In moments, my first meeting as High Queen will begin, and it's just the start of a long day. King Vandill Comnenus of the Windgate Kingdom is my first guest. His kingdom is the southernmost in the Central Kingdoms, bordered by the Great Falcon mountain range. This range serves as the gateway to the south, with two vital passes under King Comnenus's control. These passes are crucial for trade, economics, and strategy. The Regency has briefed me that today's discussion will focus on these passes and the fortress guarding them. Aureliana and Orlena are absent, busy getting fitted for their royal armor and appointing candidates for my sisters' guards. My handmaidens are assisting them. Thankfully, General Creed and Supreme Commander Acropolite are here to advise me.
I sit calmly as the doors to the throne chamber open. The announcer's voice echoes.
"I present to you, his Majesty from the Kingdom of Windgate, King Vandill Comnenus!"
King Comnenus enters an elderly brown-skinned man with a square face and waist-length gray hair. His blue eyes are sharp, and he carries himself with a subtle air of arrogance. He wears exquisite garments and holds a golden cane topped with a diamond. A dozen of his entourage follow him.
"I am honored to meet the High Queen of Sidra and the Central Kingdom for the first time. As your time is precious, I will come straight to the point. The Kingdom of Retallia lies beyond the Falcon Mountains. They are a constant threat despite recent developments. The mountains are a haven for bandits and thieves, presumably funded by King Ardgar Shoskau. I request that Black Falcon's Hold be repaired to its former glory and reinforced. This will ensure trade is uninterrupted and relations between Retallia stay cordial," says King Comnenus.
"It would be advantageous to grant King Comnenus's request. A stronger presence in that region will also deter other enemies to both our interests and Retallia's," General Creed advises.
"As much as I agree with General Creed, we don't have the military personnel or the resources to accommodate King Comnenus's request. Black Falcon's Hold is one of many citadels and fortresses in disarray. We have the gold but not the troops or skilled workers necessary to complete such a task," says Supreme Commander Acropolite.
"What can we do in the meantime?" I ask.
"The best we can do is send a division from the Capitol. That would weaken our position here in the eyes of Prince Barrios. His father may decide to renew his efforts to take the Capitol," she says.
"But doing nothing would welcome Retallia and Byzantia to join forces and attack at worst. At best, we would invite raiding parties to ravage the region, which is just as bad," General Creed counters.
"I trust Prince Barrios' promise. As soon as possible, send the division and anyone capable of starting repairs on the citadel there," I order.
"Very well, your majesty. I will begin preparations," Acropolite replies.
"Thank you for your help, Queen Aria. This may seem like it isn't much, but it will help greatly!" King Comnenus says.
"Is there anything else that I can do for you?" I ask.
"There are other matters, but you have done a great service for now. I know you are very busy and have a great deal to do ahead of you. If you need my services, please do not hesitate to ask!" King Comnenus says.
"Thank you very much, King Comnenus. I will keep that in mind," I say.
With that, my first meeting is done. It went better than I expected. However, I realize now how dire the kingdom's situation is. I need more information about our current problems. 'What other challenges does this kingdom face?'
"When will the next meeting start?" I ask.
"Soon. These next few meetings are more introductions. The next important meeting comes after these," General Creed says.
"We have the gold to repair our infrastructure, but we don't have the manpower or soldiers?" I ask.
"This is true. Our military is in shambles. Outside of the city, it's a vastly different reality. The process of training more soldiers takes time, but it is possible. Recruitment will soar now that you are here. Skilled labor is also in short supply," Acropolite explains.
"Until you appoint an economic advisor, sorting this issue will be difficult," Creed adds.
"I hadn't known things were so dire…," I whisper.
"Yes, things are at their worst. Ninety percent of our troops are here in Avaline. Every post outside of that is manned by less than a skeleton crew. Some are abandoned altogether," Creed says.
"Those posts will no doubt be occupied by bandits or raiders. Therefore, clearing them must be a top priority. In the meantime, travel will be hazardous," Acropolite says.
"Security must be our top priority! The people have to feel safe and protected if we are to rebuild Sidra and the Central Kingdoms," I say.
"I will make that my topmost focus!" Acropolite says.
The announcer begins calling out the next guest. I feel apprehensive and anxious to start rebuilding what these people need. The sheer weight of what I have to achieve is dawning on me. This will be challenging and fast. I have to make the right choices now, not later. My sisters and I have a long, perilous road ahead of us. I sit through the many meetings that come next. My mind is filled with thoughts of what needs to be done. 'What will the next meeting bring? What else will I need to confront?' These are just the early steps. One of many to come.
The last of these introductory meetings ends. They are more taxing than I realized. Most of the talks are mainly pleasantries. Nothing substantial occurs during this time. Now, the second important member is about to be introduced. I wait and wonder what he will ask for. Unfortunately, neither of my advisors has had time to brief me on any information I may need to know about him. What I know is that the Nightbloom Kingdom is vital. The city is located on the eastern side of the Central Kingdom. It is the largest kingdom in my domain, aside from Sidra. They are the mining giant of the entire continent, including gold, silver, diamonds, and metals.
Furthermore, they have mining sites all over the continent, even in all the other countries. Nightbloom has ties to everyone, including the Kingdom of Byzantia. They had allowed King Domninus Liberius Revennaut to march deep into our territory. A move that had agitated many other kingdoms. As the announcer presents him, I wait in anxiety.
"I present to you, his Majesty from the Kingdom of Nightbloom, King Leontinus Halstein!" the announcer states.
At first glance, the man appears younger than I thought, but he has seen more years than most. Well-kept, fluffy, and wavy golden brown hair falls over his broad shoulders. Most women would love him because of his angular square face and prominent jaw. His captivating, exquisite blue eyes could dazzle anyone. He has an arched nose and full lips that seem made for kissing. This man is a lady killer, and he knows it. I will have to be on guard around him. His garments are extravagant, with blue and gold colors that reveal his bare chest. Nothing about this man is subtle. The faces of all his entourage, comprised of gorgeous females, are a red flag. He stops bowing before walking right up the steps to me.
"May I kiss the hand of our lovely High Queen?" King Halstein asks.
"Oh… um… very well," I say, trying not to look shocked.
He gracefully takes my right hand and kisses it before kissing my other hand. Once done, he steps back down to the lower area. I try not to look embarrassed by his blatant display. 'What kind of game is he playing?' He clears his throat before switching to a serious face.
"It is a great honor to meet the High Queen of Sidra and the Central Kingdom. Or I could say something like that. To be honest, I will say this. It is a great honor to meet such an elegant and beautiful woman as yourself. You may be the High Queen in name, but I will not pressure you as such. You are in a vulnerable position. You must do a lot, and yet you have no experience whatsoever. This isn't your fault. It is the nature of how you were brought here," he says.
"Yes, that is true. Unfortunately, I do not have experience, but I will strive to do my best at all times," I say.
"No doubt that you will. That brings me to my request. First of all, there is chaos throughout the kingdoms. Nightbloom is no exception. There are not enough soldiers to protect the kingdom. Our coffers are full, but that could change at a moment's notice. We must protect our assets. I request that Nightingale's Hold be reinforced and repaired. Bandits, thieves, and raiders have taken hold within my borders. This will ensure that our coffers stay full," King Halstein explains.
"That is going to be a hard request to fill. I've already sent a division to Falcon's Hold. The possibility of sending a division to Nightingale's Hold exists, but as I mentioned earlier...," Acropolite says.
"Commander Acropolite is correct, but it must be done. There is no other choice here. Nightbloom is the source of Sidra's fortunes. So protecting them must also be a priority," General Creed says.
"I see no other choice. Send a division to Nightingale's Hold and anyone with the skill to repair the Citadel," I say.
"That is a prudent decision, which brings me to my second request. I offer my services as your economic advisor. I am aware that you require one," King Halstein says.
"What do you think, General Creed?" I ask.
"That would be beneficial," he answers.
"Commander Acroplite?" I ask.
"I have no objections. King Halstein is known for his economic genius," she says.
"I see. I accept your offer!" I say.
"Thank you, your majesty! I will serve you well. Now there is one last thing. There are other assets that I control outside my domain. Mainly in the west. These mines are not in operation at the moment. Restarting operations will help in the future. I would like to organize mercenaries to protect these assets. It will cost much, but the benefit is far greater. Plus, these mercenaries are loyal to me. So the threat of betrayal is zero," King Halstein says.
"His request is reasonable," Acroplite says.
"I agree," Creed says.
"Very well, do what you must," I say.
"Absolutely. I will begin at once. This may take several months to implement, but I will make haste!" the King says.
I lean back in the seat. 'This is the right course of action. Although King Halstein may be a lady killer and may have another reason for being my economic advisor, he still feels trustworthy. If he is planning on wooing me, then I can handle that. I hope I can.' The last important meeting is about to begin soon. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw Aureliana and Orlena enter the throne room. Both are donned in their new armor. Aureliana looks outstanding in her Parthenia order armor as the first Parthenia Knight. Orlena looks excellent as well in her Order of Norna armor. They take their place at my side moments before the next meeting starts.