Taking a seat on the front aisle, I prepare myself as the members of the Talliers finish counting the votes. I have full confidence that the result will be something I am ever so delighted to hear. Yet, I would still like the word to be declared, I want everyone within this storied chamber to hear of my will. The final votes are counted and someone steps up with an official decree.
"By a lead of fifty-two, totalling at five-hundred and fifty-two. It is hereby declared by the Senate of the Eusorochii that The Lady Bosphama is unfit to rule her lands. In accordance with her right to a temporary regent, this will be passed onto her by those who handled the investigation. She shall be relocated to the grounds of the Imperial Palace so that she may recover and be further judged on her health."
I nod slowly as many under my influence presume to cheer on my behalf. Rising to my feet, I leave the chamber, paying little attention to the calls of my faction or my opposition. Confused servants quickly open the Senate Chamber doors and I go out into the halls of the greater building. Heading for my office, I continue to ignore whoever is calling for me.
With a resounding click of the lock I make sure the door is secure, yet, I cannot let go. I manage, but, on closer inspection, I see how my hand is trembling so very slightly. What I want is reality now, so why am I still concerned about the Lady-Heir? It doesn't take long for me to figure out and why would it?
Just because a declaration has been made here does not mean the effect is instantaneous. Unlike what a book or story might lead children to believe. The investigation must move quickly otherwise the Lady-Heir will be able to halt this whole affair. Her return would make her regent, but, my efforts to deprive her of the lands she is entitled to would circle back here.
I look towards the place I have safely stored the painting away and I move towards it. Slipping the unsuspecting item out of hiding, I uncover it and frown at what it shows. A fair woman with proof of blood finer than even the Imperial Family. The painting goes back into hiding and the fingers of my left hand find my desk.
Taking up a small bundle of scrolls, I rest them in the folds of my senatorial sash and the side of my body. This is an affair I cannot afford to go past my sight, I need to be as close and involved as I can get. By sheer circumstantial luck created by my unceasing efforts to see this whole Bosphama affair through, I have accrued several privileges. The right to step down from my senatorial duties for time off, time I can use to walk amongst the royal family to observe The Lady Bosphama myself.
Bringing out one of the scrolls, I look it over and make sure all of the details I put down some time ago are still valid. I find myself huffing in bemusement, something I have been preparing for so long is so close to being over. Yet, one mistake now and it will all come undone, not just my efforts of the past few years, my whole family more or less. The efforts to grow our power and influence, the lands we command and the wealth they can provide.
If the Lady-Heir makes it to her mother as she is in the painting, she will not be investigated like she should be. After all, why would anyone in the Senate agree to such a thing? A goddess amongst mortals will be walking through these very halls. The skies will not crack and roar with lightning and thunder, they will sing in homage to the God of Creation himself and this adopted daughter of his.
Ceremony and precedent will all go further back than the honoured elders are in the chamber... The easily swayed mobs which we are supposed to be greater than is all that they will become. The memories we have of a copper-haired girl with blue sparks will be forgotten and dismissed. Many will not be able to understand how they were ever convinced she needed to leave.
"How did you find such power, Lady-Heir...?" I question quietly, under my disturbed breath before I stand tall. Moving to the door, I unlock, open and relock it before heading towards the building's internal administration. Senator Caetusi just so happens to approach me as I walk.
"You are still required within the Senate Chamber, Senator Burspharosa." he tells me with little care for what I am otherwise occupied with. This does not stop him, however, from following me as I continue to get my articles in order for the low-born workers.
"The vote was tallied, all that remains is for you and the others to deliver the verdict." I speak back to him as I reroll a scroll back up after having peeked inside for a light-handed check.
"The Senate was not just called for that. You yourself had been barely seated before you rose and departed without the right to do so." he rightly points out, but, I ignore his complaints regardless.
"As far as I am concerned, it was. Now, get to what you need to be doing, Senator Caetusi. Unless you plan on drawing this out as much as you can as well?" I ask, putting into question the oath of neutrality he had to take prior to being officially put onto the investigation team. The double-faced nature of it in regards to me doesn't matter, so long as his associations with The Lady Bosphama are made clear.
"I intend to deliver the news as soon as possible so that you cannot find further ways to torment the isolated mother -you- have made her out to be."
"Not for much longer..." I mutter as my concerns regarding the Lady-Heir once again come back to haunt me.
"Speak up, Senator Burspharosa, this is unbecoming of you." Senator Caetusi dares to say. I stop alongside him and turn, our eyes meeting as the sky's natural actions fill out our ears. The glass of the building sings its song as the panels shake and rattle under the strain of such strong skies.
I take a step closer, keeping my eyes in line with his, "I can see why the low-born chose you to represent them."
"Save the flattery for those in your pockets."
"You chose the wrong people to back you, Senator. She will be separated from everything that she can offer and her promises will melt away."
"The Lady Bosphama is not the only one offering their support, Senator Lepiaciai has been more than coming with offers."
"I encourage caution around him, though a veteran with such a blatant eagerness for duelling. That does not mean he is entirely honest. An officer's tent can be just as treacherous as the halls of politics, Senator Caetusi."
"Yes, you are quite the example of it, aren't you? Going around to the homekeep of the Bosphama clan to observe their daughter for the sake of one of your sons. Only to then head such savagely long abuse of their family name based on something that cannot be proven."
"It can be proven, that is why I must take my leave." I tell him as I turn away, intent on getting back on track with what is essential. The young man, emboldened by the way he has spoken, puts a hand on my shoulder.
Though his grip is light, he still finds a way to remind me of the strength he carries in his spirit, "I sincerely hope your efforts fail. On the honour of those I have not been able to help because you have otherwise clogged the Senate with this obsession."
I nod, bearing his words in mind, "I will remember that going forward, now, unhand me."
Senator Caetusi does so and I go back on my way, "So shall I tell the rest of the Senate that Lord Burspharosa believes himself above it?"
"You will tell them nothing, my situation will be made publically available once I hand in these notices." I say back to him, knowing those under my control will handle the fallout should he live up to his threats. Then, once it all becomes clear, all any of them will be able to do is grumble or follow me.
I arrive at where I need to be and my occupied arm finally feels the freedom of no more weight. Flexing the wrist of the arm, I watch as those within the Senate's internal administration go about their jobs with little focus on me. It is an interesting thing to watch, such is the misery of those within places like this, but the wise will have nothing but respect. The choices we make in the chamber only come to us because of these tired-minded men and women.
Someone finally approaches, "Senator Burspharosa, how can I help?"
"I am here to call upon the time off I am otherwise entitled to." I answer as I gesture to the pile of proof and pre-done legal handling.
"Right... Let me see..." he mutters as he goes over what he has on hand in the nearby shelves and racks.
"Go on, hurry up, don't keep Lord Burspharosa w-waiting!" a nervous woman goes as she shuffles on over to help find what they need specifically.
It arrives before me just as I lay my hand on what I have brought, "And something to write with?"
"Of course, sorry!" she goes before a quill quickly comes back to me. Leaning forward slightly, I write down my signature where I need it and return the quill. Turning away and departing as what I have given them will handle the rest.
Stepping down the front steps of the Senate Building, I turn around and gaze at is as I arrive at the final step. Ornamental guards in fine armours and wealth-studded but still deadly blades, a building that goes high into the sky as if it were a mountain. Even further above, the very defining feature of our land and the gift that made it in those ancient times none shall see again. Turning away, I forgo my personal transport in favour of a more publically available rickshaw.
Though, being the property of the Senate, it is far more accommodating than what I might find in the otherwise wealthy capital. Going up onto the back of it, the driver stands and acknowledges me with a magic-filled salute. I personally pull over the cover and lean back into the cushioned chair as the man starts to pull me out of the senatorial grounds. Putting a hand to my lips, I cover them as well as keeping my thoughts to myself as the relatively quiet premises of the Senate make way for the city proper.
Securing a forward brace with my most capable foot, my other hand grips the handle as we descend the Deralapioline Hill. As the slope down ends, we are taken off of the road and my puller turns around to face me, clearly wanting a direction. I hold my thoughts regarding the Lady-Heir at bay and try to think of something. I'm personally in the mood for something like a garden right now, away from the opulence of the city and the resources its district councils have to flaunt.
"Take me somewhere green, blessed by Pluuit." I answer the unspoken question and the man gets to it, setting off at a steady pace. Magic starts to affect the rickshaw but it is not him, but, rather, the infrastructure of the city itself. His Imperial Highness' way of influencing the city he rarely steps foot into properly. I pay my respects to this peripheral display of the man I will soon be submitting myself under the gaze of.
Using my left thumb to gently scrape the inside of the lazy fist its hand has formed, I consider my situation. A deep breath leaves me and my eyes lose their focus on all but what only my mind can see and hear. I am going to need to arrange for my residence within the Imperial Palace for whatever reasons I can find, or, maybe, I shall just stay there. Concerns within the staff and Royal Family should be otherwise occupied enough that I am ignored so long as I keep to myself.
The Lady-Heir's image flashes in my eyes once again and I sigh, thankful at the very least The Lady Bosphama is going to be on the move...