The Blackmail® [Complete]

Chapter Thrity

Ovian did his best to prep me up for my appearance before the Council. I was both excited and afraid. These were men who were known to be feared and revered. Nobody spoke against them. Ovian at first had chided me for making the statement I made in public and he admonished Lahran for not sensoring my speech.

I told him I had not read from my speech, that I just said the words as they came. Still, he insisted I shouldn't have said anything. Anyway, what's done is done. So he called some of his lawyer friends and they gave us some advice. So here we were, about thirty minutes to 10am.

We were ready, including Lahran who was sulking for what reason I don't know and frankly, I didn't care. As far as I'm concerned, he is a grown man and can take care of himself. As we walk out of the living quarters towards the King's palace, I ask Ovian how it went with Alex. The Council's summon had made me forget about her until now.

"Its being taken care of." He said evasively.

I looked at him and decided to let it be. One battle at a time. We got to the palace and walk through the doors. The Council of seven or six, since Charlotte's grandfather's seat was still vacant, were all already seated. Each man had several papers in front of them and were staring down at myself and Ovian. Lahran also sat down beside us.

"Shall we begin!" One of them said and everyone became quiet.

Another one, who had a shiny bald head spoke up, "Princess Lancaster, do you know why you have been summoned?"

I stand to my feet, "No, my Lord."

"You were summoned before this esteemed Council to answer to your inflammatory comments on national television and I quote, "Its high time we had a woman among the men deciding issues for women." Do you deny saying those words, Princess Lancaster?"

"No, my Lord, I had indeed said those words."

The other men mumbled. I think I heard someone whisper, "such arrogance!"

"So what have you to say for yourself?"

"That I haven't committed any crime. And if I have, I would like for this esteemed Council to point that out for me."

"Indeed you committed no crime but you have incited the public. Which can cause crave consequences if not dealt with. As a woman of your station, don't you know that such acts shouldn't be found in your behavior?"

"I am sorry my Lord. I didn't know as I only attended high school."

There was a general gasp. Ovian struggled to keep himself from laughing while Lahran grinned openly.

"Princess Charlotte Lancaster, you may be a child but this is not a joke!"

"On the contrary, my Lord, I do not joke. It is true that if I had been given the opportunity to study further, I would definitely have not behaved or made such inflam... inflaman... I am sorry, what is that word again?" I asked innocently.

This time around Ovian could not stop himself. He let his laughter out followed by Lahran. While the old men looked like they were about to burst. Except one, who actually smiled.

"This is preposterous! This girl is making fun of us!"

"Its unacceptable!" Another exclaimed.

Then the one who had been smiling spoke up, "My Lords, please, let's calm down. We have work to do and if we continue like this, we won't leave here today." Then he spoke to me. "Now, that you have gotten our attention, what do you have to say?"

I smiled at him. "Thank you my Lord. As you have realised, I only made that inflammatory comment in order to get your attention. As you know, my grandfather was a member of this Council and as his only living heir, I would like to fill his vacant seat on the Council."