The four representatives of the leading fire Kingdom factions arrived at the palace gates, escorted by a squad of royal guards. They wore their respective emblems proudly: a green phoenix for the farmers, a yellow phoenix for the merchants, an iron phoenix for the industrialists, and a grey phoenix for the aristocrats. They were greeted by Lucian, the King's chief advisor, who wore a solemn expression.
"Welcome, gentlemen. I appreciate your presence here today. Please, follow me." Lucian said, leading them through the iron gates.
The representatives looked around as they walked through the palace grounds. They noticed that the damage done to the palace during the events a few nights ago were long gone. The walls were repaired, the windows were replaced, and the gardens were restored. The palace looked as majestic as ever, but there was a sense of emptiness in the air.
They reached the plaza with the statue of King Ignacius on horseback, which towered over them. The statue was a symbol of the fire Kingdom's strength and glory, but also a reminder of its loss. The King had died in a mysterious explosion that rocked the palace, leaving behind his two children: Prince Hecarim and Princess Guinivere. The representatives bowed their heads in respect as they passed by the statue.
They entered the palace, climbing up the marble staircase leading to the first floor of the palace where they arrived at the great hall. The hall was spacious and elegant, decorated with tapestries, paintings, and chandeliers. A long table was set in the middle of the hall, with chairs for each representative and Lucian. They took their seats and waited for Lucian to speak.
"Thank you for coming gentlemen. I know this is a difficult time for all of us, but we must not lose hope. The fire Kingdom needs your support and cooperation more than ever." Lucian began.
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"I'm sure you have heard the rumors about the King's death. I'm here to tell you that they are true. The King is dead. He was killed by Duke Kassadin who infiltrated the palace and assassinated him. We have proof that it was the Duke who also assassinated Princess Guinivere and Prince Hecarim's mother. We will find them and make them pay."
Lucian's voice was firm and resolute, but his eyes betrayed his grief.
He cleared his throat and went on.
"But we must not dwell on that right now. There are more immediate and pressing matters. The fire Kingdom needs a new leader. A leader who can unite us in these dark times. A leader who has gained the favour of Prince Hecarim and Princess Guinivere, who are both willing to serve under him. A leader who is a great warrior and a gifted mage. A leader who is ready to take his place as the new King of the fire Kingdom."
Lucian paused again, then said. "That leader is Jayce of House Stormcloak."
"Jayce? The young man who made a name for himself in recent years for his prowess in battle after he defeated Varus of House Magnus in a duel? He sounds like a curious choice." Captain Amaro, the leader of the Merchants, said with surprise. He was a rugged man with a scar on his cheek, a mark of his adventurous life.
"He is a stranger to us. He has no noble lineage, no family bonds, no political allies. The Stormcloak were once a mighty house but they declined and are distant from the prominent families." Lord Winston, the leader of the Aristocrats, said with disdain. He was a well dressed man with a curly mustache, a sign of his refined taste.
"But we cannot deny that Jayce has earned his fame through hard work and talent, not through birthright or favoritism." He added reluctantly.
The representatives looked at each other, wondering what this meant for them and their factions. "What does Jayce want from us? How will his rule benefit us?" Chief Daimler, leader of the Industrialists, asked. He was a short man with a bald head, a symbol of his practical mind.
"A lowborn King is unexpected but well received. What does he have in store for the common people?" Elder Cato, representative of the Farmers, asked. He was a wise old man in a straw hat, a token of his humble origin.
Lucian smiled slightly and said. "I see you are surprised by this announcement. But I assure you, Jayce is worthy of your trust and respect. He is not only a hero, but also a visionary. He has a plan for the fire Kingdom that will make it stronger and more prosperous than ever before. He wants to work with you, not against you. He seeks your support and approval before he ascends to the throne."
The representatives were captivated by Lucian's words and moved closer to him in their seats. Elder Cato inquired: "What is Jayce's vision for the fire Kingdom? How will it affect us and those we represent?"