Intrigue in Court [IC]
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 11:36 am
Chapter One
Long May He Reign
Emperor Brandon I Vixis
Blue Palace
The Blue Palace, though not the color of blue, is one of the most sophisticated and complex palaces in the world with the maze of chambers and corridors, twisting towers that nearly reach the clouds, and the sheer scale of it all. The palace itself was in the middle of Nab'eesh, surrounded by a ditch full of treacherous waters and hidden spikes hiding below; the higher class surrounded the palace with homes, taverns, barbers, smiths, brothels, etc,. The peasantry, however, lived on the outskirts of the city in poor conditions, mainly from neglect from the noblemen, and occasionally wandered through the 'rich folk' area when they withdraw their entire savings, or have a stolen purse of gold.
He, however, despised everything.
Brandon sat upon his comfortable throne seated at the very end of the room, and watched as the daily bunch of nobles strode into court with their cocky smiles, and deceiving appearances. He is a young Emperor, a suitable target for most nobles to place their tendrils of influence upon, but he would fall to no such influence, not as his father had in his last years. The courtroom was spacious to say the most, with enough space to fit over a thousand bodies into; various marble pillars splayed across the chamber, and remarkable tapestries placed on the far sides of the walls, hit by light streaming in from the well-placed holes in the ceiling, giving them a god-like appearance. Statues displaying the significance of his family were placed in the center of the chamber, most notably his ancestor, Xeon 'the Swift', plunging a blade into a three-headed wolf, symbolizing the seizing of the northern kingdoms.
He had only had the crown for a day, but already he felt the heavy burden that fell upon his shoulders. Running the Empire was no easy task, and the threat of rebellion on the far edges of his lands meant his legions were under constant threat. The various cultures and languages under the Empire were remarkable, but also difficult to keep in check. Though his council handled most of Vexia's affairs, the matters that required his immediate attention were far more abundant then he had expected. Of all things, however, he was more concerned about his nobles and vassals, who could pose a far greater threat to him then peasant uprisings. The court was a place where one could make alliances, plot, and deceive, a place far more dangerous than that of a battlefield.
Brandon stood from his throne, and clapped his hands to gain the attention of the courtiers. "My lords, my ladies, noblemen and noblewomen, servants and knights, I warmly welcome you all to my court. As a way to commemorate my coronation, I have ordered a grand feast to be prepared both in court, and in the city, which begin as the sun sets." He pointed his finger to the court, "Ensure you bring an appetite, even if you aren't looking to get fat, for this feast shall be the day we all become large." The attendants in court chuckled, and soon erupted into clapping as he took a seat. He rubbed his eyes with his palms, and ignored the compliments that were sent his way. He would have to summon his council soon, to deal with the various affairs occurring throughout the realm, but he would make time for it at another date.
He watched as the nobles whispered among themselves, and began to wonder. Can my guards be trusted? Can my council be trusted? Can anyone be trusted? He leaned his head on his right hand, pondering this. His father had died from age, and had managed to keep his court in line, but he could only wonder how he achieved such a feat.
He shook his head slightly as he thought, and mumbled, "Long may he reign."