Chapter 74 The Chair of Her Father
The royal court.
Queen Olivia sat in an incredibly well appointed chair at a large ornate table, with the royal court watching her. The four men and one woman moved almost in unison. They bowed formally and sat down together. The herald and the priests were to her left, and the count and the lady to her right.
Guillermo spoke fluidly: Counts Octavio and Valero have sent messages indicating that they will not be attending this meeting due to health reasons.
Esteban: Obvious lies. Valero wants to protest the coronation or something worse.
Marisela: Calm down, Count. Please, let the queen choose a court before starting a fight inside the current court.
Guillermo nodded: Yes. Your Excellency, the first duty is to choose a royal court to assist you.
Olivia: Fine. Herald Guillermo, what did you do for my father?
The herald smiled: I chose his royal pages, wrote his messages, and assisted him in many matters of the kingdom. I can teach you about the nobles, the castle, and much more. I was the voice of diplomacy for your father. I am sure it will be an easier job with your majesty.
The queen nodded: I need to learn a great deal about these matters. Could you be my herald for a while, until I know a little more and can make a wise decision?"
Guillermo: Of course, Your Magnificence.
Olivia seemed to feel uncomfortable with the title: High Priest Danilo, how did you help my father?
Danilo: It was my responsibility to advise the king on the cult of the Pegasi and their virtues. I can attest to the feelings of the people through reports from the other priests who live in the city and in other parts of the kingdom.
The Queen: I know the most about the Pegasi. I was instructed well on their cult. I fear I will need your riders often. Will you stay for now?
Danilo: Yes, my queen. Our wings are at your command.
Olivia: High Priest Emiliano?
Emiliano smiled: I did not do much for your father, queen. Your father considered me a nuisance and useless. I always expected him to replace me.
Olivia laughed softly: I am sorry. It was rude of me to laugh like that. Do you know much about Unicorns? I want to learn more about them. A lot of people worship the cult of the Unicorns, do they not?
Emiliano: Yes, but there are other priests who know more. I can give you a list of those men.
Olivia: No, I like honest people, and you seem to speak the truth without thinking. Please, stay in the royal court and teach me what i do not know about these wonderfrul creatures.
Emiliano: With great pleasure, my queen.
Olivia turned her head to the large man on the other side: Count Esteban, you are the commander of the guards, are you not?
Esteban: Yes. I am responsible for the security of your castle and the city. I punish criminals and help the victims whenever I can.
Olivia: Will a war break out?
Esteban: Yes, at least one. Count Aurelio, the Count of War appointed by your father, probably wants the throne. And it is possible that Valero will start a war sooner than expected to steal your throne, Your Majesty.
Olivia: Can I choose another count of war for my court? And will you be that count?
Esteban: My Queen, if you wish, you can dismiss Count Aurelio and put me in his place.
Olivia: Good. Count Esteban will be the Count of Arms and War. How do I do that?
Guillermo: Your Reverence, I can draft the order for your signature tonight.
Olivia: Thank you, Lor-Herald Guillermo. Lady Marisela, thank you for your help earlier. I have never worn something so beautiful as this. I hope you can help me again.
Marisela smiled: You are quite welcome, my Queen. I can begin helping you right now. There is no need to ask questions of your royal court. You can give them orders.
Olivia returned her smile: Is there a problem if I prefer to ask instead of giving orders?
Marisela: No. But I am positive these men would have waited until you were thirty before saying anything.
Olivia bowed her head, in a gesture she never needed to make again: What should I do about the two Counts?
Marisela changed to a look of absolute seriousness: To be safe, cut off both of their heads.
Olivia: Has any king ordered an execution at his first royal court?
Guillermo: Yes, my Queen, your father.
Olivia clasped her small hands: If I must make a decision, tell me what my father would have done, and I will do the opposite. I need each of you to tell me what should be done about the war, or the wars. I am afraid and I do not know what to do. Marisela?
The small woman thought for a moment: Grant me authority over the ports and warships. Entrust me with the task of recruiting men-at-arms and knights from the Royal Islands.
Esteban and Danilo exchanged a glance, but both remained silent.
Olivia: Yes, Guillermo, please, for my signature. Esteban?
Esteban: As the count of war, I have the authority I need. I will summon the soldiers of Valero and Octavio, but I do not know if they will respond.
Olivia: I understand. Emiliano?
Emiliano: With my position, I can give orders to the Blue Knights, but they do not obey me.
Olivia: Would a written order from me be of any use?
Emiliano: I think so.
Guillermo nodded to the queen: Do not worry, I will create everything you will need my queen.
Olivia: Fine. Danilo?
Danilo: I need to send messages to announce that you are the queen and that the noble houses of Puerto Blanco and the Ridges must send soldiers to help in the defense of the kingdom.
Olivia: Guillermo, can you write these messages first? I will sign them when they are ready.
Guillermo: Of course. May I use the royal treasury to pay the soldiers and purchase what is needed?
Olivia: Yes, I suppose so. For now, please use the coins as needed. I want everything recorded by someone other than the strange man who left with the count.
Danilo: Emiliano is very good with numbers.
The queen looked at the nervous looking man: Will you serve this capacity for now?
Emiliano: I am honored by the words of my friend. Yes, my queen,
Olivia: Finally, I am sorry that everyone has had to serve my father. I will try to be better than him.
Five minds thought some version of the same thing: You already are.