Chapter Twenty Four.
The next couple of months passed relatively steadily. The human world started to recover economically which meant things also eased in ours. Our company began to grow and we were able to hire more staff, as well as look into moving things along personally. Ivan practically lived at Mia's except for dinner times since neither of them could cook. At those times he and Mia would join Rose and I back at the flat and we'd all eat together, catching up on each other's news, especially if we hadn't talked much at news.
Tatiana had refused to step down, and in turn the protests and demonstrations against her and the Quorum had stepped up. The rumors that she would be ousted, or the monarchy dismantled completely had increased, and with those whispers reaching the ears of even older Royals it was no surprise when a month after that, Queen Tatiana formally announced her abdication.
"It is with deep regret that I announce my resignation and relinquishment of my position as your Queen. I understand that the past few months have been a trying time and that many of you have not been satisfied with certain events that have occurred under my rule. I hope that my successor will be more successful in their endeavors than I have been, for I only wish to see us as a happy, healthy, united nation. The Quorum, too, is changing. We feel that with the end of my rule, they too should also be replaced, so that we have fresh blood and a new outlook on our way of life."
I snorted. "We all know that's code for, 'I hope it fails so we can laugh in your faces'."
"I will officially abdicate in four months' time, by which time a new King or Queen will have been elected for me to pass my crown onto. All Royal Moroi are expected to attend our assembly for nominations in two weeks' time. Ivashkov family members are not eligible for nomination so consider if you would like to nominate or second a nomination for a candidate from any of the other Royal lines. Nominations for new Quorum members will also be taken at this time. You can only nominate members of your own family line for the Quorum. Thank you." Tatiana's national address finished and the news continued.
"Still interested in your elementary school goal of becoming King, Ivan?"
He grinned at me. "Actually, I gave that dream up in fifth grade. I was thinking of nominating you."
My loud bark of laughter trailed off quickly when his expression turned serious.
"No. No way. I'm not even Royal. Not enough for it to count in their eyes."
"You are. Your mother is half Royal and if you accepted your father-"
"Sperm donor."
"Your biological father's surname no one could protest at all. You have royalty on both sides."
"I gave up that claim in my teens, Ivan. Accepting it again is not something I intend to do."
"I heard that Christian Ozera is thinking of running for King, and we all know who's behind that decision.
My gaze flashed red for a moment and wild, ferocious anger bubbled in my chest as I turned to Ivan. "Let's do this."
"SILENCE!"
Prince Victor Dashkov's voice boomed and filled the court room, drowning out the furious arguments that had broken out when the first two nominees for the throne had been announced. As one of the longest standing members of the Quorum, Victor had been appointed speaker for these meetings.
"Since you all seem to have forgotten your manners, I think I'll repeat the rules and terms of these elections. Perhaps that will help keep you unruly bunch in line!"
A low groan sounded from pretty much every person in the room. Victor was well known for his long, rambling speeches, which became even longer and more boring when he was irritated. Next to me, Ivan yawned and settled down onto the table, his head resting on his crossed arms.
"Wake me up when he's done. I'm going to power nap."
"You don't 'power nap', Ivan. You fall asleep and get cranky when I wake you up. Last time you bit me."
"It was only a playful nip." I rolled my eyes. His playful nip had almost drawn blood. "And besides, Victor's going to blab on forever so you won't have to worry about waking me up. Now shhhhh, you're ruining my pre-sleep meditation."
I snorted, but turned back to focus on what Victor was saying.
"… the three hundredth and fifty ninth meeting of the full court of Royal Moroi. The purpose of this meeting is to determine the nominees for our new King or Queen. As our current ruler, Queen Tatiana is from the Ivashkov family, no Ivashkov family member can stand for election. Therefore, if you wish to nominate or be nominated you must be from one of the eleven eligible families which are: the Badicas, Contas, Dashkovs, Dragomirs, Drozdovs, Lazars, Ozeras, Szelskys, Tarus', Vodas or Zeklos'. Being King or Queen is a serious business and a life-long job. It is not for the faint hearted or for those unable to handle responsibility. Therefore, may I remind you all to take this seriously if you choose to nominate, second or accept a nomination. Becoming our ruler is not an easy process to undertake and the majority would struggle to do so for even a day, no matter how tough you may consider yourself to be. It will challenge you – mentally, physically, spiritually. Many past rulers of our world have said that the process to become King or Queen is tougher than actually being our ruler. You must be just and fair. On the side of righteousness, but not without compassion, mercy and empathy. You must have understanding, to be able to relate to all of your subjects, from the youngest to the eldest. Baby to elder, Dhampir, Moroi or Feeder, it must not matter. For all are your subjects and all are worthy and deserving of respect and dignity, yout care and your protection. If you cannot put aside your personal biases, if you cannot remain objective but still see a situation from both sides… if you cannot do any of what I have just mentioned and more, this is not the job for you, and it would be better for you to stay out of the election altogether. Think carefully on that and as a King or Queen would do, do what is best for your people, rather than yourself. And if you still refuse to heed my words, keep in mind that the weak, the greedy, the unsuitable… you will all be weeded out. Now then, onto the nominations. Do we have any for a Badica family member?"
Jesse Zeklos stood. "I nominate Irene Badica."
Victor looked like he was barely able to refrain from rolling his eyes.
Everyone knew that Jesse and Irene were 'secretly' dating, and that Jesse was completely whipped.
"Very well, Lord Zeklos. Does anyone second the nomination?"
Ralph, Jesse's best friend stood, and I started the arduous process of waking Ivan up.
Next chapter will go up tomorrow night if I get a chance to finish it after work. If I don't, it'll be posted on Thursday!