New Order

The massive doors of the grand hall closed behind Damaris, leaving a palpable shock wave among the remaining nobles. The heavy silence was quickly broken by a cacophony of murmurs and whispered questions. Faces, marked by astonishment and fear, turned towards Mervyln and Almera, seeking answers.

A bolder noble than the rest stepped forward, her face pale but resolute. "Lady Mervyln, please explain. What does this arrest mean? Your mother, the Negestat... our queen... how can she be guilty of treason?"

Almera shot a quick glance at Mervyln, who responded with a slight nod, and raised a reassuring hand, calling for silence. Her expression was tinged with a sadness mixed with cold determination. "My friends," she began, her smooth voice carrying to every corner of the room, "what has transpired today is tragic but necessary for the good of Ayeros."

She paused, her eyes scanning the assembly. "For some time now, troubling evidence has emerged, revealing a conspiracy of the gravest nature. The Negestat, once our guide and protector, has been blinded by paranoia and cruelty. She has begun plotting against her own subjects, seeking to institute an even more oppressive regime of terror."

The nobles exchanged worried looks, fear mingling with confusion. "But how...?" began one noble, before being cut off by Almera.

"Secret documents, correspondences, and sworn testimonies have been discovered," Almera continued confidently. "Plans to eliminate influential members of the court, to strengthen her control through inhumane means, and to spark unnecessary wars that would have plunged Ayeros into chaos. We have intercepted irrefutable evidence of her malicious intentions. It is with transparency that you will be free to review them yourselves."

Mervyln stood beside Almera, adding, "We could no longer ignore these signs. We had to act before the kingdom was destroyed from within. As her daughter, this decision tears at my heart, but I could not remain idle knowing what was being prepared."

Another noble, visibly less convinced, stepped forward cautiously. "And now, who will govern? Who will take the reins of power to ensure Ayeros' stability?"

Almera volunteered to respond once more, her smile radiating serenity and confidence. "For now, a regency council will be formed, composed of the most respected and influential matron mothers. We will work together to guide Ayeros through this period of transition. Mervyln, as the rightful heir, will play a key role in this council."

She nodded and let her gaze sweep the room. Then, she finally spoke, her voice resonating in the chamber. "My dear matron mothers," she began, her voice infused with a newfound authority, "we are witnessing a crucial moment in Ayeros' history. My mother's reign, imposing as it was, has left deep scars in our kingdom. It is time for us to heal and rebuild. We must unite to strengthen our realm and ensure a prosperous future for our children."

Her words were met with an uncertain murmur among the assembly.

"We must look to the future with hope and determination," Mervyln continued, her words ringing with newfound conviction. "I promise to guide Ayeros towards an era of prosperity and justice, where every citizen will be respected and protected."

The nobles, still uncertain, began to bow before the new Negestat, tacitly acknowledging her nascent authority. Almera, observing the scene with a mix of satisfaction and caution, nodded in approval, prostrating herself in turn.

She felt a wave of triumph rise within her. The first part of her plan had succeeded beyond her expectations.

But in the depths of her mind, a shadow persisted: Damaris Zahad, even imprisoned, remained a potential threat. The Negestat was not one to accept defeat easily. Almera knew she had to remain vigilant, for the power game in Ayeros was never truly over.

The twilight had dissipated, giving way to a heavy night. The stars, shards of light in the abyssal darkness, seemed to observe the events of Ayeros with divine curiosity. The palace, usually vibrant with life, was plunged into a funereal silence.

Mervyln Zahad, now the queen by default, stood alone in the grand throne room. The nobles had been dismissed, their murmurs still echoing in the air. The room, empty and echoing with so many conflicts, suddenly seemed too vast. The silver scepter lay at her feet, a radiant symbol of authority she was not yet certain she wanted.

Her mother's words, laden with anger and betrayal, still echoed in her ears. The battle had left Mervyln exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She had defeated her mother, but at what cost? The prospect of ruling Ayeros, of maintaining order among the snakes of the court, weighed heavily on her.

A figure emerged from the shadows, approaching with silent grace. Almera, the matron of House Yseris, stepped forward. Her green eyes gleamed with barely concealed satisfaction. "You have been brilliant, Mervyln, or shall I call you our new Negestat?" she said, her voice soft but laden with implications. "Your determination has saved the kingdom."

Mervyln turned to her, her gaze scrutinizing. "Is that not what you wanted, Matron Almera? My ascension serves you as much as it serves me."

Almera gave a enigmatic smile. "We all have our roles to play, young Negestat. But make no mistake, I have but one ambition: the prosperity of Ayeros."

"And your own power, of course," Mervyln retorted, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "Do not think I am blind to your machinations."

Almera shrugged slightly. "Politics is a complex game, my dear. We must ensure that those surrounding the throne are trustworthy. Which brings me to a crucial point. Court loyalty is not won overnight. You will need strong allies to maintain your position."

Mervyln nodded, aware of the truth in Almera's words. "I will need to make alliances," she murmured, as if speaking to herself. "But who deserves my trust in this nest of vipers?"

"I can help you," Almera replied. "But you must be prepared to make sacrifices. The crown is not just a symbol of power, it is a burden. And only those who know how to maneuver in the shadows can hope to survive."

The young Negestat contemplated the throne, the seat of so much power and peril. "Then begin," she ordered, resolution hardening her gaze. "Tell me who deserves my trust and who must be sidelined."