Chapter 131: Fractured Alliances
"The Crown Prince is already here to handle the issues in the absence of His Majesty, so I don’t see why this meeting is required at all," a minister spoke, fueling the duchess’s anger.
"I understand what you wanted to say, but I think both of the children of His Majesty should get equal opportunity to handle the palace affairs. So that it can be decided who is more suitable for the throne," the duchess said.
"Princess Libena, are you not happy with His Majesty’s decision to choose Prince Maximus as the Crown Prince?" one of them questioned.
"It’s not about what I want. I’m just saying why the first heir to the throne should feel left out. Didn’t you see how she got pulled out to the audience hall in shackles? Do you think after that incident she feels happy with the decision? She might think she is not getting enough recognition as the first princess of the empire," the duchess argued.
"But, as you have said, the princess is sick, so she is resting in her room most of the time. How could she be fit for all the affairs, recognizing talents, and doing her research before making certain decisions? Do you think this is a good way to put her into affairs when she should be resting as per the emperor’s order and recover well?" the minister added, making Prince Maximus smirk.
"It was a nice try, Aunt, to get me out of your way," he said in a low tone.
"I didn’t know you had already expanded your support, my dear nephew!" the duchess replied.
"How could I not when you are all set to remove me from the throne? Did you think I’m as naive and not using my brain like your dear niece? No, Aunt! I will always be in your way. If you try to move your feet, the swords will already be wrapping around you. I won’t let you do what you want because this throne is mine, and no one can take it away from me," he declared, glaring into her eyes.
"Do you think you can go above me? No, nephew! You are mistaken. If I can get my son married to someone just for the delay of my dream, then I can even let you get out of my side. And now your father is not even on the way to save you. He is lying on the bed restless. Can he protect you? Can you protect yourself, let alone the throne? Think carefully and choose the best option," she taunted.
"The will can change any time, nephew. It can go on Vixara’s support also. You will not always have the power," she warned.
"The meeting is dismissed. For a while, the prince will handle all the affairs," the duchess declared and left the audience room. Soon, she entered the emperor’s room with a note to place on his pillow.
"Now, this will make my work easy," she whispered and returned to the carriage, already prepared for her departure, with the duke and his wife accompanying her.