The Empress's Revenge

Chapter 29

I strode down the hall quickly on my way to the first meeting of the day about the upcoming war.

My head was aching with all these new issues, but I was the king. I would protect my people.

"Sir!"

I whirled around, knocking into the Minister of Finances, Grisula Thractor and sending him sprawling onto the smooth floor.

"Im so sorry sir, but I need you to understand the depletion of the royal treasury and the treaties before acting-"

"I have everything in mind, thank you Thractor."

He paled and picked up his papers and shuffled off down the corridor.

I turned and continued making my way to the throne room, where the rest of the ministers and nobles would be waiting.

"You'll do amazing today. And there will be a treat awaiting you when you're done."

I felt my face grow warm and I leaned against the stone wall.

Gods.

That woman was ruining me.

What did she mean by treat? I had an idea, but it was inappropriate to think about it...

My thoughts evaporated as I threw the grand doors open and strode into the throne room, startling all the subjects who immediatly burst out.

"This will be massacre!"

"Did the Lady Renata cause this?"

"Wouldnt it be better to let her go?"

"Why has this happened?"

My head throbbed as I stomped my foot and the room grew silent.

"Take notes" I growled. "I will answer questions one at a time."

Lieutenant Commander Avinck Frashtier stepped forward, brushing his suit.

"How many soilders do you plan to deploy?"

I sat in my throne and plucked lint of my pants.

"How ever many it takes to show the world that the North is a cold brutal place that does not back down."

There was a murmer of agreement. I knew that my citizens loved the country and they liked the idea of respect for it even more.

Joeseline Calgraf stepped forward, a tall, lean woman.

"Vat do you plan on getting out of zees var?" She asked in a hard accent.

I gave a sly smirk.

"Dominence."

The rest of the questions came easily. I made plans for guards to patrol the borders and I remembered the servant that Renata told me about so I sent for someone to collect him.

I issued for the treasury to allow payment to farmers and citizens who supplied food for the militia and I gave heartfelt speeches to the milita leaders who were low in spirits.

By noon, I had answered 3/4 of the people in the room, but they still stayed to watch me answer the rest of the questions.

My head ached.

The doors were thrown in and a small group of women hurried in, pushing and shoving to the front of the crowd.

"Sir! Sir!" They called to me.

The nobles were slightly angered at being pushed by maids, but I silenced them with a glare as one of the maids threw themselves at my throne.

"What is it?" I asked, resting my cheek on my fist.