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Maris snorted and leaned back to watch the queen do what she did best.

“Lain,” Valda began, her voice low and thick. “Why are you interrupting Sato?”

Hadeon swallowed hard. “This boy—”

“This boy has a name!” Dristan, the Secretary of Housing and Infrastructure, growled.

“Your Highness, Sato wants more money for housing when we know that we are already asked our people for too much money. According to General Arwin’s security report, we are on the brink of an all-out civil war, and the entirety of our budget should go towards the army and our security!” Hadeon said as he picked up his reports. “These invaders…”

“Survivors,” Valda corrected, forming a fist with her right hand, and pressing the white knuckles to the table.

“Survivors,” Hadeon mumbled. “Don’t you think they are taking a little too much?”

“No,” Valda simply answered. “They are working and giving to this kingdom as much as you are, Lain. I think they deserve to live with dignity. After the last audience, I can no longer ignore their needs like my mother did. Their cry for lower taxes will not fall into deaf ears. The live in my kingdom and if they are in need of having a house so they can get started, who am I to say no to them?”

Maris inhaled deeply and nodded slightly.

“But, Your Highness, I—”

“I already had a talk with General Arwin about the army’s budget. I came to the conclusion that we are investing too much in it. I want a report to be handed to my assistant tomorrow. I want a plan of how you will be dividing the kingdom’s budget to accommodate what Sato envisions without raising taxes for Sealians and our people.” Valda’s hand relaxed. “Actually…” She placed her open palm on the desk and took a deep breath. “I want to see how viable is to lower our taxes.”

“Wait, what?”

“Lain,” Valda bared her teeth in a soulless smile. “I want the report by tomorrow. Until then this meeting is over. I will see you all next week.”

The counselors stood from their chairs and left the meeting room. All except Dristan, who stood still until Maris noticed. He rubbed his hands together, before raking his fingers through his hair.

“My Queen, if I may?” Dristan called out.

Valda had just unfolded her cane when she turned to Dristan. “Sato. How can I help you?”

The man cleared his throat and threw a quick glance at Maris before addressing the queen. “I just wanted to say thank you, Your Highness.” His voice quivered nervously. “I was wondering if I could present to you a detailed plan on the housing ideas I’ve had. As well as the pathways and streets in our kingdom. I think they are due for an upgrade, and I would be more than happy to help.”

Maris looked at Dristan’s young and unruly look. The man was handsome, like many Skylians, tall as a tree and with a boyish glow that made her turn away. As soon as her eyes fell on Valda, Dristan’s looks were forgotten. Valda was taller than him, with that delicious combination of feminine and handsome beauty. She couldn’t help but smile up at Valda as the queen extended her arm and nodded.

“Tomorrow. Look for Maris and hand it to her. I will go over it, and then I will make a decision.”

Dristan released his breath and grabbed Valda’s forearm for a firm squeeze. “Count on it, my Queen. Thank you!” His smile could illuminate the entire room. He bowed his head at Valda and then at Maris and turned to leave.

Maris kept her gaze on him until he opened the door. Dristan bumped into someone on the way out, bowing his head in apology before making his way.

In walked the most handsome man Maris has ever seen in her entire life. Standing as tall as Valda, his long aqua hair was tied up into a loose bun on top of his head. His skin was as pale as the moon, and his eyes the darkest shade of blue she had ever seen. He was wearing a dark tunic, which accentuated the color of his creamy skin. There were small silver details along the tall collar, matching the buttons in front. He wore a pair of white slacks with black boots tied up to his thick calves. His steps echoed in the meeting room as he walked towards them, his face void of emotions save for when he connected his eyes with Maris. His full lips curved to a soft smile in an amicable greeting. The sleeves of his tunic went down to his elbows, exposing a series of blue tattoos on his toned forearms. The designs resembled ocean waves crashing into rocks. His wrist was adorned with bracelets made of black beads and one yellow seashell.

As soon as he was close, he clasped his hands behind his back and stood up straight, his eyes focusing on an unknown spot on the wall. “My Queen, Captain Isen Hurley. I was told that you needed to see me.”

Maris’s jaw slacked. Was he a captain? To the Skylian army? Her eyes went from Isen to Valda as she waited for her suspicions to be confirmed.

“At ease, Captain,” Valda said, extending her arm to him.

Isen grasped the queen’s hand and gave it a firm shake before Valda offered him a seat. “Captain Hurley, I called out to you for a rather personal favor. I hope you don’t mind.”

He smiled, his teeth pearly white and perfect. “I live to serve the kingdom that gave me a second chance, and you as well, my Queen.”

Valda chuckled and turned to Maris, signaling her to sit down as well. “Captain Hurley, I want you to meet my personal assistant.”

Maris smiled brightly at the captain, her eyes sparkling with amazement. “Maris Era.” She let out a breathy laugh as she rubbed her hands on her dress. “It is so nice to meet a fellow Sealian.”

Valda’s entire demeanor changed. Her eyes opened as she turned to Maris, her brows knitted together in worry. Before Maris could say anything, Isen was formally greeting her by placing his fist on his chest and bowing.