Article 18 continues:
“In the event of potential treason or royal defection, all current queens of every province shall meet by council to confer regarding a plan of action.”
Advisor Amari gave an understanding glance again to Sophiana and continued on. “Although we have no proof of treason or defection, we have called this council to order. Rivka and Ellis Varon’s whereabouts are unknown. In the best interest of Diathan, they must be found. Commander Vale will now report.”
Commander Vale nodded, his voice booming throughoutthe room. “Three weeks ago, it was reported that our queen and her king consort went missing from their bedchamber. After extensive search efforts, their whereabouts remain unknown. There were no signs of a struggle. By all accounts, it appears as if they just vanished.”
An undignified snort came from the end of the table, and all eyes fell on Queen Vivian.
“How is that possible? People don’t just disappear.”
Commander Vale stared, careful to rein in his annoyance at being interrupted. “Multiple reports have come in, stating Queen Rivka and her King Consort Ellis were sighted at the docks, just after midnight, the night of their disappearance.”
Queen Vivian narrowed her eyes, pinning him with her gaze.
“Were they under duress of any kind?”
“The reports were varied. Some stated that they were simply walking along the dock, while others reported seeing them boarding a ship.”
Vivian started to speak but he held up his hand to stop her.
“If you would so kindly let me finish. The report continues with additional pertinent information.” Vivian scowled at Commander Vale but held her tongue. Seemingly pleased that she was behaving for the moment, he carried on.
“Recently, there have been a rash of supply ship attacks and several more ships that have disappeared in the last few months, not only in Varon but also in provinces across the realm.” Several heads nodded in confirmation of the words he spoke. “That night was no exception. Around the time Queen Rivka and King Consort Ellis were seen, two explosions rocked our docks. Understandably, our main concern was ensuring the safety of our citizens. At the time, securing the ship was a secondary goal, and it slipped through our defenses. We haveno way of knowing if Queen Rivka and King Consort Ellis were on board or not.”
The silence in the council room thickened, and each queen looked to another, apprehension, presumptions, suspicion, and accusations almost visible, barreled down the table. Nothing Commander Vale said was untrue, nor was it proof in any direction, but Alex knew who would be the first to speak up.
“So,” Queen Vivian began, rising to her full height, not even pretending humility; it wasn’t in her nature. “Rivka and Ellis were seen on the docks at the time your supply ship was stolen right out from under your noses and were under no duress or coercion of any kind.” Glances moved around the room, and Alex all but drew her dagger at the implied accusation. Commander Vale drew breath to respond, but Vivian didn’t spare him the moment. “And your queen's royal guards? Where were they while Rivka and Ellis wandered about the province streets in the middle of the night?” Better yet, where were you during the attacks?” Her pointed look at Queen Sophiana burned with accusation.
Advisor Amari held his head high and didn’t hesitate to answer, taking over for Commander Vale since it was obvious that Commander Vale’s patience was almost at its limit.
“It appears as if the palace guards were drugged with some sort of sleeping tonic. The rest were at the docks, handling the attacks. Queen Sophiana and King Consort Evanar were sleeping and were not alerted to the commotion.”
Alex’s attention moved from queen to queen as the details of the possible sabotage were revealed, looking for any sign of guilt. Vivian’s eyes sharpened, her tone dripping with disdain. “So what you are saying is that your guards are incompetent and your queen was able to slip away unprotected.”
A tense hush fell around the room, and Alex balled her hands into fists at her sides. Queen Sophiana stood, matchingVivian’s tone. “No. What he is saying is that there is greater treachery at work. Someone wants us divided. Someone who benefits from a war among queens.”
“You mean to say that we’ve been manipulated?” Queen Anika Brynn asked, surprise lacing her tone.
“Are you implying that one of the other provinces is behind this?” Queen Tessa Kalmia added, her face flushing with anger.
“We should just hear her out before jumping to conclusions.” Queen Galen Morrows spoke softly, trying to calm the stirring chaos erupting in the room.
Voices rose quickly as tempers flared, allegations thrust in all directions. Alex sensed the charge in the room, taking note of the queens’ guards shifting closer to their own regents.
Queen Sophiana opened her mouth to call them to order, but before she could utter the word, Vivian’s voice rang out, “Enough! This is going nowhere. I find it a little convenient that the one night your queen and king consort decided to go for a midnight stroll, your guards are suspiciously incapacitated, and your biggest supply ship is absconded.” She looked between Queen Sophiana and Evanar, “Furthermore, I find it suspicious that neither one of you were awakened when the alarms from the attack sounded.”
Sophiana’s eyes narrowed. “What exactly are you accusing us of?”
“I believe that you orchestrated this whole ordeal to start a war amongst us. I believe you have broken the Peace Treaty. I am invoking the Right of Tribunal.”
Gasps sounded around the room. There hadn’t been even an accusation against the Treaty in the last few decades.
“We did no such thing!” Sophiana erupted, her anger pulsing off her.
Vivian’s lips pulled into a sneer. “I believe you, Evanar, and your daughter’s guard, Alexandria, should all be detained inthe dungeons until further evidence can be brought forth and a Tribunal can be held.” Sophiana was vibrating with her building rage.
Alex felt a rush of gratitude as Evanar stepped forward, preventing his wife from saying or doing anything unbecoming of a queen. “Captain Alexandria was no longer acting as the queen’s guard and hasn’t been since the Treaty Ball. Captain Wright has been standing in that position and was the one on duty the night of the attack.”
