Astoria's POV
I stood behind Adelaide as she met the nobles of the empire. From what I had learnt from Bolton, Adelaide had sent out an invitation to all nobility without the imperial family's knowledge and she would give them an option either to go under her wings or the other way round.
It has come to my attention that most nobles agreed to be part of the coup but not all. Some even question Adelaide if she is sane.
"Lady Adelaide, have you gone mad? To challenge the imperial family like this- aren't you afraid of what they might do to your family?" Lord Hawthorne laughed.
"Have I ever shown any respect towards the imperial family? Have I ever feared them? I don't think so. Whatever my daughter wish to do, House Hawthorne will follow suit. I mean, she has House Aspen's strongest knight by hr side, only idiots would choose otherwise." The nobles began to whispered among each other.
"If you manage to overthrow the current emperor, who will lead our empire? You?" Adelaide smiled.
"Tell me who is more fitting to be your ruler than me." Adelaide's words send shivers down my spine. This woman- she knows how to manipulate her aura to such an extent.
"You all have experienced how chaotic the government is after I leave the palace. How was it? Was it difficult?" Adelaide smiled. None of the nobles dared to say anything.
"It was. But I'm sure in time the emperor will realize his duty to serve. What can you give to the empire if we choose to follow you?" Asked one of the nobles.
"A new monarch with experience and good diplomatic relations with foreign countries. I heard what happened at the banquet— I dare say it was a disaster, yes? The retainers couldn't even save the situation. And as days go by, the empire has lost all its major allied forces while I continue to gain more support from neighboring kingdoms. Choose wisely, ladies and gentlemen." Adelaide leaned back to her seat with a small smile.
Adelaide was the empress for a reason. I remember when I first met her, she was a fearsome ruler for sure. And these nobles- they have no choice but to follow her. Because they know if the situation remains, the empire will fall completely.
The nobles discuss among themselves before finally deciding on what they should do.
"We have come to a truce, we will stay under your rule." Adelaide smiled.
"Wise choice. Now, for your first order, leave the empire at once. Bring your families and friends with you. Seek refuge at the North, the South, the West or the East until further notice. The concubines will take care of you and your family. Stay away from the capital because in a month, Tempest will fall."
A few days later,
"Alya," Alya smiled before bowing her head the moment she saw me.
"What are you doing?" Alya chuckled.
"You never cease to amaze me, Astoria. As promised, I had brought the members of House Lowenstein with me." It's been a while since I met Jennifer and the moment our eyes met, I can't help but to give my only friend a hug.
"What is going on?! Astoria- the things I heard—- you and Adelaide outdid yourself. Do you have any idea how chaotic the capital is right now? Witches and dark magicians are making the capital its home after the nobles left!" Jennifer seems confused but that's understandable.
"We know. Everything is according to Adelaide's plan. The nobles are all safe. The only ones left at the capital are our knights and mages. The people of Tempest are all here seeking refuge." Jennifer seems confused. I smiled at how clueless my friend is.
YOU ARE READING
The Empress (GirlxGirl)
RomanceSince she was born, Adelaide had to go through many hardship as she was being prepared to be the mother of a nation. Adelaide thought that once she became the empress of Tempest, she would finally become a free woman. But instead of freedom, Adelai...
