Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 10

As they walked in, Ivan's arms brushed against Elaine's and hers the same to Samuels. The lobby was condensed as the 42 leaders made their way to the meeting room. Chatter consumed the area, but none of it was audible. The noise echoed as it bounced back to them from the walls. A few were walking slowly at the head of the staircase causing a back up at the bottom.

"So," Samuel spoke. "Have either of you met King Charles?" It was hard for them to make out his words, but both nodded as they avoided meeting his eyes. The traffic on the stairway had begun to clear.

The faces that surrounded them showed nervousness, fear, concern, and curiosity. It could be an overwhelming experience meeting with a King of such stature. Multiple rumors had escalated throughout the kingdoms about the King's past. The majority tried pressing off the gossip as false information as there was no evidence. However, there wasn't much evidence at all of their past lives.

Upon arriving at the room, a man gestured for them to take a seat with him at the table. As they made their way over, they had to push their way past the others to get through. "Samuel. Nice to meet you." Samuel reached out to shake his hand.

"I know who you are. Ashton." He replied. A look of concern crawled onto Samuel's face. "My brother has spoken highly of you." He looked from Ashton to Ivan. He was unsure if he was serious as they had no similarities, from their nose structures to their skin tones. Ivan was a pasty white with a rough face while Ashton was a dark tone with a petite face.

Charles sat across the room and examined everyone as they chose their seats. Next to him was Ryella. Elaine could tell that Samuel was confused. "Ryella is his prodigy." The statement did not help him as he had never heard of the term. He also couldn't think of a reason why Ryella did not tell him she worked with the King.

Charles told everyone to silence so that he may proceed. "I'm Charles, King of Caster and I live in the Blood Islands." He paused for a moment as he looked around the room. He did not ask names nor make sure everyone was present as many did before in their meetings. In hindsight, it didn't affect him. If someone skipped the meeting, it didn't mean they were immune from consequences for their actions. "First law-no weapons in the marketplace. This is to lower the risk of theft, which is a minor crime due to disturbing the order, as well as the fighting over limited products." Many glanced around the room to see if anyone seemed violent.

It was a horrid thought, for someone to turn on you over a weapon or food. But, it wasn't absurd. Dark times resulted in dark actions. It was hard to tell what a person's true nature was until they were backed up against a wall. Anyone can put on a persona to bring people to their side. It would still show when they are faced with decisions that will affect them and others.

"Magic is banned from Caster and is considered a major crime." The Lords and Ladies in the room shifted. Some ignited with amusement while others twisted with uncertainty. "Any findings of magic practice will result in punishment. All sightings must be sent to me directly by letter and followed up within my castle immediately." Light talking slowly spread throughout the room causing Charles to furrow his brows.

He bit his tongue and resumed as he didn't want to lose his composure. "Any and all shops opened in a marketplace require a monthly tax payment of 10 percent and importations of goods are also taxed 5 percent." Many started shouting and beating their hands on the tables in rage. Everyone had members in the Icelands, which depended on imports for a majority of their goods. "That's enough! The debt will be collected by the advisors and given to me, so we can distribute it throughout the country to keep everything working smoothly."

The sounds died down, but it was clear that everyone was annoyed. Many red faces grimaced at him, and Charles returned the look. The blood in him seethed from being interrupted. He was the one true King, after all.