THE REIGN OF WOMEN

S1 EP27: Art of Vengeance

503 AD, Nightfall, Eternos

In the Outer Gardens, Princess Gaia and Ser Saloman sat beneath a Canopy as the sun shone heavily and sipped on Efreeti Tea as they conversed. Princess Gaia adored Ser Saloman. He became her third parent and upon the death of King Romulus, her second Father.

The Princess was but ten and six, far too young to have but one parent and no male figure to guide and protect her. Ser Saloman was good for such, even before he practically raised her. "Mother wishes me to marry."

"I heard— how do you feel about it?" Princess Gaia had well surpassed the age of traditional marriage, but to honor the late King, the Queen Mother announced her hand in marriage to look for suitors.

Princess Gaia was destined for more than a common Ladyship life. The Queen Mother would not settle for such;  she would aim higher, perhaps a Prince—a King.

"I want a family but what if my husband proves ungallant?" Princess Gaia's biggest fear in life was that if she were to marry that her husband would be unfaithful to her as she carried or had his children. She wished for a fairy tale marriage, though never seen before.

Even those who married for love did not see happiness all the time. In a world built by men, a woman would never find happiness. "Then I shall cut out his heart with a dinner knife, and serve it to you on a golden platter."

Princess Gaia would have any man presented to her as she believed her Father would want. She acknowledged that her Mother would fight for a perfect match and would not allow her only daughter to suffer. "How is brother handling the Imperial Council?"

"Fairly well, I believe, though he has been distracted." It was no news that King Remus suffered from the loss of his son and lover. As much as he attempted to hide it, the people of the Court could tell through his heavy eye bags and his distracted ways.

"Losing a child and lover all in but a day must hold a great deal of his thoughts." Princess Gaia claims. It was true that losing a child was damaging but also losing the mother of the child mentally, and watching her slip from reality was not any easier.

"Perhaps, but if the Imperial Council sees fit, they will find a regent to rule in his absence. Considering the King has no Queen or son, and Prince Rollo is second in line, he would likely be elected." The Imperial Council had the power to replace King Remus and elect a regent but according to customs, the next in line would be Prince Rollo. So far they had fought against Prince Rollo's ascension, considering him a menace.

"Mother writes to her Lady friends seeking to wed the King. In no long, Eternos will have a Queen." Perhaps with a Queen, Eternos would not be left for the taking by Prince Rollo.

Princess Gaia loved her brother, Prince Rollo, despite their restrained relationship but she knew better than to see him for the Throne.

Approaching, Ser Julen, curtsies to Ser Saloman and Princess Gaia. "Ser Saloman— the Imperial Council calls for you."

Taking his leave, Ser Saloman leaves the Princess to enjoy her day in the Outer Gardens. "Ser Saloman, good of you to join us."

"I was occupied, but I am here now." considering the King, Ser Bedivere and Ser Jorah were not yet present, he did not believe himself late for any meeting.

"What is so urgent, the King has us called at such an early hour?" Prince Cayo groans.

"Ser Bedivere and Ser Jorah are not here yet, perhaps they have a message." It was odd that all three were absent though had called for an urgent Imperial Council Meeting at this time.