The knock on her door was met with tired eyes, a familiar face popping beyond the barrier to tell her what she already knew: “Senate Meeting today,” the voice called with an overly joyful tone, as her eyes slid from the woman’s form to outside her bedroom window.
Another Senate Meeting.
Another day spent listening to the problems that were voiced for the benefit of the council, not her own. Another day of the Council assuring her they knew what was right and how something should be handled, in front of the Senate. Another day of bolstering herself up to lessen the blow she felt every time someone disagreed and forcibly assured her their opinion was the correct one.
How much more must I endure before someone finally trusts my judgment? she wondered, swinging her legs out of bed as her feet touched down on the cold stone beneath her feet. That cold would be the only reprieve from the day’s heat, its stifling warmth already coming through her window like that of a lover’s whisper into an ear; Soft, warm, and too much of it caused discomfort. The comfort of the cool floor beneath her continued until she reached her balcony, padding out on it and resting against the railing to look out at those milling below.
It was amazing to her, how naïve some of them could be, the people that she governed. Regardless of sex, they never truly knew how bad things had progressed under the guise of her council. They’d been in place until she could rightfully take her place, but now that she had her place, they were strong-arming her out and forcing their will upon the very people who awaited their word.
No more, she thought, tone decidedly determined.
No more.Leaving her balcony, she headed back inside, her lady-in-waiting there to get her properly washed, hair done and the (what felt like)
layers of fabric piled on, pinned in just the right spots. To her dismay, the Council of refused to leave the ghastly robes behind when they’d moved, keeping to their traditions intact despite the change of pace, the change of scenery. That need to control traditions seemed to strengthen tenfold when her parents died, leaving her in charge. It was as though, now that one tradition was being challenged, they refused to loosen their grip on any of the others, instead enforcing them with a renewed vigor, fervor for times past.
It was as though, because they could no longer have a man in charge, that every other tradition became their sole focus.
Why would they keep their minds on the task at hand—ruling a country that was falling apart at the seams due to dwindling conditions—when robes were being fought against in the council?
“Empress?”
Another voice joined the fray of white noise that surrounded her while they continued to fuss over her appearance; After all, a woman was to be seen, not heard, so they must look their absolute best. A quick glance in the mirror’s reflection told her it was one of her advisors, one of the few she trusted, outside of the council. While he wasn’t, in official capacity, her advisor…he’d been there for her. He’d taken what she said worth what any man would do for another man, but not so quickly a woman. He allowed her to vent her frustrations without prejudice against her, nor words of criticism for her annoyance toward the Council—and the Senate for that matter.
Waving a hand to her ladies, she turned to better look at him, eyes intent on what he had to say even if demeanor lacked the gusto to move.
“It’s time for your departure. The Senate will be meeting soon, and we wouldn’t want you to be late,” he informed her.
Her eyes dropped, but she nodded. Inwardly, a mental sigh was loosed, but she rose. Escorted out of her chambers by him, and the guards who’d awaited outside of her room, she descended down to the first floor, then out to her car. Armed guard was, as always, present and multiple vehicles were to drive her there, the illusion to create decoy cars so it wasn’t known which was hers until arrival. Settling in, she was handed an itinerary, with the notes of the previous meeting, and what was on the docket to discuss this turn around.
First on her list of topics…Murders.
Though the taxes were a major issue at the moment, particularly in areas like Ursius, the murders were spanning each of their five cities. No connection had been made, and the panic was spreading. Murder alone was a bad enough subject, but to speak of it with a woman? Surely her simple mind couldn’t digest such information, such
graphic information and make enlightened decisions with how to proceed, how to change their structure and adapt.
She could worry about that later, however, the Senate’s building looming ahead of her while the cars pulled to a stop. In each was a woman with her resemblance; Nothing profound, as cloths adorned each face (her own, included) until they entered the building, decoys going through one door, and she another. They’d wait in their allotted “Green Room” while she conducted the meeting, stepping through, instead, to a great hall. It was semi-circular in shape, much like the coliseum, but smaller in size. She sat at one wall at the head of this room, along with her Council one tier below her, on ground level. This space allowed for each to be seen while talking, to represent their concerns in front of the faces that controlled them and their abilities, their assets. Each person could be heard and seen with ease, so no one could complain that they’d be lost amongst the others. Each clan was represented in some fashion, so there was another fear alleviated; They couldn’t claim favorites were being played.
Not all had arrived as of yet, so she settled into her seat, the five council members swarming her to discuss things
they wanted to discuss with her, blocked from view by those that may have looked on while waiting patiently for the last ones to arrive. Only when they shifted, their robes swaying with their movements, was any glance afforded. And, when the last attendee was announced, she stood to greet them all, the five men who’d previously blocked her taking their own position.
“Senators, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our meeting, thankful for your safe arrival and health,” Vassenia began, trying to make eye contact with each member at least once, though it was an impossible task given the multitude of faces. “May this meeting be productive, and may answers be found to the pressing questions we seek.” A pause, nod given. “You may be seated.”
Rustling heard as everyone lowered into their seats, the shifting of feet heard atop the stone marble as they got comfortable. Only when the sound died down did she attempt to speak further. “Before we begin, roll call and then we will cover the notes from last meeting to catch up those that were unable to attend last month.”