There are many things that we would throw away if we were not afraid that others might pick them up. – Oscar Wilde
"How about a drink, King Maxon?" Prince Terceró asked, walking over to the liquor cabinet. He helped himself to some brandy.
"I'm fine with my scotch, thank you." Maxon politely declined. He looked over at me and then turned his attention to the young Italian prince. "So what is the purpose of this sudden meeting? You don't seem to be as urgent now as you were when I spoke with you a few days ago."
He laughed and stood by the windows, looking out at the courtyard. "As you know, the French and United Kingdom are threatening our country. They've threatened to bring in their armies along with Swendway's army to attack us and obliterate us. We were hoping that as our allies, Illéa would provide some aid against them."
Maxon narrowed his eyes as I raised my eyebrows at him. Princess Vanessa sat quietly but looked at me with an intent stare. "Give me one reason why I should spare my army to fight against my country's best allies."
"Because we are also allies." Terceró defended.
Shaking his head, Maxon stood and set down his glass. "With all due respect, sir, that just gives me a reason to stay out of this battle. By picking your side, Illéa loses three, possibly four, great allies and by picking their side I lose your country."
"I think you have more to lose by not choosing to fight with us." The young Italian prince said.
"How do you mean?" I asked, eyeing him curiously.
He looked at both of us seriously as Maxon took a slightly protective stance in front of me. "We will destroy your country if you side against us or refuse to help us. Our armies will start a sweep in the East and work our way here, to Angeles, where we will take hold of the palace and kill all of you."
Maxon took a couple steps toward him. "Here's what I propose: you leave now. I will think about it and you'll know what my decision is in due time but remember this: you've now threatened my country and my family and for that alone I would send in a nuclear bomb and wipe your country off the map. May I remind you, we have a military arsenal here in Illéa far more powerful than yours after it was depleted in the Third World War. However, I will remain objective on this matter and I will try to make my decision in that fashion but I cannot and will not make any promises to you that I don't know I will keep."
Terceró drew himself up to his full height and lifted his chin, towering above Maxon. "You do that King Maxon. And I will remember that tidbit about your military but the rumor mill has been whispering about the deficit your military budget has been in since the end of the war in New Asia. I don't recommend giving me an opportunity to call your bluff." He turned on his heel and motioned for his wife to stand. She dutifully exited the room by his side.
When the doors were closed I turned to Maxon who ran a hand down his face and refused to face me. "We'll talk about this later tonight. I have work to do." He said abruptly.
I nodded and dismissed myself. Using the side door of Maxon's study, I walked straight into mine and sat at my desk across from Queen Amberly. "How are you today, Amberly?" I asked politely as I sat down, assessing the papers scattered over my desk.
She smiled and nodded cordially. "Quite well, thank you."
"I trust you had a pleasant trip."
"A long respite with my family was much needed. Thank you for suggesting it. I've been awfully lonely here without Clarkson." She paused. "Not that I think he didn't get what he deserved."
I nodded and looked up at Silvia who had just entered. "Your Majesty." She bowed, handing me a folder. "These are the menu and entertainment outlines that you asked for Princess Elizabeth's birthday party."
"Thank you." I took the folder and put it to the side, my eyes lingering on a picture of Libby sitting on my desk. "Five years. Where did the time go?"
Amberly beamed. "Soon enough she'll be having her own Selection."
"Don't remind me!" I laughed. "Thirty-five women is bad enough, but thirty-five men?" We all were giggling and eventually I looked up at Silvia and nodded to her. "You may go Silvia." She bobbed again and then walked out.
We sat in quiet contemplation for several moments before Amberly asked, "How was your meeting with the Italians?"
I snorted. "A disaster. They're expecting us to side with them in their war against Britain and France. As if they think that we want to be involved in another war. It doesn't appeal to us at all and the war advisers would have a field day if we told them we wanted to send troops to Italy."
"So what does Maxon want to do?"
"What does he want to do? I can tell you that he wants to slit all of their throats more than anything." I felt a small swell of pride in me at the mental image that conjured. "We're going to discuss it later. He just needed to cool down before he could look at it logically."
She smiled in understanding and then rose to excuse herself. "Do you mind if I go visit my granddaughter?"
"Not at all." I approved, letting her go.
That night Maxon came to bed late. I was already changed and tucked in, reading a book. "You okay?" I asked him when he laid down next to me.
He groaned into the comforter and rose up on his elbows to look at me. "I was until I found out that my family wanted to have a little get-together soon."
I frowned. "Your family, as in…?"
"As in my aunts, uncles, cousins…all of them. They want to go to a ballet production in the city for the night. An adult night." He feigned excitement.
I laughed and rubbed his shoulder. "I think it sounds like fun." He peered at me sideways, giving me an incredulous look. "No, listen: we haven't seen most of your family since the wedding and coronation and let's face it, we need some time off."
He sighed and softened his gaze. "You know I can't argue with you. But do we have to go to a ballet?"
"As king you have to show your appreciation for your country's arts and remember, ballets are the norm for me with my background."
He nodded. "I know, I know."
"Good boy." I patted his head playfully, forcing him to roll his eyes. "Now go get ready for bed. Go on."
Giving me a quick peck on the lips, he stood and walked to the bathroom, leaving me in our bed.
Kind of a weird chapter, I know. It's really just a filler.
Fasistaanime: Muchas gracias para leyendo mi libro! Espero que te gustas! Estoy contento tu practicas ingles con mi libro y si tienes preguntas yo puedo ayudar. I también espero que mi español es bien; has tenido cinco años de español en la escuela. Si tengo algo mal, digame por favor!
Anyways…thanks for the reviews y'all! Can I break 200 with this chapter? Do it! Review!
