"Your Highness," A Duke, his head dipped low into a bow as spoke, "This shall be the last time we plead for aid."
"You said the same thing last time."
"This is the Last time!"
The Empress looked up from the papers, and said quietly, "Mind your tone, Duke. I do not need to keep repeating myself."
"Please forgive me, Your Highness..." The duke quickly lowered his eyes, unable to face the brilliant blue jeweled eyes.
"My answer remains the same," the Empress said warily as she gently pushed the document away with her fingertips. "I cannot keep aiding a nation that wasted their wealth on war, but not the people in need."
"But to get the wealth that the people need, war, we must wage!"
"There is no such thing as We in this discussion." Her Highness continued after taking a sip of water from the golden cup. "Last time Obelia provided aid, you said you would use it for agriculture, not hiring mercenaries for war. So I ask, What is your excuse, Duke?"
"I have no excuse, but a burden to share," the Duke said as he rose from his seat, propping both hands on the large golden table.
"And if I do not agree?"
The duke hardened his gaze as he looked at the Empress across the room. He said, "Then you become one of our enemies."
The noise of sheathed swords was heard all across the hall, echoing.
The Empress gazed around.
Four barbarians-looking knights standing next to the Duke. The irons glittered like sheen in the sunlight, sharp and threatening.
Yet the two petty Knights of Obelia did not bother drawing their swords. They remained in perfect silence, unimpressed, just like their Empress.
"Lower your weapons before all of your hair is set on fire," she said softly as she went through the document again. "And had it been my father, you would have lost your heads by now, simply from your idiotic act."
"We cannot return to our home without your blessings, Your Highness! Please! We know Your Highness does not have the military power, but-"
"How do you know we do not have the power? Were you scouting us? Were you planning something?"
The duke flinched slightly and realized he had revealed something he shouldn't have.
"No- No! We would not dare. But please, Your Highness. Bestow the financial support for the war and we will pledge loyalty and alliance with your empire!" The Duke cried in pure desperation.
"Is that so?"
Athanasia could tell her short questions provoked the nerves of the mercenaries. These bloodthirsty soldiers were being tested by their limits.
The mercenary leaped on the table with a dagger aimed at the throat of the Empress. His feet hasten with great speed. Dragged's edge aligned with his palm.
As he thrust the blade forward, there was a force of gravity struck his spine and he glided on the table toward the Empress who was sitting leg crossed ever so gracefully.
Her Highness took the cup of tea away before the mercenary could collide and make a mess of it.
"I am still enjoying my tea. Would you mind?" She asked aloud in the meeting hall. Then she pulled the cup close to her lips again as she closed her eyes, savoring the flavor.
Frightened by the Man who suddenly appeared in thin air, the Duke and the three other soldiers stilled and stayed invisible the whole time.
"Good Afternoon, Your Highness," the Man greeted with his signature wolfen grin.
He did a bow that only Athanasia could feel. It was nothing but sarcasm as he used the person underneath him as a rug to wipe his feet.
Athanasia huffed a smile despite the situation and without having to open her eyes to see who it was in front of her.
"Afternoon, Sir Magician," she greeted back.
"Are you busy?"
"I am in the middle of a negotiation. Can't you see?"
"No. I can only see how beautiful you are."
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