Chapter 15: The Prime Minister
Alicia was walking down the hallways, mentally preparing herself for the trip the Regent had planned for this day. And as she was walking, she ran into a familiar figure, a middle-aged man with a powdered wig and silver-buckled shoes wearing an outfit that spoke of class.
"Lady Viremont," the man addressed.
"Your Grace," Alicia bowed her head with respect as the man who she run into is the Prime Minister of Aragon, Leandro Monforte.
"Where is His Royal Highness?" Monforte asked. "He had been isolating himself since he became Regent. There are national matters that needed discussing personally with him."
"I understand, Your Grace, but the Regent is busy at the moment," Alicia replied.
"Busy with his personal ventures? You mean him funneling the money of the aristocrats and the church to his company?"
"It is a state-sponsored company," Alicia corrected.
"And where does he plan on using it?"
"To bring about changes in the country," Alicia answered and continued. "His Royal Highness said that in order to enact changes, they need money. And as his secretary, I agree with the notion."
"Well, if the Regent wanted to enact changes in the country, he could have discussed it with me and the ministers," Monforte said, his voice firm but low enough not to draw attention from nearby courtiers. "Isolating himself wouldn’t do any good. The courts are already beginning to murmur that he’s acting in the shadows. That he’s not governing—but scheming."
Alicia held her composure, though a trace of irritation flared behind her calm eyes. She straightened her posture and folded her hands neatly before her waist.