"Why did you inform the Investigation Bureau Office of the earthquake?" The king stamped his fists on the table and the books on it rattled, "I thought you said you were going to see to it yourself?"
The prime minister bowed his head, though he looked a trifle impatient.
"This is seeing to it myself, your majesty. You see, I have deemed it confidential and--"
"And does simply deeming it confidential stop the rumor from leaking out?" The king snorted, "we have already told the citizens that it was a natural disaster, not mentioning the involvement of the magic users, of course-- should they find out otherwise-- even if it is only the slightest rumor-- you know how some of our people still see the magic users as heroes and saviors," he scoffed.
An attendant came in and bowed.
"Your majesty, the Queen is here and requesting your presence,"
"Let her in,"
A few moments later a regal figure swept it, led by the hand by a young servant girl. Her hair was elaborately done up into a huge bun at the top of her head, her dress was a simple flowing sleeveless gown, revealing her long glistening dark arms. On both wrists were dangling bracelets, making small noises. Queen Taleph was one whose gaze pierced into the very soul, her eyes as dark as her husband's. She carried herself with such grace that every other person in the room dimmed in comparison to her when she came in.
She curtsied to the king and gave the prime minister a bare nod.
"Greetings and respect to his majesty king of Valencia." Turning slightly to the prime minister, she added, "I acknowledge your presence, step brother,"
"Rise, my queen," said the king. "Attendant, bring a chair,"
Seeing that the Queen had taken her seat, the prime minister cleared his throat.
"Your majesty, be rest assured that the Investigation Bureau Office keeps confidential what is deemed confidential." He said, as if the queen had not interrupted them.
"Your majesty," the queen also ignored the prime minister, "I am here on the matter of the crown Prince's coronation," she said.
"That," said the king determinedly, "will have to wait,"
"Your majesty," the queen frowned, "this is the half sun-cylce. You promised that the coronation ceremony would hold at this time of the year for reasons known to you. Why are you changing your mind?"
"I have already chosen which of my offspring will succeed me-- and he is already bearing the title 'Crown Prince'. What else do you want?" The king looked intently at her.
"Only the royal family is aware of this," the queen retorted, "the populace are not yet familiar with his name--"
"Queen, if you really want to know, there is the possibility of a civil war in the next few years," the king glanced at the prime minister for confirmation, "if the crown prince is known by everyone, his life will be at risk."
The queen was crushed. For a while there was silence in the room.
"I will take my leave then," she spoke first and rose, sweeping from the room in the like manner she came, regally.
"Your majesty," the prime minister resumed, "sooner or later we will have to involve the Court,"
"Our evidence is not concrete. Also, it has been a while since the court have assembled and I am afraid that I no longer know where each faction's loyalties lie,"
The prime minister chuckled inwardly. I am afraid you do not even know where my loyalties lie, my king, he thought.
.....
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