The Ruler's Rift

The Place Where Loyalties Lie

While Amber assembled those who would conduct the pillaging, Celeste endured more letters through grit teeth. The following days passed slowly as if they ran on rusty gears. Finally, Amber arrived in the throne room with ten individuals in her wake. Fading light poured through the tall windows in strips. Under the evening glow of the winter world, they marched to their queen.

Celeste closed the current scroll and set it aside, turning her sharp eyes to those present. Amber stopped in front of the throne and faced the ten - they lined up horizontally so that each face could be scrutinized. "You've all been summoned by Queen Celeste herself," Amber boomed, "don't disappoint her."

The demon raised an eyebrow from her seat. What was that bravado all about? The advisor had voiced her distaste for this plan at a near hourly rate. "I recall requesting twenty," Celeste sighed. "But, I trust you all will make up for your poor numbers with exceptional skill." She stepped off her throne and met the visitors at eye level. Five carried weapons, and four tickled the demon's senses - powerful magic emanated from them like the scents of rich spices.

Then, there was the tenth individual. Celeste approached him and let her gaze trace his toes to his eyes. Handsome, but shy. His hat and trench coat hid him. He looked away. "What's the deal with this one, Amber?" Celeste asked, never averting her vision.

"Strategist," Amber replied.

Nearly scoffing, Celeste doubted he could be slyer than herself. Amber already cut the numbers; she didn't need to fill a slot with some measly strategist. "You'll do a great job, I'm sure," she said soothingly to him. At last, she released him from her attention and addressed the group. "It's...hard for me to ask this of you. Truly, I don't like violence. I've come to require the power you possess despite my best efforts at peace."

Amber discreetly rolled her eyes.

"Anything you ask, your majesty," one of the mages began, "we'd be happy to offer our services to you."

Celeste showed a gentle expression. "And I'm certain the universe will thank you as much as I will. All I want is to repair the damage my mother has done, but I need resources to do that. These few worlds are just...refusing to contribute!"

Another mage piped up. She grumbled, "so selfish...we're all helping."

"I know," Celeste cooed. "We have to take their resources at this point."

Despite these individuals' power and proficiency, they each held a feeble mind in their head. Celeste nearly laughed at how easy it was to manipulate them. They already sighed in sorrow and showed their wicked queen gazes of sympathy and comfort. One of the warriors, whose belt sagged with several swords, remained the only one to not appear instantly convinced.

"I can sense your magic," Celeste praised, "and I trust my advisor to choose skilled warriors. We'll start with planet Chestorran of the northern galaxy's fourth quadrant."

"Are we to kill them?"

"No," Celeste answered. "I'd hate to cause more havoc than necessary. Take all the money, food, and metals you can."

The quiet warrior with several swords spoke up. In a raspy voice, he questioned, "What will you do with the retrieved resources, your majesty?"

"The food will go to the hungry," she began, "the metals will be used to rebuild damaged worlds, and the wealth will fund all transit and labor." It wasn't a lie, but she figured she shouldn't have to explain herself to them.

That answer earned praise and thanks from the ten. Before long, Celeste returned to her throne to relay detailed instructions. The mages and warriors exited the room, leaving only aunt and niece.