Chapter 89 Orgah is back.
Daevir's POV
"Your Majesty! We have looked into the trading route from the West and have established canals on every side to ensure safe en route."
"Your Majesty! The East side lake has been taken from the terrorists werewolf…"
"Your Majesty! We got pushback from Werewolf of the South, our Borders are not fully secured, we have a lot to do!"
My head ached as my councilmen and advisors rained in their reports from all over the empire.
Noticing the turmoil their lack of organisation was causing, Zephyr stepped forward and slammed both hands together.
"We will take each report at a time! We are not mad market merchants, calm yourself down, councilmen!" Zephyr cried out.
Wow, that worked.
The room fell into a startled silence, and Zephyr looked at me and nodded, signalling that I carry on.
I sigh and point at one of the Councilmen, who is also a military leader in the South. He bowed his head to show his appreciation that I had chosen him to go first.
"Your majesty! Long live the human empire! Alpha Theron's onslaught continues from the South. While his army has shown us the full extent of their powers, we are yet to show them ours. We have prepared portions and herbs that weaken their werewolf urges so we can bring them to our level and destroy them!"
The sound of the word 'destroy' made me wince. It killed me to see the war still going on. I had high hopes of putting an end to the war once I became Emperor.
But Theron has been unrelenting. His goal is to topple the empire and reign as the supreme Alpha of all races. I have no problem with him ruling the South, but I'd never let him come near my people.
"Go on," I pointed at another.
One of the councilmen stepped forward. He looked like a foreigner, though he was dressed in silk and robes. We in the West greatly appreciate your partnership in securing a very successful trade deal. The king of the West greatly appreciates you, your highness and has brought you these weapons of war to destroy the Werewolves."
My eyes lowered to the giant boxes rolled into the room. When they opened it, the stench filled the room.
"What's that?" Zephyr said, holding his nose shut as he was equally as curious as I am.
"These are guns, your majesty. Capable enough to bring monsters like those werewolves down"
I didn't like the feeling of it. Guns? Seems like something a coward will use in battles. But my men are desperate, and I can't hold them back from exacting their revenge against Theron. Most of them have lost their wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, to Theron.
"One last thing, your majesty." The foreign councilman said, bowing. "The king of the West wishes to apologise for the barrenness of Queen Catherine. It is not customary for us to send you damaged goods."
I was appalled by his bluntness.
"The King of the West aims to bring you another queen who can bear your children and establish your throne, if you please, sire."
I rested my hand on my chin. "I don't wish for that."
The whole room stirred in disapproval. I had to force myself not to roll my eyes.
The news of Catherine's barrenness swept through the palace like the November winter breeze. People seem more excited about it than dejected. I could understand why. Catherine started with a very strong hand, killing 1600 of my people because of a rumour.
I swore to strip her of her title and cast her out of the Imperial palace if she tried that again. But who am I kidding? Catherine is one force that can't be stopped.
It's too bad people slap the barren label on her when it is me who hasn't touched her since we got married.
I have not consummated the marriage, and I don't plan to; that's no news to every councilman in the empire, but I believe it's news to this foreigner.
Some council in the room quickly cleared their throat, "Your Majesty…" he bowed in submission, understanding the stakes on the ground. The emperor needs a successor, a child, as many as possible, for the kingdom to move on successfully.
"We have arranged for a banquet that calls in the finest women from all over the empire. They will display their beauty and talents to you, and you can pick as many concubines as possible from among them. Afterall polygamy is widely accepted in this realm.
I scoffed and slowly shook my head. "I want none of that."
The whole room gasped in shock. Murmur blazed through the crowd.
I have struck a nerve. Yes. And I intend to do more of that.
If these men think I'll follow Darian's footsteps, piling up women after women for my own gravitation, then they are dead wrong.
I don't wish to be with any woman ever again. It will be hard to get this to sink into their thick skulls, but I'll get there soon enough.
I waved at Zephyr, signalling to him to dismiss the now noisy crowd.
"Thank you, everyone. The emperor wishes to have his rest," Zephyr clapped, signalling to the guards to escort them out.
Despite their protest, the council members filed out, shaking their heads with disappointment and arguing amongst themselves.
I finally got my silence back when the door shut behind them. Zephyr stood at the end of the room and stared at me with an intensity that almost made me chuckle.
"Are you going to pull out your wooden shoes and smack me like you did when I was a child?" I spat coldly.
"I would wish to, your majesty. If you will grant your permission." Zephyr's frown tightened.
"I can't please everyone, Zephyr. You told me that." I rose to my feet, pacing the Throne floor.
"This isn't about pleasing your people, your highness. The throne isn't complete without an heir. You need to do the rightful thing…"
"If you're talking about consummating that marriage, forget it."
Zephyr ran his hand through his grey hair, frustrated. "I should have known you'd be just as stubborn as your father!"
A knock echoes into the room. Zephyr went to get it. For a moment, he whispered to the person at the other end and then shut the door, returning to me.
There was an apprehensive look on his face. "Your majesty, "he swallowed. "Nun Orgah is here to see you."
My eyes widened, and joy leapt in my heart. Nun Orgah, the woman I had sent to look after Amarien in the nunnery.
She's back!