A sunny day by the harbour was nothing out of the ordinary. Merchant ship horns blaring out in the deep as they approached the bay. The lush leaves swaying in the wind, the azure sky spread through the vault of the sky.
Nilla held her head high as she careened forwards, her bodyguards pushing the nameless faces that swarmed around her out of her way. The sharp flashing lights encompassed her, reporters screaming for her attention, already shooting questions before she got to the podium up on the dock.
Each step she took was slow and full of grace, her hips swaying ever so gently. Her posture straight, her eyes set ahead as if to say nothing mattered until she gave it her full attention. Her unique warmth and light that swelled like glitter upon the dark cocoa shade of her skin, smoothened with cocoa butter. Her eyes were a deep gold that lit up in the light, full of life and energy, spiralled into glossy honeycombs. Her lips were full and lush as the lip gloss she wore highlighted the natural pink shade that dusted them, ready to spew sweet and floury words that the buzzing reporters thirsted for.
It was never her intention to provoke the prowling gazes of those who watched her. Out in public, there were many things about herself she willingly chose to keep secret. And that included the unsaid things about her that were the first window to who Nilla Piye was.
She selected a simple outfit for the occasion, choosing to highlight other things that weren't her wealth and status in clothes. No, this time, she wanted the world to see her for who she truly was, the nakedness of her intention, and open confession of sins and sanctity.
She wore a nude mermaid skirt paired with a tight-fitting vest belted together with a diamond waist chain she had been gifted by Jina's mother. The nude headwrap she wore had its lapels drape down her side, with little strands of her baby hair peeking out onto her forehead.
One of the guards took her hand and led her up the dock steps. She placed each step firmly, careful not to fumble and make a spectacle. To the podium she went, it clustered with microphones from various news stations, some she knew, others she didn't.
She set her eyes to the crowd; reporters, critics, loyalists, and simple passer-by's who couldn't care less that she was the princess of a wealthy empire but were simply caught in the swell of song that chanted down the streets. Her cheeks bundled together as she smiled, pulling the corners of her lips up to show her pearled teeth.
"I was not expecting so many people here today," she said, her voice soft and silvery against the harsh clicks of camera's. "Before I say anything, I'm open to answering a few questions if you have any."
The sudden shouts from the crowd had her squint as they all called out her name. Daphne stepped forth, pointing to one of the reporters at the front of the crowd. The rest silenced, and the one who was picked pulled out her notepad, flipping through a few pages.
"Princess Nilla, it is well known that the Kisasan Empire is well backed by the Asalen Army and a permanent member of The Council. As your sister, Princess Nitocris, is an emissary of the council's security division, and a member of the Kisasan Royal House, can Azura expect foreign aid from Kisasa under the council's orders.?"
"No," said Nilla. "We are here strictly as envoys for the council. My sister is here as a member of the security division, and I, here as the leader of The Selati Clan. I know it's been floating in the news that perhaps Kisasa would get involved, but I will reiterate my father's position; Kisasa will not be interfering with the affairs of countries outside Alkebulan. Even though we are members of the Kisasan Royal House, we do not, at this moment in time, represent our countries interests."
To waste time on any questions still prodding on that old news would get her nowhere. She instructed Daphne to pick another reporter, letting her judgement lead her to the news stations that where sure to get the news far and wide. The other less known stations would just have to piggy bank on whatever they could get.
Daphne searched the crowd, having a whole list of stations, and news outlets already set from the highest to lowest in popularity. Amongst the crowd, she saw a man that had always made an appearance at any affair concerning young royals. He had his pen tapping against his lip, waiting, eyeing Daphne as if to let her know that he'd gladly wait his turn.
Daphne went ahead and picked him.
He sprung forth, had a recorder in his hands that had a singular flaring red dot.
"Can you give us insight on why you were picked?"
He went straight for the jugular question.
The one that had spiked up on recent trends, headlining feminine endowered magazines, plaguing newspapers and being discussed among trending television shows. It worried her that Azura's situation was only second to her announcement as Selati's leader. But then again, filling that position gave the world a chance to peer into the future; to guess whether they were doomed or whether they'd live in another era of peace. But at this time, it meant more than that. Becoming less of just another peace serving station, to becoming the icon of the century.
The reporter went on in his question, "What made King Leonidas pick you as his successor?"
"Why not me?" she said, relaxing her facial muscles into a sly smile. "The answer is simple. I was born for this."
A female reporter interjected. As expected, Nilla's eyes momentarily glazed down to the microphone she held, spelling out the broadcasting station she represented, Calypso Broadcasting Corporation. Founded on Krokos, now a multinational television station that specialized in current affairs. Everyone listened to their news that updated hourly, even Adrien's father relied on their news feed daily, just to keep tabs on what was happening around the world.
The camera had been pointing at her as the woman asked, "King Leonidas choosing you as his successor must not have been a mistake, that we're sure of. But what lingers in the minds of the Azuran citizens is whether you're capable of dealing with the violent uprisings down south. What security do they have that you may be able to do something?"
Nilla answered, "I was officially installed as leader in January. It's April now. It may seem like this is a daunting task to complete after having been leader for only 4 months. And with Don Porters methods getting more violent, it may seem like we're doomed. But I'll tell you the truth. I've been the leader of Selati for 3 years. The prisoners of war that were liberated from Coventry on the 16th of July 177N.E, that was me. Or the planned assassination of Minister Bosch of Luana, still me. I also lead the quarantine of violent apparitions on Purgatory Island, as well as lead the protection of Odigra during the eleventh night. And that's to name a few. Don Porter is nothing to me. I can handle him."
Daphne hurried to pick another reporter before they all leapt out of control. She pointed to another young woman. It was clear from the clean pressed suit she wore and rally of young fans behind her that she was from the Croia magazines. Funny how pop culture squeezed themselves into the crowd of politics. But of course, they weren't here for the gist of finding out what Nilla would do about Azura's problems. That wasn't part of Croia's brand. Since releasing an article on Nilla in January, titled, Eyes of heaven; the Gilded Girl of a New Era, their sales had already peaked for the year.
The woman cleared her throat and went on to ask, "
"The first leader of the Selati Clan was Prince Kiernan of Krokos. The latest, before you were allegedly chosen, was Prince Leonidas, now King Leonidas of Pyrrhos. Now, suddenly, the council chooses a princess. Not just any princess, but you, dear Nilla Piye. I won't deny that you've been an icon in your own right, rubbing shoulders with esteemed royalty, being betrothed to the next supreme commander of the Imperial Arms."
Nilla's ears pricked, listening close to her selection of words.
"But sometimes I wonder if you're really worth the title."
There was an avid gasp that swelled in the crowds, especially from the Nilla Loyalists.
"The leader of the clan has gotten their hands dirty on some gruesome stuff that I won't say here for the safety of my listeners. But it's safe to say, I doubt a convent girl can forsake her chastity, morals, and devotions to God just to soil themselves in the foul tricks and schemes of the remnants of the Arcane. You're so clean and prim, I can't imagine you going toe to toe with Don Porter."
The lady from Croia fumbled with an envelope, ripping it open and pulling out a picture of Nilla walking at a tea party held months ago at the coven gardens of Coventry. She was amongst a field blooming with young women, dashed in the intensely hued colours of the flowers they all sniffed and paraded about. Nilla, like a swan walking happily by the fountains edge, the contrast between her dark skin and white clothes bringing an air of elegance to her shinning face.
The lady from Croia smirked, holding the picture up above her head, making sure she got a good look at it.
"This is you, right?"
"It is. Stunning as I always am."
"Good to know," she said. She inspected the image again, then held it back up above his head.
"You're rather on the thin side of the body spectrum. Tall as well which just highlights your long slim limbs and excellent bone structure. I must say, Queen Nefertari surely blessed you with her beautiful genetics, and you inherited you father's lovely golden eyes. Aside from your beauty and devotion to your faith, I find it hard to believe you're the actual leader of Selati. I'd find it more plausible if you're dearly betrothed was the actual leader. Selati has a history of secrecy, it's hard to believe you openly claiming to be leader." A few rowdy shouts from the crowd agreed with what she said. Others tried to defend, but as the clashing of the sides intensified, they all melded into a cacophony of riled up people battling to prove that their notions and ideals were right. All of it was senseless to her ears, every word uttered, every twisted face filled with their own convictions and sense of justice. It was all pointless, for whatever they said held no greater meaning than noise. Nilla didn't need anyone to defend her and couldn't care less of her accusers.
Daphne and a few of the guards who escorted them silenced the crowd.
Nilla tapped the microphones, one by one to check they were on.
"Is that all?"
"For now," the lady from Croia bluntly answered.
Croia, Calypso, and the other news outlets were all pawns, ready to be moved at her will. They couldn't control what she said, as much as they tried to arm twist her into scandals and a bad reputation. It all depended on what she had to say and what they had to gain. Admitting that the situation was dire would never leave her lips, but the first step in capturing the Kings was to push her pawns in full force against them. one by one, they'd step into the dangerous territory of the Kings, and on their own volition.
Nilla steadied her voice, remembering the array of words she had been preparing for the past five days.
"Even in this new era a Princess can't lead?" she said. The shutters of camera's clicked vigorously, and that boosted her to open her mouth and say the words that would headline the newspapers.
"You've asked an interesting question, contradicting your previous statements about me." She paused as Daphne gave her a handkerchief. Nilla dabbed a few tears out the corner of her eyes. She steadied her voice again. "I'll let you know why I'm leader. It all has to do with why I'm here today actually."
She let out little laugh, making light of the question asked, like it was that asked by fools. Ignorance was bliss, but knowledge was power. Alone, as the crowd went into a deadly silence, she went on laughing, holding her tummy, wiping the tears away from the corner of her eyes. It took a moment, but she regained her composure, standing straight as her smile turned wicked and eyes deepened and their still gaze.
"I investigated Azura with the two council emissaries: Princess Nitocris Piye, and Sir Louis Vernon. The cause of the civil unrest, it all stems from the Kings. That family of parasitic vermin who have been bleeding this country for all its money. We found out that the leader of the People's Freedom Front, Don Porter, was being funded by the Kings to claim back the land in the south for them in a series of military campaigns. It's a messy story really, I wish I had the time to tell you all about their puppeteering of government officials and mountains of claims they have against your resources. Anyway, to put an end to this scuffle in a peaceful manner, I will be holding key delegates hostage in the Castle at the Edge of the World for 3 months while the council seek to put an end to the unrest."
A lady in the crowd shot her hand up. Daphne pointed at her.
"How is this going to end the uprising? The Kings are wealthy, and if they're supplying Don Porter, then it won't take long for them to sweep the south into their control then invade the north. They own the weapons factories, and a lot of generals are flocking to Porters side, how is this going to help?"
Nilla laughed again. "Don't you get it. I'm Nilla Piye. I don't need an army or anything special. All I need for this to work is for at least one King to go to the Castle. That's what makes me leader. If you don't get it, you'll get it in three months."
The crowd erupted into thousands of questions, coming from all ends. They were out of Daphne's control, having swamped over her gentle voice.
That was fine though, Nilla got her business done. She turned around and began walking down the steps of the dock. Reporters tried to flank her, asking a barrage of questions, pushing their microphones into her face. But she held herself strong and shot straight for her car.
Once she was inside, she let out a sigh. Reporters were banging against the car window, screaming for just a word of insight or some plan. But she paid them no attention, staring straight into oblivion.
Daphne shimmied in right next to her. The driver started the car. Once the guards had managed to push most of the reporters of the road, they drove off, down the streets lined with palm trees.
Nilla pinched her nose bridge, looking out to the clear skies. "Your governors have really squeezed me into a tight spot."
"Nilla!" Daphne gasped. "Have a little hope in them. They're trying their best with what they have."
"You're so naïve. They could care less what happens to civilians. The only reason they're fighting so vehemently is because the Kings are threatening to repossess their personal land. It would gut them from their power. Same's with your dad."
Daphne's face darkened. She looked to Nilla, troubled by the mention of her father. "The company would lose its profits. We're trying our best here. But it's hard to compete with the likes of the Vernon's and Kings. The only special thing we can offer that bolsters my family name is our fruit. And if the Kings take that away..."
The sharp rings of a telephone broke through the tense air. Daphne's breath hitched at the sound, turning slowly to the front seat where it came from. The driver did not lift his eyes from the road once, he gently said, "Ms Valentine, the phone."
She looked to Nilla, but her attention was drawn out to the oblivion, still staring at the sky.
Daphne crept forward, pulling the phone into the back seat.
She picked up, pressed it against her ear, and with a shaky voice answered, "Good Afternoon, Lady Daphne Valentine speaking."
"Put Nilla on the phone."
The deep voice that was filled with coldness and spite had her jolt. Her hand trembled, trying to steady the phone to her ear.
"I'm sorry, sir. But I need some identification before I can put you through."
"Put. Her. On. The. Phone."
Daphne slowly turned to Nilla. The sharp gaze of golden eyes meeting her before she could fully turn. They weren't soft anymore, they were hard, catching and freezing her body. Nilla's soft smile was gone. Her lips were pressed into a straight line. She whispered, "Don't you dare break." The little shrewd in Daphne would have to die soon if she was going to be Nilla's right-hand man in this mission. There was no time to quiver. No time to die before the battle. Daphne would have to change. And it she didn't do it willingly; Nilla would have to break her to do it.
Daphne shot her head back around. She took in a sharp breath and said with her chest filled with a bit more resolve. "State your name sir. If not, then I will have to cut this call short."
It was silent on the other end.
Nilla's razored glare burrowed into the back of Daphne's head. There was no way she would turn around now, not until protocol had been followed.
"Louis Vernon."
Daphne froze, her skin paling. With shaking hands, she passed the phone to Nilla, immediately letting her head fall into her hands as she huddled into the corner of the seat.
"Hello?"
"It's Louis. Nito and I have finished planning the details of your trip to the Castle. The priests are aware of the situation, and I've guaranteed their safety against anything the governors or the Kings might plan."
"Good," Nilla huffed, wiping the fatigue off her face. "What about the Imperial Guard? Have you spoken to the Supreme Commander?" it had been bothering her how the Imperial Guard had not communicated anything in the past days. The anxiety of waiting had already set in her bones, looking at the scratches on the car seats she had left each time she went to their offices on Azura. Each journey was for naught, time and time again being send back with the casual answer of 'we'll process your request directly to the Supreme Commander.'
Louis sighed on the other end.
"I've spoken to him. We reached an agreement, but I'm still negotiating for a better settlement."
"Okay, And? What did he say?"
"He was angry that I used his officers without his permission. So, I've been sent back to Alegria to be tried. If all goes well, I'll be in prison for a few months. Anyway, we've agreed to send about ten officers with you, including his successor to ensure the safety of the priests and your wellbeing. As for Azura, apparently, they signed a non-intervention treaty about a year ago. I don't know when this happened because it's not recorded under official archives, and the Acting Officer on Azura who signed it died five months back while the Azuran delegate who signed as well, sided with Don Porter. It's already been integrated into the law, so there's nothing we can do about it in the meantime. That doesn't matter though, Nitocris and the Commander will see through the documents and see if they can rectify things. But as for everything else, it all rests in your hands."
Nilla had listened carefully. But as she repeats the same information in her head, she couldn't get passed the mention of the Supreme Commanders' successor going to the Castle. That one line slowly burning an image into her head of a man grinding an axe against a mill. Slicked in sweat with a murderous gaze.
"Did you say he is coming."
Louis sighed, she could feel the annoyance radiate from his voice through the line, "Get over it. It's not like he's going to kill you."
"You don't know that."
"Okay, right now, I'm going to need you to get yourself together. You need to get over things. In four years, you two will be married. It's about time you tried to at least have a bond."
She looked out the window, to the sea that suddenly seemed darker than before. The thought of sailing out on one of those huge sips to an isolated Island. There'd be no escape, cooped up with the likes of Jonathan, the Governors and...
She shook her head. "I just don't see the point in him coming. I can handle things on my own."
"No one said you can't." Louis grumbled. "Think about this rationally please. It'd be very strange for his future wife to be left secluded in a castle with a bunch of conniving murderous men. Especially if he's going to be Supreme Commander."
She twisted her face, peeling the phone off her ear to check if the line was still connected to Louis' number.
"Jonathan wasn't going to do anything. I'm starting to think it wasn't the Supreme commander's idea anymore. Only you know about that incident."
"Maybe it wasn't his idea," Louis said, his voice droning on. "But the decisions final. Have fun at the Castle. You leave in two days."
The line went flat, a continuous ring that sliced through the still air. She squeezed the phone in her hands as her lips pressed together. Louis was more annoying than Adrien. But at the end of the day, those brothers were both fiends who wouldn't let her own ideas blind her.
Things were supposed to turn into an epic triumph over those dirty crooks called Kings, but with him hovering over her shoulder, watching her every move, she could already feel herself melt from the pressure.