The Oreans

Chapter 39

Chapter 39
The Fall of the Prime Minister

Never in all his life as a member of the Circle had the Dark Prince found as much pleasure as overhearing his fellow ministers' whispered discussion now. It was stupid — he knew — especially as his plans had not gone as planned and his most valuable follower was in jail, but he could not help smiling in secret. Vengeance was sweet when it was ripened by patient waiting. Soon, he was going to have it — for himself and his father. He was going to be rid of one of his worst enemies.

That person was now entering the room. As soon as the gathering saw him, silence fell upon them, and every pair of eyes followed him as he walked towards his usual seat at the upper end of the table. Once seated, the prime minister, looking pale and exhausted, met everyone's searching gaze and cleared his throat, about to call the meeting to order when the Marquis of Citrouille stood up.

"I beg your pardon, Archduke Guilem, but I have to say this," he began. Then, looking at the prime minister, he said, "You have no right to sit in judgment of this trial-or any trial for that matter. If you have any decency left in you, you will step down right now."

The Dark Prince saw the prime minister blanched further at these words, his jaw clenching and his fist curling, but said nothing.

"Gentlemen, let's give Duke Elfred a chance," said Archduke Guilem gently, putting his hand on the latter's shoulder. "Everyone knows how dedicated he is."

"His Grace is right," Lord Melvil agreed. "Everyone here must know that we still haven't got single evidence that connects His Grace to his wife's plot. Remember, a person is innocent until proven guilty."

This statement was followed by a general murmur of disapproval, which made the Dark Prince smile inwardly. Well said, my commander, he thought. That's just what it'll take to flare them up.

"Spoken like a true Orean and a gentleman," remarked the regent.

"Let me speak, Your Grace," the Duke of Roble said. "I know what Lord Melvil means: he doesn't want us to be hasty again like what we've done in the case of his men. However, it is necessary for us to replace the prime minister if we want to ensure a fair trial. Remember, his wife's involved in the case. With your good judgment, Archduke Guilem, do you think we can be assured of justice if he's the one in charge?"

Commander, you better hold your tongue now, the Dark Prince thought as he caught sight of the prime minister's countenance.

"Fellow ministers, if you don't trust me at all to lead you now, I'll bequeath the position to someone worthier," Duke Elfred said in a hollow tone. "But before I step down, let me tell you that I have nothing to do with my wife's actions. I am not guilty, and I trust she will not say anything to the contrary."

"Who knows... he might just have threatened her against doing such a thing?" the Marquis of Cacto muttered as he watched Duke Elfred move to a lesser seat. The Dark Prince, who was just sitting next to the marquis, pretended not to hear.

"All right, Duke Elfred is stepping down," Archduke Guilem declared. "But who shall we have to be our new prime minister?"

"Why shouldn't it be that you, Your Grace, hold the post? That way, it would be easier for you to make decisions for the good of the kingdom," the Duke of Roble said.

Many seemed to approve this suggestion even as the regent shook his head. Things are getting better and better, thought the Dark Prince.

"I move to settle the issue with our votes," suggested the Marquis de Riz.

"Good suggestion," the Duke of Roble told him. Then over the din, he spoke: "With His Grace's permission, I ask you all... who are in favor of having Archduke Guilem, the regent, to be our new prime minister at the same time?"