[Alessandra]
This is bad, horrific even. For the first time in five years, I haven't slept a wink. I thought my insomnia had gone away. My nightmares, the demons at the edge of vision... Nevermind. The High Prantev, the Menyott of Crystals, and the Menyott of the Holy Tomb will be here shortly. It's time, soon, I will hold my daughter once again.
~o0o~
"His Eminence, Lord of the Seven Lakes; Duke of Grolsenif; and High Prantev of Levelia, Aleksan Grolsen," The footman announced as a rotund man in white garbs entered my office.
"Your Imperial Highness," The man bowed.
"High Prantev," I replied.
He and the High Menyott had just returned to Levelia from their mission to Adamasia. And it seems he's gotten thinner. No doubt from the lack of "edible" food there.
He took a seat to my left and took one of the snacks from the table before us. Greedy as always.
"Her Eminence, Lady of the Dark Forest; Custodian of the Plain of Purevem; Menyott of Crystals; and High Menyott of Levelia, Libilei nyer Alfnovae," The footman's voice echoed across the small room as a petite young lady crossed the threshold and curtsied before me.
"Your Imperial Highness," She said, her deep voice sending chills across my body.
I greeted with a nod and she made her way to the seat before me.
"Her Eminence, Lady of the Bay; Duchess Dowager of Namsef; and Menyott of the Holy Tomb, Lady Merisa Levensyek," As the footman announced her arrival, the air around the room grew heavy.
An aged lady walked through the door, but her posture and gaze commanded respect, grace, and authority.
"Your Imperial Highness," She said as she curtsied (to the best of her ability).
"Lady Merisa," I said, nodding in response.
She took the seat to my right and we commenced the negotiations.
"It has come to my attention that the Creyaltver has been keeping secrets from me and the Imperial Council," I started.
"With all due respect, your Imperial Highness, the reason we did not bring the issue up to you was because the Imperis Battavyesch actively wires and monitors all our actions. Especially any interactions with you, your Imperial Highness," Lady Libilei stated.
"Even so, you could have sent one of your men or women to inform me of the extent of the Crusavian's intel," I argued.
Lady Merisa sighed and said, "It doesn't matter whose fault it is. What is important is that now we know how far the Crusavians have infiltrated our intelligence networks. The very fact that they have started establishing checkpoints and mandatory inspections across the Cragholven Sector is enough evidence to suggest that they are aware of Operation: Black Orchid."
The room fell silent for a moment. I was still trying to process how our intelligence networks could have been breached... There were firewalls and various encryptions set in place. Could they have been helped by some other force in the galaxy?
"Your Imperial Highness," The High Prantev called out.
"Yes?"
"Shall we get on with the negotiations? I'm sure you have other things to attend to," He said wryly.
"Of course," I said as I composed myself.
I ignored the tone and offered, "Well, I propose a joint intelligence program between the Creyaltver and the Imperis Battavyesch, in exchange for the safe return of the prince and princess."
"I would like to change something, if I may?" Lady Merisa asked.
"Yes, of course," I responded
She cleared her throat before continuing, "How about the Creyaltver, becoming the informal intelligence branch of the Imperis Battavyesch. While maintaining its autonomy and separation from all other affairs."
"That would essentially turn the Creyaltver into a government agency, violating the Imperial Constitution!" The High Menyott argued.
"Not entirely," The old lady said, "If you were listening, I said there would still be a separation. The only difference is that the Creyaltver will be the sole institution outside of the Imperis Battavyesch to provide it with intel."
"What happens then to the Imperis Bordrois? Will it be dissolved?," The High Prantev asked.
"No," the elderly woman sighed, exasperated by the rhetorical questions.
"What Lady Merisa is trying to say is, the Creyaltver, alongside the Imperis Bordrois will gather intel. It will also be the sole outside institution to retain this privilege since various private companies and corporations have signed contracts with the Battavyesch."
The two officials made simultaneous "oh" in response. I should really appoint someone else to those positions... I wonder if they just pocket the money from the tithes and donations they get.
"Thank the Creator, both of you finally got it!" Lady Merisa exclaimed, "I was beginning to think that the Empress and I were the only educated individuals in this room."
Both the High Menyott and the High Prantev averted their gazes, as their cheeks turned red like a rose.
I scoffed and said, "Well, if you had explained it less vaguely they would've understood."
"Hmph," she replied, "Never mind then, but all of you understand what I'm saying, yes?"
The two embarrassed officials nodded.
"Well then, since both of you have nothing to add," The elderly menyott paused, "I do have one request..."
"What is it?" I asked.
"If the Empress allows it... The complete erasure of any record pertaining to this operation and the Creyaltver's involvement. As well as the safety of my granddaughter, the son of Senator Obed, and that of your sister-in-law's family."
I contemplated the request for a moment, then said, "Alright, I agree. On one condition..."
She turned to me, her grace and air of authority carefully masking the concern smeared all over her face.
"And what is your condition?" She asked.
"Give me some time alone with Princess Katerin. Once I've spoken to her, she and her family will be free to do whatever they want," I replied.
She contemplated for a moment. She must have thought I would opt for something more extreme, like torture.
"Hm. Very well. Once you have spoken to her, send her to the Creyaltholven of Puritia. I have many questions for her as well," She responded.
"It's decided then," I said as I rose from my chair, "Shall we head down for some afternoon tea?"
The three officials rose from their seats as well. The High Menyott nodded in agreement, a small grin creeping along her dry lips.
"A wonderful idea, your Imperial Highness," The pompous High Prantev exclaimed.
"I suppose my husband can wait," Lady Merisa paused, "He'll understand, after all, negotiations are quite tiresome."
"Shall we?" I said as I headed for the door.
The footman noticed and quickly opened the doors. The three guests followed me to the door and left the office.
"Damia!" I called for a maid.
"Yes, milady?" she scurried over, holding a feather duster.
"Please inform the cooks that we'll be having afternoon tea in the Garden of Spring," I said.
"Of course, your Imperial Highness." She rushed to the intercoms and began relaying my orders.
"This way, please," I looked at my guests as they followed behind me.
As we walked around the halls of the palace, I couldn't help but think to myself. Would Dayastra ever think of me as her mother? Will the operation change her view of me? I had so many questions swirling in my head that I failed to notice I was leading my guests the wrong way. After a brief exchange of apologies, we turned back and followed the correct path.
Creator above, have mercy on me. Be gracious and please lessen the anger and fear in Dayastra's heart...