Ely glared, her eyes narrowing as she turned away from the blinding light that dared to intrude upon her. Sitting up, she scanned her lavish bedroom, not that she was particularly focused on anything. Just as she was about to get out of bed, her gaze fell upon the portrait of a stunning woman. With a figure that was both graceful and slender, those deep blue eyes radiated love and warmth. In an instant, all the sleepiness vanished from Ely's eyes as she gazed at it with affection before finally getting up.
"Good morning, Mother," she muttered, barely above a whisper. A shiver ran through her as the cold air swept in. The night had finally retreated, making way for a new day, but the sun still lingered beneath its fiery cover. She made her way to the bathroom but not before pulling on the golden bell pull. Two maids rushed in just as she finished brushing her teeth, ready to prepare her bath and help her get ready for the day.
This day was supposed to be significant, with the weather and the tasks ahead. She donned a black gown adorned with black embellishments, glimmering like stars. With matching jewels and everything in place, she turned to the portrait once again, a scowl forming on her face.
"I better be making the right choice," she thought bitterly as she walked out of her room, heading towards the courtroom. The weather still bore a gloomy look, but she trudged on, unfazed. The courtroom was chilling, oppressive, and... heavy. It was no surprise, considering that's where human lives were at stake. They didn't hold the power to give life or take it, but they certainly played a crucial role in deciding fates. The power earned from countless bloodsheds.
Taking a seat on one of the lower thrones, she stared at the three thrones on the elevated platform. From her angle, they appeared majestic, but she knew firsthand how gruelling the responsibilities were once seated upon them.
She held her forehead, exasperated. What was wrong with her today? Why was she getting lost in her thoughts? A bitter expression crossed her face again as she glanced at the higher thrones. They would not be here, and while it hadn't been explicitly stated, they had left the burdensome task to her. With a heavy sigh, she climbed up to the elevated platform, bypassing the far right and the middle throne to occupy the one on the far left.
Officials began trickling in, and an hour later, the courtroom was packed. Ely surveyed them, feeling a surge of disdain. She had only done this out of sheer urgency today, but she vowed never to let them make her wait again.
"Today marks the fourth week in holding court for this…"
Ely raised her hand, cutting off the herald.
"All protocols and formalities observed, let's get this meeting moving," she declared with a composed smile plastered on her face.
Despite the crowd's curiosity about the absence of the Prince and King, they kept their mouths shut, but it was clear they longed to needle her, to get under her skin. Luckily for them, they didn't have the guts to try.
Ely scanned the room, her eyes narrowing at the wary faces of the officials. She could sense their scheming, each one itching to push the others' buttons to gain an advantage.
"This issue has dragged on for far too long, and it's high time we wrapped this up. We need to make a decision..." She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping the room. "And we also need to choose a new monarch."
Gasps and whispers erupted among the officials, their eyes widening in disbelief.
"This is precisely why I called for this meeting," Ely's frosty gaze remained unwavering. The time had come, and it was necessary. She had pondered this countless times, and this was her final verdict. Her father's health was slipping, and her brother was utterly disinterested in ruling. She wouldn't let him bear the weight of millions; if he wanted to be a ceremonial King, so be it, while she took charge of everything even if it meant abandoning her desires.
"Is this directly from the King?" A pompous voice resounded in the court.
"When were you ever invited to speak?"
Ely's icy tone sent chills down the spine of the official who thought he could intimidate her. He was one of Eiji's men.
Her cold eyes turned even colder as she pressed on, "The rising tide of kidnappings and murders is intolerable. Therefore, the King has decreed that for every death recorded in a region, the official in charge will face severe repercussions. For instance, if a single death occurs in Earl Eiji's manor, his entire household will be wiped out."
A cruel smile crept onto her lips as she fixed her gaze on the auburn-haired man before her.
The older man raised his head, feigning a smile. "Am I to take this as the Princess suspecting me?" he asked, his voice smooth and scholarly.
"Suspecting you? Absolutely," Ely shot back.
The Earl's jaw clenched as he glared at the Princess.
"Because I suspect even myself."
A heavy silence enveloped the courtroom, no murmurs, no whispers. Everyone was stunned by the gravity of her words.
"How are we to know this is truly the King's will?" A sly voice cut through the air. It was Minister Reggie, who had been silent for far too long.
"Which family do I represent, Reggie?" Ely retorted, her tone dripping with disdain. Gasps filled the room, even Eiji narrowed his eyes at her audacity.
Reggie's eyes turned steely as he glared at Ely, who didn't flinch.
"When the mastermind behind this entire scheme is uncovered, the King will select his successor." With that, Ely stormed out, leaving the officials to bow in her wake.