The King of Heroes: Null/Virtue

Honesty

10 Years Later:

Age 35

[One For All Boost: 297%]

In the capital city of Enterion, Fisious, immense reconstructive activity was on-going. Even the castle, with its new queen, had shattered pillars and caved in ceilings. The last pockets of resistance had been defeated, but there was much to do.

The queen herself, tapping calloused fingers on her humble throne, went through meeting after meeting, document after document. No matter the aid pouring in from Draxia, Metara, Fearis, and Miro, there just wasn't enough. The Kingdom was stable, but it would be another 15 years before it was strong. Given the last civil revolt, that wasn't good news for the queen, but she persisted, because she believed in what she had fought for on the frontlines.

"We'll have to force it then," the queen said to her advisors. "If we can get access to the railway and canal system, we can cut the recovery in half. The materials pouring in from those investments will put us where we need to be."

"It won't be easy to convince them to branch off the canal. They're only just now getting close to the end of construction, and the costs are more than expected. Even with Draxia footing the bill, it doesn't look good for us."

The queen nodded. "I understand, but I'm meeting with the NULL Lord in about an hour. From what I've heard, he's reasonable."

"He's also harbored our enemies," one of the advisors pointed out.

"Everyone has families," the queen said, rejecting the implication. "His support has been impartial. Lives matter more to him than taking sides. We can't do this without him."

Everyone agreed, even if not everyone liked it.

Aides began rushing about, grabbing gloves, a new dress, and makeup for the queen's meeting, but she quickly held up her hand. "No. We must be forthcoming. He's a very direct man from what I've heard. If I hide my truths, he won't trust me. I must appear as I am."

"At least the gloves, my lady?"

The queen shook her head. "He's a warrior king. He may see camaraderie in a warrior queen." Her calloused fingers and scarred body had already disgusted potential suitors. Even if her ideals coincided with that of the people, the image she struck did not. Kings could be ugly or scarred, but not a fair lady.

Unfortunately, her advisors agreed, meaning she got several dirty or questioning looks from her own kin. They wouldn't hide them, but they also wouldn't oppose her. She struck a strange balance of being too un-ladylike to see as queen, but too powerful and headstrong to countermand.

"Is it not worrisome that he's only sent intermediaries until now? What spurred him on to wait until now to be seen in-person?" They asked.

The queen had to think, but she could not find a reason. The best she could do was offer, "he's unusual and nonconformist. Best not to worry about that sort of thing. It will only distract us."

"We should be present to-"

"Again, no," the queen interrupted. "Honesty... that is all Enterion has to offer right now. Honesty and our word. Were this the Eternal Lord, I would agree, but the NULL Lord must be met defenseless and alone. Because what can we do with numbers that he can't do on his own? I must stand across from him to be taken seriously." The queen was just as worried as her advisors, and she would've preferred an army around herself, but she knew the score. Only confidence and her truth would bring her to, at the very least, a draw.

"Now please, leave me until the time arrives. I would like to meet him in the study. Grant me some peace for now."

Everyone in the room bowed and made their respective ways out of the room.