Council Meeting

It was only a short trip to the Council's Great Hall, but Milena enjoyed each step. Being able to move around after lying down for so long was so refreshing, she wouldn't even have complained about her heels. Moreover, a little spark of excitement couldn't be tamed in her heart. She only had seen her husband a few times recently, as he had been coming mostly when she was asleep and never stayed long. Rayan was worried his cold body temperature would make Milena sicker, and had avoided holding her. Although Milena was touched by his carefulness, she was now seriously missing her husband. The little bits she remembered of his conversation with Ellias were still on her mind, and she was grateful he had acted while she couldn't. This was like a little trial that had unexpectedly occurred to put their relationship to the test, and he had succeeded with brio. Milena wasn't only proud, she now also had this confidence in her heart that even if she struggled, her Prince would back her up without fail.

She was wearing such confidence like a cape when she walked in the Council's Great Hall after her arrival was announced. In a second, all the Senators stood up right away to greet her. This was a little suspicious. They had to greet members of the Royal Family of course, but in this sort of ceremonial way felt a little... too much.

"Good morning, everyone. My apologies for the interruption," she said.

While a dozen Senators answered, her eyes were already on the several chairs of the Royal Family. As she had suspected, the King himself wasn't there to preside over it, but her husband was there and he stood up to meet her. Rayan looked shocked to see her, and kept checking her from head to toe.

"How are you?" He whispered as soon as they were close enough, taking her hand.

"I'm very well, thanks to my husband's deep concern," she chuckled, amused to see him so worried.

Rayan seemed about to say something, but he shook his head with a little smile, looking relieved. Then, he brought her hand to his lips, kissing it gently.

"Welcome back, My Lady."

Milena answered his gesture with her most beautiful smile, aware of the many, many pairs of eyes were on them. They couldn't stand there for too long, no matter how benevolent the council would be with them today. Rayan escorted her to her seat, almost exuberantly making sure she was well seated, and even pulled off his fur coat to drape over her legs. Milena couldn't help but blush slightly, wondering if he wasn't doing a bit too much just to show off.

"Welcome back, Princess Milena!"

Milena raised her eyes to meet those of Philomenie. The other Princess was smiling a bit awkwardly, almost waving at her. It wasn't just her, Ellias was pale next to her, and staring at Milena as if he had seen a ghost. Having her reappear in the middle of a Senate meeting probably wasn't the best scenario. Actually, Milena was even wondering why Philomenie was there. He had probably only brought his wife to try and act normal. However, it was hard to ignore all of the stares attracted to the Royal Family, from judging their attitudes to analyzing their slightest reactions. 

Milena was very aware of that when she politely nodded, and sat back up. She had only granted Philomenie five seconds of her glance, and that was enough.

"On behalf of the Senate, allow us to welcome you back, Princess," said one of the Senators. "We hope your health is much better, Your Highness, for your absence has been a great miss to this Kingdom."

As a lot of people nodded frantically to agree to his words. Milena smiled, but internally, she was surprised how far all the Senators were going to curry her favor; Or her husband's. Milena glanced towards Rayan, who smiled back to her, gently taking her hand. Unlike Ellias and Philomenie who were stiff in their seats, the two of them looked relaxed and happy in front of the Senate.

"Thank you, Senator. Who would have thought I would discover I was allergic to fennel flowers in such a way?"

Milena's dark humor sent chills all around the room, and people laughed a bit awkwardly. One could bet that by the next day, there wouldn't be a single fennel flower in sight in the Capital.

A lot of eyes were also going to the two Princes. While Rayan was perfectly composed and showing off his happiness to have his wife back by his side, Ellias' expression had gone dark. No one could ignore all the dark rumors about the human Prince these days, and Milena showing up in the middle of the Council meeting was another painful reminder. Many suspicious stares were directed at him, trying to gauge his reactions and see if he was showing any sign of guilt. Not only that, but many people couldn't ignore the two Princes were at odds with each other, which only sparked more questions and hypotheses.

"I rudely interrupted the ," said Milena, speaking loud and clear. "Please resume, don't mind me."

Everyone was only too glad to resume on the matter that was currently on the commercial taxes. It was usually an opportunity for the Guild of Merchants to use their power, but since Milena had appeared, they seemed suddenly very distraught. The Princess was still mad at them, and they couldn't ignore the question of the salt prices. They did try to avoid the subject for some time, mentioning other matters like coal and fabrics for a long time, but Milena knew they were just trying to avoid the one painful subject. She glanced towards her husband, who chuckled.

"What of the price of salt, Senator? Have we come to an arrangement yet?"

The poor man who was talking just then went white. A lot of stares went to Milena at that very moment, but it was obvious none would dare to say a thing to the Princess who was smiling innocently. Milena was staring at one woman in particular, the Countess De Rosella. It wasn't Bluebell, the woman who had been personally protecting the auctions and had irritated Milena, but her older sister, Belline De Rosella, who probably knew everything of her sister's misdeeds. Even if it wasn't for the auction, Milena didn't like the De Rosella family since she had met Valentina. They were too arrogant, and a direct rival of Tiphania's family, the D'Aventur, who had thrived to make their businesses flourish. Due to the difference in status, Tiphania would need Milena's help in beating them, and this is one blow the Princess was happy to throw at these people.

"W-we are still hoping for some... changes to be made on the market. We have sent an offer of agreement towards the other provider, but... I suppose it's been delayed..."

No one was blind as to who the mysterious "other provider" was, but no one in the room would dare to point fingers at Milena, especially not with the three days of nightmares the De Bertrilly family had gone through just before. Rayan was still holding her hand, and those hands could do a lot of damage to whoever had the guts to anger them.

"That's unfortunate," sighed Milena. "I wish you'd be able to introduce a better person to take care of this agreement."

"Princess, isn't this a bit too much?" Sighed the Countess, suddenly speaking. "The Guild is at its wits' end, and this issue over the salt needs to be settled soon before causing any more damage!"

"Isn't the damage only done to the Guild itself, anyway?"

All the gazes turned towards the man who had spoken just now, The Baron De Tanzan. Milena smiled. The Baron had recently taken over his father's title and seat, and was a close friend of her brother Valentin. She had known Lineus and his younger brother Wariam since they were young, as the two families were close. Just like the D'Aventur, the De Tanzan family had many businesses in the Capital, and through their friendship with the De Crescents, had no issues with the new pricing of salt. Now, all the business holders were almost fighting to get out of the Guild and get under the Dhampir Princess' good graces. Milena's power to put the Guild in such an awkward position was beginning to echo further than in the salt-related businesses.

"Baron De Tanzan!" Protested the Countess. "Because you're young, you shouldn't be allowed to say such things!"

"The Baron is older than myself," suddenly said Rayan. "Are you saying us Princes should remain quiet as well and let adults do the talking, Countess?"

The woman went white as she realized her mistake.

"O-of course not, Your Highness, I only meant..."

"Whatever you meant to say, I strongly suggest you think twice about it before speaking again," retorted Rayan.

The age difference was of no help to the poor woman, who shrank on her seat under the crimson glare. Not only was he cranky because it was morning and he was probably tired, but Milena was well aware Rayan had already understood her aim and was helping her assert her authority.

"I guess this issue will remain unsettled for now, then," sighed Milena.

In other words, she was not going to compromise. Several members of the Guild looked upset, a couple of them even glaring at the impudent Countess who had dared to speak up. For a little while, the Senate went silent, wondering if the Guild was going to actually do something about this whole situation or let the Princess win a few more days until the next Council meeting. Milena was also obviously waiting, her fingers dancing on her chair's arm.

"Isn't it alright?" Suddenly chirped Philomenie.

All eyes went to the other Princess, who had her usual gentle smile on. Milena was surprised to even hear her speak out, but next to Philomenie, her husband seemed even more shocked. Milena wanted to laugh, seeing how Ellias was nervous about whatever his wife was about to say. Rayan, too, leaned on his elbow, kissing Milena's hand again and waiting for whatever was about to come.

"Salt isn't really a top needed product. As it is a luxury, people can always go a bit longer without salt, until we figure this whole situation out! Even the noblest of stomachs can have their dishes unsalted for a little longer, right?"

Milena tried hard to repress her laugh, coughing fakely in her fist. The glare that Ellias was sending her was priceless. All around, the Senators looked baffled by what they had just heard, and Philomenie's confident smile. She probably thought she had just come up with a way to appease everyone. 

The truth was, she had just demonstrated how clueless she was about matters of the people. The Senators didn't dare say a thing, but they were obviously shocked, some even glaring at her or staring as if she was an idiot. She probably was one, but Milena couldn't blame it on anyone more than the De Winter Family. Philomenie had grown unbelievably sheltered, and this was just more proof. The Dhampir Princess sighed. It was time someone got an education about what necessary goods were.

"Senator Elshet," she called out. "May you... remind us what your family's business is?"

The man, a wealthy but humble merchant, nodded and stood up.

"We are fishermen, Your Highness. We are lucky to have extended our business enough and opened several shops all across the Capital, but... the issue with salt is certainly impacting our business, My Lady."

As he said that, Philomenie frowned, confused.

"Thank you, Senator Elshet," said Milena. "Let's see... Senator Arbigo."

Across the seats of the Senate, an older man immediately stood up too, and while glaring at Philomenie, bowed and stated his business before Milena even asked.

"We are traveling merchants, Your Highness. Due to the current price of salt, some roads have been closed to us, and we have been delayed in our deliveries!"

After him, two other senators spoke up until Milena was satisfied. Once she glanced to the side again, Philomenie's smile was gone. However, Milena didn't feel like being indulgent today. She quickly glanced Ellias' way, who was red with anger, his hand tight on his throne.

"See, Princess Philomenie? Salt is not a luxury good. It isn't just about the way you salt your food, but to many of our people, it is a necessary good. Every household in this Kingdom needs salt to be able to walk out their door without stepping in inches of snow. Merchants need it to travel on the roads and keep the food stored for a longer time. Do you still think this isn't a top necessity?"

Philomenie shook her head and went quiet like a child who had just been scolded. Milena sighed, but actually, this was also serving her purpose. A good way to remind the Guild of Merchants that, as long as she had control over the price of salt, the pressure from the people wouldn't stop.

"Now," said Rayan. "If we are done with this nonsense, can we hear the Council's decision on that matter?"

"Our decision?" Repeated a representative of one of the Guilds. "This matter isn't in our hands!"

Multiple glares were aimed in Milena's direction, but the Princess innocently shrugged.

"What are you saying, Senator?" She retorted. "It is in your hands, and in the wrong ones too. It's shameful that the Guild hasn't been able to put power in the hands of the right people until we got to such a point."

Her meaning was suddenly very clear. The Countess's sister would have to be removed from her seat at the Guild for Milena to consider an agreement. Many heads suddenly went to the Countess, who went white. The pressure wasn't just on her sister, but on her whole family. If they lost their representative at the Guild, there would be no reason for her to keep her seat at the Senate either. This loss of power would damage their businesses severely. Until now, they had been enjoying the advantages of both the Senate and the Guild, but Milena was about to take it all from them, on a mere whim! 

Rayan snickered next to his wife. He was still slowly playing with Milena's fingers, showing off their good relationship. It was a rare sight to see members of the Royal Family display affection for each other, even from parent to child, but the Royal Couple was obviously happy to break that rule. Now, not only people feared Milena's actions, but there was another bigger monster to fear who was backing her up. The Senators exchanged glances. Some were obviously happy to see the Princess getting her way, and the Countess suddenly put on an ejectable seat after she had abused her power too many times. Who would dare to oppose these two?

"P-Prince Ellias!" Suddenly the Countess called out. "This can't be allowed!"

The Prince looked unhappy to be called out for backing her up. However, it was already no secret that the De Rosella family was close to the Royal Couple. Valentina was a close friend of Philomenie, and just like he had done with the De Winter and De Bertrilly families, Ellias was too deeply involved with them.

Milena sighed internally. He had been too thirsty for power. Now it was time the Prince learned that he couldn't have it all without paying the price somehow. The more they were tied to Noble House, the higher the risk was, that one of them would pull them lower. Milena also was very aware of this when she had decided to back up some of these Noble Houses, but unlike Ellias and Philomenie, she and Rayan hadn't made the mistake to mingle it all together. 

However, now they had responsibilities towards those Noble Houses and power. Milena wasn't feeling sorry at all for Ellias. He should have overseen the misdeeds of the De Rosella family much earlier. Moreover, she expected a fight from him, now that he and Rayan had severed their polite relationship.

Indeed, when he turned towards her, the Prince didn't stop himself from looking upset.

"Princess Milena, isn't this an a***e of power? You can't just forcefully remove a Senator from their seat!"

"I called for the Countess to be removed from her seat at the Guild," retorted Milena, not looking at him. "This isn't an unreasonable decision, Prince Ellias, considering how she abused her power in plain sight. Why should I bear any responsibility for the consequences of another family's misdeeds?"

"You're the one putting our people in a difficult situation!"

"At the moment, I'm the one offering a solution", said Milena, still very calm. "I may be a Princess, but I am also a businesswoman, Prince Ellias. I make decisions that benefit my businesses, and the De Rosella family makes decisions that affect theirs as well. If they had wanted to play fair, they should have done so from the very beginning. I do not like people who cheat."

As she stared at him at the end of her sentence, some people gasped. It was obvious the Princess was angry at Prince Ellias, and with the recent events, many could speculate why. Ellias glanced around as more and more upset glares went to him. In other circumstances, he may have been able to overpower Milena, but this timing was the worst. He wasn't looked favorably upon by the Senate, unlike Milena who had gained their sympathy. The merchants weren't even blaming her for the salt matter, but sending their anger at the greedy Countess instead. 

Ellias was baffled and powerless. Everyone in the Council was waiting for his answer to Milena.

"...Fine," he sighed. "Countess, you..."

"Excuse me, Prince Ellias," said Milena, interrupting him with a smile. "I don't think we were waiting for your permission. I am the one formally asking the Guild to revoke the Countess De Rosella's position. I don't think it has anything to do with you."

Ellias' expression at that moment made her three nights of suffering almost worth it.