Author's note: Sorry, I know this starts off slowly. This is so that I can refresh people's memories of what happened in 'The Will of the Empress'. Chapter 2 will have more action, as there will be less thinking via Berenene to explain what everyone basically already knows :S … Actually, I think Chapter 3 will have the honour of hosting the first fight scene…bear with me :)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, locations etc. *sniff* But the plot is mine! (not that that is saying much but hey whatever :D ).

*****

Berenene dor Ocmore's eyes glazed over as she stared at the pile of letters on the silver platter. Wouldn't it be wonderful if looks could kill? She mused. I could light those letters on fire and maybe, just maybe, I could reduce all my problems to a pile of ashes.

Being an empress had its ups and downs. There were good times and bad times, plusses and minuses.

Berenene could handle this. After all, she had been in power for quite a while now. She was used to the routine, and took everything in her stride.

However, this was really pushing it. This was the biggest 'bad time' that she had ever experienced in all her time as an empress, as the sole ruler of Namorn.

Sandrilene, Trisana, Daja, Briar. These four little people, barely adults, could cause real problems. This was exactly what they had done after she underestimated them.

She should have taken them more seriously. These four young mages, joined together as they were, could destroy whole armies. And, with the impending threat of war from Yanjing, Berenene could not afford to make mistakes.

This was the first time, thought Berenene, and I will also make sure it was the last.

Even the appearance of weakness could lead to downfall. She needed to prove that none could escape her, and that she could not be defied. She needed to prove that she was all-powerful once and for all.

The Yanjing emperor knew that there were holes in her armour, thanks to those four. Ever since they had left Namorn, the enemy was attacking her country's magical barriers at their borders with renewed gusto. No-one had the same fearful respect for her that they used to, and that fearful respect for her power and will was what had kept her in power for so long.

Now her people were even withdrawing their trust in her. They doubted her. They doubted her!

Several young ladies of her court had been taken home to their wealthy families, who feared that Berenene could not offer suitable protection for them. She had been suddenly swamped with letters of complaints about trivial affairs, none of which anyone would have dared raise with her until now. No-one had that fearful respect for her anymore. Her empire was falling apart.

These thoughts continued repeating themselves in her head. Berenene could feel herself falling into gloom. It was depressing.

Still, Berenene was determined to come out on top. All she needed was a plan.

Berenene's mood changed so swiftly, it was as if someone had flicked a switch. The pleasure of a challenge was a great way to stay occupied.

Her depression was replaced by determination. She would win. She had to. She may have lost the battle, but she still hadn't lost the war.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

*****

Yes, it was a slow start. I warned you, didn't I? :)

Now please review so that you can tell me what you think, I am interested in knowing. Plus, I'm not going to keep writing this if no-one wants to read it, so please express your ideas, expectations etc. and interest (if you have any :S).

Please put me on the right track or tell me if I'm already there, I just want to write a fic. that you guys want to read! :)

Thanks!