lunam et stellas

chapter thirteen

the year 1014...

Alex woke up in absolute misery. She felt like a blobfish, Peter wasn't here, and she could honestly cry at the drop of a hat. It was embarrassing. She was supposed to be a queen, and there she was crying whenever the lords used a stern voice.

Her maids came in and helped her dress quickly, and she went into her office, running over the day's agenda. Another meeting with the Calmoren diplomats, a one-on-one meeting with the maester, a meeting with General Oreius's Second Hand, and then a briefing on the Giant Conflict. She called for breakfast and then started her day.

She waddled into the meeting room, smiling at the lords. "Good morning, gentlemen."

"Good morning, Your Majesty." Lord Dilitmof pulled out her chair, holding out his hand for support. She smiled gratefully up at the older man, and then addressed the dignitaries. "So, what news do we have for today?"

Lord Mian smiled. "Coming from our reports, Queen Susan seems to be doing excellent work with her negotiation with the King."

Alex smiled. "That is good."

Lord Sopespian went next. "He still wishes to address the bigger matter at hand with- "

Alex glared at the lord. "And you can tell him what I told him in our last correspondence. The High King is fighting giants that are trying to invade, and cannot be disturbed. I am more than capable, as I always have been, of dealing with this issue." She looked around the table. "Are there any disagreements-"

Lord Sopespian interrupted. "There are, Your Majesty." He looked around the table, trying to seem confident in his next movements. "We believe it is in our best interests if you step down as head of the Calmoren transpondence." He sighed. "Many at this table believe that you are not capable to lead this since you are-"

Lord Dilitmof scoffed. "This is an outrage. You cannot sit there and insult the High Queen! Treasonous I say!" Lords Mian and Lizel shook their heads. "Scandalous, Sopespian!"

Alexandra cleared her throat. The lords quieted down. "Thank you, Lord Sopespian, for your words of concern." She sat back. "And who would you rather have as the head of this committee?"

He fought the urge to smile, and Alexandra wished she could hit him. "King Edmund."

The table broke out into arguments once again, and Alex had had enough. She stood up, and spoke loudly. "Gentlemen." They stared at her, and Lord Dilitmof stood up. "My lady, with your condition-"

"Thank you, Lord Dilitmof, but I am fine." She turned back to the lords. "I'm not aware if you know this, Lord Sopespian, but King Edmund does not have the best history with the Calmoren."

He glanced at her. "Really?"

"When we first began ruling, he was not aware of customs, and he did something that your people see as unforgiving. So therefore, wouldn't you yourself say, Lord Sopespian, that King Edmund leading this committee of fine lords such as yourselves would only cause more outrage?"

He nodded, responding quietly. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Great, I'm glad we could clear that up." She sighed. "Is there anything else I need to address?"