Henry Fischer sat, feeling discouraged in the battle to convince their Sovereign of the fact that he had to be involved in this process.
The Lords and viziers had not anticipated the wrath of the people that would ensue after the virgin girls had been brought from their homes and into the Sovereign's. They had not known of such a problem until it had been brought to their attention by the Premiers of the states. Waxingville, Wanington and Crescent.
The Premiers had come to the Lords and told them of unrest in their states due to the taken—chosen—girls.
The Lords scrambled to find an answer to the issue on their own, but in the end it was decided that they would bring the problem before their Sovereign.
The six Lords all requested that they be able to speak with their Sovereign a week before the Union. The Sovereign had complied and they met with him that evening.
~~Flashback~~
Bastian was just finishing a letter to his mother when the doors to his study were knocked upon.
He raised his head and called for the expected guests to enter.
The Lords entered all of them wearing the black robes of their status. They bowed and Bastian watched as Lord Stone and Lord Gaul both exchanged a subtle, but noticeable, glance.
They were deciding which was to go first.
Bastian made that decision for them.
"Lord Stone, I believe that you wished to speak with me?" He said as he melted the wax needed to seal the envelope over a candle sitting on the desk.
Lord Stone was startled at being called upon but quickly regained his composure, "Yes, my Sovereign. A matter has been brought to our attention of a critical nature."
Bastian glanced their way momentarily then refocused on the wax.
Lord Stone glanced at the others and they gave him nods and looks, telling him to continue, "It concerns the young women that are still residing in the old palace."
"I see." Bastian hummed in response.
The Lords waited for the Sovereign to reply but no words came.
Lord Gaul, being upset by the Sovereign's attitude, stepped forward and spoke, saying, "My Sovereign, do you have a solution to the dilemma?"
Bastian moved the wax to his envelope and poured it into a pool then grabbing the seal of the Sovereign he placed it on it. He turned and stood to face the small crowd of men that were gathered in his study.
"What would you have me do? Last I checked, I do believe that it was you, my Lords and advisors, who advised me to select virgins from across my country, was it not?" He asked, quirking one of his eyebrows in question.
The Lords' faces changed into a mix of anger and confusion.
'Is he saying that it is our fault?' They questioned.
Henry Fischer was the first to regain himself and he spoke respectfully, "My Sovereign, it may have been us that at first advised you to take this course of action but these girls are of no more use to you." Henry felt a faint bit of guilt in saying the words but they were the truth.
Dennis Darkson stepped forward, "We believe that the girls should be sent back to the states from whence they came."
Bastian watched the old men with little respect. This was his country and it was these men's job to give him advice on matters pertaining to Cadarama not about his personal affairs.
He clasped his hands behind his back and took a step forward to move between the line of men before him, "I have previously made a deal with the Premier from Wanington. I told him that the girls would be sent back as soon as the Union was completed."
A few of the Lords became angry while others were shocked.
The quiet Lord, Lord Hoffman, spoke first, his voice edged in doubt and a hint of hatred, "My Sovereign, this is an unjust and unkind thing that you are doing. Are you aware of how this will anger the Primals?"
Bastian's back was turned and he closed his eyes in annoyance at the mention of the "gods"
"Frankly, Lord Hoffman, I do not believe that the Primals have a say in my personal life."
Lord Hoffman was horrified at his Sovereign's answer and struggled against the temptation to spew profanity at him for disrespecting the Primals.
Lord Gaul once again attempted to reason with the young leader, "My Sovereign, you must understand. These… young women may have been gathered to this place in hopes of becoming your queen but because you have since chosen a queen we suggest that those girls be sent home as soon as is possible."
Bastian pondered his words, "The Union is a week from now, we will discuss the matter then." And him, thinking the discussion was over began to walk in the direction of his private doors.
"With the utmost respect, my Sovereign," Spoke Lord Stone attempting to hide his irritation at the Sovereign, "Should we not discuss it now so we may be able to send the girls on their way sooner?"
Bastian, being very tired with this line of conversation, sighed and turned to face the room once more, "I do believe that we have discussed it, thoroughly." He stated in a bored tone.
Lord Stone was shocked at the blunt boredom that the Sovereign was projecting at the moment, "M-my Sovereign, I beg to differ. The matter has not been discussed as thoroughly as need be."
Bastian raised his eyes to look at the old men for the last time, "Very well, on the day following the Union Ceremony, we will send the girls off" and with that announcement he turned and left the room leaving the Lords horrified and aghast at what they'd just heard.
"I tell you, he is going to run our country into the ground if we do not do something about it." Muttered Lord Gaul.
"He is young, I am sure he will one day see the error of his ways." Voiced Lord Fischer.
"One day?" Scoffed Lord Hoffman, "That day will not be any day soon."
"I propose that we continue to guide him closer to the light and he will surely change." Said Lord Darkson.
"I do not see that happening anytime soon, and I for one will not stand by and watch as he tears down Cadarama brick by brick." Said Lord Stone passionately.
"Hear hear." Lord Gaul supported.
"Then what are you proposing we do?" Asked a hesitant Lord Damien who had been quiet up to this point.
Lord Stone smiled as a thought emerged in his mind, "We overthrow him."