The Queen’s Lounge, Rethel Palace
Today was an important day for Queen Maria the second. Today was her first audience with the Prime Minister. Although she retained the full powers of the monarchy the moment the she had ascended, it was expected that the ministers would perform the ceremonial functions until her coronation. Now that that had concluded, she now would assume her full ceremonial duties. She now would hold court, where she presided over the Privy Council and accepted their advice, approve bills in person (unless she didn’t want to), and most importantly, hold private audiences with the Prime Minister, as mandated in the Constitution. Hector had coached her on this again and again. How to hold the right presence, how to guide the conversation, how to ask meaningful but reserved questions, and most importantly: address the Crilalian situation. There had been a late-night meeting of the provincial families. Here they discussed the best position for the monarchy to take. Privately of course. The political views of the families were top secret. Any influence they may or not exert is entirely to be kept out of public view. The elected leaders called the shots, or so it should appear.
Maria was no politician. She had little interest in politics. When Timothy would engage his mother over the political happenings of the nation, she’d ignore them. She had more important things to worry about. Now she was Queen. Queen of Plembobria and part of Plembobria was trying to leave. Maria didn’t want to be Queen of smaller Plembobria! Something needed to be done!
She sat on her chair across from her was where the Prime Minister would sit. Her attendant opened the door. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and tried to remember her training. “Your Majesty, the Prime Minister.”
“Good afternoon, your Majesty,” he said standing before her. The Queen didn’t rise. He just stood there awkwardly. She stared for a second. “Um, hello,” she finally responded, gesturing towards his seat.
“Your majesty, I’m…”
“Oh yeah, you have to kiss my ring.” She stood. The Prime Minister took her hand and kissed it, bowing slightly, then they sat down.
“We have quite a bit to discuss today. The first being our annual school funding program. The government has made a few changes to the last years arrangement.”
The PM droned on and on, discussing this and that. Maria spaced out. On and on. Subsection what is it of chapter whatever. Bold new plan. Brilliant economic vision. So on and so forth. She tried to remember to smile and nod and say, “yes” and “of course,” and “I see.” It seemed like an hour had passed…
“And of course, Your Majesty, there is the issue of Crilalia.” She perked up at the mention of the province. “They want us to let them vote, right?”
“Yes however, the attorney general’s opinions clearly states, that it’s illegal to simply allow them to go about…”
“Illegal?” She thought about what Hector said. “The Queen represents the kingdom. She must unify the nation.”
“Yes. You see the law requires that…”
“Well you’re in parliament, aren’t you? Make it legal!” She sat up straighter. “In the lounge, you are in charge. He works for you.”
“Well, it’s a legal quandary, ma’am. We’d have to assemble a team to go about the issue of allowing it, plus, it’s very much my government’s position to preserve this nation’s borders where they are.”
The Queen sat silent for a moment. Hector told her it would get here. What is it he said to say…?
“If we keep putting this off, they will keep asking. We have to let them make the decision and convince them to make the right one. I’ll go move there for a month if I have to.”
Now the PM was silent. He thought for moment. “I understand your majesty. I’ll bring your thoughts to the government next meeting.”
“Great.” The queen darted her eyes back and forth wondering how she was supposed to tell him to leave. He stood. “Thank you, your majesty.” He left the room. As soon as he had left, the queen looked at her phone. Hector walked in.
“That was great! That is how you run an audience. I couldn’t have done better myself.” Maria smirked. “I am the Queen.”
“Yes, indeed you are! And this is a victory for everyone.”
“The Queen is going take a nap now.”
