The Queen of Stones

Chapter 14

As the guards close the meeting room door behind us, leaving the privy council still sited at the table, Davi holds my right fist.

"Do you think that this is a wise choice?" he asks concerned.

"Yes, I do." I have no doubts about my decision.

"But he... he is a Bonavich, I mean." I notice that he is being careful with his words, just like Van Coren. I wonder if he is afraid of hurting me or afraid of me. "I mean, he is from the five families and his family name is even more powerful than my family name. I mean ⏤"

"I know all of this, Davi," I say interrupting him. "But an example must be made."

"He is literally the worst person to be made an example of. Just kill a guard or something"

"Why would I kill a guard?" I look straight into Davi's eyes. "Bonavich is the best option because it shows people that even the most powerful man, from the most powerful family, cannot go against me. That is the message."

"This is something huge. Something you can't take back." He looks down. "I don't think you should do this."

I walk closer to him and raise my head. Even though he is still taller than me, at this moment, he feels smaller. "You don't get to think anything, Davi. You are a king in name only."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that you don't rule anything," I say. "The only thing that gives you the right to an opinion is your duke title and, as you saw, I ignored the dukes' opinion, just like I will do with yours."

"I'm not trying to pick a fight, Adelaide." He holds my hands, his voice becoming more appealing. "I'm trying to show you that maybe you should listen to other people's opinions on this. Like my opinion."

"That's funny." I let go of his hands and turn around, starting to walk away. "You've never had an opinion before."

I leave Davi standing in the middle of the corridor alone and start walking.

On the way to my office, a figure appears at the end of the corridor and starts to walk in my direction. I sigh.

"Your Majesty, I was just going to your office," Aiden Bloomfield says as he gets close to me. "The Duke of Del Port didn't want to talk about this today, but I went ahead and purchased a painting from an artist in Aridell. It's a beautiful piece and I was wondering if I could exhibit it in the event tonight. I know it's only for the five families, but I think it's a great start."

"What event tonight?" I say as I keep walking to my office.

I want to be alone right now.

"The one the guards are changing position for. I don't know, I just assumed." He opens a folder and shows me an image of a woman surrounded by people. "Anyways, that's not why I am here. There is this amazing painting. It was painted by a human during the renaissance period, which was a movem"

"I know what the renaissance period was, Aiden." I stop in front of my office and look at him. "What do you want?"

"I have the perfect place for it at the palace, but I need your authorization to get it from Earth," Aiden says rubbing his hands together.

"I am not displaying a human piece of art in the royal palace." I open my door, trying to make clear that I wish this conversation would end. "Find pieces that were made by someone in Asteria."

I walk into my office and throw some books on the floor, hoping the act would take away my anger. It doesn't. I immediately place the books back in their places, sitting on the floor right after. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing since no one is agreeing with me.