Chapter 10 #2
He gestured to where my hands held the edge of the table, indents now visible. Silently, I let go as I held my hands together under the table, hidden from sight.
“If you cannot control your hound, Qurasa, I will insist you select a new magister for our council meetings.” Thalius barbed.
As Illerium opened his mouth in retort, Qurasa said, “Illerium. Be seated. Let us see if there is a reason as to why His Majesty has made himself known today.”
Redder than I had ever seen him, Illerium, mouth gaping open, sat down in his chair.
“That’s the most energy I’ve seen him use. Except when he tore into that inductee about where the mailroom was. Do you remember? Why would you need to send a letter home? It’s not as if you’ll be here much longer.” Oz said as he attempted to cover up a laugh with a cough.
“I concur with Qurasa.” Fayma turned to face Thalius. “What’s the purpose behind this intrusion?”
“Intrusion is a strong word.” Thalius clasped his hands together.
“Protocol has not been broken in my time on the council,” Qurasa said.
“Yes, and while that has been millennia,” Sylar added, gazing at his nails, bored with what was unfolding in front of him, “that does not mean it was always so.”
“What are you implying?” Qurasa spat back across the circle.
“That you are old, Qurasa. But perhaps not that old.” Sylar said, leaning back in his chair, purple suit on display.
“How old is Qurasa?” I whispered to Oz.
“Not sure exactly, but five thousand at least.”
Before my mind could wrap itself around that information, Thalius continued. “I would be happy to explain if you all would cease interrupting. You are no better than children.” His tone was authoritative, belittling. A dictator before the masses.
“I have a few words to say,” Rai said, rising from his throne. It wasn’t as hideous as the one in the Center Court, but it was no better. Black velvet with swirls of red, it lacked any and all originality.
Thalius bowed once more before lowering himself slowly to his chair. His expression had soured, his lips were pursed. This had not been a part of whatever plan the two had contrived.
Rai made his way towards the head of the circle, placing himself between Thalius and Qurasa. “From this moment onward, you may address me as Your Highness, Your Royal Highness, or King Rai.”
I choked on air.
“I have come to this meeting as it is the beginning of a new reign, my new reign. And there are certain precedents that, I believe, will require establishing from the onset.”
The four chancellors and eight magisters all looked amongst themselves, unsure where he was going with this. Thalius too was confused.
“My father was a tolerant man; one might argue too tolerant. His ideas, his values, while admirable at times, lacked a strong and firm hand. There is a reason that the Vitality Council, and the roles of those in power within Azmeer are held by the Fae. We used to be feared, admired, respected,” he said as he began his march around the table, pausing to make eye contact with each of the chancellors.
“Humans have been afforded the privilege and opportunity to participate in the courting, something that my father insisted on. I argue his judgment was misguided—for what has it brought us?” My hands formed into fists, nails digging into my palms.
“Has their presence offered anything to Azmeer, other than more mouths to feed. They are the last to come to their magic, and the first to die. There is a reason their lifespans remain vastly shorter than ours.”
He stopped as he returned to his dais, taking the steps one at a time.
“They are inferior, and it is time that Azmeer reminds them of their rightful place. It is for this reason that I am revoking the right of the Courting to humans immediately. The invitations will be offered to Fae and, at the moment, Nymphs. But that may soon change depending on my wi—”
I nearly exploded from my seat, but Illerium beat me to it.
“This is absolutely outrageous! Your father would be turning over in his grave. After everything he did to include humans, this is per—”
“Illerium,” Qurasa’s voice bellowed, “sit down.”
Whether something magical compelled Illerium or common sense, he forced himself back into his chair, cheeks the color of blood.
“In addition,” Rai said, “I believe it customary for there to be a ball in honor of a new monarch. In lieu of a ball, I wish to hold a festival, one in which all of our new inductees may show us what their new skills might be.” His eyes landed on Oz and me, and I had to force myself to stay in my seat.
I can’t help Brida or Lil if I’m in prison, or dead.
“Lastly, rather than drain the coffers of Azmeer to fund our event, I suggest a new decree. One in which the taxes will be raised in the human regions of Eldara by twenty percent.”
Twenty percent. That will cripple Escalia. It would cripple any human settlement.
“Well said, Your Majesty.” Thalius rose. “His Majesty has raised several worthwhile points. I propose we bring them to a vote.”
“All in favor,” Rai shouted across the room, seated precariously in his pretend throne.
“I,” Thalius beamed in support before returning to his seat.
“I,” said Sylar from the other side of the circle. Whether or not he had been listening, I wasn’t sure, but his expression and demeanor made it clear that he had grown tired with the meeting.
Neither Qurasa nor Fayma said anything, eyes locked on the other. The air in the room grew heavy, thick with anticipation, each waiting to see who would fold, who would stay, or if any would up the ante. Has it ever come to blows in the council room? We would never have known.
“It appears we are at a stalemate,” Sylar said, as if pleased with this development. “Qurasa, would you be a dear and remind me what happens when a stalemate occurs.”
Qurasa’s voice was as dry as the desert that surrounded Hadash, “It falls to the prerogative of the monarch.”
“How fortunate that he is here today,” Thalius exclaimed.
“The motions are approved. Meeting adjourned.” Rai rose from his chair, making his way towards his guards waiting in the distance.
“You do not end the meeting,” Illerium finally broke, “the chancellor of the Eternal Court does.”
“If you truly believe that Giaxia was the first to do anything, then I pity you, Illerium. We will have time to discuss more next week.” Rai made his way toward the exit.
Murmurs erupted around the room.
“Didn’t they say this was a quarterly meeting?”
“It appears that will no longer be the case,” Oz whispered back.
As shouts and screams echoed around the vacuous space, I looked back to Thalius. He sat silent, still, and with a grin for all to witness.