A Prince's Harem

Meeting

As impromptu and inconvenient as it may have been, Lord Edward summoned the council to a meeting in an empty room not too far away from the ballroom, stating that it was urgent and a matter of state, he seemed adamant that the meeting had to happen at that moment in time.

"Lord Soldera, what is so important that it could not wait until tomorrow morning? The ball is in honour of Her Royal Highness and it is disrespectful to walk out without bidding her farewell," Lucas commented as he stood in between Marnie and Caterina, "If it is truly an emergency of state then why not include the princes, consorts and Their Majesties?"

"I do not trust the Elizabeth girl at all," Edward hissed without an explanation or an answer to Lucas' question, "She was impolite and had no respect for the most noble House of Soldera!"

"Pardon me, Lord Soldera, but you seem to be quite mistaken," François interjected politely, "Princess Katherine was the most respectful and was extremely kind. She is a true jewel of a woman and such a positive representative of His Royal Highness and, by extension, the Crown."

"She has obviously corrupted His Royal Highness!" Edward accused quickly, "It would not surprise me if she tricked him into a marriage for power and sway over the kingdom!" His rant continued until a sharp, dangerous hiss cut him off.

"Watch whatever accusations you throw so casually towards the illustrious House of Elizabeth!" Caterina spat out, drawing herself to her full height, "My niece did no such thing as trapping the prince in a marriage! We all know that His Majesty demanded the union, not my Kitty!"

"Lady Caterina, you must watch how you speak to your seniors!" Samuel hissed out, standing to move beside Edward, "You are speaking to Lord Soldera and myself."

The small movement may have seemed like it meant nothing but joining the conversation to an outsider, but within the council the intent was clear as could be; a challenge had been issued and now each remaining member had to pick a side of the debate.

"My betters, Lord Caravel? We are one and the same in terms of standing in this council. Your sister may be Queen Consort but you are not royal, just as I am not royal. If anything I would outrank you and Lord Soldera on any technicality as I am the second highest lady of Naturalis, you are a regular Fae, so watch how you threaten me," Caterina spat, standing directly across from Edward and Samuel to show that she met their challenge and was opposing them openly.

For all the words and accusations thrown around, none of them meant anything until the challenge had officially been presented and recognised now that there were two clear and distinct parties.

"I move for a vote of no confidence in Princess Katherine Denholm. Should this vote pass, I wish to petition an immediate annulment to His Majesty at once so the marriage may be declared null and void in the eyes of the law," Edward spoke firmly, his magic buzzing around him as he presented the matter to be voted on.

It was a dangerous gamble to make, but Edward believed that if he worded it correctly then a few of the less temperamental houses, St Louis and St Leroy namely, could be easily swayed to his side.

Lucas, as the head of the third highest house and the highest ranking present council member not immediately involved in the debate, spoke up next, "Very well, Lord Caravel, I see your challenge and ask if anyone here does second the motion so we may put it to a vote?"

"I do," Samuel replied with no hesitation whatsoever, malice lacing every inch of his voice, he was clearly intimidated by the power Katherine now held and sought to rid her from her position immediately.

There was a quick rap on the door, there was no acknowledgement but the person outside entered nonetheless.

The door to the room opened quickly and the vote had to halt momentarily as the council members took in the form of Will as he made his way into the room alongside Graecie and Acho, surveying the gathered members.