Reincarnated Prince just wants a quiet life

Part 6: The Storm of War

A woman dressed in a regal red gown sat on an equally impressive throne as the sun went down behind her. The shadows made the beautiful woman's face seem sinister which only served to terrify the hundreds of people in the room. Everyone from soldiers in full armor to lords and ladies in the most luxurious clothes that money could buy shrank away from her gaze. Looking down at the people gathered with disgust, the woman felt contempt. Here in front of their queen they acted like well behaved children but as soon as she left the room they would be at each other's throats. Each one wanted the throne and not even the most heinous of acts would deter them. It is to this end that the women looked at those gathered as if she were looking at a pile of rubbish. She watched as the people mingled in hushed voices, probing for any useful information or weaknesses no doubt.

As she stood, all conversation in the room came to an abrupt halt. All eyes were on her and she smiled before speaking loud enough to fill the whole room. "Welcome esteemed guests. Thank you for all coming on such short notice, would I have had ample time I would have prepared a greater feast." she paused and took in the crowd. "Now I am sure you all are dying to know why I issued a summons and I assure you it is of the utmost importance. The Padaria Empire, our neighbors to the north, a nation where even ... demi-humans are treated as equals." A soft murmur rippled through the room and many people could be seen shaking their heads. Smiling to herself she continued, "As many of you must know the detested demi-humans within our own borders have been escaping and seeking refuge in Padaria. An act in itself not a cause for war but an act that we can not let slide. We as a nation have worked with Padarian officials for years to not only return these escaped demi-humans but to do so without delay. Yet at every turn Padaria has opposed us and not a single escaped demi-human has been returned to us. This we can not accept, this I will not accept!" Hundreds of voices rang out in agreement with the queen. "So I have decreed that this detestable nation of demi-human loving fools shall be brought to heel!"

The soldiers in the room unsheltered their swords and raised them to the sky in a dignified salute. The room exploded in a cacophony of voices that could have shook the whole castle. Returning to her seat the queen let out a cackling laugh that was drowned out by the jubilant voices that filled the room to the rafters. Soon she would crush a long time enemy and her power over the throne would be cemented for decades to come. None here will plot against her again, with this single move she had secured the loyalty of every noble of any power. Now all she needed to do was wait for this war, if you could even call it that, to come to a spectacular end. As she sipped on her wine she laughed at the thought of turning the Padarina palace into her summer home. I have tolerated your little kingdom for far too long Cian.

"Very well said, my grace." said a man in a raspy voice.

Turning to see a man dressed in a fine red coat laced with gold trim, the queen scoffed at him before speaking, "I see you have deigned to appear Morges."

"Your grace called for me did she not? I am but a humble servant here at your disposal." he replied.

"Enough with your silver tongue." she said waving her hand at him, "Are the preparations complete?"

"Yes my grace. The troops are all in position and are merely awaiting your orders." he said with a small smile.

"Very good then give the order, Be sure to let the men know to capture any and all demi-humans they come across. If they put up a fight, kill them obviously but capture as many as possible. As for Cian and his whore of a wife I want them alive. I want to watch their expressions as they watch their wretched kingdom burn" she said while wearing a smug expression.

"My my, what a sinister woman you are." Morges replied with an equally smug expression that quickly disappeared as the queen glared at him. "Apologies your grace, twas in poor taste to say such a thing. Have no fear, your armies shall march at first light tomorrow. By the end of the month you shall be sitting in the Padarian palace."