The simple fact is that there is no precedent- no recent precedent at least- for the reigning ruler going on a state visit anywhere outside the kingdom. Atlantis has not been in a situation where a visit beyond the border has been necessary, or even mildly desirable, in many centuries, and Gura does not expect the council to give her permission for such a thing.

So, naturally, she doesn't go to the council. Not all of it at least.

There are a few ways to bypass the council, and nearly all of them involve either being the reigning king (constitutionally she is not king until her co-rulership period is over), but there is one specific exception.

The reigning king or the council can bypass the other party to conduct special military operations or diplomatic actions during 'emergency situations' so long as the proposed course of action gets a majority vote from Military High-Command.

Gura has refrained from using such a thing so far because, frankly, it was an absurd step to take when she could just wait to have full power (or, at least, more power), but this is not one of those cases where time is on her side.

It feels a bit absurd to invoke an Emergency Military Bypass just to visit the Empire, but her personal feelings aside, it is important for Atlantis to come out of its isolation. Isolation only benefits a utopia, and Gura is not so delusional as to think Atlantis is one of those. Besides, if the heart and soul of Atlantis is really the arts as so many like to claim, outside interaction is a necessity for new ideas. Getting access to modern technology is also a boon, of course. Life may be good for most Atlanteans, but it can always be better.

Those are the arguments she presents to Military High-Command. This is no military emergency, yes, but it is a diplomatic one. A golden opportunity is being presented to them, and the council would cause great harm to Atlantis through neglect in asking her to disassociate with the Empress and her Empire.

(It helps that she's already well-liked and trusted within the ranks of the military. She was, and technically still is, a military general, and she earned that position largely through dedication rather than nepotism. It was her own insistence that resulted in such a thing. Her father had tried to give her a command position right away.)

Still, while she might be well-liked, that doesn't mean High-Command approving her emergency bypass is a foregone conclusion. Some of the High-Command are children of the current council and share similar views, and some of them actually have their heads on straight and properly scrutinize any use of emergency powers.

"Attempting to bypass due process is a serious suggestion, your Majesty." General Gwight tells her, arms crossed, after she's sat down to hear what High-Command has decided. She wasn't allowed to be present to hear their debate, so as to not unduly influence considerations of national security. "It is a measure usually reserved for wartime."

She knows this. Gwight knows she knows this. It's not often someone talks to her like she is a child again, but perhaps out of everyone Gwight has that right. She served under him during her early years in the military, and he was instrumental in her promotions. He is not her father nor a replacement for him, but he is still her mentor.

"That said… I can attest more than anyone that the council has proven time and time again that they do not have the best interest of Atlantis in mind, and hold unreasonable biases especially when it comes to external affairs." Gwight says. "So High-Command has agreed, conditionally, to your bypass."

Gura tempers her relief. "And what are these conditions?"

"You are to have an escort." Gwight says bluntly. "Distasteful or not, you cannot teleport like the Empress can. If something is to go wrong, even your own considerable strength is insufficient for security."

Unfortunate, but Gura is not surprised. There is no way she was going to be allowed on a visit outside the kingdom without an escort.

"Secondly: this visit is not to take longer than a day at a time. If for some reason it is to extend over multiple days, you are to return back to Atlantis for rest each night."

Also expected. "I understand."

"Good." Gwight sighs. "Your escort will be composed of six soldiers, minimum, including the captain of your guard, and your trip is not to go beyond Gibraltar until a further rapport with the Empire has been established."

Also expected. "Understood."

Gwight eyes her, then sighs, his face turning to a tired smirk. "Alright, Your Majesty. You've gotten your wish. Make it count."

Gura grins. "I plan to."