by Ian Carter
"Rhea, I don't hold a single negative feeling towards you," Kai said gently. "I only blame my father. He put you up to doing something anyone would be against. I am sorry as well."
"That's not true! Your father's only instruction to me was to ensure that you received anything that you required. Everything I have ever done for you, and to you, is what I decided upon myself. That I promise you." Her tears began to fall upon Kai's hand that she held tightly in her own. "I love you, and I serve you because I care about you deeply. Not because your father told me to warm up to you or seduce you."
Regret overcame Kai. Through his rash shortsightedness and lack of confidence, he had failed Rhea. He had betrayed her feelings, and had he died in the attack, her last memory would have been tainted. Kai couldn't help but recount the words that Jensen gave to him before the ceremony. He looked Rhea in the eye and gripped her hand tight in return and beamed at her.
"I ... have a lot of work to do when it comes to responding to your feelings. But I am in your care, Rhea," Kai smiled.
"Yes, it seems so," Rhea replied with a meek giggle. After a sensual and gentle few moments, Kai's mind went in another direction.
"How many ... how many people got hurt in the attack?" Kai quizzed to Rhea.
"I only know the last estimate was in the hundreds for deaths, and scores were injured. I know the final total will be presented to the council in today's session. Rumours in the castle say they're going to discuss the kingdom's response to the attack."
"Today?" Kai remarked. He laid in thought for a few seconds, his eyes darting back and forth before he turned his attention back to Rhea. "I'm going to have to get you to run a bath for me. I have a meeting to attend."
"Prince Kai, you can't. You just woke up, and you can't move very well. You need to rest much mo—"
"Rhea, I don't have a choice," Kai cut her off. "If my father is going to decide what happens to those monsters, I need to be there. I need to have my say."
"I guess when I say I love you, that means I have to stand behind you even when I don't agree with it. So, your bath will be ready right away, Prince Kai," Rhea enthusiastically replied with a wink and ran off towards the bathing room.
"Rhea," Kai called out. She stopped just short of the drapes separating the bathing area. "Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I'll forever be in your debt." Her smile lit up the room until she disappeared past the hanging ebony, violet, and crimson fabric.
◆◆◆
The long grey staircase lifted from the third-floor balcony for 50 meters or so before it finally curved to the right and out of sight. Kai began to climb the stairs with Jensen following close behind. With each step he took, the pain in his chest rippled through his ribs, but Kai couldn't care less. With each step, hatred swelled in his heart toward the unknown group responsible for their heinous attack. With each step, the echo of his footsteps was matched by screams from his co-combatants. The pain and the mix of sound that reverberated around his skull were worth it. With each step, he was one step closer to vengeance. As Kai turned the staircase's corner, a landing appeared with high wood doors, much like those that adorned the entry into the castle. He approached the guards that barred the way with their halberds.
"We're sorry, Your Highness Prince Kai. His Highness King Edwin informed us this session of the council is closed to all except the senators already on the terrace," the left guard spoke.
"I'm not asking you to let me in," Kai retorted. "What I am asking is for you to inform my father that I would like to attend this session of the council. I can assume there aren't any provisions that negate your prince the ability to request something of his father?"
The guards looked at each other with nervous faces. The guard on the right rasped his fist against the door three times. A small piece of wood quickly slid to the side, and through the small window glimpsed a set of fierce blue eyes. The guard whispered something inaudible, and the piece of wood pushed back to cover the exposed window. An awkward silence fell upon Kai, Jensen, and the two guards for what felt like fifteen minutes before the grand wooden doors at the top of the stairs creaked open.
General Ashentide was a ferocious man. Well over six feet, he was taller than most in the kingdom. His blue eyes seemed to pierce through your senses, and his expression reminded you that telling lies was futile. His short salt and pepper hair and magnificent jet-black armor was a sight to behold each time Kai saw it. Ornate with patterns and subtle hints of the crimson and violet swirled around the collar and wrist guards. His Platinum Blade hung at his side, contrasting his dark grey armor perfectly.
The Platinum Blades were the national treasures of Orilia, and only two existed. The first was bestowed on the military's leader General Ashentide, and the other bequeathed to King Edwin. The Platinum Blades could draw more power from the Stones than any other Blade ever created. Myths spread around the kingdom proclaimed that a Platinum Blade had never suffered a defeat. Kai could not remember either his father or General Ashentide losing a fight, so he resigned himself to believe it.
The Platinum Blades were styled after the Blade given to Edwin's mother, the former queen of the kingdom. The guard of the Blades was designed to allow five stones, two more than a Gold Blade. They also had Ornate and specific runes carved into the blade's metal that boosted the effectiveness of the Stones placed into them. What those runes said, and even the Stones the Blades housed, were the most closely guarded secrets in the kingdom. Only the two men themselves knew that information.
Ashentide stepped just past the threshold before he placed his hands on his hips. "His Highness King Edwin Orilia has granted you access to the council session. You may enter Empyrean's Edge," his voice thundered without a trace of emotion.
He stepped aside to allow Kai entrance to the terrace. After passing Ashentide, he entered into the open-air terrace perched on the roof of the castle. The view from Empyrean's edge was breathtaking. It overlooked the kingdom's most recognizable landmarks such as the picturesque lake west of the castle, the snow-capped mountains in the north, and Queen Anne Coliseum just to the east. The height at which it sat, paired with the panorama view, truly made the terrace feel like the entrance to heaven. His eyes fell upon the coliseum. It was under repair, but at that moment laid dark and silent. Kai felt a different pain radiate in his chest.
In the middle of the terrace laid a massive wooden table covered in carvings that beggared belief. It was gifted to King Edwin over 20 years ago by the Five Stone House families to commemorate the founding of the council. It would also symbolize their continued apology to him, and their acknowledgement they influenced the kingdom's affairs because of his grace. At that table sat each senator of the council, all of whom laid their eyes on the prince as he approached them. Each senator was a Gold Bladesman or woman, and the pressure he felt approaching them was palpable.
Marika Valis was the first member of the council who sat on the left side of the table closest to Kai. As the Senator of Foreign Relations, Marika was responsible for the relations with all countries and kingdoms outside of Orilia's borders and spent most of her time abroad on trade and goodwill missions in foreign lands. Only by happenstance had she almost returned to Orilia when the attack had transpired to watch a young member of her family compete. She was known for her Gold Blade and silver tongue that gifted her immeasurable ability to convince and coheres others. She was also naturally beautiful, but a natural scowl that hid behind her bright red hair decreased her attractiveness. Her emerald green robes blended brilliantly with her hair and gave her a very regal appearance.
The second member of the council who sat beside Senator Valis was Alexandra Deloof, the Senator of Treasury. She held the utmost skill with arthritic and other financial related tasks. She was an older woman who had personally experienced King Edwin's ascension in her early twenties. She admired the king for both his ability and his leadership. She was a warm woman who cared deeply for the kingdom, and many considered to be the prototy
pical example of a mother. Her ebony robes provided an exquisite background for the blonde hair that fell below her shoulders and rested on her ample chest. Her expression was soft as she smiled at Kai, and it was evident that she was most likely that pushed hardest for Kai to join them.
Immediately to King Edwin's right sat the Senator of Technology and Advancement, Ericcson Verne. He was relatively young like Marika, in his mid-30s, but his youth did not get in the way of his ambition. His messy brown hair hid the mind of a genius, one whose cutthroat attitude had earned him the nickname of 'Eric the Odious.' No-one dared speak his moniker, however, in fear of retaliation. His merciless position was matched by his ministry, which scoured the land and other countries in search of technologies that could serve the kingdom. His deep violet robes gave off the vibe of royalty, as he often said you need to visualize where to wish to be before you can get there.
Seated across from him and to Edwin's left was the Senator of Order and Punishment, Cecilia Tallec. She was known as one of the most extreme members of the council. She usually preached the path of absolute justice with no exceptions. Both her hair and eyes were jet black at birth, which led many to gossip that she was born of a corrupt procedure or a dark ritual. Her sterling white robes were a vast contract to those eyes, and it crept out Kai immensely. As extreme as she held her convictions, she was also renowned for gathering proper evidence and research before she rendered a verdict or enacted law. She believed that something should be done once, to your utmost ability and after due diligence. She was not one to waste time on what she deemed to be trivial matters, and she would bring down terrible fury upon those she deemed unworthy or evil. Kai assumed this extreme nature was tied to her appearance.
Finally, to her left sat Theodore Braga, the Senator of Domestic Affairs. His brown hair failed to penetrate more than an inch or two from his head and appeared much younger than King Edwin. His face was just as stoic as General Ashentide, though, and his navy-blue robes made him look like the textbook image of a noble. He sat with his eyes closed and arms crossed, a display of complete indifference. Kai assumed that Theodore would be the prime speaker for the session. Hence, Kai assumed that Senator Braga was just keeping his energy for later. He was a brilliant man who rarely let his emotions overcome him. After General Ashentide, Senator Braga was the voice King Edwin considered the most.
Finally, the king of Orilia himself, Edwin Orilia, sat at the head of the immaculate table. His white hair and beard fell against his beautiful pristine violet and ebony robes. His golden crown lined with gems of the rainbow sat upon his head and showcased the prestige one would expect of a king. His manly hands had just begun the process of turning frail as he started to edge towards his 60s.
"Welcome to the council, Kai, my son," Edwin announced as he raised his hands to show off the table and its patrons. "I am elated to see that you are well enough to move around after such a short time, let alone climb the steps to be here. You share my genes; truly, you are my son." Edwin let out a hearty laugh as most of the table chuckled except Theodore, who remained still. "I am pleased that you took the initiative to be involved in these discussions. Since you were personally targeted in the attack, I felt it prudent to obtain your views and opinions if needed, so I approved your attendance. Please, do sit down."
Kai nodded and walked up to the seat, directly opposite his father. "I wouldn't miss this for anything. I want to contribute to whatever course of action the council decides to take, Father."
"How dare you assume that you would have any kind of say as to what this council does," Senator Tallec said sharply. "You're here to sit and listen like a good boy while those who have a real sense of justice decide upon the response."
"Oh, don't say that," Senator Deloof rebuked. "Kai is a knowledgeable young man and should have a voice in the matter. He was directly targeted in the attack no less!"
"He has no experience in a matter such as this at all!" Senator Tallec expelled. "The only reason this punk is here is th—"
"You would do well to remember that you are still speaking to the prince of Orilia, senator, let alone in the presence of His Highness," General Ashentide barked. "You will do well to treat this kingdom's future ruler with respect."
"Exactly right," Senator Valis chimed in. "If we're lucky enough, we'll be privileged enough to serve under two generations of great, handsome men. We should all consider that to be an honor." She darted her eyes towards Kai's direction and offered him a wink, as well as a sly little smile. Kai couldn't help but fall for her charm each time he met her. She was genuinely gifted in speech and using her wiles to her advantage.
"Both of you fucking women: stop lifting your skirts for him," Senator Verne snarled. "You both always go out of your way to suck up to him every chance you get. It sickens me, and I don't want to see it. Let's just get on with the damn meeting." A commotion between the senators broke out with yelling and even more cursing. Kai sat upright in his seat. He was stunned to see the senators, esteemed through the kingdom, bicker like children. The disbelief caused his eye to twitch before he raised his hands to indicate he wanted no part of the quarrel.
"Silence!" The voices that had debated so fiercely stopped instantly as Edwin's command fell upon their ears. Each senator regained their composure in their seats and straightened their robes as Edwin scanned the table and made eye contact with each participant from the ruckus. "Now, I bequeath the floor to Senator Braga."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Senator Braga obediently replied. He sat up straight in his chair and uncrossed his arms, only to place them on the table clasped in front of him. "As you are all aware, our great kingdom of Orilia was the target of an attack in the previous days." Theodore's eyes briefly flashed in Kai's direction before he focused on the rest of the table. "I have learned the final tally of the casualties, all of which were the young men and women on the coliseum's arena floor. The attack cost the lives of 916 citizens, and injured another 1,941, for a total of 2,857 casualties. The total you'll notice is just over one-third of the tournament's scheduled participants. Kai is counted among the injured total, and my nephew was among those citizens killed in the attack."
Kai's head swirled with sorrow at the figures. Over nine hundred people. Men and Women his age that just wanted to earn their way and join the kingdom's military. They tried to reach out and grab onto their dreams. They wanted to prove to their family and friends that they had what it takes to kick some ass. Nine hundred people that had that opportunity ripped away from them. Kai suddenly felt vomit rise from his stomach; however, he pushed it down with all his might. Not here, anywhere but here.
"Of the injured, roughly 60% had minor injuries and will fully recover in time," Senator Braga continued. "Another 15% had serious injuries but have a good possibility of returning to normal life and participating in the next tournament if they so wish. However, a quarter of the injured either lost limbs or have other injuries that will require treatment just to return to comfortable lives. They will place a measurable strain on their families both during recovery and the remainder of their lives. Senator Deloof, is the kingdom able to fund the recovery efforts of the seriously injured?"
"Hmm, such a vexing problem," Senator Deloof answered while she raised her hand to support her chin. "The kingdom could not comfortably fund the entire amount as it stands today. We would be able to fund maybe 40% of the gold needed, perhaps even half if we were to deduct from several other budgets. We can alternatively remove some workers off of some construction projects. But of course, those would raise unique issues themselves. I would need to consult my ledger."
"What if we were to raise an existing tax?" Senator Verne suggested. "I don't believe the citizens would accept a new tax, but if we were to raise an existing tax in the name of their recovery, I would wager that they would accept that."
"When I obtain a full report of the costs needed for their recovery, I will attempt to chart a proper course. I am sure we could aid the families by covering thre
e-quarters of the cost for recovery. Is this acceptable, Your Highness?" Senator Deloof turned to King Edwin.
"With recent events, we may be going off to war soon," Edwin calmly spoke. "If we do, we will naturally need to raise taxes to fund the effort. I don't believe the citizens would appreciate multiple new taxes and increases. I would ask that you attempt to find the funds without issuing a new tax, as well as without a raise of a current tax. If we can cover half of the recovery funds needed, that will be fine."
"As you wish, Your Highness," Senator Deloof said as she lowered her head in respect to his request.
"We are also in the process of planning a mass funeral and service next week for those that died," Senator Braga resumed. "I trust that settles the immediate need for knowledge concerning the casualties. Now, as for the attack itself, the Silver Blades on site were able to apprehend nine of the 63 attackers and nullify the rest."
"Did you say sixty-three?" Kai exclaimed, which caused all heads to turn to him.
"Yes, Your Highness," Senator Braga answered. "From those nine detained, we were able to... extract information from three of them thanks to Senator Tallec's interrogations."