Chapter 16: The archipelago
The Monarch sat at the edge of the oval table. His pristine white robes matched those of the other members present. The atmosphere was heavy and calm until the sudden sound of doors flinging open shattered the stillness.
"You truly are wicked!" an old but sharp voice rang out dripping disdain. "My son has just died, and you're already planning to include your bastard in the family registry?"
The council members rose immediately, bowing in unison. "Greetings, Empress," they chorused.
The woman who entered was exactly that, the wife of the monarch, the empress. Although she was advanced in age, her vigor was still palpable. Her cloud-white hair was meticulously styled in an elegant bun, and her slightly wrinkled face bore the touch of refined makeup. She carried a long wooden staff, and its rhythmic clicks punctuated her steps as she approached the table.
"Spare me your hypocritical greetings," she snapped at the member of the council "My son's body isn't even cold, and here you are, conspiring to replace him!"
The Monarch remained silent, acknowledging his wife's fury with a slight inclination of his head. Decades of shared love and trials made her anger both expected and deeply unsettling.
One of the elders spoke hesitantly. "Empress, we don't have a choice. The direct line cannot be without an heir. We must recognize the young master in the family registry."
"With me here? I'd like to see who dares to write his name in that registry!" she retorted sharply.
Her voice grew louder as she surveyed the council. "Which of you did my son not support? Yet you stand here trying to scheme against his memory!"