Heroes of Darkness

VI

ELIZABETH

Elli sat calmly at the long marble table with her hands folded politely. At first, she felt unnerved at the situation. No Pokémon were allowed at these meetings, so she wasn't able to lean on Luvdisc for support and comfort. Not even Ahab, the Empress's own half-brother, was allowed his. Well, good luck fitting that Gyarados into the Council chamber.

Very important delegates from all over the Empire were in attendance for Her Majesty's court. The admirals of the navy, and representatives from all the other settlements in her Holiness's vast kingdom.

"Don't be nervous," Elli's mother whispered to her before the meeting started. She was the representative from Lilycove. Someday, Elli would take her place. Well, after she was married to Leo Specter that is. "The key is listening," her mother continued. "Listen, and try to solve problems that is in the best interests of all."

Elli looked around the table. Some of the men and women seemed to be talking amongst themselves in groups, eyeing the other groups suspiciously. Even with her training as a member of the First Generation, if it wasn't for her mother, Elli would never have picked up on it. It was her mother who had told her. Parties, Elli remembered. Don't take sides.Don't make enemies. There were always certain interests or groups from different parts of the Empire that squabbled and competed for Empress Glamour's utmost attention and love.

Finally, the rumbling of marble on marble was heard, and all at the long table stood in honor. The huge doors that glistened all the colors of the rainbow opened at the end of the hall. The first through were two guards in shimmering blue armor.

The second through was Lord Ahab, her majesty's strong right hand. He was slightly past middle-age, his long black hair streaked with oncoming white. His faced was tanned and wrinkled as well. Elli looked silently at his eyes. They were strong, fierce, and determined. No matter how much he had aged since Elli had grown up in Sootopolis, his eyes still had the same, hungry glimmer to them.

Finally, the Empress herself strode into the room elegantly. Though older than Ahab, she looked to be younger than Elli's own mother. Even Elli had to admit to herself that the Empress was even more beautiful, however. Her skin was flawless and seemed to glow in the light of the chamber. Her long flowing hair was as golden as the noon sun atop Sootopolis. She walked with her golden trident in hand, and the shimmering Blue Orb embedded in it: the symbol and source of the Empress's grace, wisdom, power, and immortality. And her dress was marvelous; it seemed to Elli that whoever made her own wedding dress had also designed this one for the Empress.

At long last, the two supreme royals finally took their places at the Council Table. "You may be seated," her majesty said with a smile. After all had sat back in their chairs, she spoke again. "I trust all the young new Lords and Ladies of the First Generation have been delivered safe and sound back to their own jurisdictions?"

A strong-armed man bowed in his seat towards the end of the table. "They have, your grace."

"You've done me great service, captain," she said. "Your family shall feast for months."

The captain bowed again, muttering his thanks as the rest of the table applauded, Elli included.

Empress Glamour turned to her brother. "What is first on the council's agenda for this meeting?"

Ahab grumbled and looked down at a piece of parchment. He squinted his eyes. He read slowly from what was written. "The High Council recognizes the representative from the Mauville territories," he said, almost bored.