A week later, Talia paused before the glass inner door to the Chamber of the Lords, her breathing irregular. The guard standing there looked at her curiously. Kavar, disguised in traditional Onderonian wear, stood beside her.
"What's wrong, your majesty?" he asked gently. "I believe we reviewed all the possibilities these past few days. He can't announce full-scale war. Not yet. You still have too much support in the Council."
"I know that. But all the same, I wish you were coming in with me, Kavar," she said with a hint of longing. "I often feel so alone in there."
Kavar sighed slowly, placing a hand softly on her shoulder.
"I know the feeling, believe me. But I can't risk coming in with you yet, even dressed like this. I'll be watching from the observation room."
"A small comfort, but I must go regardless. Wish me luck."
Talia took a deep breath in, lifting her head. She nodded her head to the guard, who opened the doors. She walked with a dignified air into the open chamber.
Kavar stood there, watching her with what could have been a smile. However, the expression quickly vanished into solemnity as he turned towards the public observation arena.
Meanwhile, Queen Talia sat down in her customary chair, between the stacked rows of politicians present. She noticed Vaklu in his military uniform on the right side of the chamber with the other anti-Republicans.
I see he's wearing all his "decorations", she thought bitterly. He never misses an opportunity to flaunt his military prowess.
The speaker for the Council stood up, hammering on his desk with a gavel.
"Order, please. This meeting of the Council of Lords is now in session. Members may now state proposed legislature."
General Vaklu arose slowly. His grey hair was neatly trimmed back. An enormous man, his presence held a commanding aura. Silence filled the vaulted chamber, as both sides of the room held their breath in anticipation of Vaklu's announcement. After carefully holding his audience in suspense, he began.
"General Vaklu of Iziz seeks permission to propose a motion, your honor," he said in a booming voice.
The speaker curtly nodded, replying
"Permission granted."
Vaklu puffed up his enormous chest, surveying the waiting nobles before him.
"Respected lords and ladies: perilous times are these for Onderon, and for all of the planets under Republic rule. And in perilous times, the government must often subject itself to change in order to remain strong."
He turned to face the right side.
"Since Onderon's freedom from the oppression of Freedon Nadd, we have had a constitutional monarchy. The Council of Lords forms the body of the legislature, with the reigning ruler holding the ability to create and veto laws. Queen Talia has served us with… careful affection so far," he said, nodding in Talia's direction with a smile that looked more like a forced grimace. "But mere affection is not enough."
"Let me remind you again that these are not times of peace. And considering the current climate, we must check the balance of power, to ensure that we never again experience the tyranny of Freedon Nadd. That is why I propose that we vote to amend our constitution, giving sole legislative responsibility to the Council of the Lords. We each have a duty to represent the people of our given stewardship. Hence, it is my opinion that if the Council of Lords were to take on this burden without any interference from the monarchy, the laws would naturally center themselves on the true will of the people. Our monarchs will be executive only, forced to follow the will of the populace, instead of chasing their own biased interests as they often have. I now yield my time to discussion from the floor."
At the close of his speech, Vaklu seated himself, looking pleased. Many of the members on the right side of the room burst into applause. The Loyalists on the left were in turmoil, each whispering frantically to the others. Talia tried not to show the intense rage that she felt inside.
Of course he seeks to take me from the legislature; she thought furiously, without me, he'll eventually have unchallenged authority to mandate secession from the Republic.
A proud looking man from the Loyalist side stood up.
"Lord Dixon requests permission for a clarifying statement."
"Permission granted," said the speaker.
"A fine speech, Vaklu. It veils your true intentions very nicely. Lords and ladies, it is a slanderous falsehood to say that Queen Talia has served us with mere 'affection'. She has been constant, diligent, and fair-minded; not once has she even used the veto power. May I also remind you that our current stance with the Republic is still supported by the majority of us here. Thank you."
There was brief applause from the Loyalists, many of whom shouted "Hear, hear!" in agreement.
Talia silently rejoiced to hear so many voices.
A woman sitting by Vaklu raised herself from her plush chair.
"Lady Howard seeks permission for rebuttal, if you please."
"Permission granted."
"Of course she has served us well in the past. But it is the present that Vaklu thinks of. Vaklu understands the risks involved in allowing the royalty to have a veto power in legislative matters. While we still can, we must correct this imbalance. And furthermore, I believe that certain factions among us are highly influenced by the Queen, seeking to win her approval. We can come to a more, shall we say… unbiased opinion on things, especially the Republic, if she has no power here."
Smirking, Lady Howard sat down in her seat again, to a mixed combination of cheers and taunts.
An hour passed, with arguments ringing on both sides. Eventually, Queen Talia couldn't hold back any longer: she stood up, glaring coolly in Vaklu's direction.
"The Queen begs permission for rebuttal."
The speaker nodded briefly.
"Permission granted, your majesty."
Talia took a deep breath, preparing herself.
"I agree that these are, indeed, perilous times," she said carefully. "But I believe that it is in times of distress that people need direct action most, not self-interested bureaucracy. This throne is a responsibility, not a privilege; and I have accepted that burden on behalf of our people. I have never shied away from open discussion, and I will gladly accept any legislature proposed by the majority of the Council. If you have felt that I have dealt with my power unjustly, then I would hear your complaints."
"But let us be absolutely clear: this proposal is not truly about leaders and government. It is about Vaklu's ambition to coerce others into his way of thinking about the Republic. Perhaps the reason he wishes to remove me is because I cannot, in good conscience, turn from the Republic in these times of crisis. How many worlds were laid waste by the Jedi Civil War? Telos, Dantooine, Taris… the list goes on. We have a responsibility to aid them. Yes, these are times of crisis, and we have given much to these worlds. But it is an easy price to pay when you think of the prosperity and freedom which future generations will enjoy, from our association with the Republic."
"I have never used the veto power, nor do I intend to. To remove me from legislative procedures as well would only allow this Council to become more divided, causing tension and possible violence. Until then, I will simply continue to stand for what I believe in. I ask only that you consider these thoughts. Thank you."
She sat down calmly, as the room burst with applause. Many of the nobles on the right side could be seen to clap as well, looking impressed. Vaklu's face was impassive, but it twitched ever so slightly with a look of vicious hate. He stood up a second time, facing the crowd.
"The discussion on this subject is now closed. I yield my time to a vote."
The speaker sighed.
"The time to vote has come. All in favor of supporting General Vaklu's proposal to amend the constitution hold up your cards."
A handful of nobles around Vaklu's chair lifted their cards, along with a few scattered across the room. The speaker paused, counting and tallying.
"All in favor of rejection hold up your cards."
Talia couldn't help but smile as the rest of the room, at least a hundred strong, held up their cards in favor of her. She joined them, lifting hers high. The speaker didn't even bother to count as he said,
"General Vaklu, your proposal to amend the constitution has been rejected. Let it be written on the official records. As for now, the Council of Lords is adjourned for three weeks' recess, until the next season begins. Dismissed."
Talia waited as the nobles got up and began to press towards the exit. When the crowds had died down, she pushed open the glass doors to find Kavar standing there. He was beaming brightly at her, and before she could check her emotions, her cheeks flushed with joy.
I can face a whole room of pompous nobles, and only now am I blushing, she thought with a smile.
"You were brilliant! I think Vaklu will think twice before proposing alterations to the constitution again. For a while there, I was afraid that he might win some of them over, with all his false talk of 'the will of the people'," he said, shaking his head. He looked directly into her eyes, speaking softly. "But you… you were perfect. You're exactly what Onderon needs."
Talia was now bright pink. Adjusting her head scarf, she said,
"You flatter me, Kavar. I only did what I thought necessary."
He sighed, the hint of a familiar twinkle in his blue eyes.
"One of these days, you'll have to accept that I'm telling the truth when I compliment you."
"Perhaps," Talia said coyly, as she walked down the corridor to exit the building.