David stared at the doors of the Royal Court, flanked by guards on all sides, and felt a deep sense of contempt. He’d already disliked the opulence of the building, but the disgust had changed.
There were enemies in that building awaiting his presence. The Arlios faction was already antagonistic, but he could confidently assume that some of the members of the court he was going to have to face today were part of the conspiracy.
I can't purge them. Not yet. Not until it is necessary
He opened the doors and took a good look at those around him. They huddled together like gossiping children, whispering to each other as they watched the Emperor step past the threshold. He knew they were talking about him, debating his sanity and whether he was falling into the same depravity of his predecessor. He clenched his fist to hold back the frustration.
“David.” Erin nudged him in the shoulder, alerting him to the court members approaching him from down the hall.
“Good to see you, Emperor.” said Minister Arend, smiling from ear to ear. His long gray hair was combed back and tied into a braid which went all the way down to his shoulders. Golden trinkets held the hair in place, which complimented his similarly golden eyes, piercing eyes. He looked like a man born for politics, his posture straight and his gaze unflinching in the presence of power.
“The same to you as well, Arend. I heard that you are the new face of the Arlios faction?” David responded, choking down his contempt.
Arend was arguably worse than Orven in some ways. His greed was less obvious, and he seemed to understand how much power he had, but that also made him far more cunning. His power and influence over the court, arguing over cultural edicts and the importance of unity. Of course, only when those things benefitted him and his fellow court members.
David would love to punch the man in the throat if it wouldn’t kill him. He wasn’t extremely old, at least in comparison to men such as Solomon, but he was still showing in age.
“I am. I know you may see my faction as antagonistic to you, but we are working towards the same goal. The current conspiracy against you is clearly a threat to the Empire’s sanctity as a whole. I wish to support you in these trying times.”
“I appreciate your support, although I’d prefer something beyond simple sentiments.” David said.
“Which I plan to do. Do you think you could spare time for a meeting in the west wing?”
David’s eyebrows furrowed as he heard the request. The west wing was something he was rarely invited to, let alone by an Arlios member. He checked Erin and saw her checking the daily schedule.
“We have the time.” She informed the two. The wide grin on Arend’s face grew wider.
David looked back at the minister and extended out his hand. “I look forward to our meeting.”
The two shook hands as the doors to the rotunda opened and the court members began filtering inside. They took their seats, and after the murmuring and polite conversation died down, David stood up from his seat in the center and began his speech.
“Today I come forward at the request of the court to discuss the future of Arlin. We are at a precipice, and as the leaders of this nation, it is our job to shepard it well. Unrest in Hornel has recently been quelled, and we are moving forward with reconstruction. One of our promises to these people was to give them the ability to act as industrious members of our burgeoning empire. Today, we have two matters of discussion.” David paused to take a breath and regain the power in his voice, “I will start with the most prescient, which is that of territorial governor. Due to current subterfuge, this will be a unique selection. I will allow anyone in this room to step forward and propose themselves as a candidate for governor. The court will vote on who is to be governor for the territory of Hornel in one month.”
A murmur broke out through the court as the factions discussed the idea in between themselves. David had picked the governors himself for every new territory, so allowing for a vote was highly unusual.
“There is, however, a stipulation. Those who are running for the position of governor will be subject to an extensive inquiry. None of the information discovered will be made public unless there is good reason to suspect the person to be a conspirator against the throne. Defiance to any measure of the investigation will also lead to removal from the runnings, but no further punishment unless deemed necessary. A ballot box will be set up after the meeting where you can declare your candidacy, which you may revoke at any time after the inspection.”
Hearing the discussion pick up, David smirked. It was the response he desired with this plan. A hand from the Morathos faction raised up in the crowd.
“Are the votes weighted?” the stocky minister asked.
“All votes for the governor, including my own, will be equally weighted. Unless you desire to do otherwise, your vote will remain private to avoid creating any antagonism. Outside of interfering with the inquiry, candidates are allowed to campaign in any legal manner they deem fit.”
“And you will take measures to prove the legitimacy of the result?”
“I will. This vote is intended to build trust, not to sow division, which is why it is of utmost importance that this be a fair and equitable process.”
David glanced over at the Arlios faction and locked eyes with Arend, who was nodding in approval.
It appears he understands.
“If there are no more questions, I would like to move on. The reason this meeting was called was due to the situation in Corith and the execution of Solomon. I have provided some explanation for these actions, as they were taken to remove a threat to my sovereignty. However, due to the recommendations of several court members, I have decided to give greater context.”
David took a deep breath, staring up at the beautiful mural on the ceiling of the rotunda before returning his attention to the many ministers. He disliked what he was about to do, even though Erin had emphasized its importance. David snapped his fingers, and all of the guards and non-court individuals moved out of the rotunda. The doors slammed shut, leaving the room in uncomfortable silence.
“The information I am about to share must not leave this room under any circumstance. If any of you leak this information, you will be found and punished accordingly. The reason why Corith was removed was because of the rebel threat that now exists inside of it. They may be small, but they still pose a threat due to their leadership and potential connections to the ongoing conspiracy. To the best of our knowledge, the rebellion is being led by Researcher-Major Elm Grayson.”
An abrupt “What?” rang out from the crowd. An uproar of confusion and frustration made its way throughout the court. The few members of the court who knew that Elm’s death was false remained silent and stoic.
I doubt they’d take my decision seriously if I focused on the Corithian.
“Your frustration is understandable. Elm Grayson was put into the mines as punishment for his crimes, but also to coerce him to reveal the methods he used to create the cuffs. His decision to rebel against his homeland was unexpected, and has left several mining camps in a state of disrepair. That is why I have decided the best decision was to quarantine the rebellion within Corith.”
He didn’t like sharing this information, but it was a necessary concession. The court needed to understand the threat, or at least think that they understood the threat. Solomon said that the Corithian rebels had nothing to do with the conspiracy, but it was far more valuable for the court to believe that they were interconnected.
“And what of Neraser?” Arend spoke up from among the chattering, “There is an opening for them there.”
“Neraser is another side of the cage. It is true that they may be able to go there and even reach the ports, but amassing an army there would be impossible. Neraser may be defiant to us, but they are aware of Arlin’s power and have been careful as to not incur our direct wrath. All the rebellion can do at this moment is wait. However much they may fortify, they cannot protect themselves from a full future retaliation.”
“And when will that happen?” Arend smarmily asked.
“When the time is right, we will return to eradicate Grayson and his forces. We have no reason to rush our reclamation efforts. If we were to narrow our focus on such a minor issue in the grand scheme of our nation, it would only lead to further disarray.”
“And what of Solomon?”
David let out a deep sigh, the name hanging heavy over his head even months after his death.
“Researcher General Solomon was, to many and myself, a good friend and mentor. This made the fact of his betrayal all the more disheartening. However, before his death, he detailed to me the plans of the conspiracy. That is, to concede our territory and shrink the Empire down to what they deem to be only the most necessary.” David explained, “This is anathema to our nation’s ideals. They intend to strip us of our power and stop us from unifying Sol when we are so close to achieving that goal.”
Discussion erupted again as David finished, likely debating over the issue and their thoughts on the concept. David had certainly rephrased it, but he hadn’t lied. He searched for any outliers who didn’t seem surprised but found none. He quietly clicked his tongue before returning focus.
“Are you sure it wasn’t senility?” a minister from the Cordaos family called out.
“I believe his age may have clouded his better judgment, although he did not speak with any clear signs of delirium.” David answered succinctly.
“Did he plan to make the territories vassal states instead, or make them fully independent?” an Eternos faction member followed up.
“I believe he wanted them to be independent nations with complete autonomy.”
A comedically loud “Madness!” rang out from the crowd, although David couldn’t pinpoint the source. He had to stifle a chuckle, but heard Erin let out an adorable snort.
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“Now that this information has been revealed, I trust in the dignity of this court to have it remain confidential. I wish to look to the future, not meander on things of the past. To this regard, I have planned for our next annexation to be Mylia. After meeting with their diplomats, I believe that this could be a bloodless campaign. They understand not only our power, but what is to gain by willingly becoming subjects of us.”
“And what will that be? To become a part of True Arlin?” inquired Arend, standing up from the seated Arlios faction.
“No.” David said starkly, “Our current proposal includes far more reasonable concessions. They may gain measures of smaller self governance on the local level, and possibly an exemption from the normal attuned tithe. Negotiations will determine other measures, but they will remain a territory just like any other.”
He knew Pluma would be mentioned. The connection was obvious, but he needed to be clear on this.
“And will you do an election for governor, just like you are doing now?”
David smirked confidently at the minister and stood up from his seat.
“That depends on the future to come, but it is not something I am against. All of my actions today are done for the sake of unity, not to sow division. If it will help build further unity within my court, I will gladly allow for another election to be performed.”
David took another deep breath for emphasis on his next words.
“Before we leave, I would like to put out a statement. According to our investigation, it is highly likely that there are ministers of this court part of the conspiracy currently threatening Arlin’s sanctity as an Empire. I will not make any baseless claims, nor will I accuse any individual sitting here today until I have concrete proof. If you are one of those who wish to threaten my sovereignty, I implore you to reconsider. I believe that everyone has the ability to change and grow if they are given the chance, which is why I will show those who come forward with mercy and respect. I swear on my honor as the Emperor of Arlin that I will commit to this declaration, so that we can strive for unity together.”
The room remained silent for a long time, letting the words linger in the air. David was pleased how well he’d managed to stick to the script.
“That is all for today. Lunch will be provided in the east wing, alongside a musical accompaniment provided by Minister Magnos. Ballot boxes will be made available in an hour in the rotunda for those who wish to declare candidacy, which will remain open until sundown. Thank you, and you are now dismissed.”
David watched the room slowly shuffle out the doors, murmuring in between each other and discussing the news of the meeting. He’d just made several very large bets in a very short period of time, and could only wait to see whether they would pay off.
Arend remained in his seat, watching the Emperor. David got out of his seat to move to the center of the rotunda with Erin at his side, beckoning Arend to come down from his seat to join him.
“Lunch?” Arend asked.
David shook his head, fixing his mantle on his shoulders. He was still getting used to the heavier material. “I’d prefer now to dawdle. I’ll have servants grab plates for us both.”
Arend acquiesced, and walked in front of the Emperor leading him towards the eastern wing and a room nicknamed ‘The Confessional’.
----------------------------------------
The western wing contained a variety of meeting rooms, all designated with different usages. They varied in size, decorations and amenities. Those which had windows tended to be used for more casual dealings, while those without were intended to be used for more delicate affairs.
Certain rooms also had certain reputations, even in the realms of the unsavory. Court affairs often meant court affairs, so it wasn’t uncommon for them to be used for sex. Luckily, which rooms these were was well established. It did mean Arlin had to pay the west wing janitorial staff quite well.
‘The Confessional’ was not one of these rooms. Rather, its reputation was due to it being the most private, most secluded place in the east wing. A small room with a single table, four chairs, and lamp to light the interior. It was completely empty of any decoration or embellishment. It was a room for pure, unfettered policy.
Once the door was closed and locked, any pretenses or subtlety was dropped. The privacy and seclusion of the room made any such political performance pointless, hence the nickname. It was a room whose sole purpose was to create efficient policy without the normal barriers of politics.
The three waited outside for their plates, and when they arrived, they moved inside and locked the door. Erin lit the lamp and hung it overhead, allowing the three of them to take their seats and prepare.
“I wanted to start by complimenting you. The play you made with the Hornel governorship was rather ingenious.” Arend gleefully chimed as he quickly downed a miniature sandwich.
“The play?” Erin asked, surprising the minister. David guessed she was trying to see whether or not he was as intelligent as he was posturing.
“The true purpose of the governor election.” Arend spoke plainly.
His intelligence is befitting of his role.
David grinned. The election was an unusual political trap. No one connected to the conspiracy would willingly take the risk to participate in the election, as it would require for them to submit to inspection and possibly be compromised. David wasn’t using the election to search for conspirators. Rather, he was using it to search for allies who both coveted power and were subservient to the throne.
Putting your name into the ballot box also came with implied benefits. Since David would know who decided to run in the election, just passing the inspection could increase your favor with the Emperor. Because they could revoke their candidacy at any time, even those with no interest in the position of governor could gain favor with David as long as they allowed for the inspection.
“I have good faith that it will work. The position of territorial governor provides a lot of power and connections.” David postured, sipping from the small goblet of wine he’d been given along with his plate.
“Which is why I intend to run.”
David raised an eyebrow at the minister in surprise. He checked for Erin’s response and saw she was furiously scribbling down notes.
“Are you willing to submit to inspection?” David puzzled.
“I am. I have nothing to hide, nor any connection to the conspiracy. Is it because I’m a member of the Arlios faction?”
David had to remind himself what room he was in hearing Arend’s honesty.
“I hope you can understand my suspicion. The Arlios faction, being Orven’s faction, would be the most likely to have other members of the conspiracy.” David explained.
“I agree.”
“What?” Erin’s head abruptly shot up from her notes. David was thinking the exact same thing. Arend took a slow sip of his wine, relishing in the Emperor’s surprise.
“Personally, I find the idea of consolidation laughable. I knew Solomon and his manner of speech, and he would never offer something as outlandish as you phrased it. In truth, the initial reason I wanted to talk was to learn what his true final words were.”
David clenched his fist under the table. Arend was asking for things above his position, something that was occurring a lot more recently. However, being a fair ruler, he decided to meet honesty with honesty.
“Solomon wanted for Arlin to become a trade power. He believed that by conceding control of nations, Arlin could act as an arbiter of peace, controlling the world through trade and treaty.” David answered.
“I see. Has his death put the AM project into jeopardy?”
David glared at Arend, focusing a rage which he’d been holding in the back of his throat.
“Do you wish to die in this room, minister?”
“Of course not. I assure you, no one else in the Arlios faction knows of it. Solomon was a good friend, as you said. He trusted me with knowledge of the AM project many years ago, although I never saw fit to try and investigate it or spread that knowledge.” Arend protested, raising up his hands as though to show he was unarmed before lowering them again.
David took a deep breath to ground himself. This meeting was important, regardless of his distaste for the man.
“What is it that you want?”
Arend grinned. “I want your vote. I’ll run in the election, get investigated, and place myself as the candidate representing the Arlios faction. When voting begins, I want you to be the first voter and to publicly declare that you are voting for me. It will unify the Arlios faction under me and pressure other members of the court to vote for me as well.”
“And what do you propose in exchange?”
“A foothold in the Arlios faction. You need not consider me a comrade or acquiesce to the faction, but if you are willing to support me, I can help you in cleansing the court. I feel that there is a corruption in the Arlios faction, and it would be in both of our best interests that we work together. You need allies in this fight against the conspiracy, and if you support me, I will help you find them in my faction.”
David felt conflicted, his distaste for Arend and his desire for control clashing in his mind. He looked over to Erin for support.
“The Arlios faction is a closed box to us right now. We could use an in.” Erin said, placing her notes away in her bag.
“Your advisor understands.”
David looked the gray haired minister in the eyes, hating that there was no clear duplicity in his mannerisms. The Confessional had done what it was intended to do, and drawn out the honesty in the two of them.
“I expect updates on a weekly basis at a minimum for any findings you make. You will be subject to the first inspection available, and it will be thorough.”
“And you will provide me with Hornel?” Arend grinned, his greed palpable in his voice.
“I will provide you with my vote. My position on governor will remain impartial until the election date.”
It’s not like I really cared who became governor, as long as they were willing to listen to me.
Arend extended out his hand, and David extended out his palm to shake it. His hand was far larger than the minister’s, and as they shook, he put a bit of unnecessary pressure into his grip.
“You’re a very agreeable man, Emperor. It’s been a pleasure doing business.”
“I am glad that has been the case for one of us.”
A boisterous, awkward laugh burst out in The Confessional that no one except for the three in that room would get to hear. It was a spiteful laugh, one filled with distaste and distrust. They finished their plates while making casual, off topic conversation before leaving the room. David, with his hand floating above the lock, decided to make one final comment.
“My statement about the AM project still stands, even once we leave the room.” David reiterated.
“I’m aware. Let us both strive towards surviving long into the future.”
“To the future.” David concurred as he unlocked the door and filtered out back into the banal world of court politics. A thought crossed his mind as Arend disappeared out of sight and down the hall.
If I ever decide to purge the Arlios faction, he will come first.
“David…” Erin chided him, seemingly reading his mind.
“I know. I just wish it didn’t have to be him.”
Erin leaned up against his side, causing David’s heart to miss a beat.
“You’re very tempting, you know that?” David said as he placed his arm around her, “There are other rooms.”
Erin let out an exaggerated gasp. “I thought you hated this place.”
“I love you more.”
The duo giggled like children.
“Let’s save that for later. There’s a lot of preparation you have to do for the ceremony.” Erin easily convinced him.
David sighed lovingly, and started to make his way down the halls followed by the guard he’d just forced to watch and listen to his flirting. The ceremony celebrating the end of the Hornel war and its full incorporation into the Empire was in a week, and they’d only done some minimal preparation.
Let’s see if it draws them out into the sunlight.