>>6268729Tempting as it may be to shut these cretins up, you decide not to interrupt. Your cousin had been dealing with these types for far longer than you had, and your wish to see how she handled them overrode your own desire to be a nuisance. You cross your arms, content to simply observe the show. Chelsey blinks rapidly, her expression morphing into one of shock. She could hardly believe that you’d actually listened to her. The crowd continues their incessant bickering until Bronte finally deems it appropriate to interrupt, her voice once more amplified by magic.
“This is not up for discussion.” She says unperturbed. “You have made your feelings on this matter known for many months now, and while they have been taken into consideration, the Princess has deemed this the best path forward for both Morfis and herself. As her rightful Prime Minister and arbiter of her word, it is my duty to ensure that the Competition is carried out fairly and in full. Now, it is my suggestion to all of you that you make peace with that fact. Very soon, Morfis WILL have a new king, one who will play an active role in ruling alongside our Princess, as well as opening trade between our nations. Were I you, I would not deem it wise to stand in the way of that person, whose temperament is as of yet unknown.”
“You wish us to sit still as you sell out our nation to foreign devils?!” A man cries out angrily.
“The Grand Stage has been refurbished to comfortably seat 20,000 onlookers in preparation for the finals of the Competition.” Bronte answers him. “If you’re looking for a place to ‘sit still’, I would suggest purchasing a ticket there before they are sold out.”
At that, the crowd erupts in a fury. You knew Bronte could at times have a temper, but you’d never seen her goad anyone into a frenzy like this. For a second, you think that some of the petitioners will move forward, as if seeking to rush the dais and seize your cousin. However, none do so. At that moment, you notice that there are hardly any guardsmen within this hall. As if your cousin had no need to fear reprisal from an angry mob seeking to tear her apart. She was up there alone, flanked by no one except for two, giant statues standing at the far edge of the room. Actually, you were surprised you hadn’t noticed them before. The things were massive, holding giant swords and shields that appeared to be made of some sort of strange black stone. You suppose even they were dwarfed by the spectacle taking place in this grand room. As the crowd continues to hurl more and more insults, you swear that you catch the faintest glow emitting from the eye holes of both statutes. Surely that was just your imagination though.
“This meeting is adjourned.” Bronte declares. “Please leave the premises, and do not return unless you have matters of actual importance to discuss.”
