Sam attended the court proceedings the next day. The ministers and other courtiers watched her every movement. They were curious; the younger princess wouldn't attend without reason.
They observed that Prince Edgar was sitting in his usual place. Ever since the duel with the General, they looked upon him with awe.He was not some puny prince they could mess with.
They were also curious regarding his stand with the younger princess. If he were against princess Samantha, then they too would oppose her, but if he supported her then it would be wise to do the same. The ministers and such realized that siding with the future crown prince was the prudent thing to do.
When it seemed like as if the morning session was about to wind up, Princess Sam stood up.
" I have a request, your majesty," she said bowing
"Let us hear it." said king Korbe.
"Please grant me the authority to prepare for war with the rebels ."
********************
"Have you dealt with rebels in your country, Iglesius?" Sam had asked her prison mate during her imprisonment.
"Yes,a long time ago.During the time of the current Gregoy king's grandfather. I was young then." said he, resting his head against the wall, trying to recollect those times.
" Can we settle them with dialogue?" asked Sam. She had been thinking about it. Wouldn't it be best to avoid a possible war?
"No." He answered clearly, "The sword is the key."
Sam kept quiet so Iglesius explained. "Aren't they already at the stage where they are attacking locals to refill their resources, princess?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then it means it's too late"
"Please explain further"
"In the beginning they must have rebelled because of dissatisfaction with the monarchy. It probably started as riots because of poverty. But gradually they became organized and probably had leaders.
These leaders would eventually get used to their power. Then no amount of dialogue would force them to disband. They would begin to terrorize masses and force others to join them, and eventually forget their actual cause."
"And also the rebel situation discourages trade and worsens economy, which further leads to poverty and more recruitment into the rebellion.It becomes a cycle which destroys the country." concluded Iglesius.
***************
Back to the present. The king looked at Sam and saw that she was quite serious.
" What you are asking for, cannot be done," he said gravely.
Sam raised her head and looked at her father. So he would rather I go to the sea again. That's the decision he made last night.
A small silence followed before Sam spoke again." Then the Korbes have neither pride nor honor."
The courtiers gasped.
Prince Edgar looked at Sam. 'I see.She is going to use another card'
"Forgive me your majesty, but some time ago I made a promise in your name." continued Sam. "The Degarthian tribes are a respectful group of people who have perpetually been faithful to your majesty. They have been defending themselves from the rebels for long and I am afraid you have failed to protect them. Being your daughter, and seeing their plight I made a promise to their chief in your name that I would bring peace to their tribe."
The king's face changed and the courtiers began to murmur among themselves.
" Silence! How dare you make a promise in my name without consulting me?" shouted the king as everyone fell silent.
" If your majesty thinks I made a rash promise then forget their suffering and execute me to protect your honour," said Sam bowing.
At this, the whole royal court gasped and prince Edgar stood up from his seat. He was about to come forward when he was stopped by the king's laughter.
The king laughed loudly and the courtiers looked at each other. Sam stood bowing awaiting his decision.
Edgar gulped. Will the king sacrifice his daughter to avoid a war? He realized that his hand was instinctively going to his sword. If he defied the king he would lose the crown. But he will not stand and watch her getting killed. Edgar realized with some shock that right now Sam was more important to him than the crown.
The king stopped laughing and his expression changed.