When Melia awoke the morning following the election – the successful election, she had to remind herself, though her heart did not relish the fact as she ought to – the Empress knew she needed to prepare herself for the possibility of impeachment in the coming days. Impeachment. The word itself was foreign to her. Only in the histories, hundreds of years ago, had there been any instances of a monarch stepping away from the throne. And yet, here she was. The thought of her dethronement was completely ludicrous, but she knew the reality was far from that. The power of belief led people to do foolish things. It seemed so unreal, this bleak future that loomed over her, as she lay in bed, listening to the birds chirping outside her window. She sighed, taking a deep breath in and out, feeling her chest relax. Here in bed, she was safe from the outside world. She'd like to keep it that way, if only for a few moments longer. The calm before the storm.
Gradually, her mind drifted, examining the past year of her tenure as Empress. After the Fall, she had successfully reunited her people in Alcamoth. Provided for their basic needs of food, shelter and water in a matter of days. And with the help of those who would become her Cabinet members, she began a series of public works to bring her people out of poverty and back to a humane standard of living.
Had all of the work she'd accomplished been for naught? With the disappearance of the Scepter of Heaven, was she to be ousted before her work was finished? Before she brought peace to her people, as her father had ordered? Then who would lead?
Maybe they would benefit from another ruler.
She frowned and covered her face with her hands. The voice of doubt. Not that it was unknown to her. The entire conflict with the saboteur would not exist if another were seated on the throne. And it was this battle in the shadows that was the cause of much turmoil in the High Entian community these days. Perhaps there were someone instead of herself more suited for the task at hand, to bring normalcy and unity back to the High Entia.
Kallian.
The name hit her like a brick and she felt the anguish wash over her. The Empress rolled onto her side and squeezed her eyes shut. No, she couldn't go there, though the memories of her regal, intelligent and insightful brother flooded through her mind. If she did, she may not muster the strength to get out of bed (as difficult as it was already). No. Holding her breath, Melia tensed her body and curled up into a ball, folding in on herself. The Homs Entia blocked out all thoughts, concentrating on the chirping of the birds. 4, 3, 2, 1. She released. Slowly, she stretched out her legs and wrapped her arms around her waist. Taking a deep breath in and out, Melia felt the tidal wave of emotion ebb away, and her body resumed its natural state of anxiety and hyper vigilance.
The grandfather clock in the next room chimed; the full, harmonic tones reached her ears and Melia groaned into her pillow. It was time to rise and start the day. An inner dread seeped through her veins and traveled throughout her body as she walked into the washroom and engaged in her morning routine. She knew it was only a matter of time before the news broke about the missing Scepter. How would she answer the question of whether it was truly gone? Would she tell the truth? Or lie? She snorted as she stepped out of the tub and wrapped a towel around her body. Of course she couldn't lie. That would be a terrible mistake. But the path of honesty was fully burdensome as well. Which is worse? On one hand, if she were found in the lie, she would lose the trust of the people and all credibility, but it would keep her on the throne possibly until she found the Scepter. On the other hand, if she told the truth, those that believed in the power of the Scepter would think her right to rule had been revoked, and would crusade to choose a new leader.
Neither option was attractive, to say the least.
Disgruntled, the High Entia finished dressing in a lavender button down blouse and gray slacks, noticing on her way out that she'd taken a longer time than usual to get ready. Lack of sleep and preoccupation. There isn't enough time to sit and break fast with Nae'ell this morning. Guilty, she met James and Elrich at the door. There was no helping it; she'd stop by, give her apologies and head straight for the Cabinet meeting.
About fifteen minutes later, she arrived at Nae'ell's room and knocked. The door opened and the dark-haired woman greeted her, a smile apparent in her bright blue eyes. "I'm still not used to you coming to see me. I have to admit it's a nice change."
"I apologize for my lateness. It was harder to rise this morning, and unfortunately I have no time for breakfast as the Cabinet meeting starts in the next ten minutes. I sincerely apologize."
"Oh, stop that. It's not a problem. Not at all. I'm glad you got some extra sleep." She stopped, hesitated, and said, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, my dear, have you seen this?" Nae'ell held up a pamphlet at eye level. The words at the top of the page jumped out at Melia and her heart skipped a beat. Cautiously, the Homs Entia took the paper into her hands and read the entire text.
The story was out. There was no chance of her keeping the missing Scepter a secret.
"Is it true?" Nae'ell asked.
Melia was silent. She had to make a choice. But in her heart, she knew it wasn't really a choice. She could never lie to her people.
"Yes, it's true. The Scepter was stolen from my suite during the blackout."
Nae'ell gasped. "How awful!"
"I had hoped to keep this secret, but it seems that this Soothsayer is out for my blood."
Nae'ell narrowed her eyes, her gaze thoughtful. "Melia, I want you to consider something. Have you thought this could be a good thing?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Everything with this soothsayer and supposed saboteur, well, it's quite frankly gotten out of hand. Public opinion is turning against you, no matter what you do, even when you believe it's best for the people. But maybe stepping down is best. For yourself. For everyone."
Melia narrowed her eyes and straightened her back. "I thank you for your honesty in this situation. If you'll excuse me, I need to get to the Cabinet Chamber."
"Oh, don't be sore. I was just trying to be helpful. I see how much pain this is causing you." Nae'ell sighed and reached out to squeeze Melia's shoulder. "You know I just want what's best."
Melia exhaled and shook her head. "I know. I won't lie to you. The thought...has occurred to me. That perhaps the High Entia people would be better of without me." The sounds of a clock's chime came from within Nae'ell's suite. "Oh goodness. I need to go."
"Let me walk with you." Nae'ell said, locking the door behind her. They fell into step, Nae'ell linking arms with the Empress, and asked, "What will you do?"
"I will continue minding my responsibilities as Empress."
"What if the People's Council demands you to step down?"
"Until the people vote for my removal, I shall continue doing my duty."
"Well, you're very brave. I'm not sure if it's smart, but you have always been stubborn, like your brother." Nae'ell looked at Melia and smirked. "Any more progress in identifying this villain?"
Melia hesitated before responding, "No, but I fear I am certain it is a member of the Cabinet."
"What? No, I can't believe that. How could you even believe that?"
"I cannot ignore the evidence."
"Which is?"
But Melia didn't have a chance to respond. Upon reaching the Cabinet Chamber, the two women were intercepted by Camar, who had a look of eagerness on his usually stern face. "Your Highness, I need to speak with you."
"What is it, Camar?" Melia answered. Camar looked at Nae'ell suspiciously but Melia said, "It's alright. You can speak in front of Nae'ell."
He cast another furtive glance before saying, "What the Soothsayer said is true, right?"
She did not take kindly to his outright assumption that the slander was true, but Melia nodded, steading herself for a possible attack.
"I know how to find the Scepter."
Her heart thudded to a stop.
"I'm sorry, did you just say you could find the Scepter?"
"Yes," he beamed, the smugness reaching his eyes.
"How?" Melia struggled to keep the waver from her voice. She couldn't allow herself to hope. Not just yet.
"As you know, the Scepter is imbued with ether, and thus emits a field of ether around itself. It's ancient, so its ether signature has changed dramatically over the years due to weather patterns, erosion, decay, I don't need to go into it. However, this aging process means the signature can be differentiated from other organisms and devices that currently exist. Once I tune my instruments properly, I will be able to locate it."
A surge of hope rose within Melia. If it were true–
"You sound quite confident for something that's just theory." Nae'ell interrupted.
"Why shouldn't I be? It is sound and in accordance with the laws of science and nature. I will be able to formulate the necessary algorithms needed to identify and locate the ether signature."
"But the Scepter is gone. How will you know what it's ether signature is? How will you know what to look for?"
"I will take samples from its case in the throne room to see if there are any left over ether distortions. I can use these to create a very similar identity matrix."
"And what if you get nothing from those samples? Don't incur false hope. The Empress has enough to worry about. She doesn't need someone putting his nose where it doesn't belong."
"I will help her highness recover the Scepter."
Before Nae'ell opened her mouth to respond, Melia intervened. "Nae'ell," Melia said, gently putting a hand on the woman's arm, "There is no harm in allowing Camar to test his theory. In fact, if he does locate the Scepter, I should be ever grateful and indebted to him." Camar smirked as Melia turned her attention back to him. "Go ahead with your plan, Camar. Let me know what resources you may require."
"Thank you, your Highness." He bowed and took his leave into the Cabinet Chamber, glaring at Nae'ell before he departed.
"Do you think this wise, Melia?" Nae'ell asked, concerned. "Can you trust him? This sounds very suspicious, especially after you expressly said one of your Cabinet members could be the Soothsayer."
"That's true. But at this point, I will gladly take any help in relocating it. Finding the Scepter is my best chance at regaining the hope of the public." Even as she said these words though, she couldn't help but feel the slightest caress of doubt. All of Nae'ell's questions and concerns were valid. How had Camar come up with such a theory in a matter of hours? Granted, he was very bright. One of the best minds of their generation. It wasn't completely unfeasible. But the timing seemed so opportune...
"You're right. It's your only chance." Nae'ell was silent then asked, "Have you began renovating the school yet?"
"Today is the first day of construction. If everything goes according to the schedule, it should be done in two weeks."
"Good. That will lift people's spirits and help your public image."
Melia felt her lips thin. That wasn't the reason she wanted to create a school. She wanted to do something good for the community. "I must go."
"Yes, of course. We'll have time tomorrow to speak?"
"I will check with Serenity and have her coordinate with you."
Melia turned and proceeded inside, feeling queasy. All she wanted to do at that moment was go back to bed, and bury herself under the covers. But here she was, about to converse with a group of people she thought were among her closest advisors, and yet one of whom was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
The Cabinet members were just sitting down, a few in conversation while the others maintained their silence, sending glances her way. Ignoring them, Melia beckoned Serenity to join her in the farthest corner. Her assistant hurried over and nodded, "Yes, your Majesty?"
"Please ask Shulk, Fiora and Dunban to join me in my apartment this evening after my last meeting. James will meet them at the Villa and guide them." She needed dedicated time to put together all of the evidence in a single place; having a meeting in her hidden apartment was the only way to ensure privacy.
"Yes, your Highness."
"And if you could also let you-know-who as well, assuming you can locate her."
"I will do my best."
Melia nodded and walked back towards the table and sat. "Shall we proceed?" Her question was met with silence. Stoically, Melia glanced around the room, meeting expressions of concern, skepticism, and general confusion. One of these people was her enemy. Her blood turned cold as she answered their gazes with silence. They were waiting for her to address the Soothsayer's accusations. They were waiting for her to admit the truth. The Empress would not rise to the bait. "What is on the agenda today?"
"Empress...is it true? Is the Scepter really missing?" Miriall asked.
Melia folded her hands in her lap. "Yes. It was taken from my suite during the blackout," she repeated to words she'd given to Nae'ell.
"You mean someone stole it?" Songya said, disbelieving. "How cowardly."
"Have you started looking for it?" Shalen asked.
"If you don't find it, does that mean...you will be impeached?" Miriall swallowed, eyes wide with worry.
"Our laws state that if the Scepter is not recovered in seven days time, the People's Council has the authority to call a vote regarding the Empress' status." Kiefer said without emotion, his eyes piercing Melia's.
It was a strange look. Did he want her gone? She couldn't tell. Her eyes swept around the table, stopping on each face for a moment. How could she believe the villain was one of these people? They had supported her through nine months of hell. And yet it was just enough to turn one against her.
"I have every intention of finding and retrieving the Scepter before then. Camar has generated a theory on how to locate it." Melia stated and Camar grinned. "Now, unless there are any other questions, I would like to get back to the agenda. Kiefer, how goes our schedule for the renovation of the school?"
After a long Cabinet meeting, and an even longer inaugural meeting with the newly-elected People's Council – most of the time which was spent on arguments between one of the Entia members and one of the Homs Entia members about ethnic rights, followed by an interrogation of Melia regarding the missing Scepter – Melia found herself in the East Sitting Room with Colony 9's Mayor Laden. She'd been dreading this conversation. With everything going on, Melia realized she still didn't have a plan for the Colony 9 incident,. There was no clear answer, no easy way to resolution. And yet one needed to be found quickly.
After exchanging pleasantries and the tea was brought, Melia knew it was time to get down to business.
"Mayor Laden, our last discussion revolved around the actual events that took place a week ago. Since then, I have spoken with Avalia to hear her own account of what occurred. For this conversation, I would like to begin discussing what the next steps are."
"Yes, and once again, please accept my apologies on behalf of Colony 9." His face was blank as he said the words.
"I will be frank. There will be some sort of consequences to the relationship between Alcamoth and Colony 9 considering how my people were treated. The damage that has been done is irreparable in many ways."
"Yes. I completely understand."
"But for the good of our peoples, I would like to come to some sort of accord."
If that is even possible.
"I couldn't agree more."
"Of course, an official apology will be made by yourself to the High Entia people as well as Avalia herself. And you will submit a public condemnation of all interracial violence as well."
"Absolutely."
She noticed how his voice slightly wavered.
"It would make the most sense to host a town hall gathering for this to take place ad. We can host it in the next few days, so that you may return home soon."
"Certainly. However you think it best to occur, I defer to your judgement."
Does this man have absolutely no opinions himself?
"Additionally, as a motion for good will, I would request you provide us with all documentation you generated during the brief stay of the individuals from Colony 3. That way, if we run across any of them out in the world, we will know their names and faces."
"No problem at all."
They fell silent, and Melia sipped her tea, waiting for him to put forth an idea. But he did not. He simply sat there with his own tea cup, waiting for her to continue the conversation. Why was he saying absolutely nothing? Did he have no ideas on how to try and make amends for the atrocities committed? Or was he going to play the trouble making student awaiting punishment from his teacher? Locking her jaw, the Empress asked as courteously as possible, "What else can you offer?"
"What do you think would be appropriate?"
A question with a question. Melia could feel her nostrils flare the tiniest bit.
"I would be curious to see if you had any suggestions."
"I would be happy to discuss what we are doing in the aftermath. Both Colony 9 and Colony 6 will be initiating procedures to manage all visitors and immigrants into the city."
Melia nodded. "Alright. What else?"
"Well...we would be happy to offer financial reparations."
"Financial reparations?"
"Naturally, for all emotional damage that was brought upon your people."
She blinked, dumbfounded.
"That's your idea?"
"Is there something wrong, Empress?" He looked at her, confused.
"You think that throwing money at the problem will fix it?"
"Not solve it, but help it along." He said, flustered.
"You're saying that you want to buy our good will? That money will help you fall back into our good graces and clear your conscience?"
"Uh, no not at all–"
"That you believe there is a price tag on the lives of those we lost?"
"That's not what I meant–"
"Then what did you mean?"
"I...I just...you have to admit that they weren't entirely wrong."
Silence.
Had she heard correctly?
"What did you say?" She asked, her voice low.
"Your people...they do, did, turn into those monsters. They were only trying to protect themselves." He said hastily.
Melia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was he seriously defending those murderers? "So that justifies the killing of innocent Homs Entia, whom cannot transform into these 'monsters' as you describe them?!"
"No, not at–"
"How dare you come in here and say something like that."
"Your Majesty, I meant no offense–"
"Offense? Mayor Laden, I find your attitude in this whole conversation offensive! You have hardly offered any genuine remorse or concern. You are eager to say yes to everything I have to say to move things along. And your own ideas for reconciliation border on reprehensible!" She leaned in towards him and seethed, "The way I see it, you are at my mercy. Shall I remind you that what happened I could consider an act of aggression and declare war on Colony 9? And who do you think would win that fight? The Homs with their spears and guns? Or the High Entia with our warships and cannons?" The sneer in her voice cut like a knife.
She knew better, but the rage had consumed her. Images of Avalia's distraught face and teary eyes pelted the Empress. The words the Soothsayer used to describe the monstrous violence done to the three Homs Entia. The villains who had been released to the wild without penalty. So much injustice. It was all too much.
Mayor Laden looked at her speechless.
"I suggest you rethink your words. When we meet next, I will tell you exactly what you are going to do. It would be wise to comply." Melia said stiffly as she rose.
Without waiting for a response, she turned and left the room, enflamed. She wanted to punch something. Scream. Anything at all to release the rage inside of her.
But despite the fire that rumbled in her gut, a paralyzing fear threatened to overtake the adrenaline rush of fury. What had she just done?
That was no way to speak in diplomatic negotiations. There was absolutely no need to threaten him. He was aware of the situation. And unleashing her anger on him would only fuel those discriminatory beliefs he may hold.
It didn't matter at this point. Melia couldn't take back what she'd said. What was done was done.
Good lord, she did not want to go to war.
"Thank you all for coming. I'm hoping tonight that together we made shed some light on who this possible soothsayer is." Melia said as she sat down in a satin armchair. Relief flooded her body as she snuggled into the cushions. There was no chance she'd be getting up any time soon, especially after the day she'd had. All she really wanted right now was a glass of wine and bed, but there were still important matters to attend to. She addressed her friends: "I have reason to believe that the soothsayer is a member of the Cabinet."
"How do you know that?" Fiora asked from her seat on the sofa next to Shulk, who held her hand in his lap.
"Prior to your arrival, the Cabinet members were the only ones who knew of the Colony 9 incident. The very next day, the Soothsayer sends out a missive detailing everything I shared." Melia said, then added, "Though with some embellishment."
"But perhaps one of the members told someone else...?" Shulk suggested.
"That is always a possibility, and yet I think it unlikely."
"Why is that?"
"Most of the teams of each Cabinet member spend their time in a specific location. Miriall's team meets in the clinic. Camar's team meets on the Highlands or the Research Hall. Shalen's team meets either at the Lightouse or the Research Hall. Kiefer's team meets in the ether furnaces or similar utility plant. Jarrack's team...met at the ether plant. And with Songya being our newest addition, she has yet to form a team. Though I assume she will take Jarrack's team. I need to do that..." she trailed off, making a mental note to initiate that changeover tomorrow at the Cabinet meeting.
"So...what you're saying is, that team members don't really come to the Great Hall? Even for work?" Fiora clarified.
"Exactly. Hence why I believe this person is a member of the Cabinet."
"From what Jarrack said, it's a team of two. Are two members of the Cabinet working against you? Or is it just one and a secondary accomplice?" Dunban mused from his post by the window. Her eyes did not move in his direction. Instead, they continued to rest on Fiora and Shulk.
"We're not certain if Jarrack can be trusted." Tyrea said, her tone laced with skepticism as she glided from one end of the room to the other, picking up things, examining them, and putting them back.
"He was beaten pretty badly. How could he be the soothsayer?" Fiora asked.
"Maybe he beat himself up to throw us off."
"Now that's just crazy."
"Let us put aside Jarrack's mental stability for a moment." Melia intervened between the women and changed the subject, "Additionally, there's the matter of Camille's murder. Camille's location was only known to a few, meaning someone with access to the Great Hall late at night was able to find the location late. Only Cabinet members and a few soldiers have access to the Great Hall after 8:00pm. All other personnel typically leave by 7:00pm."
"The guards were drugged, right? Maybe we should be thinking about where the person got the potion from?" Fiora said.
"Who knows how to mix herbs like that?" Tyrea asked.
"Miriall might. She works in the clinic." Melia conceded, her brow furrowing. She didn't like to think of the sweet Homs Entia woman as the perpetrator behind the attacks.
"I can't see Miriall being the person." Fiora said, agreeing with Melia's mental notes, "She's too gentle. Or Shalen for that matter."
"It doesn't matter what you see. Perceptions are not always the truth." Tyrea warned.
"What about Camar?" Shulk asked.
"Why would he help find the Scepter though?" Fiora countered.
"To gain Melia's trust. It's not an implausible plan." Dunban said. Melia slightly winced. Did he really think her that naive?
"That seems a silly way to do so."
"Well, he has a motive." Tyrea arched her eyebrows and stopped in her tracks.
Dear gods.
"It's nothing." Melia said, glaring at Tyrea.
"It's not nothing."
"What is it, Melia?" Shulk asked, innocently.
"Camar had a little crush on our Empress." Tyrea said, shrugging under Melia's vexed gaze.
Melia clenched her jaw but said nothing. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dunban's back stiffen. This was not how she wanted him to find out.
"So that's enough motivation for me."
"I agree with Tyrea." Fiora nodded.
"Is he lying about his theory of how to find the Scepter?" Melia changed the subject.
"No, it's theoretically sound. If he can calibrate his sensors and rest of his tools, assuming he can get a read from the original case, he will be able to find it using the signature." Shulk assured.
"Unless he already has it in his possession." Tyrea interjected.
"What about Kiefer? We haven't talked about him." Fiora mentioned.
"It's not Kiefer." Dunban said, his voice low.
"How do you know?"
"I just know."
Melia knew. Dunban had a great deal of respect for Kiefer. The Homs couldn't imagine his friend as the villain behind these horrific acts. She wanted to reach out to him and comfort him, but she could not, given the public circumstances. But Kiefer had given her the strangest of gazes that morning. Or was she seeing it all under the lens of paranoia? How could she trust herself to be aware of the realities of situations versus her subjective interpretations?
Shaking her head, she changed the subject. "There is also the matter of the stolen lock box. Assuming Jarrack is not one of the two in question, who would have taken it?"
"The election site locations were known by all. It would be hard to figure out who took it." Tyrea mused.
"It may not even be the soothsayer person. It could've been anyone." Fiora pointed out.
Melia fidgeted her hands. Yes, there was no lead there. "What about the broken pipe in the field?" She looked at Dunban, who turned to meet her eyes.
"Camar and Kiefer were both present that day. Presumably Songya as well, as that was her work station before she joined the cabinet."
"So it presumably could've been any of them."
"There's no use in pointing fingers. We know it's possible that there are two of them working as a team. And one of them is a woman." Dunban concluded.
"Despite where the information came from, it does make sense given what I learned about Camille and Alderon." Tyrea agreed.
"What?" Melia asked, suddenly alert. "What did you hear?'
"One of the neighbors said two separate individuals visited the home, just days before the assassination attempt."
"So one of them could be Camar or Jarrack or Kiefer, and the other could be the mystery woman." Fiora said.
"If we take Jarrack at his word." Dunban finished.
They stood in silence for a long moment and then Fiora sighed. "I thought this would be easier."
The Empress gave her a sad smile. "So did I."
"Don't worry, Melia. We'll figure out who's doing this." Shulk said, the optimistic grin on his face reminding Melia of their previous adventures together.
"Yeah. And when we figure it out, we'll make sure they stop hurting you once and for all." Fiora added as she took Shulk's hands in hers. They turned to look at each other and smiled, suddenly off in their own world. Melia felt a tug at her heart, and the urge to find Dunban's eyes gripped her, but she stayed strong and kept her eyes on the couple in front of her.
"I'm going to use your washroom before I leave." Tyrea said and sauntered out of the room without waiting for a reply.
Melia rolled her eyes and stood. "Thank you for coming tonight. We may not have found the answer, but this discussion was still helpful."
"Anything we can do!" Fiora smiled and walked over to give her a hug.
The Empress nodded and looked from Fiora, to Shulk, to Dunban. As if taking a cue, Fiora took Shulk by the hand and led him outside of the suite, shouting "Good night!" over her shoulder.
Now, they were alone, relatively speaking. His question from the other night hung in the air between them. She still didn't have an answer for him, but she desperately wanted to just sit and talk with him, without fear of imposing deadline. Or anything at all.
"I apologize for earlier. Regarding Camar."
"There is no need to apologize." Dunban turned and walked towards her.
"It's rather embarrassing and I did not mean for you to find out in such a way."
"It matters not, Melia. Your life is your own."
That wasn't exactly the most positive response but she said nothing more.
"How are you?" He asked. "A lot has happened in the past day."
She looked up at him to see concern in his eyes. Her mouth wavered with the truth, but she kept her answer short, her tone solid and low. "I'm fine."
"Don't do that, Melia. Don't push away the ones who want to help you."
She tried to respond, but the words were stuck in her throat.
"Get some rest. Have a good night." He said gruffly and walked out.
Dammit.
"That looked like it went well."
Melia whipped around. Tyrea smirked, arms akimbo as she leaned against the door frame. Her dark eyes glittered in the lamplight.
"What are you talking about?" Melia said primly.
"Don't insult my intelligence, Melia. I have two eyes. I can see there's something going on."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Oh, come on. You spent the entire evening avoiding each other's eyes. And yet when you're finally alone together, you still can't say anything. It borders on moronic."
"I don't believe I asked for your opinion." Melia eyed her stepsister icily and went to draw the curtains on the window.
"I just don't understand why you're beating around the bush."
"Because I cannot. My duties."
"Oh right. Empress. I forgot about that minor detail."
"The sarcasm is unnecessary."
"Then reject him and be done with it."
The Empress' lips creased into a grim line. She did not want to do that. At all.
"Melia, you and I both lost everyone we ever loved when our people were forcibly transformed into Telethia. And yet, you're lucky enough to find someone who seems to admire you, which I can't understand with that ice queen demeanor. Are you truly going to ignore that?"
"I have a responsibility to our people. You understand that."
"Our people are acting like children. They might throw you out over a superstition implanted years ago by a raving lunatic."
"Is this a ploy to get me to abdicate and pass the throne on to you?" Melia cocked an eyebrow as she went to the cart to pour herself a cup of tea.
Tyrea scoffed and ambled over to her step sister. "Hardly. I do not envy you your position nor would I ever want it. That ship has sailed."
"Anyway, there is also the matter of the target on my back. I would not wish to put anyone else in harm's way."
"There will always be a target on your back. That is the nature of the job. And if that bothered you, you wouldn't still be here. Why haven't you walked away yet? Besides the obvious reasons of honor and obligation and birthright."
Melia paused, thinking the question over, then responded, "Paying tribute to my father's wishes."
"Noble. I understand that. I feel that way about my mother sometimes."
"And what do you do?"
"It doesn't matter what I do, Melia. It's your life. Not the Emperor's life. Not the life he thought was best for you. Your life."
"I can't be selfish. I can't walk out on my people."
"Why does it have to be one or the other?"
Melia did not answer.
Tyrea walked across the room towards the exit. "Take some sisterly advice. Do something for yourself. Life is short. People are here one minute and gone the next." She paused and then said in a low voice laced with regret, "I wish I had known that."
And before Melia could respond, Tyrea was gone.
Melia was falling.
The air rushed up around her body as she plummeted towards the sea. She jerked to and fro, trying to get a handle on her body, but to no avail. Horror gripped her as she continued to drop in the sky. Frantic, she looked downwards, watching the bright blue of the sea getting closer and closer.
The wind howled around her ears as her body darted downward. She could feel the pull of gravity, dragging her towards oblivion. The massive giant of blue filled her eyesight. Her heart beat sprinted and her blood roared in her ears. Her vision blurred; tears raced out of her eyelids and scattered to the wind, leaving bheind a trail of anguish and terror.
There was no escape.
She opened her mouth to scream, but it was too late. The water rushed up to meet her. She flung out her arms to shield her body.
She woke, sitting straight up in her bed. Cold sweat ran down her forehead as she panted. Jerkily, she rotated her neck from side to side, her eyes scanning the room. She was in her apartment. In her bedroom. Safe from the outside world. It was a dream. Just a dream. Falling back onto her pillow, Melia shut her eyes. Gradually, her breathing slowed as the panic subsided. At least I didn't scream.
Though sleep deprived, she knew there was no sleeping after the nightmare, no matter how she wished it. Her mind wandered, now fully awake. The Scepter. The Soothsayer. The Saboteur. She pushed aside all three of these.
If she couldn't have sleep, she wanted quiet. Quiet in her mind. Quiet from the crises. Five more minutes of peace before the day. That's all the Empress wanted.
Her mind drifted to a more favorable subject: Dunban.
Images of their past conversations flashed through her mind: last night in her suite, the nursery, the town hall party, her suite after the assassination, Shulk's birthday. Her ears drummed up the memory of his voice, and she let the rich, deep tones slide over her. She'd known him to be a constant presence of strength and courage through their entire acquaintance. Occasionally, the Homs was also frustratingly logical and rational to a fault, but always able to consider all the facts and make an appropriate judgement.
Could she afford for him to become something more? A presence of comfort as well? Perhaps one of a romantic nature?
How much she wanted that.
But could she? Could she afford the distraction? No. Especially with the Scepter missing and her position at stake. The Empress needed to prove to her people that despite the missing artifact, she was still fit to rule. Fit to bring them out of the darkness and back into the light.
Her heart tumbled over itself as she struggled inwardly to commit one way or the other. Imagining his face, Melia thought about how she would like to learn more about his past, and what he dreamed of for the future. But the Soothsayer's pamphlets that lay on her desk in the next room sprang to mind, reminding her of the present dangers that lay in her path.
Then her attention flashed to the night before after their dissatisfying conversation.
Tyrea.
What had she said? Life is short. Melia had been surprised to receive such advice from her step sister, and yet not at all. Tyrea had lost her mother during Zanza's holocaust. Melia did not know what kind of relationship Tyrea and Yumea had had, but it was clear from Tyrea's final comment last night that there was some regret in relation to her mother. And her stepsister had made a fair point. Melia's life was in danger but her life would always be in danger as the Empress. That wasn't a reason to shy away from a relationship. According to Tyrea's logic, that is.
Wasn't there a way to reconcile the both? Couldn't she honor her obligations and forge a new bond?
Gods, what does it matter? I could be impeached in less than a week. And what then?
She most certainly did not want to be impeached.
And she did not want to say no to Dunban.
"James!"
The Homs Entia heard the stomping of footsteps that abruptly came to a halt outside the bedroom door. "Empress?" The voice was half alarmed, half uncertain.
"You can come in."
The door opened, and she sat up, her silvery hair falling in folds around her. James stepped inside, but kept his eyes to the floor.
"You can look at me, James. I'm decent."
Slowly, his eyes rolled up to meet hers. "What can I do for you, your Majesty?"
Her throat felt dry; her tongue was like sandpaper, rubbing the words to nothing in her mouth.
Say it.
"Can you please bring Dunban here? Now?"
Surprised, he nodded. "Certainly, your Majesty."
Once James left the room, Melia jumped out of bed and ran for her washroom. She had maybe twenty...thirty minutes? Stripping out of her nightclothes, she turned on the faucet for the tub and waited for hot water to fill it. She wrapped her arms around her as her brain volleyed back and forth between whether or not this was a good idea. He wasn't here yet; she could always change her mind. Have Elrich make up an excuse as to prevent the meeting from occurring. But that was no good. She knew that was no good. Dunban was on his way and she had best get ready.
Ten minutes later, the Homs Entia woman was washed and dried, rushing about her bedroom in underclothes, selecting a suitable outfit. Something between excitement and anxiety percolated through her body as she settled on a light blue blouse and black slacks. As she pulled on her pants, she started to imagine the imminent conversation. What exactly was she going to say? How did one start a conversation of this nature?
As she heard the door open in the outer room, Melia froze mid-buttoning. She heard the murmers between James and Dunban in the sitting room and then the closing of a door. He was here. Her hands trembled as she finished buttoning up her blouse, all the way to the collar. She tucked her blouse into the slacks, smoothing out the creases as she did so. Nervously, the Homs Entia checked her appearance in the floor length mirror. No hair was out of place, no unwanted wrinkles in her clothes. But she could see the fatigue in her eyes, the paleness of her skin. And it made her self-conscious. But she couldn't do anything about that now. She just had to bite the bullet.
"Dunban." The Empress said as she entered the sitting room, hands tucked away in her pockets to hide the visible shaking.
"Melia. Is everything alright?" He crossed the room towards her, but stopped a few steps away. Too far for Melia's desire.
"Yes, yes. Everything is fine." Her mouth curved upward into a smirk. "I am quite sorry that when I request your presence, you automatically think something is wrong."
He returned her smirk with one of his own. "I am prone to assuming the worst these days and I welcome a change. What did you want to talk about this early in the morning?"
"I...I wanted to speak with you regarding the request you made the other night."
"Request?"
"Yes...the question you posed in the nursery."
"Oh." He said nothing more, and just stood, waiting for her to go on. He was certainly not making this easy for her.
Now was the time. She'd asked him here, she had to provide him an answer.
Her pulse quickened as she opened her mouth to speak. "My answer is yes." She looked away, her cheeks burning.
"Yes to..."
Melia looked back at Dunban, simultaneously horrified and annoyed. Has he forgotten? Clearing her throat, she clarified, "I'd like to get to know you better as well."
"Are you sure?"
That was not the response she'd expected.
"Do you doubt me?"
"No, no. I just don't want you to feel pushed into anything. And with everything going on...the last thing I want to do is add stress to your already stressful life."
"Dunban. There have to be certain rules around this going forward. My priority must be to my people until this is all over." He nodded and she continued, matching words to her thoughts in realtime, "But there comes a point where matters are no longer in my hands. That my people may no longer want my help. And if that's the case, then so be it. But in the meantime...I...I cannot allow myself to..." Pausing, she gathered her thoughts before she pressed on, ignoring the hammering of her heart: "I...I have felt alone and isolated for most of my life. It is obvious that I do not have many meaningful relationships in my life currently. But it is apparent to me that we have a...connection, and it would be foolish to ignore it."
The Homs was silent for a moment and then took a few steps towards her, closing the distance between their persons. Silently, he gazed into her eyes. She saw the flicker of yearning in the brown circles; there was no mistaking it. She felt her heart leap and butterflies dance around in her stomach.
"Well, if you have no objection, why don't we start now?" He murmured, reaching out to caress her cheek.
She blushed at the contact, slightly leaning her cheek into his hand, and said, just above a whisper, "What did you have in mind?"
"How about I make you breakfast?"
"That sounds agreeable."