" princess Angelis De Aubrey Fiore has arrived" The guard announced as he pushed the mahogany door open for me to enter. As I walked in, I took a glance at all the portraits of past Monarch's of Fiore, illuminated by the large crystal chandelier in the center of the room. The room fell in silence, only the noise of my heels could be heard against the marble tiles.
All the high ranked military officials were present there. That included the 7 generals with the ranks of Duke's. And the marshal, with the title of archduke, the eldest son of the queen, Derek De Fiore.
"greetings to your royal highness, the moon of Fiore" they all said in unison, after standing up from their seats across the table and bowing as I walked in. Just near the head seat was a portrait of My father, King Athenis De Zain Fiore.
I had worn a royal blue gown which was designed delicately by silver and golden embroidery accompanied by a blood red robe attached with golden chains to my dress. A pale diamond blue tiara to go along with my outfit. Nothing heavy or over the top extravagant but enough to mark my presence as a royal their superior in ranks known as well as dominating anyone that might stand against me.
"I thank you all for coming on such short notice but we don't have any time to spare, Arian is preparing to launch a war on us" I broke out the news, earning some gasps from the members. Some even rose up from their seats in disbelief, clearly not expecting me to be here and shed some light on the upcoming war.
"I beg your pardon? War isn't a child's play your highness, you can't just go around saying Arian is going to attack us without solid proof especially when we are preparing for a marriage between the two kingdoms. And pardon me for my rudeness, but where is his majesty the king? Shouldn't he be here if there really was a war? How could he let you lead a military conference?" A major general on the left 3 seats away from me said. He looked at me with disdainful eyes, looking down on me. He smirked as he took great pleasure in putting me down when in fact he is 3 ranks below me in military wise and can't even be compared in the ranks of nobility as he is a mere viscount while I was the crown Princess.
"It would seem that general Logan is quite lenient with discipline that the soldiers of the inferno dukedom have no awareness of when to speak and who to speak with. It makes me quite concerned about the safety of our kingdom if the general isn't able to handle his soldiers properly so that they start to bite the hands that feed them." I looked at him mockingly, knowing full well he won't be able to fight back. "perhaps the responsibility is too great for you now so would you like me to suggest someone take the responsibility and share your burdens?".
"Thank you for showing your concerns, I will be sure to tighten the discipline at the barracks so no soldiers, no matter what the rank act in such way" he replied sweating profusely while glaring daggers at his major general with eyes that say ' you're dead if I loss my title and post in the military' and 'don't make me lose my face in front of everyone '
"but I can understand the concern of the major general" I emphasize his title, setting him as an example so that the others don't follow his disrespectful behavior and go against me. "His majesty the king is currently busy taking care of the external and internal affairs of the kingdom. We can't bother him with this playground war, therefore his majesty has made me his proxy as proven by this document which has his seal as well as this badge that grants me the highest military authority" I said monotonously as I gave a signal for a knight to present a document I created, as well as showing them the badge that contains the royal insignia made in gold.
Another waves of gasps was heard. They were more shocked by the badge than the documents, as the badge is only carried by the ruling king as he or she has the highest military authority in the army. Only the heir is allowed to carry this badge with the permission of the ruler. Me carrying this badge could mean that the king has officially recognized me as the next heir to the throne.
" I hope this qualifies me enough to lead this conference as the proxy, am I right major general Edger of inferno?" I asked sarcastically, further humiliating him as well as his superior. They should have known better than to question me. I spare no expense to humiliate and destroy anyone who stands against me, especially the infernos who have always been a thorn by my side. The was the leader of the opposing nobility, under the queen. Fighting for any chance to prove Derek more worthy of the throne than me.
Major general Lewis said nothing, or more like he had no choice but to remain silent as he was being glared at by not only his superior but other generals as well.
"then if everyone's doubt of me leading this meeting has settled, shall we commence?" I asked rhetorically. Silence overcame once again. When I looked up Derek was staring at me with an unknown look, then a sad smile graced his face. He looked worn out, he looked as if he wanted to say something but unable to. I hated that look, that sad look didn't suit him. Over the years after the royal war, I have grown closer to him, I have started to accept him as my own brother, cherish him the same way I did to Selena years ago, but I can never show it. I never will.
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Next week I'll be finished editing all the chapters I've released so far. So for the inconveniences caused I'll upload an additional chapter along with the 2 chapters scheduled to release next week.
take care and see you next week.