Let The Games Begin.

C o n s o l a t i o n

Now, remembering why I had come into the throne room in the first place, and ending up blessing Alexios, was because I was looking for Marcellus. All of those good deeds had severely calmed me.

Putting away all of my stationary supplies, one by one, I begin thinking. Would I really excommunicate my mother from the court? I know things would settle down, at least for a while if I did.

Sighing, I rub my hands on the front of my gown and then turn to leave. Tapping my foot on the floor once more, I wait for the door to open. A few moments pass before it dawned on me that there had not been any guards on watch when we entered the room. Tugging the grand oak door open once more, I continue my search for Marcellus. He couldn't have gotten far. I did send for his room to be made comfortable, perhaps he is resting before we meet for dinner.

Pacing the long, winding halls, I pass several people who bow and greet me. To be polite, I smile and wave, and as always, offer an excuse as to why I can't stay and converse. After all, that is what the saloon is for. If I wanted to gossip and chitchat, I'd be there.

I actually have no idea which part of the palace Marcellus is staying in. I guess I can't walk around forever, aimlessly. I could go to the records room and search the books, or I could find Helga. She knows everyone's business. I guess I'm going to the saloon after all. It's always bustling with people playing cards and swapping the latest gossip. It's right off the throne room, so I don't have much farther to go. Passing my own room, down the hall to the left, I stop and peer out the window. The country looks so beautiful. Rolling hills and patches of flowers everywhere. Mother never leaves the castle, firmly believing the lower classes to be less than, as if we weren't created equally as humans. Resuming my walk, I nod at the hoplites standing along the wall. "Afternoon men. Stay diligent, as always."

They nod. "Yes, Your Grace."

I take a step and then pause,  slowly turning back to the group of guards. "Why are there so many of you in one spot?"

They looked at each other and then at me, stalling for an answer.

     "Is something going on that I'm unaware of?"

Still, they keep quiet.

One of the hoplites finally steps forward. "Lady Integra, we caught word of a possible fight between the women in the saloon. I heard some women whispering as they entered, and called for support immediately."

From the distance, the clanging metal cup hitting the floor sounds and then the roar of women's voices begin. Looking between the guards, I fling the doors open and flinch at the amplification of noise. What a show! There are women throwing food and pulling each others hair, screaming and shouting. Absolutely ridiculous. So much for the guards; they are still standing behind me.

Stepping further into the room, I clip my fingers in my mouth and let our an ear-splitting whistle. I suppose my brute of a father did teach me something. At once, the room becomes deathly silent. "What's the meaning of this?!" I shout, panning my hand across the room in front of me. "Have you all gone mad?" I question, my voice firm and unwavering. "Who started this mess?" 

A tall, plump woman with dark hair and bright red circles on her porcelain face shoved a disheveled looking woman forward.

     "And? Who else?" I demand, crossing my arms.

There is no movement in the room until another, shorter woman steps forward. She is rubbing one arm with the other, her clothes torn in several places.

     "Your majesty, I-" She begins.

     "-will not hear it." I finish, "Not yet, at least." Looking back, I motion to the hoplites. "Keep them in the throne room. I'll be there shortly. And you two," I point at two younger looking hoplites. "Keep watch and make sure the ladies clean the saloon from top to bottom. If the maids come for service, dismiss them."