Order of Aria

Prologue

    "Your majesty, we've received word that the village of Mapleburgh has been destroyed." A knight announces.

    "That's the fifth this week." A woman calls out as a new tower is placed upon the war table in the center of the room. The court sitting around the table shifted into positions of unease.

    "Was the cause the same as the others?" A man questions.

    "Yes, we have also been told that they have taken a prisoner from the attackers." The positions go from unease to interest. A few of the members spoke amongst each other.

    "Are we sure he will cooperate with us?"

    "He seems to be eagerly awaiting an audience with the queen." The group is shocked, and a murmur breaks out through the room. One of the older members from the Sainber court rises out to be heard above the noise, "Are you sure he wants an audience with the queen?" A pause breaks out as everyone looks towards the knight for an answer.

    "He seems very adamant that his audience is with Queen Emeaira. I am unsure if he wishes for the king to bear witness to this meeting."

    "How are we to know if we do not ask him?"

    "Why would he need to speak with the King if he is not from our kingdom?"

    "Who is to say they want attention from the Kingdom of Aria anyway? What if he is desiring the attention of the Resailia Kingdom?"

    "If he is desiring the attention of Resailia would he not attack towns within its borders?"

    "After seeing the towns they have attacked, it's very likely that Resailia is next. Mapleburgh is very close to Aria's borders. Why would a group of rebels want the attention of the queen anyway? It's not as if she can do anything. The final decision lies within the king."

    Another member rises, this time a member of the Vandercrith Court. "Our queen does not need the permission of the king to do anything within her kingdom. As previously stated, if Resailia's attention is what they want, they would've attacked a town within its borders."

    "We know that your queen does not need the permission of a king to do anything. It's been seen within her youth." Another murmur breaks out, one of mild agreement.

    "If it were not for the queen's rebellious phase, we would not have any kingdoms to argue over."

    "If the queen didn't have a rebellious phase then we would not be having this conversation right now due to the prisoner wanting an audience with the king rather than the queen. No rash decisions would have been made-"

    "I understand that you are not used to the women of the Sainber Court participating in their kingdom's politics in rash ways but, that gives you no right to assume anything of my wife." King Naermyn announces from his chair near the head of the table.

    "My king, I am not assuming anything. It is only safe to assume that we must prepare for a rash decision which is unfavorable at the moment."

    "Have I not made any rash decisions myself advisor? I was a youth once too and in my early years of being on this court, I have made plenty of rash decisions. One of which allows you to stay on this court." Gasps ring throughout the room. The advisor was struck by these words.

    "My king, I have been a part of your family's council for centuries. I would not advise you to make such a decision based solely upon-"

    A raised hand silenced the advisor and the room. The queen raised from her chair beside the king and walked to the knight by the door. "I will accept the audience with the prisoner. You may ask if he desires for the king to be there or not but, he must agree upon guards and any other personnel of my choosing being in attendance. You may now take your leave." The knight rushed out the door to spread the message with the troops. The rest of the council stood to also take their leave. "I didn't say the rest of you were able to take leave.", their movements paused, "I admit councilman, my reputation from my youth is not the best. Still, that gives you no right to judge me now especially when taking my kingdom and its future into consideration. Even so, this decision is not only for my kingdom but yours too. If I am to make any 'rash decisions' as we've seen from you and my husband today, I am sure that my royal advisor will be able to assist in de-escalating any problems that occur. If I've made myself clear, you are all now dismissed."

    As the last of the council leaves, King Naermyn stands beside his wife, placing his hand on her shoulder. Her shoulders slumped in defeat, and she was unsure of what she was to do when the time for her audience with the criminal arrived.

    "I apologize for my actions today. Ardan just can't seem to grasp that Aria and Resailia have some conflicting views."

    "I've gathered that, but that doesn't mean you can just kick him off of the court without discussing it with me beforehand. He may be difficult but he is wise when we need him."

    "I know, I'll try my hardest to try and fix things the next time that I see him."

    "I recommend you try to fix things with him now. We don't know when the next attack will be or if they will pause until we meet with the prisoner. In the meantime, I will discuss with Esmeray to see if she has had any luck with learning the source of the attacks."

    The king snorts, "I wish you the best of luck. As of late, it seems that she has been too distracted by that apprentice of hers. Have you heard that she is teaching her alteration spells? Her hair is now green. I doubt that that is useful in protecting the kingdom from this new threat."

    The queen sighs, beginning to leave, "She seeks amusement in times of unease. We're lucky she's turned to teaching parlour tricks rather than frequenting the local tavern."