Chapter 77 - Royal (Part 5)

  -The Tavern; Border Town of ia-

  "I'm telling you, she's a miracle worker," a traveler named Arin excimed to the bartender, Jax. "I was stuck at the border for days, but she sorted it out in hours.""That's what I've heard," Jax replied. "She's got a way of getting things done.""But what about the executions?" a patron named Zane asked, his voice low. "Isn't that a bit... extreme?""Extreme times call for extreme measures," Arin shrugged. "Besides, they were traitors. They got what was ing to them."

  -The Pace Library; Kingdom of Nefaria-

  "I've been studying her family history," a librarian named Elwynn whispered to a visiting schor, Thrain. "She's got quite the lineage.""Yes, I've heard," Thrain replied. "But what about her abilities? There are rumors of something... unusual.""Ah, yes," Elwynn nodded. "I've seen some aexts that suggest she might have ied certain... gifts from her aors."

  -The Marketpce; Port City of Marcel-

  "I heard she's pnning to build new ships for the navy," a sailor named Caspian excimed to a vendor, Lyraea. "That means more jobs for us!""Aer prote for our trade routes," Lyraea added. "She's thinking ahead, that one.""But what about the cost?" another shopper named Kaida asked. "We 't afford another war.""Don't worry," Caspian reassured her. "She's got a pn for that too. She's talking about alliances with neighb kingdoms."

  -The Uy; Schor's District of Galvia-

  "Fasating," Professor Vynessa mused to her colleagues. "This young queen's approach to governance is quite innovative.""Yes, and she's got the support of the people," Professor Theron agreed. "That's crucial for any ruler.""But what about her long-term pns?" Professor Lysander asked. "We 't just focus on short-term gains.""That's what makes her so intriguing," Vynessa smiled. "She's thinking about the future, not just the present."

  -The Noble's Ball; Pace of Selvendom-

  "I heard she's pnning to host a grand ball soon," Lady Alethea whispered to her friends, Lady Brynhild and Lady tha. "Invitations are going out to all the major nobles.""And what about the oners?" Lady Brynhild asked. "Will they be included?""I doubt it," Lady tha replied. "But who knows? She's been full of surprises so far."

  -The Servant's Quarters; Pace of Vynaria-

  "Did you hear about the new queen's test decree?" a young servant named Niamh whispered to another, Saoirse. "She's increasing our rations and improving our living ditions.""That's wonderful!" Saoirse excimed. "She really cares about us, doesn't she?""Yes, and she's fair," Niamh nodded. "I heard she's reviewing all the pace staff to make sure everyone is treated equally."

  -The Tavern; City of Thorold-

  "I'm telling you, she's a genius," a patron named ac excimed to the bartender, Ronan. "She solved the border crisis in no time.""And she's got the military on her side," another patron named Eira added. "That's no small feat.""But what about her enemies?" a third patron named asked. "There are still those who oppose her.""Don't worry," ac replied. "She's got a pn for them too. She's not oo be uimated."

  -The Royal Court; Kingdom of Dovaria-

  "This Queen," King Kieran mused to his advisor, Lord Arcturus, "she's certainly making waves.""Yes, Your Majesty," Lord Arcturus agreed. "Our spies report she's gaining signifit support from her people.""And what about her fn policy?" the king inquired."She's reag out to neighb kingdoms," Lord Arcturus replied. "She's talking about f alliances and improving trade retions."

  -The Marketpce; City of Kiro-

  "I heard she's pnning to build new roads and improve our infrastructure," a mert named Zephyr excimed to his er, Aria. "That meaer trade routes for us!""And more jobs for the on folk," Aria added. "She's really thinking about everyone's needs.""But what about the nobles?" another shopper named Kaida asked. "Won't they resist these ges?""Not if she's got the people on her side," Zephyr replied. "And from what I've seen, she does."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; 12 PM-

  The orudy of Queen Luxana buzzed with activity. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating the rich tapestries and gleaming bookshelves. At the ter, Luxana sat behind a massive oak desk, her ruby eyes focused on the dots before her.

  "Your Majesty," a dy-in-waiting approached, bowing low. "The letters of alliance are prepared for your final approval."

  Luxana nodded, her gaze never leaving the part. "Very well, Era. Ehey're dispatched to our neighb rulers post-haste."

  As Era departed, Luxana lifted her gaze to survey the room, now quieter. A sudden burst of exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she let out a deep sigh, "HAHH!" With a tired gesture, she rested her head on the desk, her thoughts drifting to her sister and Lily.

  Isabel and Lily had been io a multitude of parties scheduled throughout the week, which meant Luxana would have some time to herself. Although they hadn't been bothersome the previous night, she anticipated their lively preseoday. Luxana's mind wandered, "I'll foy royal duties first, and then I think about Cillian."

  She sat there for a moment, colleg her thoughts before rising to tackle the day's tasks with renewed determination.

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Eic cil-

  As the ander retreated, Luxana turo a group of well-dressed individuals. "Lord Treasurer, what of our trade reforms?"

  A portly man with a trimmed beard stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we've drafted new er your instrus. However, some nobles are... hesitant."

  Luxana's eyes narrowed. "Then we shall demonstrate how these reforms be all. Prepare a detailed presentation showing the projected increase in overall wealth, including for the nobility. Emphasize that a prosperous kingdom means prosperous nobles."

  "At once, Your Majesty," the Treasurer bowed, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Staff Review-

  Luxana turo her new head maid. "Lady Elenor, rogress on the pace staff review?"

  "It's underway, Your Majesty. We've identified areas where wages be increased and w ditions improved."

  "Excellent. Ensure fair treatment across all positions. I want no whispers of distent among our staff."

  "As you wish, Your Majesty."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Agricultural Crisis Ma-

  A man in simple but attire approached . "Your Majesty, about the famine in the northern provinces..."

  Luxana's expression softened slightly. "Yes, Mihorne. We must act swiftly. Redirect surplus from our southern granaries immediately. Additionally, I want new farming teiques implemeo increase future yields. Regur progress reports, if you please."

  "Of course, Your Majesty. The people will be most grateful."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Naval Expansion-

  A woman in a naval uniform stepped forward. "Your Majesty, regarding the expansion of our fleet..."

  "Ah, Admiral Saren. Begin the pnning phase immediately. This will not only create jobs but also protect our trade routes. Coordih the treasury to ensure proper funding."

  "Aye, Your Majesty. It shall be done."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Religious Affairs-

  A man in clerical robes approached cautiously. "Your Majesty, the matter ious tensions..."

  Luxana nodded gravely. "Indeed, High Cleric. Arrange a cil with leaders of all major faiths. We'll address these tensions through open dialogue and mutual uanding."

  "A wise approach, Your Majesty. I'll begin arras at once."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Judicial Reforms-

  A stern-faced woman in judge's robes stepped forward. "Your Majesty, about the ret executions and our judicial system..."

  Luxana's expression hardened. "The executions were a necessary evil, Judge Vora. However, moving forward, we need a more robust system. Draft pns for a prehensive review of our ws. Justice must be fair, swift, and uionable."

  "Uood, Your Majesty. It will be done."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Covert Operations-

  As the room cleared slightly, a shadowy figure approached Luxana's desk. She leaned in, whispering, "Iigate the rumors of corruption in the court. Be discreet, but thh, Spymaster."

  The figure nodded almost imperceptibly before melting bato the shadows.

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Public Retions-

  Luxana addressed her chamberin. "Lord Cassius, arraour of the kingdom. I want to visit marketpces, speak with oners. The people should see their queen in person."

  "An excellent idea, Your Majesty. It will certainly boost morale."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Military Demonstration-

  Turning bamander Dyn, Luxana added, "Prepare a public demonstration of our military might, but couple it with dispys of our humanitarian efforts. We'll show both strength and passion."

  "A powerful message, Your Majesty. It shall be done."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Education Initiative-

  A schorly-looking proached. "Your Majesty, about the education initiatives..."

  "Yes, Professor Lyra. Draft prehensive pns to be implemented across the kingdom. Knowledge is the foundation of a prosperous nation. I want opportunities for learning avaible to all, regardless of status."

  "A noble goal, Your Majesty. I'll begin at once."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; Infrastructure Pnning-

  "Minister of Infrastructure," Luxana called out. A wiry man stepped forward. "Begin pns for kingdom-wide improvements - roads, bridges, aqueducts. This will create jobs and improve life for all our citizens."

  "An ambitious project, Your Majesty. It shall be done."

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Study; on cil Establishment-

  Addressing the room at rge, Luxana decred, "I want a cil of oners established to advise on the needs of the people. Their voices will be heard in this court."

  Murmurs of surprise rippled through the assembled advisors, but none dared object.

  -Helia Pace; Luxana's Room; 12AM-

  "Ughhhh, finally alone. I swear if one more advisor tells me about "proper queenly de" I might actually scream." Luxana groaned, her shoulders slumping as she shut the heavy oak door behind her. She leaned against it for a moment, eyes closed, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her.

  With slow, deliberate movements, she began to remove her eborate court attire. "These shoes are killing me. How am I supposed to rule a kingdom when I barely feel my toes?" She winced as she peeled off the ornate slippers, her feet throbbing with relief.

  Luxana massaged her temples, a dull ache pulsing behind her eyes. "Twelve separate meetings today. TWELVE. And Lord Bckwood talking for three hours about grain tariffs... I nodded so much I think my neck is permaly damaged." She rolled her head, hearing the bones in her neck crack.

  She paced the room, her movements being mitated. "Everyone's watg me. All the time. Waiting for me to mess up. 'The young queen,' they whisper. As if my age determines my capability. I'll show them." Her fists ched at her sides, then rexed as fatigue washed over her again.

  With a heavy sigh, she removed her , pg it gently on a velvet cushion. "Gods, this is heavy. Not just physically. Every decision...life or death. War or peace. Someone always upset no matter what I choose." She stared at the glittering symbol of her authority, her eyes unfocused.

  Luxana slumped onto a plush chaise, her posture uncharacteristically poor. "I miss being able to just... exist. No one scrutinizing my posture or analyzing my tone. No one measuring the length of my sleeves or timing my responses." She ran her hands through her hair, mussing the carefully arrayle.

  Her gaze drifted to a portrait of her mother on the wall. "My mother made this look so effortless. Was she this exhausted too? Did she also colpse into bed feeling like she'd been trampled by horses?" Luxana's voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with vulnerability.

  She stood, swaying slightly with fatigue, and moved towards her desk. "I should review those trade agreements... I should che the situation at the northern border... I should probably eat something..." Her hand hovered over a stack of dots, then dropped to her side.

  "But I 't even keep my eyes open. Just five minutes of rest. That's all I need." Luxana stumbled towards her bed, her movements clumsy with exhaustion. She fell onto the mattress, not b to ge inthtclothes.

  Her eyes fluttered closed as she murmured, "Tomorrow will be better. I'll be better. I have to be. For them. For all of them." Her breathing began to slow, her body rexing into the soft bedding.

  "They deserve a queen who..." Her voice trailed off as sleep began to overtake her. "They deserve..."

  Luxana's final words were lost as she drifted into a deep, exhausted slumber, the weight of her responsibilities momentarily lifted by the mercy of sleep.

  Luxana's final words trailed off as exhaustion cimed her, her body sinking into the plush mattress. The ornate chamber fell silent, save for the soft rustling of silk curtains in the night breeze. Moonlight filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the room and illuminating Luxana's face, her features finally rexed in slumber.

  *Knoock*

  The knock at the door broke the silence of Luxana's chamber, jolting her from her exhausted slumber. She groaned, her voice barely above a whisper as she called out, "e... in..."

  A maid entered with a trolley, upon which sat a teapot and a delicate a cup. "Your Majesty. I brought your tea," she announced, her voice soft and respectful.

  Luxana's mind fogged with fusion. Tea? When did I order tea? she thought, still lying oomach, her body sinking into the plush mattress.

  The maid tinued, her words a geream in the quiet room. "This is the tea that relieves fatigue. It has a soft st, and the tea leaves have been brewed with special care. They were imported from one of the best beverage-produg tries."

  Too tired to question further, Luxana slowly sat up, her movements bored. She took the cup from the maid and, in a surprising move, drank the tea in one swift gulp. The maid's eyes widened in shock; how could anyone e such a hot liquid so quickly?

  Luxana hahe cup back, her face expressionless, and plopped bato the bed, this time on her back. Her exhaustion seemed to swallow her whole once more.

  "Good Night, Your Majesty," the maid said, bowing deeply befatherirolley and leaving the room.

  *2 mier*

  To be tinued...