.

The councilors rose and followed suit, making a beeline toward the exit.

I, on the other hand, remained. Seemingly plastered to the floor, I stood there. My thoughts were scattered. Things weren't making sense, and Levelia's sovereignty is under threat. Something has to be done, and I know the perfect person to deal with this.