Thomas and the President of Ceramia sat next to each other diagonally facing the crowd of photographers and journalists. They were shaking hands smiling at the camera flashes for a few seconds. The two began making small talk just for the eyes of the cameras.
"I'm sorry to hear about the Emperor's sudden sickness" said the President
"He'll be just fine, he's been through worse" said Thomas smiling.
The two were followed around by the media in the Palace garden as they made their way towards the place where they'd have dinner. The media were not allowed to enter. The two sat facing each other as the butler served the food.
The President of Ceramia was a pale man with a balding head. Slightly chubby, the last button of his suit was undone to accommodate his outward belly. He took out a cigar and lit it. He unbuttoned the rest of his suit with one hand and relaxes into his chair. Thomas kept a perfect posture, looking at the President with contempt.
"If they knew I smoked, the tabloids would never shut up about it. Health this, environment that" said the President smoking his cigarette releasing a large puff of smoke as he exhales.
"I envy you, you don't have worry about elections and polls, you sit in this palace comfortable and the people worship you" said the President
"I'm sure you are aware, Mr. President, but these are the same people that put us out of power." said Thomas beginning to eat the dinner.
"Yet you are still so very popular - you're nothing short of a celebrity. People have short memories, they probably don't even remember why they revolted" said the President taking a sip of his drink.
"Perhaps they require a reminder" said Thomas
"I'm not quite sure what that means, but there are no celebrations or memorials of the revolution if I'm not mistaken. Your great grandfather peacefully gave up power, didn't he?" said the President
"All my great grandfather cared about was hunting and women, not this family. He was prepared to do anything to keep that lifestyle - he was not fit to be a monarch." said Thomas
"If you ask me, the monarchy should consider itself lucky - they have no purpose to exist, yet they are rich and loved." said the President tapping his cigarette
"Men like you Mr. President are chosen by other men to lead, men like me were chosen by God to lead. That is the purpose of the monarchy." said Thomas
"I didn't take you as a religious man, Your Highness." said the President
"When God chooses me, how can I deny his favor?" replied Thomas
____
Later that day the President left to meet with Prime Minister at his residence. Thomas Vinzent arrived shortly after the arrival of the President. He was in the limousine waiting for the Prime Minister's men to come and usher him to the meeting. The man who was holding the tablet was sitting next to him.
"Sir, here is the media report regarding your meeting with the President" said the man giving Thomas a tablet. Thomas scrolls through it.
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"It's all positive sir, the fashion magazines are talking about your suit, the newspapers are hailing your diplomacy and social media show you are as popular as ever with the populous. The tabloids are still gossiping about your secret relationships and who may be the future Crown Princess." said the man
Thomas smiles as he continues to scroll through the comments and pictures of him all over the news and social media.
"My mother always advised me to not be vain - it clouds a man's judgement. Do you think she was right?" said Thomas handing the tablet back to the man.
The man hesitates before speaking.
"There's nothing wrong with self-love and admiration. We all like seeing nice pictures of ourselves and hearing good things being said behind our backs, sir." said the man
"No, she was right. Vanity is a disease, and I'm quite ill." said Thomas.
One of the Prime Minister's men arrived and opened the door for the Crown Prince who was immediately covered by Royal Guards that were in the cars behind him. He made his way into the Prime Minister's residence. Upon entering he was met by Prime Minister Theodore.
"Welcome Your Highness. I hope your grandfather gets well soon. This special accommodation we made for you is only out of respect for the Emperor. However, as I'm sure you are aware, the monarchy and the government are separate. Please, do come along, the President is waiting." said Theodore.
Thomas followed Theodore ignoring his subtle warning of getting involved in politics.
"I was hoping I could meet George, how is he?" said Thomas
"George is elsewhere, and he's perfectly fine, thank you for asking. How is Sinclair?" said Theodore
"He's a soft kid, but smart nevertheless - I'm sure he'll give George a run for his money this presidential election." said Thomas
"You seem to be quite interested in this measly school election, does the Crown Prince have nothing to keep himself busy?" said Theodore
Before Thomas could reply the two had arrived at the living room where the President was sat upright and his buttons all done up. No cigarette in sight. Thomas smiled at the sight of the President.
The President throws his hands in the air as soon as Thomas enters as a welcoming gesture.
"Great to have you here Your Highness, given our conversation earlier I'm starting to enjoy your company" said the President
Thomas' Royal Guard and Theodore's Secret Service men were waiting outside. Thomas sat facing the President with a low glass rectangular table between them. On the table was a tea set. Theodore was sitting in between them with a cup of tea in his hand. The three sat in silence for a while. For the first time in around ninety years, the monarch, the prime minster and a foreign leader were in the same room. The three began exchanging words, they were primarily talking about trade deals between the two nations.
"Mr. President, are you not going to unbutton your shirt, take out your cigarette and make yourself comfortable as you did in my estate?" said Thomas suddenly
The President doesn't reply looking Thomas half-stunned.
"I'm sure it's your charm that made him feel more comfortable around you, Your Highness" said Theodore trying to cool the conflict
"Or perhaps the President doesn't respect me." said Thomas
The President kept silent.
He takes a sharp breath in
"I believe we have reached a conclusive understanding regarding out future trade deals, Prime Minister Theodore. I'll be be taking my leave now" said the President standing up and adjusting his tie. Theodore quickly stood up and escorted him out where as Thomas stayed sitting taking a sip out of his tea.
After a few seconds Theodore storms back into the room and confronts Thomas.
"I bring you into my home out of respect and you embarrass me like that." said Theodore pointing his finger to his chest.
"Please, this whole meeting is a farce. Who's really in power Prime Minister? Is it you? The secret service you have outside, listening to every word you say and reporting right back to Gideon Faraday to make sure no decision regarding this nation is made unless Hilda Cottonwood herself approves it." said Thomas
"You're just a child throwing a tantrum. Perhaps it's because you grew up without a father to discipline you. I always questioned Hilda why she gave you and your little election so much of her time and I still don't see any threat in you. But it's high time someone put you in your place. Your childish dreams end here."
Thomas stood up from his seat smirking.
"You are far too late, Prime Minister, I didn't wake up one morning and decide this on a whim. No, it was years in the planning. And now, everywhere you look, in your cabinet, in your home and in your precious shadow council, you will find enemies. I intruded on your meeting to make it clear, Hilda and the council are over, it is I who will run things in due time."