Chapter 91: Traitors

Chapter 91: Traitors

“This is outrageous!” Queen Zara stood from her chair as she yelled out at Empress Victoria during a video conference call. “The royal guard. The entire royal guard! Dead. Killed. She needs to be reined in. She needs to be controlled.”

Empress Victoria calmly sat on the other end of the conference call in her throne room. She waved off her soldiers and other attendants in the room before responding. She then said, “Queen Zara! Xenia is the heir to my empire. She has a bloodline power. She cannot be controlled by anyone. She has full control of foreign affairs because she is more powerful than I am outside of our homelands now. Her power is immense and continues to grow.”

King Ramses pat Zara on the back easing her back into her seat as he said, “But Empress, her actions are tantamount to treason. She has betrayed her empire by killing her own brethren in what appeared to be nothing more than a sniper rifle competition agreed upon over a power struggle between her rising power and our established diplomatic power.”

Victoria maintained a stern expression, “Don’t speak to me of treason Ramses. You and Zara both disobeyed a direct order to return to the BloodStar Empire given to you by your Warlord.”

Zara tried to interject, “But we-“

Victoria gave her no chance to interrupt, “And that was after she clearly explained to you both that she had been given my full and expressed consent to make such orders. Don’t speak to me of treason because it is I who is preventing you both from being labeled traitors by Xenia.”

Zara snapped, “She wouldn’t dare! You and Xenia both underestimate the faction of our people who follow both Ramses and me.”

Victoria raised her hands gently, “I know all too well that at least half of our population looks to you both for leadership in a more civilized manner than Xenia can offer. And that is why I am saving both of your necks.”

Ramses spoke up, “So what is to come of the death of our royal guard? The death of Captain Felton?”

Victoria shook her head, “What is there to be done? It was a repercussion for your behavior. My advice would be to obey such orders in the future.”

Zara shook her head and began to cry, “That is unacceptable mother! If you are not going to punish Xenia or diminish her powers inside and outside our homelands then I am not coming back until you do!”

Victoria gave a heavy sigh, “I fear that was already your decision Zara. And yours too Ramses.”

Ramses gave a confused look and Zara broke off her sobbing to ask, “What do you ever mean? We love our home.”

Victoria nodded, “Yes. I know you love your home. But I also know that it was you both who fed confirmation of Xenia’s death to the other Masters around the world, notably the Sage and Heraklinos Masters.” She eyed Zara and Ramses sharply, “Another... traitorous act.”

Ramses and Zara stumbled over their words at hearing Victoria. Zara finally managed, “As diplomates we must spread the truth for the sake of transparent negotiations with other empires. We never meant to-“

Victoria raised her hand to stop her, “Do not offend me with your feeble attempts to explain your actions away.”

Victoria stood and adjusted her decorative armor she wore in the throne room, “If you are so keen to leak confidential information, if you are so keen to disobey orders of those I have ordained with power, and if you are so keen to reside in the Sage Empire over your own home, then you may be so keen as to pick the other side in this war.”

Ramses softly said, “Mother, it is time for you to think hard on the coming war. Xenia won’t stand a chance against the combined might of the world against her. You won’t be able to help her. Our absence and admonishment of Xenia’s actions will splinter the BloodStar Empire, and we will all witness the fall of our empire once and for all whether you are there to protect it or not.”

Victoria gave an aghast look, “I have heard enough. Allow me to make it easier for you both to betray the country which bestowed you with power and knowledge. I hereby banish King Ramses and Queen Zara from the BloodStar Empire. You are stripped of your titles and resources. And you may not return until this war and your involvement in it is fully resolved should we all be alive to see that moment come.”

Michael sighed, “She has sent me here to request a formal armistice.”

Jarek pounded the table, “She wouldn’t dare! That is a move on her part, plain as day, designed to slow us in our actions against her.”

Michael nodded, “She said as much herself. It is a false move.”

Jacek nervously chimed in, “If I may. We should agree to it.”

Everyone suddenly turned to eye Jacek as Erika sharply asked, “And why should we agree to her demands of an armistice?”

Jacek then continued, “There can be no question that it would buy her time, but it could also buy us time. There can also be no question that it would be easier to covertly rescue Peter before active war breaks out. This may be our one and final chance to do just that.”

Ramses immediately rebutted, “That is a bad idea. Victoria would sense it and crush you all. There is no such thing as covert around the BloodStar castle. Don’t forget, she is a monster within her own empire where the curse does not apply.”

Karasu sneered, “I would love to rescue Peter, but I still don’t trust Michael. The second we agree to such an operation, he will run and tell Xenia. We would be dead in the water before it even begins.”

Michael slammed the table, “I will not be talked down to by a fledgling Master! Especially not one I could beat into a pulp!”

Karasu yelled back, “I’d like to see you try! How can we trust you?!”

Jarek stood up and yelled, “Enough!!”

Michael calmed himself, “Fine. Would you all trust me if I could draw her out of her empire? I could arrange to have her visit the Holy Light Empire.”

Queen Zara chimed in, “That could work. Xenia will be dying to show off her newest spoil of war to Victoria in person. Furthermore, Ramses and I both have detailed schematics of the dungeons. It could be in and out. Very quick.”

Jarek nodded, “All in favor?”

Everyone nodded, and Jarek continued, “Very well. Michael, we will await your efforts in drawing Victoria out. And Ramses and Zara will provide schematics. I vote that Jacek lead a team to rescue Peter.”

No one opposed the plan, and Jarek quickly nodded, “Then it is settled. Contingent on Michael’s efforts, we will be exercising an active incursion into BloodStar Empire during a time of ‘armistice’ to save Pope Peter.”

Jarek stood and ended by saying, “If Jacek is successful, I would also vote him to lead the North American incursion. He and I have been training. He is ready.”

Every Master present knew that Jarek refused to train anyone, even Jacek in recent years. However, not only had he been recently training Jacek, but he had also declared him to be ready. Such a compliment was not taken lightly by the attendees of the meeting, and they could all only assume that Jacek had reached great new heights in strength.

The attendees of the meeting all nodded save for Erika who hesitated to send her love to war on the front lines. However, she caught Jacek’s eye who nodded at her, and she finally said, “If the committee thinks that is best. Then I will support the decision too.”