Tipping the Scale

Walking the Tightrope (Part 1)

"An increasing number of people seem concerned with your way of ruling, your Highness."

A warm voice spoke with hints of concern, but Valerian couldn't help but notice the hidden barbs underneath. Sitting in his robes of gold at the other head of the table, one could have mistaken the High-priest for his King who sat across from him. It eluded Valerian how the man could preach frugality while dressing as a royal, but according to the faith, his holiness needed to dress appropriately for his position as the disciple of God.

Clear nonsense.

"I have been informed. It is why I invited you here today."

A hint of annoyance sounded through the King's voice, but it was so slight that most would have missed it. Sitting straight in his chair, his face showed nothing but mild interest. His ability to face any adversities with absolute regality, used to make Valerian doubt his capabilities as heir. It was only in the more recent years that he had started to see through the cracks of his royal mask. Every day he saw more, more anger, more sadness, more fear, and above all more exhaustion. Even now, Valerian could see the dark circles underneath his eyes due to lack of sleep. A result of the nightmares that had plagued his father ever since Syrion Valkyrea's death.

"Tell me how I can be of service, your Highness, and with the approval of God I will see it done."

He had to look down and study the nerves running along the wooden table, just to hide away his anger. There were always eyes strained at both him and his father, and any emotion that crossed his face would be reported to all the members of the court. With his father looking to appease the church, they couldn't afford Valerian to give away his thoughts.

"I want you to organize a special service for the midsummer festivities. Show them that we would never work together with the likes of the King of Death. Also emphasize the good work that has been done, the new Grand Temple, the new hospices, the increase in salaries for those joining the army, and of course the eradication of magic and heresy from our lands."

He managed to almost sound proud, but they were pauper claims to a populace disheartened by the recent changes in policy. If only they could remove the pleberien church and their cursed faith from their land, then they could rule freely. However, the church's power came from the support of the people. Those who were angry and disillusioned at the past corruption and abuse of power by both magicians and nobles. Trying to remove them would just result in the church being launched into martyrdom and them being painted as the evil magicians they truly were.

The priest stayed silent for longer than was customary after the request of a King. It was an appalling sign of disrespect, but nobody called him out for it. Showing just how much power the faith had gained.

"If the will of God agrees. Leave this in our hands, your Highness."

Not a yes or no. In essence, he had told his King that he would do so, only if he wished to.

Glancing at other faces around the table, he tried to find someone who found offense at his behavior but found none. Most were new nobles installed after the purge of magic had dismissed the majority of the old bloodlines which had been there since the country's origin. They knew better than to protest against the very institution that had given them their position.

In essence, they were surrounded by enemies on all sides.

Under the table, he balled his fists. Frustrated at not being able to express his anger in any other way.

"Thank you, your excellence. Your help would be greatly appreciated."

The priest smiled smugly, satisfied with his father's capitulation and infuriating the crown prince even further. If only they hadn't lost all their allies. Though Valerian understood the decision his father had made, he couldn't find it within himself to agree. He had managed to avert civil war and keep his position as king, but at what price? Now he was their puppet king, made to dance according to the strings the High Priest pulled.