Keith turned away from the window and looked at Blaise. She was staring outside too. A close look at her and you would notice, she was cracking with nerves. Her gloved hands laid trembling on her laps. The first examination was being held today at the council headquarters at a Runen. The test didn't start till ten am. It was now nine am. They were going early because Keith had some issues to attend to. Issues he had to attend to immediately. They rode together in the royal carriage.
Today was a very big day for her. Today marked the first time a woman would set foot in the council premises. News about a woman stepping into the council spread like wildfire over the past two days. And it was no other woman than the Lady Valerian herself. She would make history today by just writing the first test. And be a more important figure if she passed all three tests and become the first ever councilwoman.
Over the past two days, Keith received several letters of opposition from some councilmen. The head councilman Reagan raised concern about these oppositions. Keith didn't care what they said. All he cared about was the woman sitting next to him. He more than anyone else, wanted her to see this through.
Keith slowly placed his hand on hers. Ahe was suddenly aware of him.
'Are you okay?' Keith asked.
Blaise gave him a small smile.
'For the most part, yes.' She replied.
He turned back to the window. Blaise stared down at his hand on hers. Their fingers slowly intertwined as if they were meant to do so all this while.
'You can do this, Vi' He turned back with a smile.
She abruptly hugged him.
'Thank you' Blaise whispered.
Keith smiled. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple.
Minutes ago, she swore she had second thoughts. But he knew she needed this. A little push.
The carriage moved to a stop. Keith turned to Blaise.
'We can always turn back home' He told her.
'No. I want to do this' She said confidently.
The carriage doors opened and Keith stepped out first. He gave her a hand as she got down.
She looked up at the tall building of about three storeys. They climbed a series of stairs before reaching the main door.
The two guards opened the large doors and they stepped inside.
Everyone and everything ceased the instant they stepped inside. All eyes turned towards them.
Blaise clasped on Keith's arm tightened. She looked away from the prying eyes and walked confidently alongside Keith.
'My Lord, My Lady.' A man closest to them bowed.
Blaise nodded.
The rest followed suit and bowed as they passed by. The instant they were out of sight, a sudden chatter erupted.
Blaise could only hear the noise but Keith on the other hand heard it all. They stepped into a long hallway. Several people greeted them as they walked by.
They stopped at a door with a sign of Headcouncil scribbled a golden plaque on the door.
The guards opened the doors and they stepped in.
All heads turned their way the instant when they stepped in. Amongst those heads were Torment, Nicholas and Heath. Blaise recognized another man in his early sixties. She met him at the masquerade ball. Headcouncil Reagan Chamberlain was his name.
'Lord and Lady Valerian.' They all greeted.
'We will take our leave now.' Torment said.
'Yes, Lord Thornton' Headcouncil Reagan nodded.
Nicholas threw Blaise a small smile before leaving like the others.
Soon the room was cleared leaving the Headcouncil and the couple.
Keith led Blaise to a seat closest to the large table. On the table, laid a blueprint of a hall labelled The hall of Fates.
'Is everything ready?' Keith asked Reagan.
Reagan nodded.
'All that is left is to know if the Lady is on board and still wants to see this through' Blaise turned to find Reagan looking at her.
'I want to do this.' She replied.
Reagan glanced at her for a second and nodded.
'Before you lies the blueprint of The hall of Fates. That is where the first test will take place. We have made a special spot for you since you…'
'Now I know what this crown means.' Blaise pointed at the yellow key on the blueprint. It was far from the other blue spots.
'I believe there will be close to two hundred and sixty participants this year.' Blaise said while looking at the sheet before her.
'That's right, my Lady' Reagan
replied.
'And amongst that number is, I. A participant like the rest' Blaise said.
'Yes, my Lady.' Reagan replied.
'Thus, I do not want to be treated differently. I do not want any favours and I do not want any special treatments. Treat me like you would the others.' Blaise told him.
'Respectfully My Lady Vale…'
'The Lady is not one to change her mind easily, Reagan. You should do as she says.' Keith interrupted him.
Blaise turned to him with a small smile. He winked at her and she turned red.
'Very well then, my Lady.' Reagan replied.
'Thank you.' Blaise stood up from her seat and bowed.
Reagan stood surprised.
'I will go take my leave now if you don't mind.' She said.
'Of course, my Lady.' Reagan said.
'Are you sure can find your way around?' Keith asked her.
'I will be fine.' She said.
Keith placed a small kiss on her cheek and whispered something into her ear.
She smiled a
'I will find my way to you then.' She told him.
Keith nodded with a smile.
'So it's true what they say.' Reagan said the instant Blaise was out of earshot.
'What do they say?' Keith asked and took the seat closest to him
'You have changed.' Reagan retorted.
Keith turned towards with a blank expression.
'I haven't.' He retorted coldly.
'I cannot protect her after this neither can you.' Reagan changed the subject.
'I know.' Keith replied.
'I believe some councilmen oppose this decision of mine?' Keith asked.
'Yes, they have. Regarding the by-laws, section 6b. They have a very strong…'
'I know the laws, Reagan. I wrote them myself.' Keith said abruptly.
' Reagan, do you think I've made a wrong decision?' Keith asked.
'Respectfully my Lord, I believe the council is no place for a woman. But I also believe this notion is not entirely correct. All that said, I know you do not make such life evolving decisions without a motive. I can't tell if this decision is wrong or not, yet. All we have to do is wait and watch.' Reagan said.
'Just the response I wanted to hear. Do well to tell the other councilmen what you just told me. If they still oppose, don't hesitate to let me know. I wrote the bylaws myself, I can change them whenever I want. I will be in the Chamber of Lords if you need me.' Keith turned to leave.
'One more thing, my Lord.' Reagan said.
'This letter arrived from Theroden last night. It arrived at my home, precisely. I found its contents very disturbing' Reagan said.
He pulled the letter from his drawer and handed it to Keith. Keith removed the paper from its envelope and opened it.
Keith wasn't an easy man to read but Reagan knew him too well to know he wasn't surprised.
'Have you shown this to anyone else?' Keith asked him.
'No. News as such should be kept private.' Reagan said.
'Do you know who sent you this?' Keith asked.
'I wish I did.' Reagan replied with a sigh.
'Meet me at the Chamber of Lords after your speech.' Keith turned to leave.
He folded the paper and placed it in his coat.
'And Reagan…' Keith turned to him.
'Let this continue to stay between us.' Keith told him.
'Of course, my Lord.' Reagan said with a bow.
Keith stepped out of the office and headed for the stairs.
His mind raced with thoughts of Blaise. He felt a sudden rush of guilt. He let her into the council because he wanted to. Although from the start, her father requested he did so. To make her the ambassador and the first Eldovanian. But he hesitated because he disliked the idea. However, he changed his mind because he found out whoever the perpetrator was, is in or was about to infiltrate the council. In conclusion, all this had something to do with Blaise and her powers. He then had the idea of bringing her into the council. But it turned out for a reason unknown to him, Blaise had already made up her mind to join. It was a win for him then. In the end, his real motive was to use Blaise as bait. Whoever the perpetrator was, would surely seek her. He would then use that opportunity to catch them off guard. But it seems the enemy was well aware of this. What if it was a bluff? He thought.
Keith entered his office and closed the doors behind him.
He took out the letter and skimmed its content again. He glanced down at the bold image drawn in blood. The image of the Phoenix. Beneath it was two words written boldly in blood.
'WE KNOW!' it read.
Blaise stopped at the large double doors. She stood quietly listening to the chatter from the other end. The room was probably filled with two hundred and fifty-nine men, she thought.
'Lady Valerian.' The guard next to the door called her.
Blaise turned to him a little distracted.
'Please allow me.' He motioned towards the door.
Blaise nodded.
Then opened the door and she slowly stepped inside.
Suddenly, all heads turned towards her and the hall went silent.
Blaise took in deep breaths and walked straight forward.
'My Lady.' The man closest to her bowed.
She nodded with a smile. She walked towards the large glass in the centre of the crowd. They paved the way and bowed as she walked by.
Blaise reached the glass bowl which was raised on a mantle. There was just one card left.
She took the card, opened it to find the number 260.
Looks like she was the last to arrive, she thought?
Blaise looked around to find all eyes on her. She was surrounded by whispers and hostile glances.
She placed the paper in her pocket and glanced at her pocket watch. It was already 9:50 am. Three more hours and she would be back with Keith.
She remembered what he told her just before she left the Headcouncil's office.
'I will be waiting for you when it's over. Maybe tonight will be the night' He whispered.
Blaise smiled at the thought of him teasing her. There was a time he wouldn't even look at her. He'd changed.
A group of councilmen stepped through the doors and headed for the stage. They were led by Headcouncil Reagan.
He mounted the podium and looked at the crowd.
All eyes turned towards him. Blaise sighed with relief. At least no one was staring now.
'Good morning to you all. My name is Reagan Chamberlain and I am the Headcouncil man of this prominent institution. I always give long speeches every year around this time but I would spare you all the boredom' Reagan said humorously and the crowd laughed.
' Today marks the commencement of the 607th annual council recruitment. I believe you are all mindful of the fact, you are to undergo three tests to pass. Today marks the beginning of the first test. A test of the psyche. You will have two hours to finish the test after which the results will be announced in an hour. Good Luck' He ended.
The crowd applauded as he exited using the stage exit.
Another man took the stand.
'Good morning everyone, I am Ewald Nobel, I will be your supervisor throughout the three phases. Please move to your allotted desks. The test will begin shortly.' Ewald said.
Blaise stared at the auburn haired man. He had the same blue eyes as her mother. He was also a Nobel. He was surely related to her mother somehow.
She searched the desks for her number.
'My Lady?' a voice called her from behind.
She turned to find a black haired man with a friendly smile.
'This is your seat.' He pointed to the seat next to him.
'That will be my seat, My Lady.' Another man next to her said.
She turned to find a man identical to the other man. She glanced at both of them confused.
'We are twins. Confuses a lot of people.' The first one said with a smile.
Blaise nodded. She whispered a thank you before taking her seat.
'But how did you know my…'
'The first page to the file before you contains a list of rules to the test. Failure to follow any of the rules will result in termination of paper and additional sanctions irrespective of your rank in society. It is 10 o'clock. You have two hours. Good Luck and Start work.' Ewald announced.
Blaise glanced at the white file before her.
This is it, she told herself. She took in a deep breath and opened the file. She set her pocket watch to two hours and placed it on the desk.
She read through the rules and flipped to the questionnaires.
Keith slowly walked down the stairs with his hands tugged into his pocket. Next to him was Torment walking at the same pace. They stepped down into an empty hallway.
'I can hear the chaos from here' Torment said.
Keith was silent as they slowly approached a door with two guards.
The guards opened the doors and they were welcomed with loud chatter.
'Balls, that is bloody nonsense. Immediate action must be taken now ' the man yelled.
'We can't wait and watch. We want instant resolve to this problem.' Another yelled.
'Lord Council, this is not a matter of argument. The law states no...'
'We are all aware what the law states, Governor Williams.' Keith said loudly.
The hall fell silent and all eyes turned towards him.
His eyes scanned the room of about two hundred governors in their allocated seats. They sat in circular rows with the Headcouncil's seat at the head of the circle.
The Hall of Herald it was called. Here, there were governors from all three kingdoms representing their cities and towns respectively. The majority of governors were vampires. Followed by the wolves and half bred humans. There were no witches or warlocks representatives.
There was a raised podium in the middle where Keith stood at the moment.
'I've heard your concerns and I have come here to address them.' Keith said calmly.
'My Lord…'
'Three questions.' Keith said abruptly.
'One from each faction. I am not taking more than three.' He told them.
The governors exchanged cautious glances. Lord Valerian never came to the Hall of Herald unless on extremely trivial matters.
'My Lord.' A grey haired man stood up from the left side.
'On behalf of the vampire faction. I would like to know why you've allowed a woman into the council. I mean no disrespect to the Queen but she is a woman like any other woman. She like the others are entitled to only the…'
'I did not ask for a prologue, Governor Leeward' Keith said abruptly.
'I believe the question was why I have allowed a woman into the council, correct?' Keith asked.
'Yes, my Lord.' Governor Leeward replied.
'You've already acknowledged his woman as none other than the Queen. Thus, the Queen like me, has the executive privilege to do whatever she pleases. Next question.' Keith said.
The governors threw each other questioned looks. They expected further explanation but knowing Keith's nature, that was going to happen.
'My Lord, on behalf of the faction of wolves. Unfortunately, there is no precedent to such a case. But several women wanted to join but we're refused…'
'Your point Governor Atkins?' Keith asked.
'My point is my Lord, this is unfair. Why should the Queen, who is also a woman be given the same opportunity other women were deprived of years ago?' Governor Atkins nodded.
This received several nods around the hall.
'First, I believe my father was Lord then. He decided to deprive those women. I rule a new age with my rules. I do not care about laws that existed before my reign.' Keith said.
'On behalf of the humans, I ask why you are not going according to your own rules my Lord. Section 6b of the new statute states, the council will recruit only individuals competent enough to…'
'I know the laws, Sir Sirius, I wrote them. I didn't state a woman would not be allowed. I only specified the individual be competent. Honestly, l expected more from you all. Your arguments are not concrete enough to make me change my mind. Your only argument is because the Queen is a woman. I could've ignored your concerns but this era is somewhat of a democracy, I've heard your complaints and given you fitting feedbacks. If any of you still oppose this, you are free to stand up.' Keith said.
The hall fell silent and no one dared to stand.
'I'm glad we've all agreed. This will be the last I hear of this. Have a good day gentlemen.' Keith turned to leave.
'We will not allow a bloody Eldovanian into our ranks. Those cursed witches have stayed away for thousand years, why can't they stay that way' Governor Alderson yelled.
For a second the hall went dead silent. All heads turned towards him in dread. They wondered if he'd gone mad. Alderson was instantly a dead man for daring the Lord.
Keith turned towards him with a smile.
Governor Alderson trembled with fear. He cursed himself for speaking out loud.
All eyes watched as Keith slowly walked towards him. He slowly climbed the stairs and stood before the man.
'Sir Alderson, I said we had somewhat democracy, I didn't say it was absolute.' Keith said in a calm tone.
Governor Alderson suddenly fell to his knees and bowed at Keith's feet.
'Pardon…me my…Lord. I…I…spoke out of turn.' He pleaded.
Keith sighed.
'Do not forget you all stand on very fragile grounds. I only regard this institution because my forefathers regarded it. Regardless, I am not them. Let this be the last time any of you do as much as disregard the Queen. You will mention her with respect as well as her people. I hope you all take this advice in good graces. I would hate to ruin what we've all built so far just because some of you refused to take this advice.' Keith said calmly.
He looked down at the man at his feet.
'Get up, Alderson. You've humiliated yourself enough already.' Keith turned to leave.
Sir Alderson stood up sweating profusely.
'But…' Keith glanced over his shoulder.
'Make sure you don't repeat such misconduct. I hear the hall of Herald needs a new painting. Your blood would be a fine colour. Don't you think?' Keith said with a smirk.
The governors watched as he walked down the stairs and exited the hall.
Torment stepped in next to him.
'You shouldn't scare them like that Leon.' He said.
Keith glanced at him with a bored smile.
'It was just a fair reminder, Tor. They need not forget I am still the Mad King.' He said.
Two hours later…
Blaise closed the file and placed down her pen.
'Per my watch, you've spent two hours. Stop work.' Ewald declared.
In a matter of minutes, the papers were collected and taken out.
'The results will be declared in an hour.' Ewald said before leaving the stage.
Several people started exiting the hall as well. A few stared behind. Blaise sat at her seat thinking what to do next. She wanted to see Keith but he was probably mixed up in council business. A quick stroll around wouldn't be bad, she thought.
'Where do you plan to go, my Lady?' a voice asked from behind.
She turned to find the two men from before.
'I'm yet to decide.' She replied.
The twins moved to her desk. Several eyes looked their way.
'My apologies for our rudeness.' The one next to her apologized.
'We haven't introduced ourselves properly. I am Harry Lebanoire and this is my brother Harris Lebanoire.' Harry introduced.
'It's an honour to finally meet you, my Lady. We've heard so much about you.' Harris said with a smile.
'You have?' Blaise asked.
'Yes, mostly about your bravery and beauty.' Harris said.
Harry smacked his brother's head.
'Bloody…'
'Pardon, my brother he likes to speak out of turn.' Harry said.
Blaise chuckled.
'It's fine but I doubt I am as brave as you've' Blaise said.
'Of course, you are, my Lady. Not just any woman can muster the courage you have today.' Harry said.
'Not mentioning of the release of the slaves at the square. No one could have done that, but you did.' Harris said.
Blaise remembered that day. She would've done her worst if Heather wasn't there to hold her back.
'I didn't know the news of that spread that far.' Blaise said.
'It did go that far. You see, our father owned that lot.' Harry said.
'I can't begin to imagine his wrath.' Blaise said.
'Oh he was very furious indeed but Lord Valerian spoke to him.' Harry said.
'I wonder what the Lord told him.' Harris said.
'But it was a brave thing you did there, my Lady.' Harry said.
Blaise glanced around to receive hostile glances from the others.
'Not everyone agrees.' Blaise said.
'Ignore them. Men are usually threatened by the greatness of others. Especially when the person in question is a woman.' A man approached them.
He had sandy hair with blue eyes. He was tall and handsome. He had a curt smile similar to Keith's.
'Adrian Black, it's a pleasure to meet you, my Lady.' He kissed Blaise's knuckles.
His voice sounded strangely familiar.
'The pleasure is all mine.' Blaise smiled.
'The Lebanoires, it's a pleasure to meet you' Adrian greeted the twins.
'Sir Black' Harry and Harris responded and shook hands with him.
The four conversed for close to thirty minutes. They toured around the council for some time and returned to the Hall of Fates.
'That was delightful.' Blaise said as they entered the hall.
'That's a lovely necklace you have there, my Lady.' Adrian said.
'Oh, thank you.' Blaise touched the necklace absentmindedly.
'I don't mean to pry, but I can't help but admire it. Must have been from a skilled craftsman.' Adrian said.
Blaise noticed Adrian prying eyes on her necklace the instant they met. She ignored it then bot until now.
'May I have your attention.' Ewald called out from the stage.
All eyes turned towards him attentively.
'After examining the answers to the first test, I stand here to declare the final scores. This year recorded the largest number of participants yet the least number of passes.
Out of two hundred and sixty participants, only six of you passed.
Ranging from the least pass score to the highest, please join me on stage when your name is mentioned.' Ewald said.
'This is it.' Harris told his brother. Harry nodded.
'Ranking sixth with the least pass score is Albert Harlow' Ewald declared.
A black haired man climbed up the stage with a wide smile. The crowd applauded.
'Coming in with fifth is Harris Lebanoire.' Ewald said.
'You did good H.' Harry congratulated his brother.
'Congratulations.' Blaise told him.
She watched as Harris walked up the stage with a huge smile.
There was no way she was part of the six, she thought.
'Christopher Aiden coming in fourth, Harry Lebanoire coming in third and Adrian Black coming in with the second pass score.' Ewald announced.
At this point, Blaise stood alone. She felt disheartened. She did her best yet failed. She wasn't getting into the council. Keith would be disappointed in her.
With all these thoughts racing through her mind, she was oblivious to the crowd staring at her.
'Lady Valerian?' Ewald called out.
'Y…Yes.' Blaise retorted distracted.
'Coming in at the highest pass score is you, Lady Vivian Valerian.' Ewald announced.
The crowd applauded as a stunned Blaise climbed up the stage. She stood next to Adrian.
'Congratulations my Lady.' Adrian whispered.
She threw him a smile and looked back at the crowd.
'These are the six individuals who will be moving on to the second phase of the examination. To those of you who participated and failed, thank you for coming and I wish you all better luck next time. Thank you.' Ewald ended.
Blaise watched as the crowd dispersed. Her insides churned in excitement. She did it. She passed the first test. But that was just the tip of the ice. The next test would be more challenging. She was however determined to see this through till the end.