Chapter 127 Symbol of Strength
Melissa stood up, but before she started speaking, she flared her aura, trying to detect who was using the ability of an empath. She closed her eyes and listened using her aura like a cord as she touched different people in the meeting room, her entire power flexed to the limit.
She was about to dismiss her search when she felt a little exposure of the ability, she turned in the direction immediately and her eyes fell on Hance's beta. Melissa smiled at the woman and she bowed back. She connected back to Richard telepathically.
"It is the Beta," she said.
Richard nodded and urged her to start her speech. Melissa rolled her eyes in her mind and just turned away. He was so crude about everything. She thought, then turned to the crowd, focusing all her intent on the crowd, forgetting Richard or anyone was in the room.
"Good day, everyone," she smiled. "You all look lovely," she nodded at them.
Melissa was still using her emotional abilities and was making sure to check hers as well so she would know when someone was trying to tamper with her emotion. A cruel tactic that might allow her to say more than enough or say less than she wanted. She hated tampering with people's private feelings in such a way but she understood that the woman was doing all she could to help out her kingdom.
"I am probably the youngest person in this room right now," she joked and everyone chuckled. "Well, at least I only need to act cute to gain the favours of the elderly here," she joked, looking at Hance. "That is not a luxury you can afford."
The entire hall chuckled harder and then she raised her hand to stop them. "First off, I would like to tell everyone that is here a big thank you, especially the people of Vance pack,"she turned to Hance. "Your majesty,"she smiled heartily at the Alpha and the latter raised his glass cup to her like a toast.
At least he had a sense of humour, Melissa thought before continuing her speech. "The representatives of Vance have however come to us with a request we sadly cannot grant."
Melissa exhaled as she spoke. Everyone, including her own council and regional leaders adjusted their postures and focused intently on her. She was entirely surrounded by foes, she only had like seven friends in the entire building. Everyone else was against her, waiting for her to slip up, so they would gnaw at her remains.
Melissa didn't really care anymore anyways, she was too young to start worrying about what some old men thought. But she couldn't deny she was a bit concerned and for a moment thought herself crazy. How could she decide to go against everyone in this room? She was indeed a little crazy, but she was confident in her team. Her court, everyone of them had worked their best to schedule out her plan and she was gonna follow it to the book.
"The Vance pack is a vital part of our economy and we are a vital strength to their defences and military power. Like the Alpha said earlier," Melissa began. "Leaders are a symbol of strength. Not just the strength brought from the ability to govern or the power burdened on rulers," she looked at everyone before continuing. "I am a symbol of strength too, " she said, exerting her aura, flaring it and increasing its intensity.
She could sense the feeling of dread that descenced on everyone. The Beta who had held on her face an awkward smile, suddenly glanced around in fear. She'd started to emanate a stronger presence than everyone and they all could feel it. "And Dunham as a kingdom is a symbol of strength, we cannot reduce our strength by giving in to you. Of course we are- no, I am willing to compromise," she said.
Her presence reduced and everyone glanced around, trying to sense what happened, but when she spoke, they'd already attached that stronger presence towards her unconsciously. "We cannot let you go, we cannot give you your independence, but we can give you strength and also," she added subtly. "We can save your people," she said.
Hance couldn't resist what she just said. He damn well knew what she was talking about, but he wanted her to say it with her own mouth.
"And how would you save us?" He asked curtly, rubbing the rim of his cup.
"By permanently curing the Moon Rage," she said.
He smiled. "When my Ambassador brought news of this, I dismissed it. I felt you were bluffing, but seeing you say it now, I realise you think you are telling the truth," he said.
Melissa looked at him for a while and smiled. "Some symbol of strength you are," she said.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" He asked, creasing his brows.
"Whatever you think it means?" She said, peering into his eyes.
Then the mediator stood up. "Your majesties," he called both of them while bowing. "The council calls for a food break," he said and everyone stood up.
Melissa turned around and left her seat then the huge door opened and everyone started with one another. There were some who went out, but Melissa went back to her seat. The Alpha and his Beta were there, seated and she understood what was happening; he wanted to speak privately.
Melissa sank into her chair and then Margaret slid before her. This was their plan falling into place. She stared at the Alpha and Beta and she could see the tiredness in them.
From what she'd felt from their emotions, they were afraid throughout the entire meeting. They seemed to be going against their council too. They looked at Melissa as they sat down.
"I am guessing you want to talk privately," Melissa said.
"Yes," he replied. "Can you really heal the Moon Rage?" He asked and Melissa glanced at Nathaniel in the crowd.
"Yes," Melissa replied.
He nodded. "Well, I want to share some information with you," he said. "Have you heard about the Oracle?" He asked and Melissa instantly focused her attention on him.